Should the Colts consider former Jets HC Robert Saleh for D.C.?

The Indianapolis Colts have reached a critical point in their season, and the defensive struggles have become a glaring issue for the team. As the Colts continue to battle inconsistency, many have begun to point fingers at the Colts’ defense, with some fans suggesting that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley may not be the right man to lead the defense.

Bradley, who was hired as the Colts’ defensive coordinator in 2022, remained on the staff after Indianapolis fired Frank Reich and replaced him with Shane Steichen in 2023. Since take over as defensive coordinator, Bradley’s defenses have faced their fair share of struggles.

In 2022, the Colts ranked 28th in the league in scoring defense—they allowed 25.1 points per game. A year ago in 2023, they once again ranked 28th in the NFL. Through the first five weeks of the 2024 season, Bradley’s bunch is right back at the bottom of the NFL, ranking 25th in the league in scoring defense as the Colts are allowing 24.4 points a game this year. This season’s Colts rank last in yards allowed per game (419.2), second-last in rushing yards allowed per game (157.0) and 29th in the NFL in passing yards surrendered a game (262.2).

Week after week, the Colts have continued to allow big offensive performances to their opponents. In weeks one and two, it was Joe Mixon and Josh Jacobs that gashed the Indianapolis defense for north of 150 yards rushing. In the Colts’ week three win over the Bears, rookie Caleb Williams threw for more yards (363) than he did in his first two games combined. Week four was Justin Fields throwing for the second-most passing yards in his career. Then, just a week ago, Trevor Lawrence posted a career-high 371 passing yards, while Tank Bigsby recorded his first 100-yard rushing performance.

Bradley is a well-respected coach around NFL circles, but his scheme, largely based on the Cover 3 defense that he made famous during his time with the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom, has grown too predictable in today’s NFL. Opposing offenses have caught on to the limitations of Bradley’s defense, which prioritizes keeping plays in front of the secondary, while sacrificing aggressiveness. 

It's his reluctance to blitz and vary up coverages that has allowed Bradley’s defense to be picked apart this season. Indianapolis’ defense has continued to be gashed by league-average quarterbacks this year, and their inability to get off the field on third down has become one of the many defining issues for the Colts defense. Bradley’s over-reliance on a four-man rush without any additional pass rush support has simply not worked. The problem is further compounded against mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs.

With Bradley’s struggles to put together a solid defensive unit, a change may be necessary. Fortunately for the Colts, perhaps the perfect man for the job just became available.

The Jets decided to part ways with head coach Robert Saleh early this week. The defensive minded head coach would be a perfect replacement for Bradley as the Colts’ defensive coordinator.

Over the years, Saleh has built a reputation for being one of the NFL’s best defensive minds, first as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers and then as head coach of the Jets. Saleh’s defenses are aggressive, unpredictable and relentless, all qualities the Colts lack on the defensive side of the ball right now.

Saleh’s defensive philosophy is rooted in creating pressure, and he’s unafraid to bring blitzes from a variety of different angles. His defenses are designed to attack opposing quarterbacks, disrupt passing lanes and force mistakes. Under Saleh, the Jets’ defense had consistently ranked near the top of the league in critical statistical categories. Despite his firing earlier this week, that still rang true this season as well.

Through five weeks, the Jets rank top five in the NFL in total yards allowed, passing yards allowed and scoring defense. New York is also sixth in the league in both red zone defense and third down defense. Simply put, Saleh’s firing had nothing to do with his defense. His ability to maximize talent and get players to buy into a system of aggression and discipline is exactly what the Colts’ defense lacks. Hiring Saleh, a coach with head coaching experience and success as a defensive architect, would immediately elevate the Colts’ defensive ceiling. 

The Colts are currently at a crossroads with Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. While he boasts a respected resume, the results in Indianapolis just haven’t been there for Bradley. A coaching change may just be what this Colts team needs to right the ship this season. With Saleh leading the defense, the Colts’ defense could become a force to be reckoned with, providing the perfect complement to a young and exciting offense.