Colts’ loss to Bucs should be defensive reality check despite turnovers

The Indianapolis Colts defense showcased its strengths and weaknesses in the team’s Week 12 loss.

One of the bright spots for the Indianapolis Colts is the team’s league-leading turnover defense. Every game, Darius Leonard and company are punching the ball out or stealing it out the air— 27 times in 12 games.

That was the case yet again on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On just the second drive of the game, Leonard was able to force a fumble that Indianapolis recovered, and later on, in the second quarter, Isaiah Rodgers intercepted Tom Brady.

Truth be told, the Colts could have had even more takeaways if the secondary was sure-handed, dropping at least two easy interceptions. Either way, the defense displayed yet again that they have a knack for taking the ball away.

Unfortunately, that’s the only thing they do extremely well as a unit, and that fact was also displayed on Sunday. When the Colts’ defense wasn’t recording spectacular turnovers, they were at the mercy of the Buccaneers’ offense, and that doesn’t bode well for the team moving forward.

The Colts defense is too turnover-dependent

In fairness to the defense, they were put in a lot of tough situations, as Indianapolis’ offense committed five turnovers. Aside from the one that was committed as the clock expired, the other four were turned into points by the Buccaneers.

That alone isn’t an excuse for the Colts’ defense. Yes, the team’s turnovers were horrible, but the defense was still dominated by Tampa Bay and they must own that.

Leonard Fournette had 17 carries for 100 yards, three rushing touchdowns, and another one receiving. Rob Gronkowski was open all game and finished with seven catches for 123 yards. Both performances contributed to the Buccaneers’ 38-point day.

That wasn’t just an off day either, as Indianapolis on average gives up 358.8 yards a game, 244.7 passing, and 114.2 rushing, along with 23.6 points a game. All those numbers put them as a middle-tier defense in the NFL and it showed on Sunday.

Sure, Tampa Bay is the No. 1 offense in the NFL and they were set up all afternoon with turnovers, but a defense with playoff aspirations can’t fold like the Colts’ defense did yesterday. If Indianapolis wants to finish this season strong and be a real contender, the defense can’t just rely on forcing turnovers. The defensive unit is going to have to dig deep and improve its performances despite whatever circumstances may come its way.

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