The Indianapolis Colts hired Lou Anarumo to work his magic on defense. The early results were quite underwhelming, with the team giving up the second-most passing yards per game (247.9) and ranking 20th in points given up per game (24.2).
Anarumo's defense failed to keep quarterbacks on their toes. Their 5.86% sack percentage ranked 25th in the league, and their 2.3 sacks per game were right in the middle of the pack (15th). However, as clear as their need for pass-rush help was, they didn't do much to address it in free agency.
The Colts signed former Tennessee Titans pass rusher Arden Key, but that was just to replace Kwity Paye. They still need a difference-maker opposite Laiatu Latu, and given the way the market has shaped and their lack of draft capital, they'll certainly regret not addressing this need earlier.
The Indianapolis Colts still need some pass-rushing help
The team's interest in Trey Hendrickson reveals they're far from satisfied with their current pass-rushing unit. They weren't in the mix for Jaelan Phillips, and watching guys like Boye Mafe, Odafe Oweh, or Bradley Chubb all sign elsewhere was a gut punch to the fan base.
This draft class isn't particularly deep, and most of the best pass-rushing prospects will be long gone by the time the Colts are on the clock at No. 47. By then, guys like UCF's Malachi Lawrence, Illinois' Gabe Jacas, and Michigan's Derrick Moore might be their safest bet to address the position, but none of them might make an impact right out of the gate.
The Titans and Texans both added more firepower in the trenches, bolstering their offensive lines through free agency. The Jaguars might be the most solid team in the division right now, and even though they don't have a great offensive line -- they allowed 2.3 sacks per game, 20th in the league -- giving Trevor Lawrence a clean pocket isn't a wise idea.
Once again, the Colts reunited Anarumo with some of his former players, even though that didn't work out great in his first season. That makes sense to a degree, given that he relies on a complex system, disguised coverages, and deception. That said, they would've probably been better off finding some prime headhunters.
They still have a chance to right their wrong. Veterans like Joey Bosa, Haason Reddick, Jadeveon Clowney, and Dante Fowler Jr. are all up for grabs in free agency. The Colts have north of $26 million in cap space, per Over The Cap, so they should get April started on a high note by doing what they failed to do in March.