Legendary Coach Tony Dungy Unexpectedly Defends the Colts’ Play After “Toxic” Criticism From the Chiefs Ahead of the Week 12 Showdown
Indianapolis, Indiana. Ahead of the highly anticipated Week 12 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and the Kansas City Chiefs, legendary head coach Tony Dungy has stepped forward to defend the Colts’ signature short-yardage power formation after Chiefs head coach Andy Reid publicly criticized the play, calling it “toxic.”
The formation has become a defining weapon for the Colts throughout the 2025 season, especially in situations where they need one or two crucial yards. Its effectiveness has helped Indianapolis sustain drives and dictate the pace of games. However, that same dominance has drawn frustration from opposing teams. with Andy Reid being the loudest voice of protest.
During his pre-game press conference, Reid delivered a surprisingly sharp message.
“That’s not the kind of football we’re trying to protect. If a play makes the game distorted and impossible to defend fairly, it needs to be reconsidered. I don’t think it’s healthy for the NFL, and I’m not apologizing for that opinion.”
His comments immediately ignited debate across the league. prompting Tony Dungy to respond swiftly in defense of his former team.
Dungy firmly emphasized that the Colts are doing nothing wrong. He argued that innovation has always been part of the sport and that the responsibility lies on the defense — not the offense — to adapt.
Dungy stated. “Football has always rewarded teams that understand their strengths and build around them. The Colts have done that very well. It’s part of the game, and if a team can’t stop it, then it’s their responsibility to adjust. There’s nothing wrong with developing a successful and unique strategy.”

He warned that banning a play simply because other teams struggle to defend it could damage the natural evolution of the sport. For Dungy, the Colts’ execution is rooted in discipline, power, and precision — not unfair advantage.
The Colts’ short-yardage formation has become a major talking point this season. not only because of how effective it is. but because of how frequently it forces opposing defenses into uncomfortable situations. Yet according to Dungy, that pressure is the defense’s problem to solve.
This weekend’s Colts vs Chiefs matchup is shaping up to be one of the most intense games of Week 12. The Chiefs will undoubtedly look for ways to counter the formation, while the Colts show no intention of abandoning a strategy that continues to deliver results.
Whether the debate fades or escalates after Sunday, Tony Dungy’s message remains crystal clear. The Colts have every right to use what they do best, and it is up to their opponents — including the Chiefs — to figure out how to stop them.
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