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One glaring defensive problem is sabotaging the Indianapolis Colts 2026 season

In 2025, the Indianapolis Colts featured an explosive offense and a run-of-the-mill defense. They set out to correct that imbalance, but Indy is failing.

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 10:00 AM
One glaring defensive problem is sabotaging the Indianapolis Colts 2026 season
Key Things to Know
  • The writer argues that poor run defense is severely undermining the Indianapolis Colts during the 2026 season.
  • Indy ranks 28th in the NFL, allowing 130 rushing yards per game and 5 yards per carry.
  • The Colts lost all three games in which an opposing running back gained over 100 yards.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Jonathan Eig argues that a severe decline in run defense is undermining the Indianapolis Colts through the first five games of the 2026 season. Under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Colts rank 28th in the NFL by surrendering 130 rushing yards per game and 5 yards per carry, leading directly to all three of their losses when opposing backs topped 100 yards.

The writer attributes the struggles to general manager Chris Ballard's offseason roster turnover, noting that departures like Kwity Paye and Kenny Moore were replaced by struggling youngsters and older stopgaps. Eig also points out that veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has regressed against the run, while young linebackers have experienced growing pains.

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