![Colts assistant coach and former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley enters the field ahead of Sunday's Jaguars vs Colts matchup. The Jaguars went into the first half with a 17 to 0 lead over the Colts. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, September 18, 2022. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 091822 Bs Jaguars Vs C 26](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fhorseshoeheroes-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2022-2F09-2F19074440-850x560-dd3e4510061224fdcb6f442e535041716f350a141b8c2149e91450596588bbf5.jpg "Colts assistant coach and former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley enters the field ahead of Sunday's Jaguars vs Colts matchup. The Jaguars went into the first half with a 17 to 0 lead over the Colts. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank field in Jacksonville, FL Sunday, September 18, 2022. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]Jki 091822 Bs Jaguars Vs C 26")
2. Colts’ defense must step up
Indianapolis had a pretty bad day on defense as well. Guys like James Robinson, Evan Engram, and Christian Kirk all tore up this Colts defense. Indy gave up 331 total yards to the Jaguars. Trevor Lawrence threw for 235 passing yards, and the Jaguars rushed for 96 rushing yards.
For two weeks in a row, the Colts have given up over 220 passing yards and have only forced one turnover on a strip sack. The opposing teams have taken advantage of Indy’s weaknesses in this defense and have left many fans questioning Gus Bradley’s scheme and if it is the problem. Bradley did bring in a new scheme and adjusted players’ roles some, but so far, the players have not stepped up and made plays either. I do not think it is as much on Bradley as it is on the players.
There are several key players that have not pulled their weight this far. DeForest Buckner has not been the game-wrecker that we have seen in games past, Kenny Moore II has not been coming up with as many passes defended as he did last season and Stephon Gilmore has not been the lockdown corner that we have seen in years past. Teams have been exposing this Colts’ defense. Indy didn’t even record a sack on Sunday. That is unacceptable. In order for the Colts to win, the defense must stand up.
The bright side is that it can’t get any worse. Indianapolis expects All-Pro linebacker, Shaq Leonard, to return to the lineup soon and he will obviously make an impact with his run defense and his ability to take the ball away from the opponent.