Overreaction Monday: Indianapolis Colts Week 8

1. "Tony Brown should be cut"

Overreaction

The Colts saw CB Tony Brown have one of the worst games of any individual player this season in Week 8; that isn't even an opinion its a fact. But it felt like he was set up to fail from the jump in Week 8, as he has never played an extensive role on the outside at corner; most of his defensive snaps have come in the slot. His main role in the NFL has been on special teams, so to throw him into the fire against one of the better WR cores in the NFL was a mistake by the coaching staff. That doesn't excuse how poorly he played by any means.

But Browns impact as a special teamer is still important to take into account here. While I wouldn't have kept Brown on the initial 53-man roster over a player like Darius Rush, who they elected to release, now that they made that choice, I think it would be a mistake to release him now after their own mistake of playing him at a position that didn't utilize his strengths and instead put his flaws on full display for all to see. I think Week 8 will be the last we see of Brown getting snaps as an outside corner. Still, I believe he will continue to be an impactful special teamer with decent ability to slide into the slot corner position when absolutely needed. 

2. "Gus Bradley's seat is Hot"

Not an Overreaction

The Colts defense has been a mess, to say the least. After a great start to the season, they have fallen off dramatically in nearly all phases. Their corners are young, and we expected some drastic ups and downs this season, but because of injuries, it's been even worse than expected over the past two weeks.

Their pass rush has fallen off after a solid start to the season. The Colts had 12 sacks through the first three weeks of the season and, over the last five weeks, have only totaled nine sacks. With their secondary struggling, they aren't going to get many "coverage sacks," which means the defensive line has to be better in the future. 

Bradley's scheme is starting to look more and more outdated in today's pass-heavy NFL. If he can't make adjustments to get this group back on track, his job should be in danger. And I agree with the notion that his seat is hot, especially after the last three weeks of allowing 37 or more points. 

• Week 6: Jaguars 37
• Week 7: Browns 39
• Week 8: Saints 38

3. "Chris Ballard is to blame for the lack of corner depth"

Overreaction

Over the past few years, there have been positions where Colts GM Chris Ballard has been to blame for a lack of moves to solidify weak spots. For example, his lack of moves at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher deserved criticism when those positions performed poorly. This year, the position fans are pointing fingers at Ballard for is corner. While he and the team did decide to go young at corner, some of it was out of his hand. For example, veteran Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason after he asked to be sent somewhere he could contend. Then, before the season began, they lost their projected top corner in, Isaiah Rodgers Sr., to a season suspension that would later have him released by the team.  

Ballard's choice to go young at the position is certainly something you can agree or disagree with, but in my opinion, what makes his handling of corner different than the other positions I mentioned earlier is the team drafted three players during the 2023 draft, two of which have already looked impressive in 2nd round pick Juju Brents, and 7th round pick Jaylon Jones. After the recent injury to Brents, though, their depth behind those two players is being put on full display, and not in a good way. It's hard to add to any position mid-season, but I do agree it's time that they make a move, whether that is a trade or a free-agent addition, to prevent playing some of the coverage liabilities we've already seen on their roster.