After Unbelievable Start to Coaching Career, Jeff Saturday Trends For All the Wrong Reasons After MNF Debacle

Jeff Saturday may have silenced critics for a while after his debut as interim head coach, but that has now come to an end. After their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Indianapolis Colts had numerous takeaways for consideration.

The Colts’ shocking decision to hire someone with no league or college coaching experience as head coach garnered criticism from many. But Jeff Saturday gained some momentary ground when the Colts won 25-20 against the Raiders in his first game as interim head coach. But, the Colts followed that up with a very close loss to the Eagles.

Jeff Saturday is called to question

In their most recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Saturday garnered criticism. In general, coaches come under a lot of pressure. But as someone whose every move is scrutinized, Saturday is the recipient of criticism on a larger scale. His management during the last couple of minutes of their game was second-guessed by the NFL world. At the end of the game, the Colts had two timeouts left. That little fact did not go unnoticed.

Read More: $10,000 Fine Incurred On Commanders Player For His Role In Ending Philadelphia Eagles Undefeated Season

With less than four minutes on the clock during the fourth quarter, the Colts were trailing by seven points. Even though they converted, Saturday’s negligence in managing the clock potentially cost them the game.

After the game, Saturday said that he “wasn’t too concerned” about his management of time during the game. He said, “This wasn’t a press for time, we just didn’t make enough plays.” Saturday’s skeptics will use his judgment during the game against him. But, the Colts’ performance during the rest of the game cannot be ignored while accounting for the reasons they lost.

Saturday cannot seem to catch a break

Overall the Colts are on thin ice. Currently, at 4-7-1, they do not have the luxury of missing out on wins because of errors in judgment and poor performance. They are currently way behind the Titans in the AFC South. If their aim is to get a shot at the postseason, the Colts cannot repeat the mistakes they’re currently making.

Jeff Saturday was an unconventional hire for the position of head coach. From the start, the NFL world understood that this decision could go either way. Saturday could either change the course of the Colts’ run for good or lead them down a slippery slope. While the former will earn him praise, the NFL world will not hold back criticism at the slightest hint of the latter. Perhaps that is the price he’s paying for taking on a role that many believe he’s unqualified for.

Watch this story: Washington Commanders’ Hall of Fame WR Charlie Taylor dies at 80.