Colts’ Playoff Hopes Dashed After Texans’ Win Against Chargers
The Indianapolis Colts’ aspirations for a postseason berth have come to a screeching halt following a thrilling 20-17 victory by the Houston Texans over the Los Angeles Chargers on Saturday afternoon. This defeat marks a painful milestone for the Colts, as it signifies their third consecutive year without playoff football under the leadership of head coach Shane Steichen.
A Promising Start Turns Sour
The 2023 season began with high hopes for the Colts, as their offense shattered records and propelled the team to an impressive 8-2 start, the best record in the league at that point. The early success had fans believing that this could finally be the year the franchise returned to the postseason after several disappointing seasons.
However, the optimism quickly faded. A mere month and a half later, the Colts find themselves on the outside looking in, watching their playoff dreams evaporate in the blink of an eye.
Historical Context of the Collapse
The Colts’ current predicament is particularly striking when viewed through the lens of history. They join an unfortunate list of teams that have started a season with a 7-1 record only to miss the playoffs entirely. This list includes notable franchises from different eras:
2025 Colts
2012 Bears
1996 Redskins
1988 Saints
1987 Chargers
1975 Dolphins
As the Colts reflect on this season, they must grapple with the weight of such historical parallels, which serve as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
The Colts will need to reassess their strategies and approach as they head into the offseason, searching for ways to ensure that next year tells a different story.
