Great things can come from pressure. You need enough pressure to make diamonds, and in the world of sports, pressure makes for the best players and moments. When the stakes are high and the pressure is on, some rise to the challenge and others crumble under the weight. The Indianapolis Colts are proving they subscribed to the latter.
The pressure was evident all afternoon against the Vikings. Brian Flores doesn’t sit back in Cover-2 and bends but doesn’t break. Flores could also be nicknamed “Instapot” based on the amount of pressure he generates on opposing offenses week in and week out. The Vikings blitzed 85.2% of Daniel Jones’ dropbacks. That’s the highest rate since it began tracking. Talk about pressure. The Colts haven’t been diamonds, though. Four sacks and 108 yards from the quarterback were the result. The line couldn’t hold, and the ball didn’t go where it needed to enough to win.
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Not only did the Colts not meet the challenge of physical pressure, they also couldn’t handle the atmospheric pressure; the pressure palpable as the game turns and assets turn to gold. Late in the third, with a chance to extend the lead, Spencer Shrader missed a long field goal. Then, to tie, he missed again. All hope was not lost as the Colts had the ball needing a touchdown and an extra point to take the lead. Jones buckled and threw a game-clinching interception instead. It happened as beads of sweat formed on Shane Steichen’s forehead as he struggled to maintain control. The result was another early lead, followed by a barrage of pressure that ended with the Colts.
The theme is consistent. How many times have the Colts been the first team to score a touchdown? How many times has this team wilted as the pressure mounted? The Vikings were the perfect embodiment of the type of pressure the Colts faced. A blitz will come every day. “Find a Way” creates pressure, and as games get tight, the Colts never rise to the occasion. Pressure can make diamonds. It can also be incredibly destructive. The Colts found out how bad it was.