Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Indianapolis Colts defense utilizes a 4-2-5 / Multiple base scheme under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Indianapolis Colts Defense?

The Indianapolis Colts have been pretty bad this season, allowing over 24 points per game. For context, they are trailing the league average by 1.2 points.

In the AFC South, they trail the Houston Texans (#2) and Jacksonville Jaguars (#8) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Tennessee Titans (#28) to round out the division.

This unit plays it safe, generating an average amount of disruption relying more on sound positioning. They've been opportunistic, capitalizing on opponent mistakes to generate a healthy number of takeaways.

39
Total Sacks
14
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is average compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (14 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Their success in 2025 is primarily because of the defensive play of Nick Cross, who has been a strong performer, contributing 120 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception. Additionally, Laiatu Latu has been a standout contributor with 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions, adding depth to the unit.

What is the Indianapolis Colts defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Lou Anarumo

The Indianapolis Colts defense runs a 4-2-5 / Multiple under coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Base Defensive Front
4-2-5 / Multiple
?
Multiple / Hybrid Front
A flexible scheme that shifts between 4-3 and 3-4 principles depending on the opponent and down-and-distance.

Tactical Philosophy

Lou Anarumo brings his 'game-plan' specific genius to Indy. Expect diverse game plans week-to-week.

Key Principles

Game Plan SpecificDisguiseAdjustments

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Highly adaptable to opponent tendencies
  • ✓Creates favorable one-on-one matchups
  • ✓Hardest for QBs to diagnose pre-snap

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Complex to install and master
  • ⚠Risk of blown assignments due to complexity
  • ⚠Requires high-IQ, versatile players

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Indianapolis Colts Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
AVG
10.2/g
Turnovers
GOOD
1.4/g
Aggression
AVG
4.9/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
10.2
AVG
They disrupt the offense 10.2 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.4
GOOD
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.4 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
4.9
AVG
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.9 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Indianapolis Colts defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
24.2 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Indianapolis Colts defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 13, 2026
CB
Sauce Gardner
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Cameron Mitchell
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
DeForest Buckner
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 27
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Chris Lammons
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 9
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Jacob Phillips
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 19
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Daniel Scott
Safety
Injured ReserveJan 3
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Justin Walley
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 8
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Charvarius Ward
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Hunter Wohler
Safety
Injured ReserveAug 19
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
Tennessee Titans defense

View Team Analysis →

Cincinnati Bengals defense

View Team Analysis →

Buffalo Bills defense

View Team Analysis →

Kansas City Chiefs defense

View Team Analysis →