Biggest issue for the Colts is something everyone saw coming, and that’s frustrating

After eight weeks of the 2023 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts are 3-5 and sitting at the bottom of the AFC South. In some ways, the Colts started the season much more competitive than expected. However, they’ve currently run into a stretch of underwhelming football, losing their last three games. Despite each game being competitive, Indy has displayed some issues that make fans question when the team will pick up its next win.

Of all the issues that Indy has put on display during this losing streak, the biggest problem is the most frustrating one. That problem is the Colts’ inability to stop the pass. The reason it’s frustrating is because it’s a problem that everyone saw coming from a mile away. Still, Indy didn’t address it and it’s now costing the team games.

Colts secondary is a major issue just like everyone predicted

Last season, the secondary was a strength for Indianapolis. Stephon Gilmore was playing elite at corner and Isaiah Rodgers Sr. emerged as a solid corner on the opposite side of Gilmore. During the offseason, though, Indy traded Gilmore to the Dallas Cowboys and Rodgers was cut after being suspended by the league for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.

However, the Colts didn’t acquire any veteran corners to come in and start. Instead, Indianapolis drafted three rookie corners, adding them to a room with two second-year undrafted players. While the young, unproven group showed promise throughout camp and the preseason, they have been struggling since the season started, and injuries haven’t helped.

Currently, Indianapolis is allowing 247.3 passing yards a game— 25th in the NFL. In the most recent game, the two starters were Jaylon Jones and Tony Brown. At the start of the season, Jones and Brown were the fourth and fifth corners on the depth chart.

While the players have to play better, what we’re witnessing is Chris Ballard’s fault. Everyone looked at the cornerback room this offseason and saw that it was a problem. All throughout the offseason and training camp, it was suggested that Indy should acquire a corner. However, Ballard and the organization wanted to gamble on a thin, inexperienced room. That gamble is a big reason why the Colts are 3-5.

READ MORE