Dissecting Colts' 4th-Down Play That Ended Season vs. Texans

What happened on the Indianapolis Colts' fourth-down play that resulted in their 2023 season coming to an end?

With under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Indianapolis Colts faced a fourth-and-one from the Houston Texans' 15-yard line.

The Colts trailed the Texans 23-17. The Colts were looking to continue their drive or even get into the end zone to take the lead in this win-and-in battle. It had been a dogfight up to this point between the AFC South rivals.

The ball was snapped with 1:06 left on the clock. Colts' quarterback Gardner Minshew dropped back and swung the ball out to running back Tyler Goodson, who was open in the flat and had room to run. But Goodson could not corral the throw, and the pass fell incomplete. And with the incompletion went any hopes the Colts had of making it to the playoffs.

TEXANS FORCE TURNOVER ON DOWNS‼️#HOUvIND pic.twitter.com/7nS2l0wwpc

— ESPN (@espn) January 7, 2024

The Colts fell to the Texans 23-19 as Houston punched their ticket to the postseason. The Colts, on the other hand, were sent home with their tail between their legs. While Indy accomplished much more than anyone thought they would this season, the loss still stings.

“Obviously extremely disappointed by the way things ended there," head coach Shane Steichen said after the game. "Proud of our guys, the way they fought. The fans, they came out and they showed up for us and obviously wanting to get a win for our fans as well. But, just disappointed the way it ended. Again, extremely proud of the way our guys fought all year.”

Many factors determine the outcome of a game, but the focus will be on the missed fourth-down attempt that would have extended the game and possibly the Colts' season. Let's look at the decision, the execution, and what's next for the Colts.

The Decision

The decision to go for it on fourth down was a no-brainer for Steichen. With the Colts down by six points, they needed to extend the drive or score a touchdown. What is being questioned is the decision to use Goodson in that spot instead of Jonathan Taylor or Zack Moss.

Taylor had his best game of the season on Saturday night. The $42 million running back played up to his billing, carrying the ball 30 times for 188 yards and a touchdown in the season finale. Taylor even left the game with an ankle injury and returned to gut out a masterful performance.

But Taylor was on the sidelines for the fourth-down play. Steichen revealed what went into that decision after the game.

"The play we had up, we had the look for it," Steichen explained. "It was man-to-man coverage and just it didn't work out. ... Felt good about Goodson in that situation. He’s a pass catcher for us in the backfield and it is what it is. ... Obviously if it doesn't work, you're going to second guess it. I understand that. That's part of the business.”

It's unclear who made the initial decision to put Goodson in the game over Taylor. Typically, the position coaches, in this case running backs coach DeAndre Smith, handle the rotation. But Steichen had called timeout before the play to discuss what to do, and the decision ultimately fell on the head coach and offensive play-caller.

"There's a lot of thoughts going through (your mind) in that situation on the time out," Steichen elaborated. "Like I said, saw that look – that play was going to be great off the look, didn't happen for us. ... I take full responsibility when plays don't work. It starts with myself. We hit them, they are great, right? We don't, obviously it's going to get questioned. I completely understand it.”

That decision will likely weigh on the Colts' head coach for quite some time.

The Execution

© Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

While the decisions made on the play can be questioned, Indy ultimately would have had a first down, and maybe more, if the play was executed correctly.

It starts with a poor throw from Minshew, who threw the ball behind Goodson, forcing the running back to twist around for the ball. Minshew was not at his best on Saturday night, missing throws throughout the game. The Colts' quarterback went 13-of-24 (54%) for 141 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions on the evening.

“Shoot, had a good look," Minshew recalled. "Kind of a pick play for Goody. Shoot, I mean, think it's just a tough play, man. There's about a million of those, what ifs in that game. Wish I had put a better ball under him. Given us a better chance. Yeah, it's a hard one to get over.”

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While the throw was not very good, it was still a catchable ball for Goodson. The ball bounced off his hands, and he could not bring it in. Goodson was visibly upset after the game, trying to hold back tears as he spoke to reporters at his locker.

“I think it takes a lot of character for a man to come through and get through adversity like this," Goodson said. "It’s not just me, this happens all around the league. Going forward, I’m just going to be me. Keep God close to me. Going to talk to my parents because those are probably the only people that are loving me right now.

"I wish I would have made that play – I wish could have made the play for this team and we could have a better result.”

Goodson was consoled by multiple teammates in the locker room after the game, including Minshew. While the whole world may blame Goodson for the drop, his teammates stood by him.

"I'm equally as responsible for that not working as he is," Minshew admitted. "We all have plays we wish we could have back. Just because it's the last one, doesn't really make it that much more significant. I told him, you know, I'd go back with him every time. I'd throw that ball every time. I have a ton of trust and faith in him and the player that he is. He steps in a tough role and delivered for us this year. You know, probably won us a game there. So man, really appreciate him and the player and the guy he is.”

It was a very tough ending on a play Minshew and Goodson have executed many times in practice throughout the season. Unfortunately for the Colts, the two could not connect in the biggest moment of the season.

What's Next for the Colts?

© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

How the season ended for the Colts was incredibly disappointing. To be that close to the postseason only to have it slip through their fingers is a tough pill to swallow for those in the organization and fans alike.

However, when taking a step back and looking at the big picture, the 2023 season was a success for Indy. The Colts more than doubled their wins from a year ago after the disastrous 4-12-1 campaign of 2022. No one expected the Colts to win more than six games, let alone compete for a playoff spot.

Indy also discovered a lot about themselves heading into the future. Although he is receiving criticism today, Steichen is a star and has quickly changed the culture within the Colts' locker room to one of accountability and resilience. Despite the small sample size, the Colts also look to have found their franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson, who is ahead of schedule in his rehab and is expected to be ready for spring workouts. The combination of Richardson and Taylor in the backfield for years to come is a scary thought for opposing defenses.

Besides Richardson and Taylor, the Colts have other exciting players on offense that figure to be a part of their future. Michael Pittman Jr. continues to get better and is a bonafide WR1. Josh Downs gives the Colts another weapon at wide receiver who can make big plays. The Colts offensive line returned to form and is a formidable unit, yet again.

On the defensive side of the ball, stars DeForest Buckner and Zaire Franklin are not going anywhere. Grover Stewart and Kenny Moore II are likely to return on new deals. The Colts have ascending pass rushers in Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo.

This season was never about 2023. It was about establishing a new culture in Indy and evaluating who will be essential to this team in 2024 and beyond. The Colts did that and more.

While the loss may be tough to stomach now, the future is bright in Indy. This team is heading in the right direction and has the pieces in key places to be successful. There are certainly better times ahead for the Indianapolis Colts.

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