The Indianapolis Colts’ defense has struggled mightily this season. As a result, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has received a ton of criticism. If the defense doesn’t improve, this just might be Gus Bradley’s last season in Indianapolis.
Indy’s defense has declined since Bradley was hired in 2022. The team’s defensive rankings have gone from 15th during his first season to 24th in 2023 to last this year.
Despite the Colts’ struggles, head coach Shane Steichen has faith in Bradley, via colts.com:
“Gus has been doing this for a long time and he’s had incredible defenses where he’s been,” Steichen said. “And I got the faith and trust in him to get this thing turned around.”
Bradley could turn things around. But if he doesn’t, he could get fired during this season or next offseason.
Will This Be Gus Bradley’s Last Season with the Colts?
Indy’s Defense Has Been Horrible
The 2-3 Colts have one of, if not, the worst defense in the NFL right now. They rank near the bottom of the league in many categories. They’re last in yards allowed per game (419.2), 31st in run defense (157.0 yards per game), and 29th in pass defense (262.2 ypg). The Colts also rank 25th in scoring, allowing 24.4 points per game.
Indianapolis started this season off 0-2. Joe Mixon of the Houston Texans rushed for 159 yards in Week 1. Meanwhile, Josh Jacobs ran for 151 yards during the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The Colts won the following two weeks, but their defense was shredded by quarterbacks in both games. Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams had a career-high 363 yards in Week 3, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Justin Fields put up 367 yards (also a career-high) the following week.
The Colts lost their Week 5 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who won their first game of the year. Despite playing without Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor, Indy still could’ve won the contest. Yet, Trevor Lawrence torched the Colts defense, passing for a career-high 371 yards. Plus, Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had 122 yards, including a ridiculous 85-yard touchdown catch.
Injuries and Personnel Questions
Gus Bradley has been blamed for the Colts’ miserable defense. However, injuries are also a reason for the team’s struggles this year. Samson Ebukam and JuJu Brents aren’t expected to return until next season. Ebukam led the Colts in sacks last year with 9.5. And Brents can potentially be a star cornerback if he can ever stay healthy. Key defenders like DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and Kwity Paye have also missed time this season. It’s difficult to win games when your top defensive players aren’t available.
Personnel decisions have also played a role. Everyone knew the secondary was one of the Colts’ biggest weaknesses last year. Yet, general manager Chris Ballard didn’t do much to address the unit during the offseason. Instead of signing veteran free agents to help out, he chose to stick with his young, inexperienced players. So far, that has proven to be a bad decision. The unit gets burned each and every week.
It’s not impossible for Bradley to turn things around. But it will be extremely difficult to pull off.
Main Image: Bob Self – USA Today Sports
