The Colts came out of Sunday’s 41-23 loss to the Ravens with a big defensive question hanging over them: should C.J. Allen have been on the field more against Derrick Henry?
Baltimore rolled up 506 total yards and never really let Indianapolis settle in. The Ravens piled up 202 yards on the ground, and Henry did the heavy damage with 24 carries for 144 yards and three touchdowns. For a defense that spent the afternoon getting pushed around, the absence of the rookie linebacker stood out.
Allen arrived in Indianapolis with a reputation that seemed tailor-made for a game like this. The former Georgia standout brought physicality, instincts and a knack for attacking ball carriers, all traits that made him an intriguing piece in the Colts’ linebacker room. At 6-foot and 230 pounds, he was drafted for his speed, toughness and tackling ability.
That’s why the matchup against Baltimore raised eyebrows. Henry was battering the Colts between the tackles, while Lamar Jackson added another layer of stress with his legs and arm. Jackson passed for 324 yards and ran for 40 more as Baltimore kept finding explosive plays.
There’s no sign Allen was unavailable because of injury. He was not listed with one on Indianapolis’ final Week 1 report, which points to the decision being tied to the Colts’ defensive rotation, the game plan and where Allen sits on the depth chart.
As a rookie, he’s still trying to carve out a steady role. And against an offense as difficult to sort out as Baltimore’s, coaches often trust experience early in the season.
Still, after a night like this, the Colts have to at least consider a different approach. Allen won’t fix every issue on his own, but when a defense gives up 41 points and more than 500 yards, it’s fair to ask whether every option should be on the table.
Sunday may not have answered the question, but it certainly sharpened it: could Allen be part of what Indianapolis was missing against Henry and the Ravens?
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Flowers was listed as questionable to return, and the Ravens said they were continuing to evaluate his status during the game. For Indianapolis, the injury changes the feel of a matchup that had already featured one of Baltimores most dangerous playmakers making a big early impact, and now the Colts are waiting to see whether they have to deal with him again or whether the Ravens have to adjust without one of their top targets. [Read more 🡒]