The Colts’ defensive line needs to be better

The Colts have had some issues up front so far this season. But they have a chance to improve after the bye week.

Last season, the Colts’ defensive line was surprisingly good. They dominated up front and won the line of scrimmage in most of their games. The same cannot be said for this season. They have been moved around in most of their games so far. They need to be better.

Part of the reason they haven’t been as good is because of injuries. Jabaal Sheard missed the first three games of the season recovering from knee surgery. Tyquan Lewis has missed the last couple of games with an ankle injury. More health should lead to better play.

But the push that was there last season is mostly gone. They are getting blown off the ball, and that has allowed teams to run the ball effectively against them. It’s killing the whole defense. The one exception to this has been Denico Autry, who has started off pretty well.

Autry has had moments this season where he has completely taken over games. In the first few games he wrecked plays in the backfield. Recently though, even he has slowed his production. The Colts need him to play at the level he was playing at.

Justin Houston might be one player who is about to hit his stride. He has by far his best game of the season on Sunday against the Chiefs. He hadn’t done a whole lot prior to that. Hopefully that’s the game he needed to get himself more involved.

The bye week is the perfect time to make adjustments to the defensive line to improve their effectiveness. Expect them to play better the rest of the season.