3 aggressive goals for the Colts in 2022

Defensive pressure must remain elite

If Indianapolis is able to complete goal No. 1 with ease and be the explosive offense they need to be, this defensive goal could be easier, but even more important.

The Colts’ defense needs to remain elite in the NFL. For the first time in years, the Colts not only brought in one defensive big name, but they technically brought in three in the offseason. Gus Bradley, for starters, is known for his dominant defensive schemes.

They followed that up with a trade that sent Rock Ya-Sin to Las Vegas for new fan-favorite Yannick Ngakoue and former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore.

The defense will still be led by Shaq Leonard, but the leadership experience he will gain from Stephon and Gus will be incredible. Now the defensive structure is there, they just need to put it together for all four quarters.

Goal No. 2 for the Colts

The Indy defense needs to be a top-three unit in the NFL. Not the top 10, not even the top five is acceptable this year. Chris Ballard has put together the pieces to make this defense the best in the NFL. Anything less than a top-three performance will be a drag on the entire season.

If Ryan and the offense can replicate success like the 2000’s Colts teams, the defense will need to be equally special. If both units are firing on all cylinders, this Colts team has the potential to be really special in 2022.

There were too many games last year that the defense was fantastic in three quarters but just fell apart in the fourth, resulting in a loss. The Ravens game is the most notable, as it was on Monday Night Football, and everyone just remembers what Lamar Jackson did to win the game.

The Indianapolis Colts can not afford that again this year.