NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?
By Jakob Ashlin
28. Indianapolis Colts
- Notable additions: DE Samson Ebukam
- Notable losses: CB Stephon Gilmore, LB Bobby Okereke
- 2022 scoring defense: 29th
- 2022 yards defense: 15th
2022 represented a massive drop-off for the Colts’ defense. In three of the four previous years, they were a top-10 scoring defense. In 2021, they finished ninth in the NFL in points per game allowed. However, they finished 29th in points per game allowed in 2022.
So, what went wrong? Well, takeaways stand out as a big factor. The Colts forced the second-most turnovers in the league in 2021 (33). Individually, Shaquille Leonard forced 12 turnovers (eight forced fumbles, four interceptions). For perspective, that was more than the entire Jaguars’ defense.
Last season, the Colts dropped down to 19th in takeaways (21). Leonard was limited to three games played due to a back injury. Without the splash plays, the Colts’ defense regressed to below-average.
Losing Gilmore in the offseason stings. The former Defensive Player of the Year is still a valuable cornerback, allowing a completion percentage of only 56.2 percent in coverage last season.
Nevertheless, the Colts do have the potential to outperform this ranking. Leonard is working his way back to the field. A healthy Leonard would be a big difference-maker for the team.
With a lack of depth and an injured star, everything has to go right for this unit to be successful in 2023.