The Indianapolis Colts offense has committed nine giveaways during the team's recent three-game losing streak. The officials hurt the Colts too, at least against the Cleveland Browns, in the mind of owner Jim Irsay.
But DeForest Buckner likely doesn't want to hear any of that. When he spoke to the media on Thursday, he condemned the defense for the three straight losses.
“Communication and details. Obviously in the fourth quarter when it gets tight, finding that way – finding a way," Buckner told reporters. "Somebody has to make a play and that’s what it comes down to – we got to finish.
"These past couple of games, it’s really been on us – the offense has scored enough points. It’s our job to keep the opponent out of the end zone, and we haven’t been doing our job lately.”
The Colts defense has allowed at least 37 points in each of the team's recent three losses. In fact, in all five of Indianapolis' defeats this season, the opposition has scored at least 29 points.
In Indianapolis' three victories in 2023, the Colts have allowed an average of 18.3 points.
In fact, the Colts are 3-0 when they give up 20 points or fewer. They are 0-5 when they allow more.
It's no secret that teams have a better chance of winning when they hold the other team to fewer points. But one could argue with the assessment from Buckner, who ESPN named a "surprise-trade candidate" because the Colts defense has been stellar in other areas.
In the first two losses of the recent three-game losing streak, the Colts held both the Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars to under 320 yards of offense. But four giveaways from the offense in each game set up the Browns and Jaguars with short fields.
The Browns defense also recovered a fumble for a touchdown. There was nothing Buckner's group could do about stopping that score.
However, the Colts offense did a better job of taking care of the ball in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints. The turnover battle finished equal in the game at 1-1.
The Saints scored 38 points behind 511 yards of offense. New Orleans averaged 7.7 yards per play, including 11.7 yards per pass.
Buckner is owning that performance and clearly expects more of his defensive teammates against the Carolina Panthers.
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