The Colts have gotten off to a poor start on defense in 2026.
While the viral social media post claiming that the Colts have allowed the most yards through two games in league history is false, Indianapolis has not been much better than that.
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The 2016 Raiders gave up 1,035 total yards in their first two games — ironically going 1-1 in that span.
The 2026, 0-2 Colts have surrendered 1,029 yards and 74 points, both of which rank dead last in the league after losses to the Ravens and Chiefs. Indianapolis has also surrendered a league-worst 7.2 yards per play.
Indianapolis brought in Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator last year with the expectation that he’d raise the level of play from former coordinator Gus Bradley. But the unit was only marginally improved last year — going from No. 24 in points allowed and No. 29 in yards allowed in 2024 to No. 21 in points allowed and No. 23 in yards allowed in 2025.
Given the historically bad start, head coach Shane Steichen was asked in his Wednesday press conference if he has confidence in Anarumo to be able to turn the unit around.
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“Yeah, absolutely. I have confidence in Lou, no doubt about it,” Steichen said, via transcript from the team. “He’s been doing it for a long time in this league. He’s had success in this league, and I have no doubt that this thing will get turned defensively.”
Steichen noted the defensive issues begin with poor tackling.
“I think we had a ton of missed tackles last week, last couple weeks, and those are leading to explosive plays, especially in the run game,” Steichen said. “And then we’ve got to be great on the backend in coverage. I mean, it’s all part of it. All ties in together. The rush and coverage work together, and we got to get that stuff cleaned up moving forward so we’re not giving up those big plays and those yards.
“Again, we want to be better than it was the first two games,” Steichen added. “There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. We have to be better there. But I do. I have a lot of confidence in [Anarumo] and what we’re doing moving forward. I think there’s the communication stuff. We’re getting that stuff cleaned up, and again, it goes back to tackling, and fundamentals, and we’ve got to do a great job of tackling moving forward.”
We’ll see if the Colts can show improvement when they play the Texans at home on Sunday.
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