The Indianapolis Colts defense is in absolute shambles, surrendering a league-worst 1,029 total yards and a staggering 74 points through just two games of the 2026 season. They are 0-2 after brutal losses to the Ravens and Chiefs, and it’s getting ugly fast.
A Defense Bleeding Yards and Points
Look, the numbers don’t lie. Giving up 1,029 yards and 74 points puts this Colts unit dead last in the league. They’re also allowing a truly abysmal 7.2 yards per play. There was some chatter online that this was historically bad, the worst ever, but while that viral post was technically false (the 2016 Raiders gave up 1,035 yards in their first two games, going 1-1 ironically), the Colts are barely better than that. Being 0-2 and giving up almost 1,030 yards, that’s not exactly a win. It feels like this defense is just getting gashed play after play, and you have to wonder where the adjustments are.
Confidence Amidst the Chaos?
Lou Anarumo was brought in as defensive coordinator last year, in 2025, with a clear mission: elevate the defense from what former coordinator Gus Bradley had. Bradley’s 2024 unit was rough, ranking No. 24 in points allowed and No. 29 in yards allowed. Anarumo’s first year saw marginal improvement, going to No. 21 in points allowed and No. 23 in yards allowed in 2025. Marginally better isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement, especially when you consider this 2026 start. So, when head coach Shane Steichen was asked point-blank in his Wednesday press conference if he still had confidence in Anarumo to turn this train wreck around, his answer was clear: “Yeah, absolutely. I have confidence in Lou, no doubt about it.”
“No doubt about it.” Those are strong words when your defense is at the bottom of the barrel. With these historically poor numbers, and Steichen’s steadfast backing of his coordinator, every single snap going forward is under the microscope. Can Anarumo actually fix this unit and live up to that confidence? We’re all waiting to see.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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