Indianapolis Colts offense will be dangerous this upcoming season

With Anthony Richardson back, the Indianapolis Colts’ offense should be deadly this season.

However, the defensive line is perhaps the team’s greatest strength. Stampede Blue’s Andrew Aziz wrote about the unit, including the addition of rookie Laiatu Latu:

”You cannot ask for a better defensive line than the Colts. Of course, some teams have superstar edge rushers who can earn 20 sacks in a season, but this bunch finished fifth in the NFL last season with 51 sacks, and the acquisition of Latu only strengthens them.”

2024 Colts Defense: “You Can’t Ask For a Better Defensive Line.”

Laiatu Latu Strengthens Defensive End Room

As Aziz stated, the Colts finished seventh in the league in sacks last season with 51. It was the most since the franchise’s transfer to Indianapolis in 1984. Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, and Dayo Odeyingbo all tallied at least eight. Ebukam led the way with a career-best 9.5. While the Colts recorded a lot of sacks, their pressure rate was only 19.6 percent.

Latu can assist with it. Indianapolis took the defensive end out of UCLA with the 15th overall choice in this year’s NFL Draft. He can be a menace on the outside, anchoring Indianapolis’ pass rush.

Latu suffered a neck injury at Washington, causing him to miss two seasons. Fortunately, he has been healthy throughout the last two years. If he can stay injury-free, Latu has the potential to become an outstanding pass-rusher in the near future.

Ebukam and Paye, who recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks last season, will be the starting defensive ends. Meanwhile, talented players such as Latu, Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis will serve as backups.

Grover Stewart, DeForest Buckner, and the Defensive Tackle Unit

One of the Colts’ top goals this offseason was re-signing Grover Stewart. General manager Chris Ballard succeeded in re-signing the defensive tackle to a three-year, $39 million contract.

The Colts missed Stewart during his six-game PED sentence last season. During his first six weeks in the lineup, the Indianapolis defense allowed 3.7 yards per carry and 2.24 yards per rush before contact. During his suspension, the Colts allowed 4.9 yards per carry and 3.14 yards per rush before to contact.

Stewart and Buckner are one of the league’s best defensive tackle duos, and they show no signs of slowing down. Stewart is an excellent run stopper, while Buckner offers pass-rushing support for the club.

Buckner is perhaps the Colts’ finest defensive player. Since joining the team in 2020, he has been awarded a First-Team All-Pro once and made two Pro Bowl appearances. He leads both on the field and in the locker room.

Raekwon Davis, who signed this offseason, will give Stewart and Buckner a break. Taven Bryan and Adetomiwa Adebawore, both second-year players, are also DT backups. Jonah Laulu, who was taken in the seventh round this year, has a chance to make the squad if he performs well in training camp.

The Colts have not reached the playoffs since 2020. If the defensive line continues to play well, the secondary improves, and the Richardson-led offense performs well, they can make the playoffs in 2024.