3 quick takeaways from Colts, Phillip Rivers' performance in Week 15

The Indianapolis Colts came up short in Week 15 against Seattle. A field goal in the final seconds would secure the win for the Seahawks.

With the dust having settled on Sunday's game, let's take a look back at what took place with the three things we learned from the Colts' performance.

Phillip Rivers gives the Colts needed stability

This was far from a flashy performance, but Rivers delivered what the Colts needed -- stability at quarterback. He completed 18-of-27 passes for 120 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Rivers helped the Colts' offense sustain drives and kept the ball out of harm's way until the very end.

Indianapolis leaned into the running game to keep Rivers and the offense ahead of the sticks and out of long down-and-distance situations, and they relied on the qick passing game as well.

On both sides of the ball, the Colts fought hard in this game and this team needed some juice after Daniel Jones exited last week's game -- which Rivers provided.

Colts' defense limits Seattle offense

The Seattle offense entered this game as one of the most productive in football, both in points and in yards, especially through the air. But the Colts were able to contain the Seahawks for much of the game.

For one, Seattle didn't score a single touchdown in this game. The Colts also did well getting off the field, holding Seattle to just two third-down conversions. The Seahawks offense also averaged a modest 5.3 yards per play.

The Colts did this while down their top two cornerbacks and without DeForest Buckner.

Ultimately, with the game close late, Seattle's more talented offense prevailed. But as the Colts' offense tried to find its footing in this game, the defense kept things close.

Playoff hopes take another hit

All of that sounds good -- and those are positives -- but the reality is the Colts also lost, and their playoff hopes took another hit.

The Colts are now 8-6 on the season. With Jacksonville winning on Sunday, Indianapolis is now two games back of the AFC South lead. Houston's win helped them improve to 9-5.

The Colts now trail the Texans by a game for the AFC's final wildcard spot and are two games back of the 10-4 Chargers and Bills.

The Colts do play the Texans once more, but also have to face the 10-win 49ers and the 10-win Jaguars.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts lose to Seahawks: 3 takeaways from performance