The Indianapolis Colts have one of the NFL’s most talented defensive lines. How many sacks can they get this upcoming season? According to Drake Wally of Horseshoe Huddle, the Colts will produce at least 60:
“Colts defensive front will accumulate 60+ team sacks. This isn’t that bold of a prediction, honestly. After concluding 2023 with an Indianapolis-era franchise record of 51 team sacks, 60 or more sacks is possible and may even be undershooting a bit.”
As Wally mentioned, the Colts had 51 team sacks last season. It was the most since the franchise moved to Indy in 1984. It’ll be interesting to see how the defensive line performs in 2024.
Analyst Predicts Indianapolis Colts Will Get 60+ Sacks
Spotlighting the Colts’ Defensive Line
With DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart on the roster, Indianapolis possesses one of the best defensive tackle combos in the league. The duo has led the middle of the Colts’ line for several years. That’s why the team needed to keep them in Indy. This offseason, Buckner received a two-year, $46 million extension while Stewart was re-signed to a three-year, $39 million deal.
Also this offseason, the Colts signed former Miami Dolphins DT Raekwon Davis. He and second-year player Adetomiwa Adebawore will provide depth, playing behind Buckner and Stewart.
When it comes to the defensive end position, the Colts have several playmakers like Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Tyquan Lewis.
Latu was drafted by the Colts in the first round (15th overall pick) of this year’s NFL draft. Although he hasn’t played a game yet, he could quickly emerge as the team’s best defensive end. He has a relentless motor and a knack for getting to the quarterback.
Hopefully, the injury bug stays away. A neck injury forced Latu to medically retire in 2021. However, he was healthy for the past two seasons.
Is 60+ Sacks Realistic?
Yes, 60+ sacks are realistic for the Colts in 2024. They had 51 last year. Nine more certainly isn’t out of the question.
Ebukam had a great debut season with the Colts in 2023. He led the team with a career-high 9.5 sacks.
Paye finished second on the team with 8.5. The former Michigan Wolverine said he wants to get 12-15 sacks this year, via Draft Network’s Justin Melo.
“I had (4.0) sacks as a rookie, (6.0) as a sophomore, and now 8.5 in my third season. I definitely want to get at least 10.5 sacks this year. I’m really shooting for 12-15 sacks, but double digits is the goal at the end of the day. I have to get there this year.”
Buckner, Odeyingbo, and Lewis were also key contributors to the Colts last year. Buckner and Odeyingbo both finished with 8.0 sacks while Lewis had 4.0.
Latu was a sack machine during his final two seasons at UCLA. He had 10.5 in 2022 and 13.0 last year. He might accumulate a bunch of sacks this year as well, which could lead to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
If guys like Ebukam and Buckner play well, Paye continues to improve, and Latu has a big-time season, 60+ sacks just might happen. Look for the Colts’ defensive line to do great things in 2024.
Main Photo: Robert Scheer/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK
