Colts Post-game Grades: Defensive Units

The Colts played their first preseason game on Thursday night against Seattle, winning 19-17. Here is how the defensive units fared in their first game action this year.

There was plenty to watch during the Colts’ first preseason game on Thursday night. One of those things was how the new defensive system would work. The new 4-3 system made its debut, and there are still more questions to be answered. Here are the grades for each defensive unit.

This grade is mainly because the backups played pretty well. John Simon and Hassan Ridgeway were standouts, each recording some sacks. But the starters were not good. Russell Wilson had all day to throw the football. The line couldn’t get penetration and rush the passer at all. That needs to be fixed moving forward.

The starters had some decent moments. Darius Leonard had some good tackles in his first pro action. But they still let the Seattle offense march right down the field and score a touchdown on them. The backups were a little better, but this group still needs work.

The Colts corners had a rough go early on. Kenny Moore got beat a few times on the first drive, as did Pierre Desir. The backups played a little better, including Nate Hairston coming up with an interception in the endzone. This is a group to watch all year moving forward to see how it develops.

Once again, the starting group struggled. T.J. Green and Matthias Farley weren’t the best. The good news for Colts fans is that these “starters” are really the backups to injured Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers. The backups played much better later in the game.

All of these players should improve for the second game, but the starting defense did not inspire a lot of confidence in their first outing.