Indianapolis Colts

DeForest Buckner gave an honest response when asked about his team's performance against the New York Giants on Sunday.

The Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman knows his team didn't bring it in one of the biggest games of the year.

"We s--t the bed," he said, per Fox 59's Mike Chappell.

The Colts lost to the Giants 45-33 on Sunday, ending their chances of reaching the playoffs and setting them up for a fourth straight year of missing the postseason.

It was the most points the Colts have allowed against the Giants since 1950 and the most they've given up in a game this season. New York came into the matchup having not scored 30 points or more all year.

The Giants had their way with Indianapolis' defense as Drew Lock completed 17 of his 23 passes for 309 passing yards and five total touchdowns. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers had 171 yards and a pair of scores on seven receptions.

The only bright spot in the loss was running back Jonathan Taylor, who had 125 rushing yards and two touchdowns. After the game, he said the Colts need to raise the standard.

"I think the standard has to be raised," Taylor said, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "The playoffs have to be the standard. Those teams that get in year in and year out, that's their standard. That's the bottom floor... For us, 2020 was the last time we got in. We've got to get in. You've got to get in order to establish that standard. Like, 'Listen, the Indianapolis Colts' standard is the playoffs.'"

The playoffs were the standard in Indianapolis when Peyton Manning was under center and Andrew Luck continued that standard until his retirement in 2018. Now, the Colts have just one playoff appearance in the last six years.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen was blunt when discussing his job security following a 45-33 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday.

"I control what I can control," Steichen said, via NFL.com's Eric Edholm.

The surprising defeat was costly, as the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention. New York entered Sunday's contest with a 2-13 record, the worst mark in the NFL at the time, to go along with a 10-game losing streak.

"It's hard to explain," Steichen said, per Edholm. "Obviously, you've got to play a complete game. We haven't done it all year. We've all got to be on the same page."

Indianapolis' defense looked sluggish throughout the game, allowing 45 points to a Giants offense that failed to score 30 in each of its first 15 games of the year. Drew Lock, who opened the year as New York's backup, looked comfortable against the Colts.

Lock finished 17-of-23 for 309 yards, recording a career-high five total touchdowns without turning the ball over.

Drew Lock takes it himself! His FIFTH TD of the day!

📺: #INDvsNYG on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/U8JgLpdqyg

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

Indianapolis was also down to veteran passer Joe Flacco after Anthony Richardson was ruled out due to foot and back injuries, falling in an early 21-6 hole that it was never able to recover from.

Flacco completed 68.4 percent of his throws for 330 yards and two touchdowns, but he was also picked off twice and fumbled the ball late in the fourth quarter.

INT for the rook!

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/Yzs0eESBpF

— New York Giants (@Giants) December 29, 2024

The Colts will now miss the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, owning a 16-17 record since Steichen took over ahead of their 2023 campaign.

His long-term future with the organization looks cloudy after Indianapolis' season came to a disappointing end on Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson "is viewed as the presumptive starter for next season," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Echoing earlier reporting on the situation, Rapoport added that the team "has been pleased with how he responded from the benching before Week 9 and how his attention to detail and preparation has increased as a result."

It's never a good sign when a top-five pick is only the "presumptive" starter going into his third season or that an organization feels the need to convey that message. Nobody's questioning where C.J. Stroud stands with the Houston Texans, for example, because he's firmly entrenched as QB1.

In the case of Richardson, his response to his midseason benching might be a mark in his favor, but his performance hasn't improved all that much since unseating Joe Flacco.

In six starts before getting demoted, the 22-year-old had 958 passing yards, four touchdowns to seven interceptions, a 44.4 percent completion rate and a 57.2 passer rating. After getting the starting job back, he has thrown for 856 yards and four touchdowns to five picks while completing 51.2 percent of his passes with a 66.2 QB rating.

The number of games Richardson has missed through injury—back and foot issues are sidelining him for Sunday' contest against the New York Giants—are something worth noting as well.

Semantics aside, though, Anthony Richardson’s injuries — coupled with his poor passing — are obviously concerning and disappointing for the #Colts.

No other way to put it.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 28, 2024

It's easy for the Colts to say all of the right things for now about Richardson. They don't have a viable alternative at quarterback for 2025 with Flacco and Sam Ehlinger heading for free agency.

How Indianapolis fills out its quarterback room will speak much louder as to the coaching staff and front office's opinions of Richardson. Signing a veteran who could plausibly start at some point or investing valuable draft capital in a quarterback would give the impression the belief in the young signal-caller is wavering.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has been downgraded to out for his team's road game against the New York Giants on Sunday with back and foot injuries.

Joe Flacco, who had been taking first-team reps this week during practice, will start in his place, per James Boyd of The Athletic.

#Colts QB Anthony Richardson (back/foot) has been ruled OUT for tomorrow’s game against the #Giants.

Joe Flacco will start in Richardson’s place. https://t.co/EuomAjYgHE

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 28, 2024

#Colts QB2 Joe Flacco is taking the first-team reps today. QB1 Anthony Richardson is watching nearby. pic.twitter.com/lt3yahu4dr

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) December 26, 2024

Richardson was benched for two weeks earlier this season in favor of Flacco, but head coach Shane Steichen said ahead of Week 11 that Richardson would serve as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Richardson responded by leading the Colts on two 70-yard fourth-quarter touchdown drives in a Week 11 win over the New York Jets.

He continued to play well in Week 12 despite the offensive line leaving him relatively exposed in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

After missing 13 games of his rookie season with a concussion and a shoulder injury, health has continued to be an issue for Richardson in his second NFL campaign.

After suffering an oblique injury that sidelined him for most of Week 4, Richardson missed two more games in Weeks 5 and 6.

Flacco was most successful as Richardson's replacement over that early stretch, throwing seven touchdowns and one interception while leading the Colts to two wins in three appearances.

The Colts will likely look to adapt to Flacco's relatively limited mobility by providing him with plenty of protection in the pocket.

Meanwhile, Indianapolis hopes Richardson is able to return as soon as possible so he can continue his development as a potential franchise quarterback.

ESPN's Stephen Holder reported in November that Richardson losing the starting role earlier this season was, at least in part, part of Steichen's effort to push him to spend more time preparing for the job.

After Richardson showed improvement following the benching, the Colts will hope the former No. 4 pick's development can continue when he is back on the field.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen isn't ready to rule Anthony Richardson out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants despite his absence from this week's practice with back and foot injuries.

"He was just sore all week," Steichen said on Friday, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.

Richardson appeared to sit out a third straight practice on Friday.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson looking like a spectator as practice gets underway. Hasn’t practiced yet this week with foot and back soreness. pic.twitter.com/jZ6ag6Rohk

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 27, 2024

Holder reported on Thursday that the Colts were "optimistic about Richardson playing on Sunday," but that his "performance in Friday's practice would be critical."

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will receive his fifth start of the season if Richardson is unable to return.

Flacco previously started two games when Richardson was sidelined by injury, and earned another pair of starts when the second-year signal caller was benched for Weeks 9 and 10.

The Colts lost two straight games as Flacco struggled with interceptions over that stretch, leading to Richardson being reinstated as QB1 ahead of Week 11.

Richardson has made five straight starts since then, most recently playing a full game last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Holder reported that Richardson "admitted to some soreness" on Tuesday ahead of his first missed practice on Wednesday.

Richardson has struggled with injuries throughout his two seasons in the NFL. After appearing in just four games of his rookie campaign amid a concussion and a shoulder injury, he missed time earlier this season with an oblique injury.

The Colts could be eliminated from playoff contention before the game against the Giants if the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos win on Saturday (h/t NFL Playoff Scenarios.)

Even if Sunday's game against the Giants has no playoff implications for either team, the contest could help the Colts make a decision regarding their quarterback room next season.

After recording a strong outing against the New York Jets in his return from being benched, Richardson has struggled with pass accuracy over the Colts' last four games, with Indianapolis leaning on Jonathan Taylor in the run game to claim last weekend's victory over the Titans.

The Colts could be hoping to see if he can make any improvements over the last two games of the season before deciding which direction to take under center in 2025.

The Indianapolis Colts expect quarterback Anthony Richardson to be available for Week 17.

Stephen Holder of ESPN reported that the Colts are "optimistic" about Richardson's chances at playing on Sunday against the New York Giants after he was a non-participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to back and foot injuries.

"A team source told ESPN the Colts were optimistic about Richardson playing on Sunday, adding that he has made consistent progress and is responding to treatment," Holder wrote. "But the source said Richardson's performance in Friday's practice would be critical."

Richardson's designation on Wednesday was a projection as the team did not practice due to the Christmas holiday. However, the inactivity continued to Thursday and backup Joe Flacco took first-team snaps in practice, per Holder.

Richardson was a full participant in Indianapolis' Week 16 victory over the Tennessee Titans, where he threw for 131 yards with one touchdown and one interception while rushing for 70 yards and a touchdown. He has thrown for 1,814 yards with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024 while adding 499 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Indianapolis is 7-8 and pushing for the final AFC Wild Card spot. The Colts would need some help to get their but need to win the final two games of the season in order to at least hold up their end of the deal.

Flacco has thrown for 1,167 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions in four starts in 2024 and would be able to handle the job if needed.

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor had a monster day in the team's win over the Tennessee Titans, and fantasy football managers who have him on their rosters during the fantasy playoffs couldn't help but rejoice.

Taylor rushed for season-highs of 218 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries to lead the Colts to a 38-30 win over the AFC South rival Titans in front of excited fans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The speedster recorded a 65-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and a 70-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

All aboard the J-Train 🚂@JayT23 | @FedEx pic.twitter.com/O3AR8v6QiN

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor again from 70 yards out! 🔥

📺: #TENvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/IuGb4jFfsu

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Taylor's amazing performance came a week after he made a monumental blunder by fumbling the ball at the goal line in last Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Denver Broncos, which put a major dent in Indianapolis' playoff hopes. At 7-8, the Colts still have an outside chance to earn a spot in the postseason, but it won't be easy over the final two weeks of the year.

Fans on social media celebrated Taylor's big day, as he helped propel countless teams into the fantasy football championship:

Jonathan Taylor fantasy managers today: pic.twitter.com/IEXcNnHkby

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor is going OFF right now! 😱 pic.twitter.com/xfxjiGJ6ZV

— Rotoworld by NBC Sports (@rotoworld) December 22, 2024

*Me losing the fantasy playoffs*

Jonathan Taylor single handily bringing me back: pic.twitter.com/BcDi15rlAG

— vacca (fantasy champion) (@VaquitaDawg) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor is out here winning fantasy playoff games for folks.#FantasyFootball #NFL #NFLPlus #NFLRedZone

— Eric H (@FinalE33) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor has many fantasy points today as he’s had in his last 3 games combined. There are 12 minutes left in the third.

— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) December 22, 2024

Everyone going against Jonathan Taylor in fantasy this week: pic.twitter.com/cM4C8rXuf7

— betr (@betr) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor pushing for the single game rushing record???!!!!

203 and we’ve got over a quarter to go…

296 yards is the record set by AD. @Colts

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) December 22, 2024

Hat trick for Jonathan Taylor 🎩

📺: #TENvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/e2fNlihwKG

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor has 3 TD’s now.

203 yards and 3 TD’s.

Don’t even speak on JT’s name again Titans fans. pic.twitter.com/PgsA3vLhj2

— Colts Coverage (@Colts_Coverage) December 22, 2024

Jonathan Taylor in your fantasy football loser's bracket pic.twitter.com/0lpZmBFWFa

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 22, 2024

In addition to Taylor's strong outing, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson threw for 131 yards, a touchdown and an interception and added nine rushes for 70 yards and a score. In total, Indianapolis racked up 335 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

The Colts will try to keep the momentum going next Sunday when they face the New York Giants, who fell to 2-13 with this week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Jonathan Taylor's fourth fumble of the season was his most costly.

The Indianapolis Colts running back would have had a 41-yard touchdown to give his squad a 20-7 lead, but he dropped the ball before crossing the goal line and it bounced out of the end zone, resulting in a touchback. It was a rookie mistake for the fifth-year player.

Jonathan Taylor's TD is OVERTURNED after replay reveals he dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line 😱 pic.twitter.com/h8AtKhpm1K

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 15, 2024

After the game, Taylor made it clear he was well aware of the mistake he made.

"You go over those scenarios, but it just can't happen," Taylor said, per Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star (h/t Pro Football Talk's Charean Williams). "No matter the game, no matter the scenario. You can be up by 50, down by 50, playoff game, first game of the season, that should never happen."

Taylor had a massive first half with 94 yards on 16 carries, but struggled after the fumble, picking up just 13 yards on six carries for the remainder of the game. The Colts lost the game 31-13 after giving up 24 answered points in the second half, costing them the AFC South title.

Colts coach Shane Steichen was disappointed, yet understanding about Taylor's mistake.

"It was a mistake," Steichen said. "Obviously, it hurt us, but you know, he's one of our leaders, and sometimes that happens in football. But you know, he's our guy.

"He said, 'Shoot, I got you, coach.'"

The Colts' playoff chances took a hit with the loss, but they can still reach the postseason if they win their remaining games and get some help from other teams.

The Indianapolis Colts improved to 6-7 on Sunday after downing the New England Patriots 25-24 in the final moments.

With just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Colts trailed 24-17, but used a 19-play, 80-yard drive capped off by a touchdown pass from Anthony Richardson plus a successful two-point conversion to take the lead with just 12 seconds remaining.

ANTHONY RICHARDSON AND THE COLTS TAKE THE LEAD ON THE 2-POINT CONVERSION‼️

WHAT A CALL.

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/wMaKBm1hfE

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 1, 2024

Richardson shook off two interceptions to finish with 109 passing yards and two touchdowns along with 48 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.

After the impressive game-winning drive, fans praised Richardson on social media.

I don't know that the offense is functional against good teams but Anthony Richardson has some stones on him. No doubt about that.

— Collin (@cmccollo) December 1, 2024

Colts take the lead over New England with 12 seconds remaining after a touchdown pass and 2-point run by Anthony Richardson, capping a ridiculous 19-play, 80-yard scoring drive.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) December 1, 2024

Shane Steichen. Onions.

Anthony Richardson right up the gut.

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) December 1, 2024

Anthony Richardson overcame two brutal drops on long dimes during the final drive to throw a 4th-and-game TD and then scored the game-winning two-point conversion by being bigger and stronger than anyone on the field. Great day to be great.

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 1, 2024

Richardson will save this franchise from its self as much as possible.

The true chosen one. pic.twitter.com/5FYTQ3XDlY

— Jebediah (@itsJebediah) December 1, 2024

Anthony Richardson since being benched for Joe Flacco:

🔥 2-1 W/L
🔥 6 TDs
🔥 TWO GAME-WINNING TD DRIVES pic.twitter.com/WQAkd63IPS

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 1, 2024

watching anthony richardson in a wild card playoff game is going to be pure cinema.

— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) December 1, 2024

What I loved most about that final drive from Anthony Richardson: Poise.

He didn't look flustered at all. Even with multiple dropped potential touchdowns, still made play after play to secure the win.

That's one helleva dub.

— Indy SportsOne (@IndySportsOne) December 1, 2024

ANTHONY RICHARDSON IS HIMMMMMMMMM OHOGJENUDOHGIOUHOUG

— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) December 1, 2024

With all of the odds stacked up against him. With a brutal day that preceded him. With more drops from his passcatchers.

Anthony Richardson finds a way.

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) December 1, 2024

Anthony Richardson has led 2 GW TD drives in the last 3 weeks.

He has less than 15 NFL starts.

— The Indianapolis “Run It Back” Colts (@chatting_colts) December 1, 2024

Richardson had a rough start to the season but has started to turn things around after being benched for Joe Flacco a few weeks ago. Since his return, he's won two of three games—both of which were capped off by game-winning drives from Richardson—and has given the Colts a chance to make the playoffs.

A postseason appearance for Indianapolis is still a long shot, but it has four manageable opponents to close out the season after picking up the win on Sunday.

After a shaky start to his career, Richardson is hoping to turn things around and live up to the hype that followed him into the NFL from college. He clearly still has a long way to go—two interceptions on Sunday are evidence of that—but his composure on the Colts' final drive showed that he's capable of showing up in big moments and Indianapolis will look for him to do it again in the future.

Anthony Richardson received a hefty fine from the NFL on Saturday.

The Indianapolis Colts quarterback was fined $22,511 for unnecessary roughness after lowering his helmet and making contact with Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch while running with the ball during the Lions' lopsided 24-6 win over the Colts in Week 12 (via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero).

The NFL fined #Colts QB Anthony Richardson $22,511 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) — lowering his head into #Lions DB Brian Branch last week. pic.twitter.com/mJF5NuqiM7

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 30, 2024

It's the first time Richardson has been fined during his brief career, per Spotrac.

The 22-year-old finished 11-of-28 for 172 yards in the loss, adding 61 rush yards on 10 attempts. He was not penalized for the collision with Branch at the time it occurred.

Per the NFL's fines and appeals schedule, the impermissible use of a helmet to make contact with an opponent results in a $22,511 fine for a first offense and $45,020 following a second offense. It's the most costly first offense of any infraction under the player safety section of the schedule.

Richardson is only the second quarterback this season to incur an impermissible use of helmet fine, as Dallas Cowboys passer Trey Lance was also fined $22,511 in Week 10 (via Spotrac).

It's been a tumultuous sophomore season in the NFL for Richardson, whose rookie year came to an end in Week 5 due to a shoulder injury.

He was Indianapolis' starter to open his 2024 campaign, but he was eventually benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco after the team sat at 4-4 through eight games. The change didn't work, as the Colts lost two consecutive contests with Flacco under center before going back to Richardson.

Bears pick it off in the end zone!

📺: #CHIvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/Ya6gUPOYnG

— NFL (@NFL) September 22, 2024

On the season as a whole, the former Florida standout has completed 47.1 percent of his throws for 1,402 yards and five touchdowns compared to seven interceptions.