The past few seasons, defense has been a strength for the Indianapolis Colts, finishing as a top-10 unit last year.
Through the first six weeks of this season, the same players have been a weakness, ranking 20th in yards allowed at 366.5 a game. The biggest issue for the Colts defense has been the secondary, giving up 255.5 passing yards a game, putting them 20th in the league in that ranking as well.
The defense is much of the reason the Colts are currently 2-4. While the offense has room to improve, they have done their part in majority of the games. It has been the defense that has struggled against big-time opponents.
Rock bottom for the Indianapolis defense came in Week 5 when they gave up 437 passing yards and four touchdowns to Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in an overtime loss. That led to some soul searching, as they knew they needed to turn things around.
They started that process in Week 6 with a dominating win over the Houston Texans. They limited the Texans to just three points and recorded three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble. The fumble and one of the interceptions were forced by Darius Leonard (of course), who showed he is ready to lead the defense in a resurgence.
The other interception was by Isaiah Rodgers, a second-year defensive back who is ready to step up and help this defense.
Isaiah Rodgers emerging to help Colts secondary
The interception came in the fourth quarter of the game when Rodgers made a diving catch to steal it from the receiver. Seeing the young cornerback flash this talent made Lucas Oil Stadium and all his teammates rejoice.
Just thinking about this interception. ☺️ pic.twitter.com/CLDrxQxss6
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 18, 2021
Rodgers’ game was more than just the interception; he played well all Sunday long, and was a big part of the unit shutting down the Houston offense.
He was targeted only five times, allowing just two catches for nine yards, and his performance was graded as the second-highest defensive performance for Week 6 according to PFF.
Rodgers himself noticed that, and clearly felt pride in his own unexpected accomplishment.
https://twitter.com/rodgers_isaiah/status/1450550614535114754?s=21
This has to become a pattern for the sixth-round pick Rodgers if the Colts defense is going to turn things around. While struggling to limit teams most weeks, they have also been battling injuries in the secondary, with Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-sin missing games. Rodgers can carve out a prominent role for Indianapolis if he can consistently limit opposing receivers. Not only will that answer the Colts’ defensive problems, but it will help the team improve their 2-4 record.
Rodgers has provided plenty of excitement for Indianapolis as a kick returner. It is now time for him to take the next step and become a reliable cornerback.