The Indianapolis Colts spent some of the offseason making changes and additions to the secondary, but it seems there is still some concern as to what the unit will bring in 2020.
Though the Colts will see the return of starters Rock Ya-Sin and Kenny Moore II, there are many question marks facing the secondary as a whole entering training camp.
In their AFC South training camp preview, NFL.com listed the secondary as the team’s biggest weakness.
The Colts went 1-5 over the last six weeks of the 2019 season and missed the playoffs as a result. The inability to stop the pass was a glaring problem down the stretch. GM Chris Ballard hopes a change of scenery will revitalize Xavier Rhodes, a former All-Pro who’s struggled the past two seasons. The Colts also signed veteran T.J. Carrie, who should make up for Pierre Desir’s absence. Kenny Moore and Rock Ya-Sin round out the main corps, but the secondary issues aren’t limited to the cornerbacks. Safeties Malik Hooker and Khari Willis have been established starters but struggle with consistency. Yet, there is one X-factor that could change the overall perception of a squad with talent …
That X-factor they are referring to is defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and while he doesn’t play in the secondary, his addition could increase the production of the secondary if the pass rush takes a step forward.
But back to the secondary. There are legitimate concerns about the depth of the back end of the defense. Of course, there is promise with the developments of second-year cornerbacks Ya-Sin and Marvell Tell while Willis and third-round pick Julian Blackmon have optimistic outlooks as well.
But can Rhodes bounce back and return to form after an ugly 2019 season in which he was released by the Vikings, the only team he’s ever played for? Is Hooker’s future with the Colts done after this season after struggling with injuries and failing to live up to the playmaking expectations bestowed upon him as a first-round pick? Is there enough depth in the secondary to withstand injuries?
These are all legitimate concerns that the Colts face in the secondary. There is still plenty of promise throughout the unit, but it’s a unit that has a lot to prove if and when the 2020 season gets underway.