Colts Actually Wanted to Go For It on 4th-and-8 in OT, Everything Steichen Said After Chiefs Loss

Before attempting a game-tying field goal in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen considered going for a game-winning touchdown.

While facing a fourth-and-8, the Colts conservatively opted to kick a field goal that tied the game, but the Chiefs still had enough time in the extra period to set up a 40-yard field goal by Harrison Butker as time expired to secure a 33-30 win.

Per ESPN's Stephen Holder, Steichen said after the game that he was prepared to go for it on fourth down if the Chiefs showed favorable coverage against the Colts' play call.

"We wanted it to be the last possession," Steichen said. After calling a timeout, he said he told quarterback Daniel Jones, "If you love it, man, let's go at it. Let's go win this thing. But if it's not the right look … let's kick the field goal here."

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The Chiefs showed a coverage that forced Steichen's hand, as the Colts accepted a delay-of-game penalty and settled for a field goal. Kansas City's game-winning drive sent Indianapolis to 0-2 to start the season for the second time in the last three years.

Steichen also defended his decision to defer after the Colts won the overtime coin toss, saying he felt his team would have the advantage in knowing what was needed after the Chiefs' first possession.

"If we go first … [Patrick] Mahomes gets four downs going the other way," Steichen said. "It could go either way in those situations."

The Colts will try to bounce back in Week 3 when they face the AFC South rival Houston Texans, who will also be seeking their first win of the season.