3 Defensive Ways For The Colts To Defeat Panthers

When the Indianapolis Colts play the Carolina Panthers, their defense seems to perform better against their former coach.

In Week 8, Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints would score 38 more points against the Indianapolis Colts defense. This would be the third game in a row that the opposition has allowed 37 points or more, which is rarely good for a victory.

The poor offense of the Carolina Panthers (1-6), captained by former Colts head coach Frank Reich, presents the best opportunity for Indianapolis to recover, particularly on defense.

Let’s talk about the three things the Colts defense needs to accomplish in order to avoid finishing the season with a 3-6 record, with rookie quarterback Bryce Young and veteran wide out Adam Thielen taking on Gus Bradley’s scheme.

1. Help DeForest Buckner in the Pass Rush

With their strong defensive line play, particularly from ends Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam, the Colts enjoyed a good start to 2023. But the pass rush hasn’t been as strong as it has been in recent weeks. Grover Stewart, a defensive tackle who can provide strong run defense and quarterback pressure, may not be there.

However, only defensive tackle DeForest Buckner would stand out with any sacks and steady pressure in the most recent game against the Saints. There wasn’t a single player that put pressure on Carr save Buckner.

With 25 sacks allowed, the Panthers’ offensive line is presently tied for fourth place in the NFL, making them among the worst in the league. All year long, QB Young has been under siege from the rest of the protection, with the exception of offensive lineman Taylor Moton. Young has now claimed 22 of the teams’ allotted sacks in just six games.

This is an ideal game for Paye, Ebukam, and other players to exert pressure on Young and accumulate sacks once more. Expect Indy to be eager to take on the passer in Carolina on Sunday.

2. Limit Tony Brown’s Snaps

Possibly Indianapolis’ worst defensive back performance of the season came last week. Sadly, it was for Tony Brown, the veteran cornerback with the Colts.

Pro Football Focus reports that Brown was targeted seven times by the Saints and gave up seven catches on all of Carr’s passes. He would also give up 187 receiving yards and a touchdown pass (to Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, who gained 153 yards and the score).

Brown wasn’t playing a game that called for 55 defensive snaps, whether it was because he was behind coverage or he was giving up big plays. Ron Milus, the defensive backs coach, and Bradley have too much experience to repeat this mistake.

If Brown doesn’t sit directly behind fellow cornerback Darrell Baker Jr., who saw 0 snaps on Sunday against the Saints while Brown gasped for air in coverage all day, expect to see less snaps from Brown.

3. Contain Adam Thielen

Few gave Thielen a chance after he signed with the Panthers from the Minnesota Vikings since he was past his prime and had reached the end of his career. But the former two-time Pro Bowler has surprised everyone with a surprising comeback.

With Andy Dalton and Young both throwing touchdown passes this season, Thielen is the team’s clear top pass-catcher. He has currently caught 57 passes on 70 targets for 581 receiving yards (10.2 average) and four receiving touchdowns in the first seven games. With 220 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns on 15 catches, D.J. Chark is the next receiver who comes closest to Thielen’s stats.

When it comes to the linebackers and secondary for the Colts, Thielen is the player to watch out for. Following Brown’s failure to cover a rookie like Shaheed, expect Bradley to exert every coaching effort to restrict Thielen and make Young find another receiver to throw to.

To put it simply, Indianapolis’ chances of making the playoffs could be in jeopardy if they allow themselves to be drawn into this possible trap game.