The Colts may have lost another second half lead yesterday, but the defense showed that it is no one week wonder. They are for real.
One of the most surprising things in this young season is the emergence of the Colts defense. They were horrible last season, and they didn’t project to be a ton better this year. But after three weeks, they are actually the ones driving this team.
While the offense has sputtered and hasn’t capitalized on good opportunities, the defense has provided those good opportunities. They have done a good job keeping the Colts in games so far. The only bad outing was against the Bengals, who look very good this year.
But as good as the defense has looked, it leads to disappointment because of how bad the offense has been. Everyone expected Andrew Luck to have some rust, but I didn’t expect him to look this bad. I also expected the running game to be a little better than it is.
With the defense exceeding expectations early, maybe it’s time to adjust those expectations. Maybe the defense can carry this team while the offense finds itself. Perhaps the defense can win this team a few games as it did against the Redskins.
I would expect Frank Reich to figure out the offensive woes so that it can match the play of the defense. The main thing is getting healthy. They need Anthony Castonzo, Marlon Mack, and Jack Doyle to all be healthy to make the offense run as efficient as it can.
Hopefully the defense can maintain its steady play until then. Expect them to. They have great young players and a motivation to keep playing at a high level.