ESPN Reveals Biggest Question Facing Colts' Playoff Run
The Indianapolis Colts survived a slow start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday to win 30-13 and take one step closer to securing a playoff spot.
The Colts currently hold the No. 7 seed in the AFC Playoffs, but they've also pulled even with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans in a three-way tie in the AFC South. The Jaguars have the tie breakers on the Colts and Texans by virtue of division record, but there are now multiple paths to the playoffs for the Colts.
The NFL playoffs seemed like an ambitious goal at the beginning of the season, and maybe even more ambitious at 3-5. However at 8-6, the Colts take on the struggling Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders before hosting the Houston Texans in a crucial game to end the season on January 7th.
ESPN asks what is the biggest obstacle facing the Colts and their improbable-playoff run. They reveal the mounting injuries this teams has faced. Head coach Shane Steichen's offense has continued to defy the odds despite a rash of injuries, but can the Colts sustain the success?
"The Colts lost receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to a concussion and running back Zack Moss to an arm injury in this game, but their capable backups performed in a way that suggested they can overcome those losses," wrote Stephen Holder on ESPN.
"The Colts got some unexpected contributions from the likes of D.J. Montgomery (three career catches before Saturday) and Tyler Goodson (who had no carries entering the game). Even the absence of right tackle Braden Smith wasn't enough to hold the Colts back, despite his backup -- rookie Blake Freeland -- having to contend with Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt."
Indianapolis hopes the injury to Pittman won't cost him multiple weeks. The hit from Steelers safety Damontae Kazee was ejection worthy and will most certainly cost him tens of thousands of dollars in fines this week.
(Editor's Note - Kazee was suspended for the remainder of the regular season on Monday afternoon)
Running back Jonathan Taylor could also return to the mix soon after missing several games with a thumb injury.
The Colts' depth has been seriously tested in recent weeks, yet Indianapolis has still won five of their last six games.
The Indianapolis Colts are still serious playoff contenders despite their injuries, and Steichen has vaulted to the top of coach of the year lists.
