The Indianapolis Colts took the field for their first preseason game against the Denver Broncos, and all eyes were on Gus Bradley’s defense. The results were a mixed bag, with both good and bad moments shining through.
Bradley, entering his third season as the defensive coordinator for the Colts, is under pressure to improve on a lackluster 2023 campaign. While preseason games don’t paint the full picture of a team, they do offer insight into individual players and units. Following Sunday’s game, Bradley and the Colts have plenty to be happy about, but there are clearly areas that need improvement.
Rookie edge rusher Laiatu Latu stood out as a bright spot in the Colts’ defense, making an impact in limited playing time. Despite being double-teamed at times, Latu expressed pride in the respect shown by opposing offenses. His performance, including one tackle and one quarterback pressure, hints at a promising future in Bradley’s defense.
Turnovers were a key highlight for the Colts, as they capitalized on Denver’s mistakes to create scoring opportunities. However, issues with coverage in the secondary and struggles to stop the run plagued the defense. The Broncos’ success on the ground, accumulating 131 yards and three rushing touchdowns, exposed weaknesses in the Colts’ defensive line and secondary depth.
Missing key players like Deforest Buckner and Grover Stewart only compounded the problems for the Colts, as their depth failed to step up in their absence. With two more preseason games ahead, including joint practices with the Arizona Cardinals, Bradley faces a challenge in shoring up the defense. While there may be growing pains ahead, the potential for development and improvement is clear.
As the Colts look towards the regular season, Bradley will need to address the deficiencies exposed in their preseason opener. With time and a commitment to improvement, the Colts’ defense has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with. The journey to greatness may be a long one, but the foundation is there for success.
In the world of NFL journalism, performances on the field are dissected and analyzed with a keen eye for detail. With each preseason game offering a glimpse into the potential of a team, the Colts’ defense under Gus Bradley is a storyline to watch as the season unfolds.
