'Unacceptable' first half dooms Colts against Saints
A series of first-half miscues by the Indianapolis Colts, punctuated by poor play from star quarterback Andrew Luck, proved to the be difference in Sunday's 27-21 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
After giving up 25 yards on a fake field goal attempt that led to a New Orleans touchdown late in the first quarter, Luck threw an interception that led to another Saints score. Wide receiver Griff Whalen then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which paved the way for a third touchdown from Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense.
In short order, the Colts found themselves down by three scores and though they rallied in the second half, the deficit was too large to overcome.
“The first half was unacceptable,” Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said, per the team's official website.
Luck finished the half 9-of-19 throwing for 79 yards, with two interceptions, including one with the team driving deep in Saints territory late in the second quarter. The Colts failed to generate a first down on offense until early in the second quarter.
“As a unit, we're frustrated and I'm frustrated with myself," Luck said. "Some egregious turnovers, especially the one at the end of the first half. It's really bad football.”
The Colts will try to rebound next Monday against the undefeated Carolina Panthers.
