The Indianapolis Colts' usually strong run defense was nowhere to be found in the season opener. The linebackers struggled to stay in front of Lamar Jackson when he rolled out of the pocket, and Derrick Henry did Derrick Henry things. Next comes Kenneth Walker and the Kansas City Chiefs, after Walker ran roughshod in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.
The Colts were on the wrong side of history when Henry passed Marcus Allen for the third-most rushing touchdowns in NFL history. All in all, he had 144 rushing yards on 24 carries (6.0 YPC) and three scores.
Clearly, squaring off against Kenneth Walker III next isn't what the doctor ordered. Ironically, it also gives Lou Anarumo's defense a perfect opportunity to boost its morale, shift momentum back in its favor, and make a statement by slowing one of the most explosive ball carriers in football.
The Indianapolis Colts' run defense must revert to its 2025 form
Watching the Ravens put up 5.5 yards per carry in Week 1 was as shocking as it was disappointing. The Colts gave up the second-fewest yards per attempt last season (3.9), and they allowed the seventh-fewest total rushing yards (1,732).
Maybe they just needed to shake off the rust, as this was atypical of an Anarumo-led defense, which usually struggles in coverage but is pretty solid against the run. Perhaps DeForest Buckner needs more time to get his legs back under him.
Whatever the case, there won't be any margin for error on Sunday Night Football. Kenneth Walker III just set a mark by logging the most yards in a season opener by a reigning Super Bowl MVP (173 on 23 carries, 7.5 YPC). He also had two touchdowns (one pass), including a 60-yard explosion.
Anarumo has only coached against Walker once, but he did a pretty solid job back then. He held him to just 3.3 yards per carry (62 yards on 19 totes) in Week 6 of the 2023 season, helping the Cincinnati Bengals secure a 17-13 win.
A lot has transpired since, but the same principles can be applied. Unlike Henry, Walker isn't necessarily the most physical guy. He uses his twitchiness and quick first step to force missed tackles and turn the corner rather than just running through everyone's faces and daring them to take him down.
As long as the linebackers and defensive ends set a strong edge and DeForest Buckner plays like his usual self, Walker should have a much more difficult time finding gaps. He's a home-run hitter, a true speedster who can change directions in the blink of an eye, but most of his success comes thanks to his patience.
Walker is coming off posting the two best games of his career dating back to Super Bowl LX. He's established himself as a true superstar and might be the hottest hand in football at the moment. That's why the Colts must let the world know that they still have the same stout run defense they had last season.
Anarumo's seat might go from warm to blazing hot if the defense gets torched on the ground again. And after watching Patrick Mahomes struggle to connect with his receivers in Week 1, it's pretty clear that this team must focus its efforts on containing the Chiefs' biggest offseason addition.
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