Colts vs. Browns: Defense grades

The Colts needed to look better in their second preseason game against the Browns. They did, but they still lost 21-18. Here is how the defense did.

Defensively, the Colts have improved a lot over the past year. They really came on at the end of the season a year ago, and honestly kept the team in a lot of games early. They didn’t look great in Buffalo, so they needed to look better against the Browns. Here is how they graded.

The defensive line has been the bright spot during camp and the preseason. They were a bright spot again yesterday. Kemoko Turay had a great game, recording two tackles for loss and a sack. Caraun Reid also had a sack and continued his great preseason.

This is going to be a key unit for the Colts moving forward. This unit will set the tone on defense. They were great in the run game too, as the Browns only ran for 64 yards. Pass rushing is the key with these guys, and they looked pretty good doing that.

The linebacker unit is becoming increasingly intriguing. EJ Speed and Bobby Okereke have gotten spot duty on the first team defense. Speed had some bad moments though, but that’s expected from a rookie. The backups did okay as well, and they deserve some credit for the good run defense as well. But no one on this unit did really well in pass coverage, which needs fixed.

This was the worst unit on defense for the Colts by far. The Colts let a third-string quarterback rip apart the secondary of their first team defense. Garrett Gilbert had a field day, and it was embarrassing to watch. With the backups, Marvell Tell had a rough game. He got burned on a deep throw, gave up a touchdown, and got called for pass interference. That all happened in two straight series.

If the Colts want to be a better defensive team, this unit has to be better. They can’t allow quarterbacks to tear them apart. This was a disappointing game from the secondary.