As good as the Indianapolis Colts' offense has been for most of the short season so far, the defense got a bit exposed in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Sure, Denver head coach Sean Payton is a smart play-caller, but giving up easy touchdowns is never good.
Indy was also down edge rusher Laiatu Latu, but let's be honest. The Colts don't exactly have a lot of depth at the position. Relying on inside pressure is not the best way to have an efficient defense, but maybe Indy just doesn't have enough outside talent.
The team could have used a player like Jadeveon Clowney. He might be 32 years old and not a long-term solution for Indianapolis, but he is definitely worth having around in 2025. He's great against the run and can still get to the quarterback from the edge.
Indianapolis Colts whiff on signing Jadeveon Clowney
That can't happen now, though. Clowney has reportedly decided to sign with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas is a team likely to go nowhere in the NFC East, and maybe Clowney simply wanted to get paid, but if he wanted to go to a winner, the Colts would have been the better choice.
General manager Chris Ballard might not have made any overtures to Jadeveon Clowney and his people, but he should have. The Colts' defense is sound, but it certainly has weaknesses, and those were on full display in Week 2. In the first half alone, Bo Nix had enough time to go 14 for 18 passing with three touchdowns. That has to be fixed.
Daniel Jones and the Indy offense look good enough to compete much better than the offense has in years past. If the defense can be solid, even a top-15 unit, the AFC South is there for the Colts' taking. But not going for free agents such as Clowney is a mistake.
Depth at edge rusher matters and could be the difference in a game or two. That might be all the Indianapolis Colts need to steal the division. Plus, if the team is able to make the playoffs, a great pass rush would make the Colts dangerous. The offense unexpectedly appears ready to win anyway.