Fansided

3 critical mistakes Frank Reich made to cost Colts in playoff loss to Bills

By Mark Powell

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines in the game against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines in the game against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Frank Reich, Indianapolis Colts
Frank Reich, Indianapolis Colts. (Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

2. Red zone play-calling

Reich’s inconsistencies extended to his play-calling as well, especially in the red zone. The Colts wavered inside their opponent’s 20-yard line on multiple possessions, especially on a critical third-and-goal in the first half, which resulted in an absurd toss-crack from inside the three. Safe to say that decision did not work.

Once again, it’s bad timing for Reich to have the worst play-calling game of his career. With the Eagles, he was Doug Pederson’s right-hand man, at times making the Super Bowl-winning coach look more capable than he actually was on the offensive side of the ball. He’s linked to Carson Wentz for a reason, and the Colts may very well take a swing for the former No. 2 overall pick whose fallen out of favor in the city of brotherly love.

Yet, in terms of this sole performance, Reich had to be better. It’s rare that an underdog can pull off a road upset, yet be so incapable in the red zone. Reich found that out the hard way on Saturday.

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