- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 522,159
- Reaction score
- 47
The Indianapolis Colts addressed the secondary heavily this offseason, signing Cam Bynum and Charvarius Ward in free agency, along with spending a top 100 draft pick on Justin Walley.
This need to reshape the defensive backfield was twofold for the Colts.
For starters, the play on the back end has to improve.
This was a Colts' pass defense last season that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in passer rating, pass deflections, completion rate, and yards per attempt.
Quarterbacks often took advantage of this unit via the quick passing game, and No. 1 wide receivers frequently had big days against the Colts' secondary.
But in addition to that obviously important element, under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, we are going to see a much greater reliance on the defensive back position group.
This can include what's being asked of this unit, where versatility and the ability to handle a variety of roles are a requirement in order to disguise coverages. This is also going to be a more aggressive group than what we saw under Gus Bradley.
However, also a part of that equation is that we will see more defensive back-heavy personnel groupings, specifically more dime packages, which includes six defensive backs on the field.
"It's been a matchup league and certainly if the offense puts out a certain personnel group you want to be able to match it with what they're doing," Anarumo said on Wednesday. "Especially on third down, you want to get cover guys covering receivers. Nowadays, tight ends, the days to me of putting linebackers on tight ends is not ideal for the defense.
"So you always want to get a bigger, longer athlete that maybe can run a little bit. A DB mindset. So more DBs out there in pure passing situations is something that we've always tried to do and will continue to do."
In one offseason, the outlook of the cornerback and safety position groups for the Colts has done a 180 compared to where it was last season. This should result in improved play from that unit--which is a must--but the additions will also help maximize Anarumo's defensive scheme and what it wants to accomplish.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Indianapolis Colts roster: Greater reliance on defensive backs in 2025
Continue reading...
This need to reshape the defensive backfield was twofold for the Colts.
For starters, the play on the back end has to improve.
This was a Colts' pass defense last season that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in passer rating, pass deflections, completion rate, and yards per attempt.
Quarterbacks often took advantage of this unit via the quick passing game, and No. 1 wide receivers frequently had big days against the Colts' secondary.
But in addition to that obviously important element, under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, we are going to see a much greater reliance on the defensive back position group.
This can include what's being asked of this unit, where versatility and the ability to handle a variety of roles are a requirement in order to disguise coverages. This is also going to be a more aggressive group than what we saw under Gus Bradley.
However, also a part of that equation is that we will see more defensive back-heavy personnel groupings, specifically more dime packages, which includes six defensive backs on the field.
"It's been a matchup league and certainly if the offense puts out a certain personnel group you want to be able to match it with what they're doing," Anarumo said on Wednesday. "Especially on third down, you want to get cover guys covering receivers. Nowadays, tight ends, the days to me of putting linebackers on tight ends is not ideal for the defense.
"So you always want to get a bigger, longer athlete that maybe can run a little bit. A DB mindset. So more DBs out there in pure passing situations is something that we've always tried to do and will continue to do."
In one offseason, the outlook of the cornerback and safety position groups for the Colts has done a 180 compared to where it was last season. This should result in improved play from that unit--which is a must--but the additions will also help maximize Anarumo's defensive scheme and what it wants to accomplish.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Indianapolis Colts roster: Greater reliance on defensive backs in 2025
Continue reading...
