In a disappointing turn of events, the Indianapolis Colts defense struggled once again in a 37-34 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing nearly 500 yards – a performance that unfortunately falls in line with their lackluster showings throughout the season.
This past game marked the third time in just five weeks that the Colts defense surrendered over 400 yards, earning them the undesirable title of last in the league in this category. With a ranking of 25th in points allowed and poor showings in various other defensive metrics, the Colts are undoubtedly facing a significant challenge on that side of the ball.
The abysmal display has naturally led to questions about the future of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged the issue, stating that the defense is giving up too many “explosive plays.” However, Steichen remains steadfast in his belief that Bradley is the right man to turn things around.
“Gus has been doing this for a long time and he’s had incredible defenses where he’s been,” Steichen expressed, displaying confidence in Bradley’s abilities. “I’ve got the faith and trust in him to get this thing turned around.”
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the Colts have faced similar struggles under Bradley’s leadership. As the 2023 season progresses, doubts loom regarding whether the current pieces in place are adequate for success in Indianapolis. The longer the defense continues on this downward trajectory, the harder it becomes to maintain optimism for the team’s prospects.