In the NFL, certain matchups can become infamous due to surprising mistakes or blunders that affect the outcome of a game. The Colts vs. Broncos game has often been marked as a prime example of what many fans and analysts have dubbed “The New Worst Mistake Ever.” Here’s a breakdown of why this game left such a significant mark on the league and the performances involved.
The Background
Both the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos entered the 2022 season with high expectations. The Colts had made some key moves in the offseason, notably acquiring Matt Ryan, a veteran quarterback, in hopes of rejuvenating their offense and making a playoff run. On the other side, the Broncos, who had been stuck in mediocrity for years, traded for Russell Wilson, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback, expecting him to be the final piece to elevate the team into contention.
Despite the star power at quarterback, both teams found themselves struggling offensively in the early part of the season. This particular game, held in Week 5 of 2022, would set the stage for what many considered a game full of missed opportunities, poor execution, and coaching mistakes that defined this as a game to forget.
The Story of the Game
The game itself was a disaster from an offensive standpoint. Both teams found themselves failing to capitalize on opportunities, with quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson both underperforming. While the defenses for both teams did their best to keep the game competitive, the constant miscues from the offense dominated the narrative.
Key Mistakes and Blunders
Russell Wilson’s Struggles: Wilson, coming off a rough start to his first season with the Broncos, had one of his worst performances in this game. His decision-making was off, and he couldn’t find any rhythm with his wide receivers. He also struggled with accuracy, missing wide-open targets and failing to score in the red zone.
Matt Ryan’s Turnovers: On the Colts’ side, veteran quarterback Matt Ryan also had a forgettable outing. He committed multiple turnovers, including costly interceptions that allowed the Broncos to hang around despite their own offensive woes. Ryan’s inability to take care of the ball only added to the frustration of Colts fans, who had hoped for stability at the quarterback position.
Coaching Decisions: One of the most glaring aspects of this game was the poor coaching decisions. The Colts’ head coach at the time, Frank Reich, was heavily criticized for his lack of adjustments, particularly on offense. The play-calling was conservative, and at times, it seemed like the team was playing not to lose rather than to win.
Special Teams & Penalties: Both teams were plagued by mental mistakes, including costly penalties that set back their drives and killed momentum. On special teams, missed field goals and bad punt returns were pivotal moments in a game that could have been won with just a little more discipline.
The “Worst Mistake Ever” Moment
The defining moment that made this game stand out as “The New Worst Mistake Ever” came down to the final moments of the game. With the Broncos ahead by a slim margin, the Colts had a chance to mount a final drive and potentially tie or win the game. However, Matt Ryan fumbled the ball in critical field position, sealing the Colts’ fate and leaving fans questioning the team’s future. The turnover came at a time when the Colts had a clear shot at capitalizing on Denver’s inability to score and would have likely resulted in a much-needed victory for Indianapolis.
This mistake became a symbol of everything that went wrong in the game. The missed opportunities, turnovers, lack of execution, and general chaos turned a game that was expected to be a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons into an embarrassing performance that would haunt both franchises for weeks to come.
Repercussions
The fallout from this game was swift for both teams:
For the Broncos, the loss further fueled the fire surrounding Russell Wilson’s struggles, and many started to question whether the trade for Wilson had been a mistake. His inability to perform in high-pressure situations contributed to the growing belief that the Broncos had missed their chance to return to prominence.
For the Colts, this game marked the beginning of the end for Frank Reich’s tenure as head coach. His inability to fix the offensive issues and make necessary adjustments led to his eventual dismissal later in the season. The Colts’ offense had become one of the worst in the league, and the loss to the Broncos was a culmination of all the issues they had been dealing with.
The game also raised questions about team building and strategy for both the Colts and Broncos. With both teams having invested heavily in veteran quarterbacks, the lack of success in this game highlighted the need for major changes in coaching, roster construction, and overall team philosophy.
Conclusion: The “Worst Mistake Ever”
While the Colts vs. Broncos game may not be remembered for flashy plays or explosive offenses, it will forever be etched into the minds of fans for its sheer display of ineptitude. Both teams suffered from poor decision-making, ineffective play, and missed opportunities, but the final mistake — Matt Ryan’s fumble — encapsulated the collective failure of the game.
This contest ultimately marked a low point for both franchises and will be referenced for years to come as a symbol of what happens when everything goes wrong in an NFL game. While not the worst game in NFL history, it certainly earned its place as one of the most embarrassing and disappointing matchups in recent memory.
