Colt’s fans are you ready for another fun article? Today I highlight Colt’s top five defensive players. The horseshoe’s offense has received a lot of praise and credit. Colts fans always think about offensive players like Peyton Manning. However, Indianapolis has had some great defenders. Indy’s top five defensive players deserve recognition and praise for their hard work. Football has transitioned to offense in the modern era. Sports fans enjoy watching quarterbacks, creative offenses, and great-skill players. Defense was valued more in the past and the Colt’s top five defensive players took pride in playing good defense.
Robert Mathis
Pass rushers are valued in the NFL because they can get after quarterbacks. Robert Mathis was a dominant pass rusher who bled Colt’s blue. Mathis was unstoppable and a nightmare for offensive linemen. Mathis finished his career with 123 sacks, 408 tackles, and 54 forced fumbles. Mathis knew how to rush and used a variety of moves to attack quarterbacks. In 2006 Mathis helped the Colts win the super bowl. Mathis currently coaches Indianapolis’s edge rushers.
Dwight Freeney
Dwight Freeney was a monster defensive end. Freeney wasn’t the biggest defensive end and had to prove he could play at a high level. Freeney proved the doubters wrong and finished his career with 125.5 sacks, 299 tackles, and 47 forced fumbles. Colt’s fans were blessed to see Freeney and Mathis play. Freeney made countless game-changing plays during his career.
Bob Sanders
The safety position is critical to success on defense. Safeties are the last line of defense and are responsible for limiting explosive plays. Bob Sanders played the safety position perfectly. Sanders used his instincts and physicality to stop offensive players. Sanders was dominant and finished his career with 307 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, six interceptions, and scored one touchdown. Sanders also won defensive player of the year in 2007.
Vontae Davis
Indianapolis hasn’t had a surplus of great defensive backs. Vontae Davis was Indy’s best defensive back in the past. Davis played six seasons for the horseshoe. Davis finished his career with 22 interceptions. Davis also scored a defensive touchdown. Davis knew how to read routes and made plays on the ball.
Shaquille Leonard
The linebacker position has changed in the NFL. Linebackers are smaller and more athletic. Shaquille Leonard fits the mold of the modern NFL linebacker. Leonard has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Leonard won defensive rookie of the year in 2018 because of his play on the gridiron. Leonard has recorded 15 sacks, 351 tackles, 17 forced fumbles, and 12 interceptions, and has scored a defensive touchdown. Leonard is currently out of action because of a back injury.
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