A Killer Instinct Will Not Change This Year’s Indianapolis Colts

“It’s about having a killer instinct and finishing… You’ve got to learn (killer instinct)… We’ve got to find a way to finish people off.”

Those were the words of Indianapolis Colts‘ head coach Chuck Pagano following his team’s 26-23 overtime loss to the Houston Texans. Indianapolis shockingly blew a 14-point lead with five minutes left to play.

Pagano attributed this loss to a lack of a “killer instinct.” However, a lack of a killer instinct or finishing quality is not why the Colts’ loss. Indianapolis made key mistakes down the stretch on some of the most basic and simple plays.

Specifically, the Colts’ defense failed to make routine plays on Texans’ quarterback Brock Osweiler‘s last two touchdown passes.

While this is a terrific play by Lamar Miller, the result should have been an easy tackle for Erik Walden (No. 93). Also, Clayton Geathers (No. 26) took a poor angle and missed a tackle. In total, Miller eluded about eight Colts on this play.

Next, a missed opportunity by safety Mike Adams resulted in Osweiler’s second touchdown.

Not sure if Adams was going for the interception or the big hit. Either way, he whiffed badly, and his mistake helped cost the Colts a win.

A lack of a killer instinct is not the reason for these two late-game defensive gaffs. It is also not the reason why the Colts continuously settle for field goals and have drive-killing penalties on every other offensive possession.

Plus, it does not explain why a so-so quarterback like Osweiler can magically become an elite quarterback in the final quarter. Osweiler completed 14 of his 17 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and overtime.

All of these issues equate to a lack of discipline, coaching and toughness. Doe anyone think these three traits match the Colts right now?

Disciplined teams do not commit penalties or make mistakes in key moments. Well-coached teams influence the game for the entire 60 minutes; not just half or three fourths of the contest. Tough teams do not let the slightest of adversity affect their play.

It is nearly the halfway point of the season, and the Colts only have two identities: 1) They are a team that trails early and scrambles late to make things interesting or 2) a team that starts fast, but cannot sustain a lead.

Next: Grigson Blames Luck’s Contract for Inability to Build Defense

The Colts may have a killer instinct problem, but it is not their most pressing issue. A killer instinct will not turn their season around. Their discipline, coaching and toughness needs to get better first before their killer instinct will ever become a factor.