For each of the 18 NFL teams that missed the playoffs, Pro Football Focus went through and selected what the “top priority” for each organization needs to be in the coming months. So what did PFF select for the Colts?
There are a number of different paths that PFF could have gone down here. If it were my selection, I would have chosen ‘create more competition throughout the roster,’ something that GM Chris Ballard recently said he did not do a good job of in 2024.
But for PFF, the Colts’ No. 1 priority needs to be improving their pass defense.
“Adding depth to the pass rush could also be a priority. However, a more pressing issue lies in a secondary that lacks star power and the significant coverage struggles from the linebacker group. With a new defensive coordinator set to take the helm, the team’s approach to addressing these weaknesses will likely become clearer once that hire is finalized.”
As was the case a year ago, at Ballard’s season-ending press conference on Friday, he was again answering questions about his underperforming secondary that he chose not to add to last offseason.
While there were some positives, which includes growth from both Nick Cross and Jaylon Jones, along with the emergence of Samuel Womack, the overall numbers showcase the success that opposing quarterbacks still had against this unit.
The Colts’ secondary allowed 7.6 yards per pass attempt–the fifth-most in football–and showcasing both the efficiency and big play ability that opposing quarterbacks had against this secondary.
Indianapolis also generated the fourth-fewest pass deflections, allowed the second highest completion percentage, and the 10th best opponent passer rating.
“We’ve got to get better,” said Ballard about the cornerback and safety positions.
PFF also notes the need for more coverage ability from the linebacker position. A hopeful Year 2 jump from Jaylon Carlies, a former college safety, could help in that regard, but linebacker is another position that will have to be added to this offseason.
So far, all four of the Colts’ defensive coordinator candidates have a background coaching in the secondary. We also could see the pendulum swing under the new defensive play-caller to a more aggressive scheme, with a greater emphasis on pressuring the quarterback, which will have a positive trickle-down effect to the secondary.
However, if Ballard stays true to his comments about needing to bolster the competition on this roster, then there need to be a few offseason additions made at cornerback and safety to help get better play in 2025.
