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Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday walks the sidelines Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Photo credit: Jenna Watson/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK
Jeff Saturday was criticized for his clock management at the end of the Indianapolis Colts’ 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night, and it appears the interim coach felt a little differently about the sequence after he slept.
The Colts started their final possession at the 7 with just under four minutes remaining, needing a touchdown to have a chance to win or tie. When they crossed midfield, they inexplicably let a lot of time slip away despite having timeouts available. Saturday said after the game that he “didn’t really think time was of the essence.” He was asked about the sequence again on Tuesday.
Saturday told reporters he would do things differently if the same situation happened again.
“Obviously there are things everyone wants to do and games they want back. I wish I had that third one in the back. Honestly, I wish I would have used a timeout,” Saturday said. “Time-wise I felt good, but you could say we were a mess. I just wasn’t feeling well. … It’s a learning experience. I did not live up to my expectations and I am responsible for that. This is the one who will stay with me.”
Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday on wishing he had called a timeout late in Monday night’s loss — “that’s what’s going to happen to me.” pic.twitter.com/gA3toW5094
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 29, 2022
The Colts converted a 4th-and-3 at the Pittsburgh 37 for their first play after the 2-minute warning. Matt Ryan was then sacked on first down with time running out. Ryan scrambled for 14 yards on 2nd and 17. The Colts still refused to call a timeout. By the time they lined up for a 3rd-and-3, there were only 34 seconds left. Jonathan Taylor was stopped for no gain, and then Indy finally called a timeout with 30 seconds left. With three plays, they used up a minute and a half before calling a timeout.
Indy failed to convert on 4th and 3, ending their chances of a comeback.
Even if the clock didn’t seem to be an issue on Saturday, his time-limited offense could give him a chance to get more organized. He probably figured it out after watching the movie.
The Colts’ offense was horrendous for much of the night, which was more of a problem for them than clock management. Troy Aikman even brutally described Indy’s inability to move the ball. If Saturday had used its timeouts, it’s possible Indy wouldn’t have been able to tie the game or go ahead anyway. He obviously wants his players to know that he is responsible in every situation.
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