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Colts vs. Eagles: Defensive post-game grades

By Ryan Stano

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs for a first down against linebacker Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs for a first down against linebacker Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The Colts weren’t able to come away with a win in Philly, falling 20-16. But their defense kept the Colts in the game until the end.

Defensively, the Colts played very well last week. They followed that with a pretty good performance in Philly. They knew they had to play well if they wanted to win the game. Unfortunately, their last drive on the field they had no discipline. Here is how each unit graded out.

B+. . DL. Indianapolis Colts. DEFENSIVE LINE

After a shaky first drive, the defensive line performed pretty well. They had 3 sacks as a unit and did a decent job plugging up holes so running backs couldn’t get through. Margus Hunt played like a man possessed and had 1.5 sacks by himself, and had a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He has played great to start the year. However, Jabaal Sheard got called for a key defensive holding penalty on the last Eagles drive on 4th and 5 to keep them in the game.

LB. Indianapolis Colts. LINEBACKERS . B+.

Darius Leonard continue to be on a tear. He had 13 tackles and 2 sacks today. Anthony Walker had a good game too, recording 9 tackles and picking off a pass. But they didn’t do enough on that final Eagles drive to keep them out of the end zone.

SECONDARY . C+. . S. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts covered pretty well most of the game. After the first drive, they made adjustments that worked. But on that final drive, they lost their composure.They couldn’t cover in key spots and got called for countless penalties. Ultimately, that let the Eagles go down the field and score the game-winning touchdown.

F. . . Indianapolis Colts. DISCIPLINE

This was the biggest issue for the defense. They had zero discipline, especially on that Eagles TD drive in the 4th quarter. Nate Hairston got called for defensive holding on 2nd and 26 that gave Philly a first down. Sheard had that defensive holding on 4th and 5. They didn’t sack Wentz on 3rd and 9 after having a gaggle of players around him, and let him pick up the first down. The Colts have to get better in terms of their discipline.

Next. Colts vs. Eagles: Offensive post-game grades. dark

The defense showed that last week wasn’t a fluke. They can play well and can keep this offense in games. But they have to close them out better.

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