The Indianapolis Colts have not made the playoffs since the 2020-21 season while under former HC Frank Reich.
Now, under Shane Steichen and new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, the Colts find themselves looking to return to the postseason.
Colts Wire’s Paul Bretl writes that the Colts need to get more pressure on opposing team quarterbacks can help them return to the playoffs.
“The name of the game is affecting the quarterback, and the Colts struggled to do that consistently last season. The Colts’ defense would finish the year ranked 22nd in pressure rate, they were 23rd in total pressures, 26th in sacks, and 21st in ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric,” Bretl wrote.
“The defensive front is a unit that has been heavily invested in over the years, both in cap space and in draft capital, so the pieces to this puzzle should already be on the roster.”
The Colts totaled 36 sacks last season under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and the same amount as Anarumo had at his old job.
Pieces On the Front Seven
GettyColts EDGE Rusher Laiatu Latu.
The Colts have three-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeForest Buckner on the squad, who has logged 6.5 + sacks every season since joining the team.
Samson Ebukam will return to the field for Indianapolis after missing the 2024-25 season due to a torn Achilles. In his first season with the Indy, Samson registered 9.5 and 57 total tackles.
Pro Football Focus expects Colts second-year EDGE Laiatu Latu to break out in his second season in the league.
“The Colts fell short of the measuring stick in 2024, in part due to a defensive line that finished 26th in pressure rate. Even if he didn’t play entirely as well as expected right away, Latu still performed like the team’s best edge rusher in his first year,” PFF’s Bradley Locker wrote. “Latu could evoke shades of his monster final collegiate season in his second year in the NFL.”
If the Colts’ defense gets clicking, they could disrupt all types of offensive lines and rush QBs on their passes.
Additions to the Secondary Room
GettyNew Indianapolis Colts DB Camryn Bynum.
Bretl mentioned that the defensive line wasn’t able to get to opposing QBs due to the secondary getting “picked apart” last season.
To allow the D-line to have time to get to the opposing quarterbacks, the Colts spent big money on the defensive acquisitions this free agency.
Indy signed safety Camryn Bynum to a four-year, $60 million deal and cornerback Charvarius Ward to a three-year, $54 million contract, respectively.
Alongside Kenny Moore and Jaylon Jones, the Colts’ secondary can allow the front four to reach the quarterback and increase pressure on the other team.
Indianapolis has a strong defensive team on paper; it’s up to the players to capitalize on it and return the franchise to the playoffs.
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