ESPN Reveals Colts' Biggest Surprise

The Indianapolis Colts are off to a 1-1 start, and ESPN reveals their biggest surprise of the young season.

The Indianapolis Colts played well in a Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and then they won comfortably in Houston in Week 2.

There have been many pleasant surprises over the course of the first-two weeks including the rapid success Anthony Richardson has had at quarterback.

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However, ESPN+ picked the Colts' run defense as the biggest surprise in a recent column and tried to predict if the early success was real or a mirage.

The Colts lead the NFL in rushing defense at 2.6-yards per attempt. Is this success real?

The verdict: Real. The Colts have long been solid against the run, so them giving up 2.6 yards per carry isn't a stunner. But they have been particularly stout despite their shortcomings against the pass, which is a product of their underwhelming cornerback play. The numbers here underscore the performance of interior defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, who continue to solidify themselves as one of the best duos in the NFL. Another indicator that this trend could stick is that the Colts are getting penetration up front: Opponents are averaging 1.13 yards before contact on rushes -- second-best in the league. -- Stephen Holder

We highlighted yesterday just how effective Stewart has been for the Colts this season. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded Stewart at 87.8 through two games. His career high is 72.6 set in 2021. 

Buckner's excellent play is no surprise. His PFF grade through two games is 88.2, giving the Colts a pair of defensive linemen ranked in the top 10.

Ryan Kelly is also off to a good start on the other side of the ball. PFF has him graded as the No. 1 center in the NFL. Guard Will Fries comes in at No. 6 on the guard rankings, and tackles Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith are both in the top 15.

The Colts have a lot invested in their offensive line, and their ineffectiveness was a big reason for the offensive woes in 2022.

Holder's selection of the league's most-effective run defense is a good call for biggest surprise. That there are so many other options to choose from, including Richardson and the offensive line bodes well for the remainder of the Colts' 2023 campaign.

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