The stumbling 4-7-1 Colts went on the road this week as they traveled to Texas to face the 8-3 Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys came in leading the all-time matchup record 10-7, and were heavy favorites in this one by 10.5.

The Colts lost the seventh of their last eight games, 54-19. After forcing a quick 3-and-out to open up defensively, the Colts started with good field position, but couldn’t advance it too far, settling for a 52-yard field goal. The Cowboys responded by driving the ball into the red zone, and Ceedee Lamb was able to land on top of a defender, and get into the end zone to give his team the lead. Indianapolis came right back with a quick score of their own, primarily on a 45-yard Alec Pierce reception, finished off with a catch by Ashton Dulin. After trading punts, the Cowboys took the lead back on a 6-play drive punched in by Tony Pollard. The Colts punted the ball back, but Dak Prescott threw an interception near midfield that was returned near the red zone. Indianapolis had to settle for a field goal a few plays later. After forcing a 3-and-out, the Colts started a half-ending drive, but Matt Ryan threw an interception. A few plays later, Michael Gallup was able to streak across the field and get into the end zone, and the half ended 21-13.

Both teams opened the second half with quick punts, but it was the Colts that started the scoring in the second half, with an impressive 15-play, 90-yard drive that was finished off with a nice catch by Alec Pierce, and failed to convert the 2-point attempt. The Cowboys responded with a 75-yard drive of their own, then, on the first play of the Colts’ drive, Mo Alie-Cox fumbled the ball away and Malik Hooker returned it for a touchdown. They failed their own 2-point attempt, but got the two-score lead, 34-19. The Colts were stagnating again on offense when Ryan threw another embarrassing interception. A few plays later, Tony Pollard was able to find some running room and broke free for a 30-yard touchdown run. The story continued with another Ryan interception a few plays later, and Ezekiel Elliott punched it in. Matt Ryan’s miserable night didn’t end there, as he immediately got sacked on the following drive and fumbled the ball away for his fourth personal turnover of the night. RB Malik Davis completed the 50-burger with an easy 23-yard touchdown run, and the bloodbath ended at 54-19. 

It’s no secret that Matt Ryan embarrassed himself on national television tonight, throwing 21/37 for 233 yards and 2 TDs, but with three bad interceptions and a fumble. Jonathan Taylor had a decent night, rushing 21 times for 82 yards and catching 3 balls for 21 yards. Alec Pierce was the leading receiver, with 4 catches and 86 yards. On the other side of the ball, Dak Prescott didn’t need to do anything special, throwing 20/30 for 170 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. RBs Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott both eclipsed 75 yards and accounted for a collective 3 TDs. Former Colt Malik Hooker tallied both an INT and a fumble recovery for a TD. 

Final: DAL 54-19 IND

Analysis

Colts fans have every right to be both disheartened and angry with how this season has played out, as the difference between the expectations for this team and how it’s actually played out is downright embarrassing. Matt Ryan looked ready to retire mid-game after his third interception, and that move would probably be in the best interests of the team. A team that was initially a playoff “lock” now has virtually no chance of clinching in a season where the wheels completely fell off. There isn’t a whole lot to look for in terms of bright spots. Perhaps the defense is the highlight of this team, even while giving up an absurd amount of points, because they were up against a high-powered offense, and most of their points allowed were the fault of their own offense. Overall, this wasn’t a performance that Colts fans want to remember, especially if they fought through it without smashing their TV. 

Around the Division

The rest of the AFC South didn’t fare too well today either, as the Titans lost big to the Eagles, the Jaguars were blown out by the Lions, and the Texans fell to their old QB Deshaun Watson hosting Cleveland. The Colts technically didn’t lose any ground in the division race, but time is ticking on the season, and they could be just a couple of games away from elimination without some sort of miracle. 

Looking Ahead

The 4-8-1 Colts will get a much-needed bye week next week, where there will undoubtedly be some sort of changes in one form or another to try to somehow turn this team around. Even winning out may not be enough this late in the season, while one more loss will see the boys in blue looking toward next year. That being said, their opposition doesn’t get any weaker coming off the bye, as they face a dominant Vikings team that sits at 10-2. Minnesota could represent the metaphorical “Grim Reaper” for the Colts’ season, and will likely be heavily favored. 

Image: Indianapolis Colts Gameday Photo Gallery