Colts Becoming Laughingstock In Latest Power Rankings

The Indianapolis Colts (2-6) have lost four straight games and 13 of their last 15, dating back to last season, so national perception of them is feeble at best. Still, last weekend's 42-7 demolition by the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) is almost something you can't come back from.

Sunday was supposed to test the Colts' resolve. In the days leading up, they'd fired general manager Chris Ballard and traded franchise pillars Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Would the team stand toe-to-toe on the road in Jacksonville, where they'd lost 11 straight, or would they fold up and whimper?

A 35-point loss indicates the latter.

ESPN's latest NFL power rankings reflect a near rock-bottom opinion of the Colts, ranking 29th out of 32 teams, ahead of only the Tennessee Titans (1-7), who beat the Colts two weeks ago for their only win, the Miami Dolphins (1-6), and the Los Angeles Chargers (0-7).

The Colts' front office has shifted its focus to the future rather than the present, selling off stars Nelson and Buckner, with Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and Grover Stewart perhaps not far behind. So, success isn't the expectation, but still, being a doormat isn't ideal.

For a year now, the quarterback play of Daniel Jones has been subpar, especially in 2026. Last week against the Jaguars was no different. Jones had one touchdown and two interceptions, averaged 5.1 yards per pass attempt, and was sacked three times.

Through eight games, he is 162-of-268 passing (60.4%) for 1,542 yards (5.8 YPA), five touchdowns, and nine interceptions, and has been sacked 22 times for a passer rating of 68.7.

Jones' decline in play and mobility has led to career lows in completion percentage, passer rating, yards per carry, and rushing yards per game.

The defensive side of the ball has rebounded from the 1,029 yards they allowed in the first two weeks of the season, but Sunday was a nightmare.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence averaged 15.0 yards per pass attempt and had a nearly perfect passer rating.

Running backs Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. combined for 217 yards of offense and three total touchdowns while averaging 8.7 yards per touch.

According to Pro Football Focus, the Colts' defense has 10 missed tackles, led by free safety Cam Bynum, who was credited with three.

Another factor in the loss was the Colts' special teams, which was dinged for three penalties. Kickoff returner Seth McGowan had returns of 38 and 45 yards called back for holding.