It was a simple task for Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Run the ball with Jonathan Taylor on 4th-and-1 and convert for a chance to score a touchdown and make the playoffs. The Colts decided to fake the run and plug in backup running back Tyler Goodson to catch the crucial play against the Houston Texans on Saturday. Their fate was handed to them on a silver platter after Goodson dropped the pass, leaving the ball in the Texans’ hands.
“I stand by the coaches,” Taylor said, per Stephen Holder at ESPN. “You see what Shane has done all year. Have you really questioned his calls all year? He’s been calling the right play at the right time.”
Taylor backed up Steichen after his decision, but it’s still a wary one. After the Texans scored a touchdown and missed the extra point late in the fourth quarter, Steichen had the opportunity to win the game on multiple scenarios. He decided to go slow and play bully ball down the field with one of the league’s most explosive running backs. Steichen’s plan was working up until the Colts hit the red zone.
He was milking the clock, leaving all decisions in the Colts’ hands, but a fourth down put pressure on both sides. The offensive line moved the sticks the entire drive right through the middle with Taylor. Trickery was enforced when Steichen decided it was best to pass the ball on fourth down, leading to disaster for the Colts. Taylor may have trust in his head coach, but this was clearly one of the worst play calls in the clutch this season.
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