The Indianapolis Colts dug themselves into a 0-2 hole to start the season. They're now on a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season and look like a far cry from the team that was 8-2 not so long ago.
They'll look to get back on track in a tough divisional matchup. The Houston Texans are up next, and while they're also 0-2, DeMeco Ryans' seat might not be as lukewarm as Shane Steichen's. The heat is on, but his job probably isn't on the line.
That's why, with so much at stake, the Colts will have no margin for error in Week 3. Fortunately for Steichen and Daniel Jones, Reed Blankenship has already made the Texans regret signing him in free agency, and the offense should revolve around exposing him.
The Indianapolis Colts must attack Reed Blankenship
The Texans entered the season with a reputation for having the best and most physical defense in the game. That hasn't seemed to be the case through two weeks, and plenty of that has had to do with Blankenship's laughable struggles in coverage.
Thus far, he's given up nine catches on as many targets for 149 yards (16.6 yards per catch), two touchdowns — including one late in the third quarter to put the game out of reach in Week 2 — and an opposing passer rating of 158.3.
Blankenship has struggled with poor anticipation in coverage, giving up 59 yards against the catch and struggling against twitchy wide receivers or sturdy tight ends alike. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) has him as the 79th-ranked strong safety among 85 eligible players, with a horrid 38.9 grade.
That should have the likes of Tayler Warren, Jonathan Taylor, and Josh Downs licking their chops. The Texans' zone-heavy defense doesn't usually leave much space, but Steichen's passing game should be able to find multiple gaps between the numbers when Blankenship is out there.
He's a strong tackler, but he's not big enough to handle Warren's physicality and big frame. As for Taylor and Downs, they're both elusive and thrive in tight spaces through traffic, and Blankenship is often hesitant and slow to react when dropping back into coverage.
While some may argue that he may just need some time to get a hold of the new defensive system, these are the same issues that plagued him in his final two years with the Philadelphia Eagles. If anything, it's starting to look like his breakout campaign in 2023 was a fluke and a one-year wonder.
The Texans gave Blankenship a three-year, $24.75 million deal, hoping that his high-volume tackling and sturdy run defense would give yet another punch to one of the deadliest units in the game. Instead, he's been picked on time and time again, and the Colts must do just that.
The Colts might be 0-2, but their defense has been above average and has looked better from week to week. Divisional games are always a toss-up, but taking down the best defense in football should definitely buy Steichen and company some time.
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