3 Tandems Define This Colts Defense

The Colts have 3 tandems on Defense that are giving opposing offenses fits. And better yet, all 3 of those tandems are going to be around for many more years.

Once again, this Colts defense stepped up to the plate and did their part in the victory over arguably one of the hottest teams in the NFL in the Houston Texans. While it was again an all around effort, here are the 3 tandems that are the catalysts for this Indy defense.

Denico Autry and Jabaal Sheard

While Colts fans knew about Jabaal Sheard before the season, many were unfamiliar with Denico Autry. But after his combined 5 sacks in his past two games, I think people are becoming more accustomed to the name. Autry and Sheard have created a dangerous pass rush, and when you add that to the solid production of Margus Hunt, it just makes this defensive line that much better. Getting to the quarterback has not been an issue for the Colts this season, and after Sunday, the Texans and Deshaun Watson know that better than anybody.

Anthony Walker and Darius Leonard

Probably the biggest surprise of the season has been how the linebacker unit has stepped up for Indy. And stepped up may be an understatement, as Leonard and Walker have emerged as playmakers in this defense. Walker came onto the scene towards the end of the season last year in his rookie campaign. Now, 15th in the league in tackles, he is beginning to establish himself on this unit.

Talk about establish, Darius Leonard is 1st in the NFL in tackles, and has 17 more than the guy behind him. The kicker in that is that Leonard has even missed a game this season. Both these guys are going to be around for a long time, and will be a staple in this Colts unit for years to come.

Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers

There was speculation that these two at the safety position would be hard to throw on, but over the course of this year they have started to confirm that the speculation is fact. When they have both been in the starting lineup together, as seen yesterday, they make it hard on opposing quarterbacks. The coverage was spot on for the majority of the game, and a big reason why the Colts were able to get hits on Watson when nobody was open. If Mike Mitchell can get healthy soon, this dynamic tandem could turn to a dynamic trio.

While the Colts defense has surprised many throughout the NFL, they knew from the very beginning that they had the ability to play like they have been. This week they are going to be taking on another powerful offense in the Cowboys that features talented players like Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper. But if watching this defense has taught us anything about the Colts this year, it’s that this defense is up to the challenge.