The Indianapolis Colts could have some major short-term issues in the secondary, as they have no pass rush without Robert Mathis and have allowed 7.2 net yards per attempt. Without a real free safety, the Colts have largely relied on star cornerback Vontae Davis to continue to pace the secondary, though veteran safety Mike Adams has been a surprise back there.
Horseshoe Heroes
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the NFL has suspended the Colts best safety, LaRon Landry, for four games without pay for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. While he’s largely a liability in coverage, he did turn things around this year after getting whipped by the Denver Broncos in Week 1.
Landry’s absence isn’t a big loss long-term, because the Colts are feasting on terrible teams in their division and are a lock for the playoffs; they don’t need Landry, who is famous for his huge muscles and powerful hits, for these next four games. That said, Adams will have to continue to play at a high level, because the Colts secondary looks very thin on paper, especially at the safety position. In Landry’s absence, the Colts will have to do some shifting and will likely start Sergio Brown, who can’t cover at all.
So far this season, Landry has 23 tackles with one sack.