Colts vs. Buccaneers: Defensive grades

The Colts had an opportunity to save their season with a win in Raymond James Stadium. They could not, and the defense is largely to blame.

38. That’s how many points the Colts defense allowed. They allowed 38 points to a 5-7 team. Because of that putrid effort, they lost a game they had to win to save their season. Now it’s time for them to tank. Here is how each unit on the defense graded in this effort.

Justin Houston continues his monstrous season as he got his 9th sack of the season. The defensive line actually did a decent job of pushing the pocket around on Jameis Winston. They also did a a pretty good job limiting rushing opportunities.

Darius Leonard is the only reason why this game was even close. He had a monster game, picking off two passes in the first half. He took the second one back 81 yards for a touchdown. Leonard added on 9 tackles, a tackle for loss, and 2 passes defended.

Bobby Okereke looked lost in zone coverage. He got the ball thrown over his head multiple times on play-action passes. The rookie continues to struggle mightily in pass coverage, and it was costly. He has to get better if he’s gonna be out there.

Anytime you give up 456 yards through the air, the secondary is gonna get an F. Malik Hooker did have an interception and George Odum did force a fumble that was recovered by Rock Ya-Sin, but it didn’t matter. The secondary got shredded all game long.

Matt Eberflus has failed to make adjustments in the second half all year long. It doesn’t help that Kenny Moore was out today, but they still can’t give up 456 yards no matter who is out there. It’s apparent that Eberflus has lost his luster from last season.

This loss was absolutely brutal. It’s time for the team to tank for a better draft pick, because they aren’t going to make the playoffs.