The Indianapolis Colts defense looked rather suspect on Sunday night as they were abused by Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos during their Week 1 loss.
More from Indianapolis Colts
- Colts get trolled for new black helmet, looking like Duke wannabes
- NFL’s running back revolt has begun after Saquon Barkley drama
- 3 running backs who will be the next Saquon Barkley with contract disputes
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- Philip Rivers can soon play QB with a full offense of his kids
Granted, they’re not the only team to fall victim to Manning’s surgical precision though life may have been a bit easier if outside linebacker Robert Mathis was on the field. Mathis is of course currently suspended by the NFL for violating the PED policy though was set to return in three weeks. That will not be the case however as Robert Mathis suffered a torn Achilles while working out in Atlanta in preparation for his season debut.
#Colts pass-rusher Robert Mathis has torn his Achilles, source confirms @ProFootballTalk report. Just brutal news for suspended star.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2014
It’s a devastating blow to an Indianapolis Colts defense that was already struggling. The fact that Mathis will now miss the entire season is crippling.
The star pass rusher had an extremely impressive 19.5 sacks in 2013 despite not having Dwight Freeney to help him out on the other side of the field. Without Robert Mathis, the Indianapolis Colts will now have to use a collection of Bjoern Werner, Erik Walden and others to replace Mathis’ production.
That of course won’t be easy though if there’s any silver lining it’s that the Colts were already working without Mathis and are as prepared as they can be without their star pass rusher.
Life just got a little easier for quarterbacks in the AFC South and a lot more difficult for the Colts defense.