Shane Steichen Puts Colts CB On Notice After Rams WRs Expose Defensive Woes

There has finally been a stir in the Indianapolis Colts. In the last few weeks, many have pointed out a glaring issue with the team’s cornerback who have been targeted by almost all of their opponents. After the team’s first loss, the Colts’ Coach

Shane Steichen assured to look back at the game. As for how they fix it is still a big question.

Addressing the issues with the Colts’ CB, Xavien Howard’s struggles, the coach backed up the player. “

He’s been a hell of a player in this league for a long time,” coach Steichen said. That said, the coach added that the unit will look into the tape again to figure out the issues with the cornerback. “

But obviously we’ll go back and look at the tape …”

He also addressed wide receiver AD Mitchell’s fumble and called it “hard to explain that situation.” He further added, “

But we got a lot of faith in AD …” On a key third-down play, the WR made a tough catch, broke free from two Los Angeles Rams defenders, and was about to score. But just before crossing the goal line, he lost control of the ball, and it rolled out of the back of the end zone.

And what could have been a big moment turned out to be a mistake. Before the coach, Mitchell had already called the mistake “unacceptable.” “Just a play that can’t happen,

” he said. “Just unacceptable. I just gotta be better for the team and for the organization.”

But this wasn’t the only issue with the Colts. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has had an impressive record in the last 3 games, threw two interceptions. He threw his first interceptions on the first drive. The second interception was even more painful because of the timing.

With just a minute left, all three timeouts in hand, and the Colts needing a touchdown to tie the game, Jones went for a deep shot to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

But safety Kam Curl read it perfectly, jumped to catch the ball, and ended the Colts’ hopes. “Just a force I think at that point in the game, no need to force that,”
Jones explained. “We got timeouts and time, I think, just understanding that.”

There were, unfortunately, too many penalties. The team was flagged 11 times for 88 yards of penalties. As for now, the Colts’ concern is their CB.

The Colts’ defense has serious issues, and Shane Steichen must fix them fast

The CB has been targeted multiple times this season. Howard sat out all of 2024 with an injury. And in the first four games, opponent teams have consistently targeted him for big gains. Those issues were in the spotlight in the game against the Rams as well.

Howard struggled heavily in coverage against the Rams, allowing 7 receptions on 9 targets for 112 receiving yards and a touchdown. Quarterbacks attacking him posted a near-perfect 155.6 passer rating, and that speaks volumes about the CB’s issues in the game.

The Rams used wide receiver Puka Nakua in every way possible to push Howard. Nacua ended up with 13 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Howard was struggling to keep up.

This is the first loss for the Colts, but the struggles aren’t new for the CB. So, coach Shane Steichen must fix the issue before the team lands in more trouble.

A.J. Brown Sends Ominous Message After Eagles’ Week 4 Win Over Bucs as Locker Room Frustrations Grow

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Eagles are flying high at 4-0 after their hard-fought Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But while the scoreboard showed victory, the mood in the locker room wasn’t quite as smooth.

Star wideout A.J. Brown, who has been the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s passing attack since arriving in 2022, was almost invisible in the win. He caught just two passes for seven yards, continuing a troubling trend where three of his four games this season have produced fewer than 15 receiving yards.

Brown took to social media after the game and posted a cryptic message: “If you’re not welcomed, not listened to, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way.”

The ominous tone immediately raised eyebrows among fans and insiders, suggesting frustration with his role in the offense.

Behind closed doors, tension may be brewing. Team sources told Philly Voice

that Brown appeared visibly frustrated in the locker room postgame, keeping to himself while most teammates celebrated the undefeated start. Several players reportedly described the star receiver as “distant” and “not his usual self.”

This isn’t the first time concerns about Brown’s usage have surfaced. Dating back to the middle of the 2024 season, whispers emerged that he was unhappy with inconsistent targets, despite his ability to dominate defenses when given opportunities.

While head coach Nick Sirianni downplayed the issue, calling Brown “a competitor who always wants the ball”, the cryptic post adds fuel to speculation that frustrations could boil over if his role doesn’t expand soon.

The Eagles are flying toward Super Bowl expectations, but harmony in the locker room is just as vital as wins on the field. Brown’s ominous message now leaves fans and analysts alike wondering: will this simmering frustration become a bigger problem as the season unfolds?

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