Editing Episode 620 (section)

=== Colts Defense ===

The Colts rank 32nd in pass rush win rate, 29th in pressure rate, 31st in run stop rate, and 31st in run stuff rate. They lead the NFL in deploying three or fewer pass rushers — approximately 7% of opponent dropbacks — and rank second among qualified defences in EPA per play when rushing three, suggesting the drop-eight approach is the best available plan given the lack of an effective edge rusher. Laatu Latu has not developed as expected. The two reliable interior pass rushers are DeForest Buckner and a young defensive tackle from Borre who, per Hicks, generates occasional unblockable pressures in under one and a half seconds but cannot be consistently deployed as the defence's primary plan.

The linebacker situation is unusual: CJ Allen, a second-round pick from Georgia, missed significant offseason work, was expected to be the green-dot signal-caller, and saw that role handed to Cameron Bynum in Week 1, which failed catastrophically against the Ravens (60% Cover 1 against Lamar Jackson; Zay Flowers with 150 yards in the first half alone before leaving). This forced Tekeem Davis-Gathe into the green-dot role at a point when he had received almost no installation, making him indispensable and effectively sidelining Allen's development into the Will linebacker position. Allen is beginning to see more snaps but has had a structurally unusual first season. AJ Holsey at safety has been hot and cold in the manner of a developing young player; Cameron Bynum, the other safety, is being asked to work closer to the line of scrimmage than his natural single-high role but has his first interception of the season and remains a net positive for the defence.