Colts 2019 season preview: Defense

The Colts have a roster built around a young superstars at linebacker. Will that be enough to help the offense get some wins?

Darius Leonard is the star on defense, and he is a league-wide star. He is the best player on the Colts’ defense, and is already one of the best players in the league. The rest of the roster is being built around him. Are those pieces enough to help out a less than stellar offense?

On the defensive line, they should be better than they were last year. That’s because of the addition of Justin Houston. Houston gives the Colts a bona fide superstar pass rusher. He can give them 7-10 sacks a year easily. That kind of production will be crucial.

There will be a rotation of defensive lineman this year. So far, they have looked ok. Denico Autry had a killer preseason and was really good last season as well. He and Margus Hunt have remade what the interior of the defensive line is. Throw in new starter Tyquan Lewis, and this group is going to be pretty good.

The secondary will be the big question mark. It is rebuilt and should be more physical than they have been in years. Health is going to be the big deal with this group. Both Malik Hooker and Clayton Geathers have injury history. They need to prove they can stay healthy.

Rock Ya-Sin could have a major impact as a rookie outside corner. he will start opposite of Pierre Desir. Kenny Moore, who can play outside too, is a great option as a slot corner. The defense as a whole will go as this unit goes.

Overall, the defense should be better than it was a year ago. But I’m not sure it will be good enough to compensate for the loss of Andrew Luck on the offensive side of the ball.