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Colts Greg Manusky on Defensive Personnel: “Best That We’ve Had”

By Luke Schultheis

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According to Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, this year’s defense may be the best group he’s had as far as personnel is concerned since being hired to coach the team’s defense in 2012:

"“Well I think right now the personnel that we have is, from a foundation of overall stuff, I think is the best that we’ve had here since we’ve been here,” Manusky said via ESPN’s Mike Wells."

While the team lost veteran leader Cory Redding to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, the team added free agent veteran additions like the Philadelphia Eagles Trent Cole, St. Louis Rams Kendall Langford, Atlanta Falcons Dwight Lowery, and the Denver Broncos Nate Irving.

The defense has come a long way from the former “Cover 2”, 4-3 defensive roster that Manusky largely inherited in 2012, to a defense that is now littered with bonafide 3-4 defensive personnel from top to bottom.

However, as exceptionally more talented as this year’s defensive personnel may be, the Colts will have to do a better job of communicating this season. Miscommunications last season led to breakdowns in coverage and responsibilities, something that Manusky will be looking to significantly address this offseason:

"“Communication is one of the biggest things defensively that we need to do across the board,” Manusky said. “That’s what we’ve been focusing on across the board. If that means taking less out or putting more in, it depends on the players that you have.”"

This year’s defense figures to be a better unit than last season’s, as not only did the team sign Trent Cole, but they will also be getting Robert Mathis back as a pass rusher:

"“If you’re going to have four guys that can really rush the passer, and then all of a sudden you’re playing a little two-man underneath, it’s a better situation for you because you are protected a little bit more,” Manusky said."

With upgrades in the pass rushing department, a healthy Arthur Jones for a whole season, and the addition by subtraction of cutting bait with LaRon Landry at safety, and next year’s defense should be better, at least on paper. Hopefully, it translates to actual gameplay on the field.

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