Former NFL defensive back Darius Butler is not happy with his former team, the Indianapolis Colts. On The Pat McAfee Show, Butler explained that he believes it’s a culture issue in the locker room that prevents them from winning, not a lack of talent.
Darius Butler Blasts Colts for Having Culture Issue
Butler was most perturbed with Indianapolis’ recent 45-33 loss to the lowly New York Giants, which eliminated the Colts from any shot at a playoff berth.
"It's a culture issue with the Colts..
I feel like there's enough talent on this team and it's extremely disappointing" ~ @DariusJButler#PMSLive https://t.co/FPImRqXagC pic.twitter.com/xZ5SBpoPwY
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 30, 2024
“It’s a culture issue with the Colts,” Butler said. “I feel like there’s enough talent on this team, and it’s extremely disappointing.”
The Colts (7-9) made journeyman quarterback Drew Lock look like an All-Pro on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, as the Giants (3-13) won for the first time in 11 weeks. Lock was 17 of 23 passing for 309 yards with four passing touchdowns. He also rushed for a score as well.
Lock’s performance was outstanding, finishing with a passer rating of 155.3, which is almost perfect. After the game, Butler posted the following on X.
Really Colts? pic.twitter.com/27OZtmbxon
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) December 29, 2024
Had the Colts won the game, they would have finished their season against the Jacksonville Jaguars next week with a playoff berth on the line. Instead, they are playing out the last game of the season regardless of the outcome.
The Colts took no solace in the loss and let their emotions be known after the game on the team’s website.
“Extremely disappointing outing,” head coach Shane Steichen said.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II said the playoff berth was right there for the taking, and the Colts blew the opportunity. He was at a loss for words.
“Embarrassed,” Moore said. “Just felt everything was in arm’s reach until it wasn’t. It’s just indescribable, to be honest.”
Moore was not alone in his despair.
“It just sucks, sucks for everybody,” center Ryan Kelly said. “It’s not just on one person or one side of the ball, and we got opportunities in the red zone, too. Just didn’t get it done today. And as a team, collectively, just about as tough as it gets.”
Running back Jonathan Taylor said the bar has to be raised next season and that the Colts must play to a different standard.
“I think the standard has to be raised,” Taylor said after the game.
“And we spoke about it, it’s the playoffs have to be the standard. The teams that get in, year in and year out, that’s their standard. That’s the bottom floor, like listen, we got to get in. And they know it’s tough, but they know, hey, we’re going to fight, scratch, and claw to make sure every year that is the standard that you uphold.”