2023 Indianapolis Colts Defense

Indy fell to 20th in rushing yards allowed (2,109) due to an increase in rushing attempts against (30.0 per game). They gave up 4.1 yards per carry (4.4 in 2021), with ball carriers scoring 20 touchdowns.

The Colts climbed to 12th in pass yards allowed (3,980). Their defense finished with 44 sacks while giving up 25 passing touchdowns with 10 interceptions.

LB Shaquille Leonard remains Indy’s top defender against the run with a history of a high volume of tackles and help in coverage. Unfortunately, he missed 14 games in 2022 due to multiple injuries (back, concussion, and nose). LB Zaire Franklin picked up the slack last season by delivering 167 tackles, three sacks, and three forced fumbles. The Colts’ third linebacking job is up for grabs, with no one standing out.

DT DeForest Buckner remains a steady force in the center of Indianapolis’s defensive line. He handles himself well vs. the run while securing 142 tackles and 15 sacks over the past two years. The Colts hope DT Taven Bryan can find his missing swag that led to him getting drafted in the first round in 2018. DE Kwity Paye missed five games in his sophomore season with Indy, but he looks on the verge of adding double-digit sacks with improving his run defense. DE Dayo Odeyingbo pushed his way to a league-average player in his second year with Indy while earning only rotational snaps.

Indianapolis is transitioning at the cornerback position, inviting many mistakes and multiple changes as the season progresses. S Julian Blackman has a history of being an asset against the run, but he will give up some big plays in the passing game.

This defense has a lot to prove this season while lacking depth of impact players. In the fantasy market, they rank as a low-end backup option with occasional backup value.