Colts: Andrew Luck’s Mistakes Cost Team in a 22-17 Loss

Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Andrew Luck has been shielded from criticism for much of his career. However, it is hard to defend him this time as his mistakes cost the Colts a win Sunday.

Against the Houston Texans, Luck threw two interceptions and lost one fumble. All three turnovers occurred at unfortunate times during the game.

Luck threw his first interception in Indianapolis territory on his team’s second drive of the game. As a result, the Texans picked three easy points off of that turnover and tied the game at 3. The Texans went on to lead 13-3 at halftime.

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His second interception came on Indianapolis’ first drive of the second half. After scrambling, Luck threw the ball into traffic and was picked. The Texans got the ball deep in Colts’ territory and came away with three more points.

Finally, Luck’s third turnover came while the Colts’ offense was rolling. His team had finally scored a touchdown and forced a three-and-out by the Texans’ offense. Indianapolis then drove the ball down the field, but on third and goal, this happened.

Jadevon Clowney‘s strip sack cost the Colts three points; possibly seven points. This turnover is not completely Luck’s fault because Clowney blew through tight end Dwayne Allen. However, Luck should have seen that mismatch and made the corresponding adjustments.

To add more salt on the wound, the Texans made another field goal on their subsequent drive.

In total, Luck’s three turnovers resulted in nine points for the Texans. Also, one turnover prevented the Colts from scoring at least three points. Indianapolis only lost by five points. If Luck takes better care of the ball, his team would be in control of the AFC South.

Considering Luck is responsible for most of the Colts’ success, it is understandable for him to have a bad game every now and then. Unfortunately, he picked the wrong day to have one of those poor games.

Sunday afternoon’s division game was their most important contest of the season. They needed Andrew Luck to have a decent game, but he failed to deliver that necessary performance.

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Overall, Luck completed 24 of 45 pass attempts for 276 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also had two rushes for 32 yards. Unfortunately though, it was not enough to cover up his three turnovers

With the loss, Indianapolis falls to 6-7 on the season and are virtually eliminated from the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Texans and the Tennessee Titans assume control of the AFC South.