Is It Too Soon To Say 'Must Win' For Colts?

Back-to-back losses have put the Colts on the outside looking in for an AFC playoff spot entering Sunday's home game against Jacksonville.

The old adage in the NFL is that every game is a “must win,” so it seems somewhat premature to place more emphasis on when the Indianapolis Colts host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

But that’s the precarious position the Colts (5-4) have put themselves in after losing two straight, including an unforgivable home loss to the Miami Dolphins (2-7).

The Colts must win Sunday to have a realistic shot at an AFC playoff spot. They’re one game behind the Houston Texans (6-3) in the AFC South Division and the remaining schedule after Sunday starts with a road trip to Houston, which could be the Colts’ last chance to be in the hunt for a division title and automatic playoff spot.

Should the Colts lose a third straight game entering that trip to the Lone Star State, the best possible postseason scenario would be a wild-card spot. To get in that way, much like last year, would probably require 10 wins.

The Jaguars (4-5), who welcome back quarterback Nick Foles after he suffered a broken clavicle in the season opener, could re-enter the wild-card conversation with a road win over the Colts. While the Colts are 2-0 in the division so far, that might be the only positive.

Fact is, they’re 0-7 without four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver T.Y. Hilton in the lineup since he was drafted in 2012. Hilton has been ruled out for a third consecutive game with a strained calf.

The offense has struggled to have the necessary balance without their best pass catcher. Aside from being banged up at the position — missing rookie Parris Campbell (fractured hand) and Devin Funchess (collarbone) were ruled out on Friday — defenses have been loading up the box to stuff the Colts’ rushing attack and put more pressure on the pocket.

The Colts have allowed 10 sacks in three games and fallen from fourth to 10th in rushing offense. The Jaguars are one of the league’s best with 30 sacks.

The good news is quarterback Jacoby Brissett proved he’s ready to return after missing a game with a left MCL knee sprain. The Colts were awful without him against the Dolphins as backup Brian Hoyer threw three interceptions and lost a fumble.

Brissett takes care of the ball and can make the clutch throws needed, provided he’s given better protection.

But let’s get back to why this game is so important for the Colts. Aside from having to travel to Houston, the remaining schedule also includes a road trip to New Orleans (7-2). That’s two more potential losses if the Colts don’t play well.

We’ve learned since Colts head coach Frank Reich arrived last year to never count out these guys. Each of their nine games have been decided by one score. And last year, the Colts started 1-5 but won nine of 10 to earn the franchise’s first playoff spot since 2014.

If they’re going to make it to the postseason again, the Colts must win Sunday and finish strong like a year ago. Thanks to Cleveland’s home win over Pittsburgh Thursday night, the Colts moved up a spot in the AFC pecking order to seventh.

But that’s still on the outside looking in. And while players will echo the coach’s “1-0 this week” mantra, they know where this team stands and what’s at stake.

As we’ve been constantly reminded, the Colts’ margin for error is slim each week, and it will be almost anorexic from a playoff standpoint if Sunday doesn’t go well.