Colts' Defensive Unit in Rough Territory

The Indianapolis Colts added veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to the coaching staff after allowing former coach Gus Bradley to walk after his contract with the franchise expired this year. Given Anarumo's style and track record, the hopes for Indy's defense are high.

This is especially true after signing cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Camryn Bynum in the offseason to bolster the defense for Anarumo's debut year, calling the shots for the stop troops. Indianapolis also selected defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, cornerback Justin Walley, defensive tackle Tim Smith, and safety/linebacker Hunter Wohler through the 2025 NFL draft.

However, despite these additions, and names like defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, linebacker Zaire Franklin, as well as defensive end Laiatu Latu on the defense, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport doesn't think Indy's defense is that intimidating in his recent rankings of all 32 NFL units.

The Colts find themselves at a mediocre 26th spot, with plenty to improve upon according to Davenport.

"There’s room for improvement in Indianapolis, but we’ll need to see it to believe it."

Davenport's breakdown features saying that Latu's rookie year was a 'disappointment,' Kwity Paye's lack of generating quarterback pressures, and discussing Franklin's issues with missed tackles.

Indianapolis must prove that the additions above can make a true impact, as Davenport is going off the up-and-down performance from the Colts' defense in 2024. Under Bradley, Indianapolis allowed sub-par offenses to march down the field and score, especially through the air.

The defense lacked quarterback pressure as a team, with former edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo (Chicago Bears) leading the squad with 42, with Latu close behind in second with 38. Indianapolis will need to generate more against opposing field generals to have a higher success rate against the pass.