The Indianapolis Colts made some big moves to their defensive line through the early part of the new league year, including the addition of Sheldon Day to the interior.
Coming from San Francisco as a free agent, Day will slide into the rotation at the one-technique defensive tackle position with Grover Stewart. Working in an attacking front is something Day is used to, and he’s looking forward to the high energy defense in Indy.
“In San Francisco we played in an attacking front, so something similar to what the Colts play. It’s about penetrating, playing fast, playing physical and flying to the ball,” Day told reporters Monday. “So (there) are a lot of similarities when you look at us both on film. Just watching the Colts on film, energy always jumps off the tape. Guys are running to the ball, they are having fun and they are playing as a unit. Just getting a chance to be a part of something like this is going to special.”
The Colts also added DeForest Buckner to the interior defensive line, giving them a strong presence at the three-technique—something they desperately missed in 2019.
What was once a weakness on the defensive side of the ball has become a strength. The additions of Day and Buckner, both of which came from San Francisco, should give the Colts enough talent to get plenty of production from the interior defensive line.
Playing with Buckner has become second nature for Day, who has known his current teammate for years.
“Man, we’ve been building a chemistry for a while now. I actually met DeForest (Buckner) when we were 16 (years old). We were at The Opening together so we have good chemistry,” Day said. “We have known each other for a while and we have little clues that we give each other while we are playing to make sure that we can play comfortable with each other.”
The Colts are expected to get plenty of production from the interior defensive line, and Day’s addition to the attacking front solidifies a major need for Indy.