Colts vs. Jets: Defensive post-game grades

The Colts lost to the Jets 42-34, and it wasn’t a good loss to take. The defense was banged up, but still could’ve played better. Here is how each unit on the defense graded out.

The Colts are spiraling after their fourth straight loss, this time against the Jets. But the defense had been playing pretty well most of the season. That was not the case today. Here is how each of the units graded in today’s game.

This unit was missing two starters in Margus Hunt and Denico Autry. Their absence was very much felt throughout the game. The line didn’t get any push on the pass rush. They only had one sack, which was from Jabaal Sheard. But other than that, they got bullied, especially late in the game.

Whatever bad grade this unit gets, Darius Leonard brings it up every single week. Today was no different, as he had another 9 tackles and a forced fumble. But the rest of the unit wasn’t very good. They couldn’t get pressure, didn’t do a good job in coverage, and got gashed late on the ground.

The secondary continues to get torn up. Save for a Malik Hooker interception, Sam Darnold got whatever he wanted down the field. The unit was without Clayton Geathers, but they still had all of their other normal starters in there. They simply have to play better.

Even though the defense didn’t play well, they aren’t the reason the Colts lost this game. The offense was constantly putting the defense in bad spots with untimely turnovers. That has been the story of this team all year long.

The defense needs to get their stuff together, but they have been largely better than expected this season. Getting healthy will go a long way later in the year.