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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 05: Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) comes up with the ball after Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) fumbles during the AFC Wild Card game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on January 5, 2019 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

9. Indianapolis Colts

2018 Review: Under new coordinator Matt Eberflus, this group would emerge as a very solid unit. In both 2016 and ’17, the Colts gave up the third-most total yards in the league. In 2018, the team finished 11th in total defense and eighth vs. the run. Frank Reich’s club allowed 180 points in its first six games and then gave up just 16.4 points per outing during the team’s 9-1 finish. Denico Autry led the team with nine sacks, but it was star linebacker Darius Leonard who put up huge numbers in capturing NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and All-Pro recognition.

2019 Key Additions: General manager Chris Ballard was more concerned with securing the talent already in place, re-signing defensive tackle Margus Hunt, cornerback Pierre Desir and safety Clayton Geathers in March. The Colts added quality pass rusher Justin Houston, released by the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the team used seven of their 10 draft choices on defense, including second-round picks on talented cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and linebacker Ben Banogu.

Analysis: This unit came on strong after a so-so start and don’t be surprised when more strides are made. The Colts are suddenly deep on the defensive front and the arrival of Houston could mean bad news for opposing quarterbacks. The club’s 26 takeaways was Indianapolis’ best showing since the team forced that many turnovers in ’14. Add in the infusion of youth Ballard brought in via the draft and this is a defense that bears watching.

Next: No. 8

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