The Colts improved their defense greatly last season after hiring a new coaching staff. But it should be even better this year in year two of the new system.
Most times when you switch base defenses, it takes a little time for the defense to play well and adjust. That is especially true when you go from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base defense. There are players that have to switch positions and learn how to play new ones.
That was not the case last season when the Colts did just that. They actually drastically improved on their performance from the previous year. They went from being a bottom feeder in most categories to above average in a lot of them.
Some of that was drafting Darius Leonard and adding some other pieces in free agency. But a lot of it is also because of what Matt Eberflus was able to do as defensive coordinator. He changed the whole dynamic of the unit and made them believe that they can be a good defense.
Eberflus should only be better in year two with the Colts. He knows how his players play within the system and can better utilize them now. He can call specific plays and packages to use their best skills. That will be paramount with Justin Houston on the roster now.
The Colts will be better than people think on the defensive side of the ball this season. They could be a top ten or even a top five defense.