The Indianapolis Colts turned to controlled aggression and a familiar face with the playoffs in sight. Jonathan Taylor became the aggressor toward the Houston Texans’ defense, and Indy needed just one more yard to keep the drive and their postseason hopes alive.
But Taylor was nowhere to be found among the 11 men remaining on the field for the 4th-and-1. And the Colts ended their night hearing harsh criticism for the play call that put an end to their season.
NFL World Conflicted Over Botched Pass Attempt
Needing just one yard, the Colts opted to pass over riding their young workhorse, who had racked up 188 rushing yards on the Lucas Oil Stadium grass.
Instead, Gardner Minshew was trusted to get the ball out quick. His option? A pass catcher out of the backfield who came in catching six passes all season for Indy.
And the result? Turnover on downs, and the Colts eventually fell 23-19 and were officially eliminated from the playoff picture.
The reactions sprouted on social media after the Goodson drop.
Oh no.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) January 7, 2024
The X (formerly known as Twitter) account for NFL Memes compared Goodson to a player who has become notorious among NFL fans for drops: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney.
Colts RB Tyler Goodson pic.twitter.com/0agm8g88Tj
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 7, 2024
But still, there were analysts who were critical of the decision to rest Taylor and roll with a short pass.
“Taking Jonathan Taylor off the field on 4th & 1 to throw to Tyler Goodson with the season on the line…is a choice,” PFN’s Kyle Yates said.
Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Torry Holt was another who gave a strong take on the play. He practically helped describe the execution of the play as a lose-lose for the Colts.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
“Not a good ball Minshew but a catchable ball. Look at the head and eyes of Goodson,” Holt posted. He added how he did like the play call. But again, it comes down to the execution aspect.
And once again, that play call came when the Colts’ most destructive offensive option on the evening was on the sidelines … and with the season on the line.
Explanation on Play Call Revealed by Gardner Minshew and Tyler Goodson
Minshew was in a lamenting state on the pass. But he believed he was equally at fault for the reason the play fell apart.
“I should have put a better ball on him,” Minshew told reporters postgame. “That’s a tough way to go, man.”
He included how that play had been successful for “Goody” before out of the backfield.
“I’ve put it on Goody a million times over. I thought it was a great call. We had the look. Just one of those plays. I’m equally as responsible as he is,” Minshew said.
Gardner Minshew on the last play:
“I should have put a better ball on him. That’s a tough way to go, man. I’ve put it on Goody a million times over. I thought it was a great call. We had the look. Just one of those plays. I’m equally as responsible as he is.” @WTHRcom #Colts pic.twitter.com/wK7peWnZIL
— Dominic Miranda (@DomMirandaTV) January 7, 2024
Minshew ended his night throwing 13 of 24 for only 131 yards as the Colts preferred more of a “pound the rock and control the clock” type of philosophy. Indy ended up gaining 227 total rushing yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry against a DeMeco Ryans-led Texans defense.
Goodson, meanwhile, had a tearful explanation as described by WISH-TV sports reporter Angela Moryan.
“I felt like a failure. I know I’m not a failure, but that’s what I felt like… I’ll never do that again,” Goodson said inside the locker room.
He vowed that he will move forward from the play. As for the Colts, they must now move forward after a bewildering play call that wound up sealing their 2023-24 season fate.
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