The Colts defense ranked 29th in the NFL in 2024. After the season, the team parted ways with Bradley and moved on to Lou Anarumo, who they hope can turn the unit around.
Defensive captain DeForest Buckner also wants to see a big improvement under the new leadership. He set a high goal for the group when he joined The Kay Adams Show from Grand Park.
“We want to be a top-five defense,” Buckner told Adams. “We want teams to see all 11 guys on the screen flying around, making plays…we have a lot to prove this year.”
Finishing in the top five of the NFL in total defense will be a tall task for a Colts team which hasn’t cracked the top 10 since 2020. But Buckner thinks Anarumo is the guy who can turn things around, too. His coaching approach is refreshing.
“There’s no BS,” Buckner said. “He doesn’t sugarcoat anything…there’s a certain standard and we have to uphold that standard.”
The hope is a fresh scheme, plus new additions at all three levels, can catapult the Indy defense back to relevance. Otherwise, another change may be in order.