Frank Reich Admits His Conservative Play-Calling Helped Colts Blow Lead

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich is usually criticized for his controversial decisions, but in the team's 31-25 loss in overtime to the Baltimore Ravens, he said he wish he had done things differently.

Facing a 3rd-and-8 at the Baltimore 15-yard line, Reich called for a handoff to Jonathan Taylor, who was hit in the backfield for a 4-yard loss, the Indy Star reports.

Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell blocked Colts kicker Rodrigo Blankenship’s 37-yard field goal attempt on the next play, opening the door for Baltimore to drive down the field and score the game-tying touchdown that ultimately forced overtime.

“I wish I had that call back,” Reich said. “That was a conservative call.”

Reich said he didn’t call a pass because he didn’t want to lose yardage, but that's exactly what the run did.

“In hindsight, because it didn’t work. Do I wish I would have called a pass?” Reich said. “Probably, but the reason I didn’t was I knew they were pressuring, I didn’t want to get sacked, I didn’t want anything crazy to happen. I felt good about the opportunity to gain some yards and kick. In hindsight, it wasn’t the right call.”

Indy Star reports the Colts briefly debated playing it safe and playing for overtime, but Wentz wanted to go for the win and Reich agreed — the quarterback drove the Colts into position for a 47-yard field goal attempt that was missed and led the Ravens to win the game in overtime.  

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