What is one reason for optimism for the Indianapolis Colts coming out of the roster-building portion of the NFL offseason? One analyst weighed in.

What is one reason for optimism for the Indianapolis Colts coming out of the roster-building portion of the NFL offseason?

Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports recently answered this question for each team, and when it came to the Colts, the choice was a pretty clear one: a much-improved secondary.

“Even with questions surrounding the quarterback position, this was a key area to address over the offseason, and they were able to fetch a couple of big names,” wrote Sullivan. “Their injection into the secondary should raise the floor of the overall defense, making life less difficult for whoever is under center.”

Last season, the Colts’ pass defense ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in completion rate, passer rating, yards per pass attempt allowed, and pass deflections.

To remedy this unit, GM Chris Ballard invested heavily in that position group, signing Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum in free agency. He also bolstered the cornerback depth by signing veteran Corey Ballentine and used a top 100 pick on the cornerback spot as well, selecting Justin Walley.

Also not to be forgotten about when it comes to the secondary is the addition of Lou Anarumo as the defensive coordinator. Anarumo’s coaching background is rooted in the defensive backfield, and he helped produce some productive secondary units during his time in Cincinnati.

Anarumo’s aggressive and disguise-heavy scheme can make the job of the quarterback a lot more difficult and help put his defenders in positions to make plays.

With a reliable secondary, there is a positive trickle-down effect to the front run seven, which can include some additional run support when needed and added time for the pass rush to get home. One of the contributors to the Colts’ poor pass rush production in 2024 is that opposing offenses picked apart the secondary via the quick game, which made getting pressure quite difficult.

Then, as Sullivan mentioned, better defensive play overall, while not a cure-all by any means, can provide the Colts offense with a boost by giving them more possessions and not having to play from behind as much.