Ink on Indy
Fansided

Indianapolis Colts: OLB is Team’s “Biggest Defensive Issue”

By Kyle Nishida

Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight linebacker Trent Cole (58) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Tampa Bay 25-12. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight linebacker Trent Cole (58) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Tampa Bay 25-12. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indianapolis Colts know they have a lot of issues on defense, and everyone is noticing. NFL Network Charley Casserly sees the Colts’ flaws and recently said outside linebacker is the team’s biggest defensive issue.

On NFL Network, Casserly expressed his concern about the Colts’ outside linebacker group heading into the 2016. Specifically, he was critical of the lack of sack production from the Colts’ top three outside linebackers:  Robert Mathis, Trent Cole and Erik Walden.

He emphatically highlighted the fact these three linebackers only earned 13 sacks combined. Seven of those sacks came from Mathis. Casserly is right to believe the Colts need better production from this unit collectively.

More from Indianapolis Colts

In the team’s 3-4 defensive scheme, outside linebackers are the primary sack getters. In 2015, the Colts’ outside linebacker group did not get the job done.

Next, Casserly individually broke down the Colts’ three outside linebackers.

"“…When you watch, this guy has got the fountain of youth. The guy playing last year looks like the guy playing five or six years ago:  quick off the ball, explosive to beat the tackle, explosive inside, quick hands. But you have to monitor reps. Durability becomes a major question.”"

"“Trent Cole, it could be the end here for him. They played him some inside, some outside. He’s got some initial quickness, but I don’t see the burst to beat people.”"

"“Walden, I don’t see the top burst there.”"

Aside from the nice things Casserly had to say about Mathis, Casserly pointed out a negative flaw about each player. Each if these flaws are spot on.

Mathis is still capable of being a dominant pass rusher, but at age 35, his durability becomes a major concern. His body may not be able to endure the full grind of a NFL season if he has to play every down.

Meanwhile, Casserly rightfully had doubts about the speed and quickness of Cole and Walden. Cole is 33 years old and Walden is 30 years old. Both guys are on the backend of their careers. It is not like both guys are going to suddenly get faster or quicker in 2016.

Pass rush going to be the key to the Colts’ defensive success in 2016. As a result, the Colts’ outside linebackers will be closely observed under a huge microscope. They are the primary sack masters, and the Colts need them to produce.

Next: Colts: 5 Biggest Training Camp Questions

Despite the Indianapolis Colts having other issues, Casserly is right to think their biggest issue is at outside linebacker. They need to find ways to get their outside linebackers in positions to succeed. Failure to do so could result in a disappointing defensive season in 2016.

Home/Indianapolis Colts