Reviewing the Colts’ Week 5 Defense

Jan. 1, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Robert Mathis (98) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – The Colts came away from Sunday’s huge game against the Seattle Seahawks with a 34-28 win, and yet another statement made to the rest of the NFL. Andrew Luck and the Colts offense took care of the football, and the defense made enough plays to hold the Seahawks down the stretch to secure the win.

One of the main areas of concern to this point of the season has been the Indianapolis defense. There is a lot of talent throughout the Colts defensive unit, but they have to put everything together and play up to their potential to have a shot at contending for a Super Bowl appearance. That being said, they stepped up in a very big way this past week and played a great all-around game.

Jerrell Freeman led the way with 13 total tackles including seven solo tackles, a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit as well. Freeman has stepped up in a big way throughout the last few weeks, and has really become one of the cornerstones for this Colts defense. Greg Toler played a great game in pass coverage as well, defending two passes and recording seven tackles as well.

Robert Mathis has been one of the most impressive defensive players in the NFL to this point of the season. He recorded two more sacks this past week against a very good Seahawks offensive line. He’s compiled 9.5 sacks so far, and is most certainly putting his name into the running for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

One are that the Colts defense does need to improve in would be against the rushing game. The Seahawks racked up 218 rushing yards led by 102 by both Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson. Wilson’s rushing yards were mostly off of broken passing play scrambles, but the Colts defense absolutely must improve in this area in order to make a deep postseason run.

The Colts defense may have given up 28 points this past week and 423 total yards, but they made the necessary plays to win the football game. Darius Butler finished the game with an interception off of Russell Wilson, and capped a game in which the Colts showed the potential to be a defense that can stand up when needed to help close out a game.

Overall, this past week was a very good week for Colts fans to a see a defense that is growing. Each week this year, the Colts have shown improvement defensively. The coaching staff has done an absolutely great job of preparing and gameplanning each and every week to improve the errors that they see, and make this defense the best that it possibly can be.

Evan Massey is an Editor at Naptown’s Finest. Follow Evan and Naptown’s Finest on Twitter.