The Indianapolis Colts’ 2025 offseason was certainly an eventful one. A battle for the starting QB spot, an exciting rookie offensive weapon, and the arrival of a new defensive coordinator are all key storylines to watch. Now, it's time to see how these changes translate to the regular season.
Last year, the Colts were challenged on multiple fronts, across both offense and defense, en route to a subpar season. Indianapolis General Manager Chris Ballard desperately needed to upgrade the roster.
In recent years, the Colts have had trouble with one particular positional group. Fortunately, Ballard — usually a conservative spender — invested heavily in that unit over the offseason. That development could be a difference-maker in Week 1.
Colts need their new-look secondary to step up against the Miami Dolphins
For multiple seasons, the Colts’ secondary has struggled with injuries, inexperience, and inconsistency. The problem was apparent last year when Indianapolis gave up the seventh-most passing yards in the league.
To address the underperforming group, Ballard signed a trio of veteran free agent defensive backs: cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Xavien Howard, as well as safety Cam Bynum.
Indianapolis was aggressive early in the offseason, committing well over $100 million to 2023 All-Pro Ward and three-year Minnesota starter Bynum back in March. As long as Bynum and Ward live up to expectations, they will be clear upgrades over former starters Jaylon Jones and Julian Blackmon.
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More recently, the Colts added Xavien Howard to be their second starting outside cornerback in response to some bad injury luck. Howard has a stellar resume — four Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections — but he’s now 32 years old and past his prime. Ballard gambled on Howard with the hope that he still has some star power left in him.
Bynum, Ward, and Howard will be joined by the returning Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross to form the Colts’ new starting secondary. The revamped unit will be put to the test early when they face a potentially explosive offense in Week 1.
Ever since Head Coach Mike McDaniel took over, the Miami Dolphins’ offense has been scary good at times. While the Dolphins took a step back in 2024, Miami’s 2023 campaign was historic. McDaniel’s offense averaged the second-most points per game in the NFL (29.2) and scored an unreal 70 points in a single game.
The key players of that offense are all still on the roster, healthy, and expected to be on the field against the Colts. 2023 passing yards leader Tua Tagavailoa will be at the helm, surrounded by plenty of offensive firepower in Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane.
The Indianapolis secondary will have to be on its A-game to keep up with Miami’s speed and skill. Every single defensive back, including the new additions, must do their job in both pass coverage and tackling. Holding the Miami passing offense in check is critical, especially considering that Indianapolis’ own offense remains a mystery.
Ballard and the Colts spent a ton of money this offseason to fix their pass defense. We’re about to find out if that money was well spent or not.