Colts’ defensive transformation positions them for a postseason run

A midseason revamp is currently underway for the Indianapolis Colts’ defense.

Just two weeks prior, the team was on the verge of a historically poor season and giving up a league-worst 28.6 points per game. The Colts allowed 114 points over a three-game losing run, which is a record high since 2011.

The Colts’ defense has undergone a significant transformation since then. Over the last two weeks, cornerback Kenny Moore II has scored two touchdowns more than the opponents of Indianapolis have. However, the 20 points let up in that time have put Indianapolis (5-5) back at.500 and in a position to challenge for a postseason berth.

The coach Shane Steichen stated, “I think you start playing your best football in November and December,” following Sunday’s 10–6 victory over New England in Germany. “The second half of the season is when you kind of learn about teams. Therefore, we’re 2-0 (in November) and are still finding new ways to win, and our defense has clearly improved over the past two weeks.”

The Colts’ confidence has been restored after winning two games in a row going into their bye week. They are now 1 1/2 games behind Jacksonville, who leads the AFC South.

Yes, Indianapolis has defeated both Carolina and New England, the worst clubs in their respective conferences and two of the league’s four lowest-scoring teams. However, this pattern might persist.

Over its next seven games, Indianapolis plays only one club that is currently more than one game above.500 and five of the NFL’s lowest scoring offenses. The Colts feel their defense, which is among the top six in the league in tackles for loss (61), sacks (30), takeaways (16), and strip sacks (six), can help them make it to the postseason.

“Over the past two weeks, there has been a lot of focus on getting to.500 heading into the bye,” defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, a two-time Pro Bowler, stated. “I’m thrilled. The boys are aware that we have a genuine opportunity to push for the playoffs.”

WHAT’S WORKING

the hasty pass. Whether Indianapolis could regularly pressure opposing quarterbacks was one issue going into this season. The Colts are tied for fourth place with 30 sacks after ten games. Against the Pats, they had five, with three coming from Dayo Odeybingbo, who matched his season total.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Completing runs. Indianapolis’ nine-game run of scoring 20 points or more was snapped on Sunday, but the problems had been apparent before. Moore’s two touchdowns versus Carolina accounted for 14 points, which was more than the 13 points scored by the entire Indianapolis offense during that game. After just two weeks, the Colts have scored three offensive touchdowns in the last five quarters.

STOCK UP

WR Isaiah McKenzie and Odeyingbo. Over the past four games, Odeyingbo has four and a half sacks in addition to a fumble recovery. Even if McKenzie’s numbers haven’t been as good, Indianapolis wouldn’t be.500 without him. As rookie wide receiver Josh Downs recovers from a knee injury, he has effectively filled in. On Sunday, McKenzie caught four catches for 31 yards and returned kickoffs 42 yards to set up the game-winning field goal.

STOCK DOWN

Zack Moss, RB. This week, he started as the second-best rusher in the NFL. However, Moss’s workload has decreased while Jonathan Taylor’s has increased. Moss only had one carry for two yards as a result of Steichen’s tendency to play with the hot hand, which was Taylor against New England early in the game.

INJURIES

Three-time Pro Bowler C is the most notable addition to the injured list. Ryan Kelly, who was sidelined in the second half and placed under the concussion protocol. It’s his second concussion of the season. Following the game, McKenzie also seemed to have an ice pack covering his left hand. Despite leaving the game briefly on Sunday, DEs Tyquan Lewis (calf) and Kwity Paye (hamstring) completed it.

KEY NUMBER

5 — The Colts’ victory over New England, their second in three years, not only tied the team record but also gave first-year coach Steichen his fifth victory, surpassing Indianapolis’s total from the previous campaign (four).

NEXT STEPS

Everybody looks forward to the bye week every year. However, following a trip abroad and a physical game when the offense faltered once more, the timing appears ideal. Over the next seven weeks, Steichen and his team will undoubtedly think about ways to improve the consistency of their ground game.