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Shane Steichen Puts Colts CB On Notice After Rams WRs Expose Defensive Woes

Originally posted on EssentiallySports | By Pritha Debroy | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 11:36 AM ET

There has finally been a stir in the Indianapolis Colts. In the last few weeks, many have pointed out a glaring issue with the team’s cornerback who have been targeted by almost all of their opponents. After the team’s first loss, the Colts’ Coach Shane Steichen assured to look back at the game. As for how they fix it is still a big question.

Addressing the issues with the Colts’ CB, Xavien Howard’s struggles, the coach backed up the player. “He’s been a hell of a player in this league for a long time,” coach Steichen said. That said, the coach added that the unit will look into the tape again to figure out the issues with the cornerback. “But obviously we’ll go back and look at the tape …”

He also addressed wide receiver AD Mitchell’s fumble and called it “hard to explain that situation.” He further added, “But we got a lot of faith in AD …” On a key third-down play, the WR made a tough catch, broke free from two Los Angeles Rams defenders, and was about to score. But just before crossing the goal line, he lost control of the ball, and it rolled out of the back of the end zone.

#Colts HC Shane Steichen on WR AD Mitchell’s fumble:

“It’s hard to explain that situation, but we got a lot of faith in AD …”

On CB Xavien Howard’s struggles:

“He’s been a hell of a player in this league for a long time, but obviously we’ll go back and look at the tape …” pic.twitter.com/OU1ZffRRgL

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 29, 2025

And what could have been a big moment turned out to be a mistake. Before the coach, Mitchell had already called the mistake “unacceptable.” “Just a play that can’t happen,” he said. “Just unacceptable. I just gotta be better for the team and for the organization.”

But this wasn’t the only issue with the Colts. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has had an impressive record in the last 3 games, threw two interceptions. He threw his first interceptions on the first drive. The second interception was even more painful because of the timing.

With just a minute left, all three timeouts in hand, and the Colts needing a touchdown to tie the game, Jones went for a deep shot to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. But safety Kam Curl read it perfectly, jumped to catch the ball, and ended the Colts’ hopes. “Just a force I think at that point in the game, no need to force that,” Jones explained. “We got timeouts and time, I think, just understanding that.”

There were, unfortunately, too many penalties. The team was flagged 11 times for 88 yards of penalties. As for now, the Colts’ concern is their CB.

The Colts’ defense has serious issues, and Shane Steichen must fix them fast

The CB has been targeted multiple times this season. Howard sat out all of 2024 with an injury. And in the first four games, opponent teams have consistently targeted him for big gains. Those issues were in the spotlight in the game against the Rams as well.

Howard struggled heavily in coverage against the Rams, allowing 7 receptions on 9 targets for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks attacking him posted a near-perfect 155.6 passer rating, and that speaks volumes about the CB’s issues in the game.

The Rams used wide receiver Puka Nakua in every way possible to push Howard. Nacua ended up with 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Howard was struggling to keep up.

This is the first loss for the Colts, but the struggles aren’t new for the CB. So, coach Shane Steichen must fix the issue before the team lands in more trouble.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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