Indianapolis Colts‘ wide receiver Adonai Mitchell’s goal-line fumble turned a highlight into heartbreak in the Colts’ first loss of the season. Now, all eyes are on how the team responds, and what it means for Mitchell’s future.

The wide receiver, for his part, didn’t shy away from taking accountability after his costly fumble in the Colts’ first loss this season. And coach Shane Steichen has faith in him. “He took accountability in the team meeting,” the coach said. “He spoke to the team to start the team meeting. I had a conversation with him in my office today, letting him know that this moment doesn’t define who you are as a person.”

While the coach didn’t lose hope on the wide receiver, he also admitted that Mitchell will have “to earn” his place on the team, and that should reflect on his practices and work for the team.

Now, before the costly fumble that prevented his first career TD, Mitchell got a holding penalty during running back Jonathan Taylor’s 53-yard tackle-breaking run with nearly two minutes left on the clock. “Just trying to make a play,” Mitchell said of the penalty.

His experienced teammates believe that it’s part of the game; everyone makes mistakes, but they must strive to improve. Even the coach admitted to having made mistakes in the game. One mistake came when the Colts had only 10 defenders on the field, and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell took advantage and caught an 88-yard touchdown.

“It shouldn’t happen,” Steichen said. “It’s unacceptable, and it starts with me as the head coach. I’ve got to recognize that we’ve only got 10 and call a timeout there. It can’t happen,” he added.

Moreover, the entire Colts team, which had been sitting at a 3-0 record earlier, had issues. The team had 11 penalties and had their first three turnovers of the season. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones threw two interceptions in the game. And it isn’t just Mitchell who will be under notice.

Another player is cornerback Xavien Howard. He struggled heavily in coverage against the Rams, and allowed 7 receptions on 9 targets for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has been targeted by the opponent team since Week 1. When asked about the CB, Coach Steichen said, “He’s been a hell of a player in this league for a long time.”

He further added, “But obviously we’ll go back and look at the tape …” As for Mitchell, he will use these mistakes to motivate himself for the next game against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 5.

AD Mitchell receives consoling words from his teammates after a costly fumble

This was his chance to show his potential while getting more time in the field in the absence of starter wide receiver Alec Pierce. Pierce was out for his concussion. And Mitchell indeed almost came close to his first career TD.

On a crucial third-down play, he pulled off an incredible catch and was covered by two Rams defenders. However, fate had other plans in the 27-20 loss at SoFi Stadium.

He had the ball but suddenly lost control, and it rolled out of the back of the end zone. Coach Steichen earlier called it a tough situation to explain, but added that the Colts still have “a lot of faith in AD.”

For Mitchell, this lost opportunity “stings,” and he described it as “Just unacceptable. I’ve just got to be better for the team and for the organization.” After his teammates consoled the player on the sidelines, many shared a few warm words during the press conference, too.

“Mistakes happen, we’re all humans, we all try our hardest,” offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann admitted. “We all take accountability for the mistakes we’ve made and it takes guts to stand up in front of the team and acknowledge that. Nonetheless, we all know who AD is.”

So, it all comes down to accountability, which is taken by not just Mitchell but everyone. While this has the potential for the Colts to turn things for them, the question is whether they will be able to do so.