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3 Colts defenders who must step up to make playoffs

By Jaleel Grandberry

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) gets love from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) after breaking up a Tom Brady pass.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) gets love from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) after breaking up a Tom Brady pass. /
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Colts, Grover Stewart
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart tackles Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss. Syndication The Indianapolis Star /

2. Colts defenders who must step up: Grover Stewart

Grover Stewart has spent his entire five-year career with Indianapolis and has started at defensive tackle the last three seasons. With five games remaining in the regular season, he has the opportunity to put together his most impactful stretch yet.

Something the Colts have struggled with all year is stopping the run. They allow 114.2 rushing yards a game, which puts them at 18th in the NFL, and 4.5 yards a carry, ranking them 25th.

In their Week 12 outing against the Buccaneers, they gave up 142 rushing yards on 5.3 yards a carry and four rushing touchdowns.

While stopping the run is a group effort, it all starts up front with the defensive line. Stewart, who plays on the interior next to DeForest Buckner, has been mediocre against the run this year. If he improves his play, it would make a monumental difference in the run game defense.

Moving into the gritty part of the NFL season, the ability to run the ball and stop the run are extremely important. Indy already has an elite run game, but the run defense must catch up.

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