The Colts are making a noticeable change on the back end after last week’s tempo issues, and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo isn’t hiding why.
He said the defense was slow getting set, and that speed from the other side created problems.
“Clearly a couple of their tempo plays caught us off guard,” Anarumo said, via the team’s website. “ I think they were ready for it.
We practiced tempo. Obviously, that’s a big part of what they do.”
One adjustment already in place is removing the green dot from DB Cam Bynum. Anarumo believes that should let the secondary get organized faster, and Bynum likes what that means for his role.
“ I think it’ll help that I can focus on lining up and being able to facilitate on the back end,” Bynum said. “ It’s perfect that (Davis-Gaither) is right in the middle of the defense where he can relay stuff at the front. I can do stuff on the back end, and then I think it creates better communication from front to back.”
In Jacksonville, Travon Walker made a strong enough impression in Week 1 that head coach Liam Coen singled out more than just the pass rush. Coen said Walker was disruptive against the run too, and that overall impact stood out early.
“ I thought he wreaked some havoc, especially early in the game,” Coen said, via Jags Wire. “ I think those guys all were doing a nice job rushing and affecting the quarterback at times.
Yeah, like he can be a savage when he really wants to be. When he’s going and staying low and coming off the rock and not hesitating or kind of waiting for the set, and just going and causing havoc, he can be that way.
And I was pleased to see that show up in Week 1, especially to see some of the coverage and front match each othe r.”
No additional Titans note was included in the source.
In Other News...
Colts Fans Just Got Another Painful Michael Pittman Jr. Reminder
Michael Pittman Jr. keeps turning up in conversations that Colts fans probably would rather avoid. After being traded out of Indianapolis, the receiver has settled in with the Pittsburgh Steelers and made an immediate positive impression even while dealing with an injury, the kind of steady, professional presence that once helped define his role in the Colts offense.
DK Metcalf, another former Colts wideout, has already praised Pittman for the experience and leadership he brings to the room, which only sharpens the contrast for Indianapolis observers. The bigger question now is how far that tandem can go with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and whether he can get the most out of two receivers who have already shown they can matter in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Tyler Warren Saw One Colts Problem Fans Shouldn't Ignore
The Colts left their opener with more questions than answers after getting handled on both sides of the ball by Baltimore. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren provided one of the few bright spots, scoring Indianapolis only receiving touchdown, but the bigger takeaway from the day was how many chances slipped away. The offense sputtered in the spots that tend to decide September games, and the defense had its own breakdowns too.
Warren pointed to missed opportunities as the area that stood out most, and it was hard to argue with him. Indianapolis had trouble on third downs and inside the red zone, the kind of issues that can turn a competitive game into a frustrating loss in a hurry. For a team that wants to show growth early, cleaning up those details will matter just as much as the final score. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Coaches Face Mounting Pressure Before Chiefs Reality Check
The Colts have spent the early part of the season trying to sort out issues on both sides of the ball, and the problems are the kind that tend to linger if they are not cleaned up quickly. The defense has drawn questions at linebacker, while the offense has not looked nearly as efficient as it needs to be, with play-calling and the offensive line both under the microscope as the schedule starts to tighten.
Kansas City now looms as the kind of measuring-stick opponent that can expose every soft spot in a hurry. Around the AFC, the Chiefs, Bills and Ravens have already shown the level Indianapolis is chasing, and there is still cautious optimism that the Colts can settle in, but the next matchup feels like a real reality check for a coaching staff already facing mounting pressure. [Read more 🡒]