Indianapolis Colts: 5 Takeaways from NFL Week 15 Loss vs. Houston Texans

The Indianapolis Colts ended up losing to the Houston Texans by a final score of 16-10 in NFL Week 15 action. What five takeaways can be seen from the loss and what does the future hold for the Colts?

1. Matt Hasselbeck Cannot Replace Andrew Luck for the Colts

Many media members were trying to make Matt Hasselbeck seem like a better fit for the Colts' offense than Andrew Luck. Obviously that is not the case and he cannot replace Luck. Indianapolis needs their star quarterback back on the field next week if they want any chance at getting into the playoff field.

2. Frank Gore Is Not the Answer the Colts Were Hoping He'd Be at RB

While Frank Gore is definitely an upgrade for the Colts at the running back position, he is not the answer to their woes. Indianapolis could use an upgrade at the position and that could be had in the 2016 NFL Draft. That being said, after rushing for just 44 yards on 16 carries there has to be some concern from the coaching staff about just how much Gore has left in the tank.

3. T.Y. Hilton Has to Step Up Moving Forward

Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the season outside of Andrew Luck has been wide receiver T.Y. Hilton. He is the teams No. 1 wide receiver, but has been incredibly inconsistent this season. Indianapolis needs their star wide receiver to step up moving forward and to play like the No. 1 star receiver that he has been labeled as this year.

4. Chuck Pagano Needs to Go

As much as it pains the Colts and their fan base to admit, head coach Chuck Pagano needs to go. He is terrible at preparing game plans and just doesn't have the team where it should be. Pagano isn't a terrible head coach overall, but he just doesn't fit the needs that this Colts team has and Jim Irsay needs to move on and find another coach to see if they can take the Colts farther.

5. The Colts' Playoff Hopes are Very Close to Ending

Due to the loss that the Colts suffered against the Texans this afternoon, they are no longer in first place in the AFC South. They sit in second with a 6-8 record, while the Texans hold a 7-7 record. If the Texans win their final two games of the season, the Colts will be eliminated and it is tough that they no longer control their own destiny in the division race.

What do you think about the Colts' playoff chances? Do you believe that they have a chance to make it into the playoffs?