Colts beat writer Mike Wells on the team's surprising defensive prowess: I didn’t think this defense had a chance once linebacker Robert Mathis, last season’s sack leader, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. The unit appeared to be headed for a rough season after it had only one sack over the first two games. But defensive coordinator Greg Manusky has taken a hold-nothing-back approach with his defense. With two cornerbacks who can blanket receivers, Greg Toler and Vontae Davis, Manusky is loading the box and constantly blitzing. That is why the Colts have 20 sacks and nine turnovers during their five-game winning streak. They have also held their past four opponents to 4-of-41 on third down. People might not have respected the Colts' defense before, but now teams have to take notice.
The unit has averaged 12.9 FP per game over the last five weeks, but has had the benefit of facing Chad Henne/Blake Bortles, Charlie Whitehurst, Ryan Fitzpatrick and an A.J. Green-less Bengals team. Starting with Week 12, the Colts defense has a pretty nice schedule to close the season.
Colts news
