Indianapolis Colts Coach Shoulders Blame for 10 Men on Defense
The Indianapolis Colts were within striking distance of their fourth-consecutive win to start the 2025 season. Their game against the Los Angeles Rams was tied at 20-20 with 1:44 left to in the fourth quarter. The Rams had the ball on their own 12-yard line, so there were in good shape, right?
As you surely know by now, things were not, in fact, in good shape. Rams’ quarterback Matt Stafford found wide receiver Tutu Atwell for an 88-yard touchdown. Those things can certainly happen in an NFL game, but it doesn’t help when your defense only has 10 men on the field.
“It shouldn’t happen,” Colts‘ head coach Shane Steichen said Monday. “It starts with me as the head coach.”
That’s admirable that he’s taking the blame, it’s the right thing to do. But, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo disagrees with his boss and says it’s all on him.
“Yeah, it’s something that certainly I take full responsibility for,” he said Tuesday. “I know Shane had said something, but that’s on me. And as a group, I take full responsibility for that play.
“It’s unacceptable in high school, never mind in the NFL. So, that’ll never happen again. I’ll be on top of it and making sure that we’ve got the proper guys in the proper spot.”
Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator says it won’t happen again
Anarumo didn’t make any excuses and that’s probably for the best. What happened happened and pointing fingers (there aren’t any to point in this situation anyway) certainly won’t help.
“Whether there’s 11 guys on the field, that might have been a challenge on that particular play,” Anarumo said. “But we won’t have to worry about that again going forward.”
It’s uncertain which player was supposed to be the 11th guy on the field on that play. But, whether it was Mike Hilton or Rodney Thomas II, neither would have been handling Atwell.
“We were going to double Puka (Nacua) with the other guy that was out there,” Anarumo said. “So, Cam (Bynum) would have been cheating over there a little bit more to the side of the play.”
Indinapolis Colts’ Anarumo asked about others in the secondary
Speaking of the Colts’ secondary, veteran cornerback Xavien Howard was terrible again on Sunday. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard’s 34.2 overall grade is dead last among 102 qualifying corners. Not only that, opposing quarterbacks have a 139.2 passer rating when throwing his way. That’s pretty awful.
Anarumo was asked about the former Miami Dolphin.
“We will evaluate everyone every game,” Anarumo said. “Certainly, X is a player on the team, so he’s certainly going to get evaluated.
“Credit to the Rams and their receivers and Matthew. Stafford is one of the better quarterbacks that have been around and certainly worthy of Hall of Fame consideration at some point. But yeah, not only X, but everybody will always be evaluated each week based on performance…it’s not just one guy.
“We’ll always take a look at those things and move forward accordingly.”
It’s a shame the game turned out this way for the Colts. So far, they have been the feel-good story of the NFL (sorry, Jaguars) and were very close to staying amongst the undefeated elites. Especially with the AFC South as moribund as it is, a 4-0 start would mean the Colts could rest their starters for the rest of the season.
Kenyon Green Reflects on Joining Ravens’ Practice Squad: ‘I’m Committed to Getting Better’
Kenyon Green, the former first-round pick (NFL Draft 2022), has spoken out after signing with the
“I’m here to work, get better every day, and contribute however I can,” Green said. “It’s been a tough road, but I’m focused on proving myself and showing the Ravens that they made the right decision. I’m loyal to the process, and I know this is the best place for me to grow.”
Green’s words reflect his determination to make the most of his second chance and earn his place on the active roster.
Green’s Mindset: ‘It’s About Getting Better Every Day’
Green acknowledged that joining the practice squad is just the beginning, and he’s fully committed to improving his game. “Every day is an opportunity to improve,” Green explained. “I’m focusing on getting better, learning from the veterans around me, and doing whatever I can to be ready for when my time comes. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m here to prove I belong at this level.”
His mindset of continuous improvement shows Green’s professionalism and work ethic as he looks to climb the depth chart.
Ravens’ Support: ‘Kenyon’s Talent Will Be Key for Our Offensive Line’
The Ravens have expressed confidence in Green’s abilities and his potential to be a valuable asset to the team. “Kenyon is a talented player, and we’re excited to bring him in,” said
Green’s talent and determination have earned him respect, and his ability to learn and grow under the guidance of the Ravens’ coaching staff is viewed as an exciting opportunity for both him and the team.
Looking Ahead: ‘I’m Focused on Earning My Spot’
As Green settles in with the Ravens, he remains focused on earning his place on the active roster. “I’m not looking for handouts,” Green said. “I’m here to work for my spot. I’ll continue to learn, improve, and do everything I can to help this team succeed. When my opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.”
Green’s commitment to his development and his determination to earn his role reflect his drive and his understanding of what it takes to succeed at the NFL level.
Final Thoughts: ‘I’m Loyal to the Process and the Team’
Green ended with a message of loyalty to the Ravens and the process that will help him achieve his goals: “I’m loyal to this process and to the team. I’m going to keep pushing myself, and when my time comes, I’ll be ready to contribute. I’m here to help this team win, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Green’s dedication to his growth and the team’s success shows that he’s committed to making the most of this opportunity with the Ravens.
