Colts Focus on Tackling Fundamentals to Fix 2024’s Biggest Defensive Flaw
As the Indianapolis Colts head into the 2025 NFL offseason, one priority stands above the rest: fixing their tackling problem.
In 2024, the Colts missed a league-high 157 tackles—23 more than any other team. That costly deficiency is now front and center, with tackling drills becoming a focal point of the upcoming training camp.
The issue wasn’t just statistical; it was situational. Indianapolis played the fourth-most defensive snaps last season, and their inability to finish plays proved especially damaging in critical moments. Missed tackles led to extended drives and a defense that often looked worn down and frustrated.
Chris Ballard’s Offseason Blueprint: Fundamentals Over Flash
General manager Chris Ballard approached the offseason with a clear objective—prioritize sure tacklers over marquee names. His roster moves reflect that commitment to fundamentals.
At safety, the team moved on from Julian Blackmon, who posted a missed tackle rate above 12% in four of his five seasons. His replacement, Cam Bynum, brings stability, having missed just 7.1% of his tackle attempts throughout his career.
At cornerback, Samuel Womack III (12.2% missed tackle rate) was replaced by Charvarius Ward, who owns the lowest missed tackle rate of any defender since entering the league in 2018, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Ward’s arrival should help limit yards after the catch and make the secondary more dependable in open-field situations.
Linebacker E.J. Speed, who missed over 10% of tackles each of the last two years, was not retained. In his place, rookie Jaylon Carlies—who missed only 5.3% of his tackles while starting six games in 2024—is expected to take on a larger role in 2025.
These moves aim to address a significant weakness. The Colts ranked 30th in third-down defense last season, allowing opponents to convert 44.4% of attempts. Many of those conversions came when defenders failed to wrap up ball carriers short of the line to gain.
Tackling as the Foundation for Defensive Growth
Improved tackling won’t turn the Colts into a top-tier defense overnight. But it’s a critical first step. Sound tackling shortens drives, limits explosive plays, and builds confidence across the unit.
With better tacklers now on the roster, the Colts should be more capable of containing opposing offenses and reducing costly breakdowns. This complements their other defensive strengths and could be the key to turning close losses into wins.
In today’s offense-first NFL, tackling is often overlooked—but it’s essential. Teams that tackle well stay in games, even without elite talent across the board.
What to Watch in 2025
Jaylon Carlies’ development as a full-time starter will be one of the Colts’ most important storylines. Surrounded by veterans like Ward and Bynum, he could help lead a resurgence built on reliability and discipline.
The Colts enter 2025 with a clear plan: fix the one flaw that held their defense back in 2024. By targeting proven tacklers, nurturing young talent, and emphasizing fundamentals, Indianapolis is giving itself a real chance to improve.
Tackling may not make headlines, but for a Colts team looking to return to the playoffs, it could be the deciding factor between another average season and a breakthrough year.
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