Three members of the Indianapolis Colts defensive front recorded some of the fastest sacks out of all players during Week 1 of the regular season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
As one would assume, the calculation of this metric is fairly straight forward, with Next Gen Stats measuring the amount of time that elapsed between the ball being snapped and the sack on the quarterback being made.
Of the top 10 fastest-recorded sacks in Week 1, three of them belonged to members of the Colts’ defensive line.
Coming in at No. 5 was Dayo Odeyingbo, who recorded his sack in 3.15 seconds. At No. 6 on the list was DeForest Buckner, who also registered his sack in 3.15 seconds. Then at No. 7 was Kwity Paye at 3.16 seconds.
Overall, while the run game did struggle for the Colts, they were able to get after the quarterback, tallying four sacks and 10 quarterback hits, according to ESPN.
Of course, the name of the game in the NFL is generating pressures on the quarterback, and the more quickly that can happen, the more disruption there will be. As has always been the case even with the game changing over the years, the best way to wreck any offensive play is with a quick push up the middle.
Improved play against the run should also bolster the Colts’ pass rush. Slowing the run on early downs then puts the offense in predictable passing situations where an already disruptive Colts’ front now has the ability to really pin its ears back and go.
This week the Colts face the Packers, who are preparing Malik Willis to start at quarterback. Pressure versus an inexperienced quarterback is often a recipe for defensive success.