ESPN
The Indianapolis Colts didn’t have their best player on the field while their season was on the line, and fans aren’t happy about it.
On Saturday, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had a monster 188-yard rushing night vs the Texans but was on the sideline during an important play.
While trailing by six points late in the fourth quarter, the Colts faced a crucial fourth and 1 in the red zone. For whatever reason, the Colts decided to keep their star running back on the bench during the biggest play of their season.
Unfortunately for the Colts, they failed to convert on fourth down after Tyler Goodson dropped a pass from QB Gardner Minshew.
🏈 In a pivotal moment for the Colts, they made the call to sideline star RB Jonathan Taylor for Tyler Goodson.
The result? A dropped ball and a Texans 23-19 win.
A questionable coaching decision in crunch time. pic.twitter.com/zCNBSNBVKd
— Real Friends & Football (@rff_football) January 7, 2024
The Texans eventually won the game and clinched a playoff spot, while the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention.
The Colts were blasted for keeping Taylor on the bench during crunch time.
I don’t understand how the Colts take Jonathan Taylor out the game for the most important play of your season.
And After an off-season of begging for more money, I don’t understand how Jonathan Taylor allowed himself to be taken out the game.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) January 7, 2024
Johnathan Taylor your best player not being on the field on 4th & 1 is insane
— Marques Screwston (@surfacegray) January 7, 2024
Colts head Shane Steichen explained why he went with Goodson over Taylor on the fourth down play.
“The play we had up, we had the look for it. Man coverage. It didn’t work out. Felt good about Goodson. Pass catcher out of the backfield. If something doesn’t work, you’re gonna second guess it”