Colts: Front four can still ruin Baker Mayfield’s day despite linebacker injuries

The Colts apply a ton of pressure without blitzing and that could be the difference against the Browns.

The Indianapolis Colts sport the NFL’s top defense heading into Week 5, but the unit will be without its leader in Darius Leonard on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Additionally, fellow linebacker Anthony Walker, who is key when Leonard’s not on the field, is a game-time decision. The linebacking corps is decimated.

But that’s not a reason to be panicking heading into Sunday. Don’t forget what’s made this Colts defense so successful to this point: the pass rush. Indy blitzes just 11% of the time (29th in NFL) but manage to pressure the opposing quarterback 27.9% of the time (fifth in NFL), meaning Indy’s front four is wreaking havoc up front.

If the Colts can manage that Sunday against a largely erratic Baker Mayfield, Indy might not have to be so worried about being without Leonard and Walker.

Cleveland might have the best rushing attack thanks to the push they get up front, but their pass protection ranks just 17th in the league. Their O-line has only given up six sacks on the year, but if Indy can pressure Mayfield it’ll be a completely different afternoon. He was the worst QB under pressure in 2019.

Perhaps defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is considering dialing up more blitzes if he’s missing both of his top linebackers. The Colts still dominated on the defensive side of the ball against the Bears last week with Leonard missing the entire second half, but Walker’s presence was a big reason why.

If Walker can’t go, it’ll be up to Justin Houston, DeForest Buckner, Denico Autry and Grover Stewart to take care of business in the trenches. Those four have combined for 11 tackles for a loss and seven sacks through the team’s first four games.

The secondary has been a big beneficiary of the pressure, too. They’ve allowed the fewest pass yards so far and have a league-leading seven interceptions. Mayfield is far from a consistent quarterback, so the formula to create opportunities on Sunday will be to put the pressure on and keep pace with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

Give Philip Rivers a few favorable situations and Indy might be able to escape Cleveland with a win.

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