Ink on Indy
Fansided

Indianapolis Colts: Defense Must Take Pressure Off Offense in 2016

By Kyle Nishida

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52) celebrates his interception returned for a touchdown with defensive tackle Billy Winn (99), linebacker Erik Walden (93), and defensive end Kendall Langford (90) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52) celebrates his interception returned for a touchdown with defensive tackle Billy Winn (99), linebacker Erik Walden (93), and defensive end Kendall Langford (90) in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indianapolis Colts are typically dependent on their offense, and specifically, Andrew Luck. It is time for their defense to deliver solid results in 2016.

The Colts’ defense ranked in the bottom-third of most defensive categories in 2015. This is not too shocking because the Colts have always had a below-average defense for the past couple of seasons. The only reason why they have been successful in recent years is because of Andrew Luck’s stellar play at quarterback.

The Colts’ have always had a long list of defensive issues each season. Some weaknesses in past seasons were Greg Toler in man coverage, the Colts’ inability to clog up running lanes and their lack of a consistent pass rush (which is still an issue today).

Last season, the Indianapolis Colts struggled a lot on defense. Their defense surrendered 6,066 total yards (7th most in the NFL) and 25.5 points per game (8th most). As one could see, the Colts gave up a lot of yards, which caused opponents to consistently move the ball into scoring position.

More from Ink on Indy

Prior to the 2015 season, the Colts hid their defensive weaknesses behind their offensive success. It was a flawed strategy, and it finally backfired on them in 2015. The Colts’ offense struggled in 2015, and as a result, all of the Colts’ defensive weaknesses got exposed.

To be fair, the Colts’ defense has shown flashes of brilliance at times. However, it typically struggles whenever it needs a strong performance, like every time the Colts faces the New England Patriots. This downward trend needs to stop, and it must stop in 2016 because of all the uncertainty surrounding Luck and the offense.

With Luck returning from a lacerated kidney, it is hard to predict how effective he will be in 2016. A strong defense would certainly take a lot of pressure off of him. If the Colts’ defense can hold opponents around 20 points as opposed to almost 26 points, their offense will take less chances and can build momentum faster.

When the Colts’ defense has limited opponents’ scoring opportunities in the past, Luck is much more patient on offense. As a result, he commits less turnovers and has a better chance of getting into a rhythm offensively. Also, Luck’s success has a trickle-down effect on the rest of the offense.

If Luck’s passing is on target, receivers T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief will have more opportunities to create plays after the catch. Plus, running back Frank Gore will have better chance at breaking a long run.

This potential good fortune starts with the defense. It has to be able to stop teams from moving the ball and building insurmountable leads. If Colts’ defense can keep deficits manageable or preserve leads, they would take a lot of pressure to score away from the offense.

Next: Indianapolis Colts: Making The Playoffs a Possibility in 2016?

If the Indianapolis Colts can be a better defensive team in 2016, they could have strong a rebound season. If they still have the same defensive struggles from before, Colts’ fans will likely see a repeat of last year’s disappointing 8-8 season.

Home/Andrew Luck