5 Key Takeaways from Colts' Gut-Wrenching Loss vs. Rams

After Jonathan Taylor 's fumble in a similar situation against the Denver Broncos last season, one would imagine that head coach Shane Steichen would try and embed in his players' heads to hold onto the ball until they reach the back of the end zone.

Instead, Mitchell made the worst decision of his young career. He followed up in the next quarter with a hold that took away a long Taylor touchdown run. His hold may have been what allowed Taylor to reach the end zone, but either way, it wiped off a positive rushing play from the board.

Mitchell has shown he's capable of the spectacular, but it'll take some serious work to earn back the trust of his teammates and coaches.

2. Xavien Howard Isn't Fit to Start Against Top Receivers

Howard and the Colts' secondary were dominated by young Rams star Puka Nacua, who finished the day with 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown. Howard was continuously lined up against Nacua, despite multiple instances where he was instantly beaten off the line of scrimmage.

According to Pro Football Focus , Howard allowed seven receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown on the day. Matthew Stafford posted a 155.6 passer rating when targeting him, but the Colts continued to leave Howard out there.

Howard's poor showing mimicked his Week 2 performance against the Broncos, when he allowed seven receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown against Bo Nix. The Colts can't afford to start Howard against top talent, but the cornerback room is already so thin that they almost have no other choice.

3. Daniel Jones Can Still Make Mistakes Under Pressure

The offensive line had its worst showing of the year by far, and Jones certainly felt that in the pocket. Two poorly judged throws led to easy interceptions for the Rams' secondary and Jones' first turnovers for the Colts.

After playing mistake-free football through three weeks, a lot of fans thought that Jones had conquered one of the more questionable parts of his game. Unfortunately, constant pressure got to Jones' head, and the seventh-year quarterback heaved two prayers downfield into double coverage that cost the Colts heavily.

That's not to say the blame should be placed on his shoulders, but those throws can't be ignored.

4. The Colts Need Matt Goncalves Healthy

Goncalves was kept out of all three practices last week due to a toe injury, which caused him to miss Sunday's clash. In his place, the Colts started Dalton Tucker, who finished the day with a 7.9 pass blocking grade, per PFF.

Goncalves had allowed only two pressures on the year, so it was a drastic change of pace for Jones and the offensive line. Indianapolis faces Maxx Crosby next weekend, and they'll need Goncalves back to stop it from getting ugly again.

5. Tyler Warren is a Top Five Tight End

Warren put on another clinic this weekend, posting his third game of 70+ receiving yards in only four career starts. Indy's 14th overall pick has been nothing short of elite, and it's time to put him in top-five conversations.

Through four weeks, Warren leads all tight ends with 263 receiving yards and he's second in yards per catch (13.8). Not only is he able to get it done through the air, but he's a weapon on the ground, too.

His first career touchdown was a rush while lined up at fullback. That came one play after he took a snap in wildcat formation as the quarterback. Steichen has utilized Warren's versatile skill set well through four weeks, and he'll continue to be a weapon on the field until defenses recognize how much of a threat he poses.

The Colts will look to rebound next weekend against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium.