The 2022 season has been a roller coaster ride for the Indianapolis Colts. Despite playing three games, the Colts have already experienced the lowest and lows and highest of highs as they have a record of 1-1-1.
After tying with the Houston Texans in Week 1, the Colts put forth an embarrassing effort against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, getting shut out. They could not have gone into a Week 3 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs with less momentum but they found a way to get their first victory of the season.
While not much has gone right for the Colts thus far, their defense has been up to the task for most of the season. Their pass defense needs some work as they are slightly below average when it comes to that, but their defense against the run has been spectacular.
Indianapolis has given up only 231 rushing yards this season, which is the third best in the NFL. It is not for a lack of trying by opponents either, as they have faced 88 rushing attempts. That is ranked 26th, as teams are trying to run the ball against the Colts but are finding no success. They are first in the league in yards per attempt allowed.
A big reason for their success has been the performance of Kwity Paye. A second-round pick out of Michigan in 2021, Paye started 15 games for the Colts as a rookie. He has already matched nearly all of his stats from his rookie campaign in three games this season.
Paye has already totaled four tackles for loss this season, which according to Destin Adams, is good enough to tie him for second in the NFL.
In addition to the tackles for loss, Paye has 2.5 stuffs and is leading the team with two sacks. If Paye can get his hands on you, he is making the play as he has yet to miss a tackle this season.
Playing opposite of pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue has certainly helped open things up for Paye. With the established Ngakoue opposite of him, Paye is receiving opportunities to get into the opponent’s backfield and is making the most of them.
Now, he just needs some of his teammates to elevate their performance as well. If the other players can perform up to expectations along with the increase from Paye, this defense has a chance to be among the better ones in the NFL once star linebacker Shaquille Leonard gets back on the field.
