‘Makes No Sense,’ ‘Coaching Scared’ — NFL World Turns On Shane Steichen After ‘Conservative’ Play-Calling Blows Colts’ Chance To Beat Chiefs in OT
· Yahoo Sports
Indianapolis survived a major overtime scare when Daniel Jones’ 48-yard completion to Laquon Treadwell was initially ruled a fumble before replay overturned the call, leaving the Colts in striking distance against Kansas City.
Instead, Indianapolis settled for a 38-yard Spencer Shrader field goal to tie the game.
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Patrick Mahomes got the ball back with 3:11 remaining, and Harrison Butker drilled a 40-yard field goal as time expired to hand the Colts a 33-30 loss.
NFL World Rips Shane Steichen’s Late Overtime Approach
Sunday’s result immediately put head coach Shane Steichen’s late-game play-calling under the microscope, with his decision to settle for three points instead of pushing for a touchdown becoming the game’s biggest talking point.
One X userwrote, “Colts head coach Shane Steichen reminds me so much of Matt LaFleur. Get into a position to win the game and go ultra-conservative. Just makes no sense.”
Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert was even more specific.
“Colts deserve to lose this game with that conservative playcalling in OT after getting down to the Chiefs’ 20-yard line. Back-to-back runs vs. a heavy box. Stop running on 2nd and long. You get a huge explosive, beat the review, then come out with THAT? Bad ball,” he tweeted.
Another fanadded, “They had 2 chances to win. This team finds ways to lose every game like this. I hate how nutless they are. 2 runs after that huge play. Play to win, be aggressive. Losing by 3 is still losing.”
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The criticism landed especially hard because Steichen entered the night alreadyunder pressure after Indianapolis opened the season with a 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
This time, the Colts were far more competitive, but still left Arrowhead Stadium 0-2.
One fan took issue with the Colts’ approach after Treadwell’s deep completion,writing, “And they did it again in overtime. Took a deep shot, then lived in their fears. Chiefs knew you were gonna run, and you run twice.”
Kevin O’Connor had the same complaint,writing, “Cannot believe the Colts played for the tie. Totally predictable play calling after getting it down the field. Coaching scared!”
Indianapolis had plenty of reasons to trust its offense.
Jones completed 22 of 31 passes for 210 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while Jonathan Taylor rushed for 92 yards and two scores. Jones entered Week 2 with a 62.7 PFN NFL QB Impact score, No. 30 among qualifying quarterbacks, after a difficult opener.
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Still, the Colts’ biggest opportunity came after Treadwell’s 48-yard reception. Indianapolis settled for three points instead of pushing for seven, giving Mahomes a chance to win the game with a field goal.
He did exactly that.
Kansas City marched 46 yards on its final possession before Butker’s kick dropped Indianapolis to 0-2. For Steichen, the second-guessing had already begun before the ball went through the uprights.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.