The Indianapolis Colts’ defense will face another difficult matchup this week, tasked with taking on Josh Allen and the high-scoring Buffalo Bills offense.
The Bills will enter this game ranked fourth in points per game. Statistically speaking, there isn’t one particular area where the Bills’ offense is standing out above the rest. They rank 19th in yards per rush, 12th in yards per pass, and they rank in the upper half of the league in explosive plays generated.
However, with Allen playing really good football, what Buffalo has is a very well-rounded offense that moves the ball consistently, can hurt opponents in a variety of ways, and when they make their way into the red zone, they take advantage, ranking sixth in success rate.
Allen, specifically, will enter Week 10 completing 64 percent of his passes at 7.6 yards per attempt with 17 touchdowns to only two interceptions.
“He’s playing at a different level this season,” said Zaire Franklin about Allen. “His efficiency, his decision-making, obviously, he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Obviously, having success with them starts with limiting his production, his success, and I think we got an opportunity to do that.”
Despite a very rough start to the season for the Indianapolis defense, the group has been able to turn things around and has been playing their best football as of late.
As noted by Zach Hicks of Horseshoe Huddle, in the last four games, the Colts defense ranks eighth in EPA/play, ninth in dropback EPA, and 10th in rush defense EPA.
In part, playing Will Levis and Tyler Huntley will provide a boost to those metrics, but this is a unit that has also held its own against Houston and Minnesota as well.
Having DeForest Buckner back has been a massive factor in the Colts’ improved play, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley deserves credit for the adjustments he’s made as well.
Not helping the Indianapolis defense as of late has been their own offense. The Colts’ inability to pick up first downs and sustain drives results in a lopsided time of possession battle, putting more stress on the defense. Not to mention that with Indianapolis unable to put up points, it requires the defensive side of the ball to play near flawless game.
Can the Colts’ defense continue to find success this week against Allen and the Bills offense?
