The Indianapolis Colts already struggling run defense is going to have to navigate at least the next four games without high-impact defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
So, in Buckner’s absence, in an effort to bolster their porous run defense, could Dayo Odeyingbo see more snaps inside?
This wouldn’t be anything new for Odeyingbo. In 2023, nearly 200 of his 623 total defensive snaps came between the tackles. However, through two games this season, that hasn’t been the case. According to PFF, Odeyingbo has totaled just seven snaps inside.
Giving Odeyingbo more snaps between the tackles feels like a must for the Colts at this point. If not, that means an even heavier workload will be coming for Taven Bryan and Adetomiwa Adebawore.
The Colts issues against the run is a collective failure–it’s on everyone. However, more snaps for Bryan and Adebawore isn’t the path to turning this thing around either. These are two undersized defensive tackles who are pass rushers, not run defenders.
Related: What Gus Bradley had to say about the run defense woes
In addition to Odeyingbo lining up inside, Tyquan Lewis can provide some versatility in that regard as well.
This isn’t to say that Odeyinbo seeing more interior snaps will suddenly fix things. As already mentioned, it’s going to take a group effort to do so, which also includes improved play from Raekwon Davis and the Colts’ linebackers.
The run defense isn’t the only issue plaguing this Colts team right now, but without a doubt, it is the biggest. If this team is going to turn things around, it starts with being better against the run.
As we’ve seen through the first two games, when the defense is run over by the opponent, there is a negative trickle-down effect from that which impacts the entire team. Or in short, a really bad run defense is oftentimes just way too much to overcome.