The Indianapolis Colts’ defense was in dire need of a reset this offseason after a disappointing 2024 season. The cracks in their defensive foundation were evident early on, with opponents racking up back-to-back 200-yard rushing games to open the year and five additional games where they surrendered over 400 total yards. The breaking point came in Week 17 when the New York Giants, a team that had scored just seven points the previous week and reached 20 points only once in their prior six games, dismantled the Colts 45-33 in a game that wasn’t even as close as the score suggested. The Colts finished the season ranked 29th in total defense, 26th against the pass, and 24th in both run defense and points allowed.
Determined to turn things around, the Colts made sweeping changes. They parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and brought in Lou Anarumo, a coach renowned for his complex, pressure-heavy defensive schemes. The front office backed this shift with an aggressive free-agency push, signing top-tier defensive backs Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum to $60 million contracts each, while also bolstering depth with defensive lineman Neville Gallimore and cornerback Corey Ballentine. The team further reinforced the unit in the draft, adding promising talents JT Tuimoloau, Justin Walley, Tim Smith, and Hunter Wohler.
With the spring offseason program—encompassing workouts and organized team activities—nearly complete, early signs point to a transformed Colts defense. Camryn Bynum, one of the marquee signings, is already seeing the potential in Anarumo’s system. “Now, being in Lou’s defense, it’s been fun,” Bynum shared with reporters. “It’s a defense – even just hearing from the offense, them giving us our flowers and being like, ‘Yeah, this defense is going to be really good this year,’ just because they’re going against us.”
Bynum’s excitement is amplified by the validation coming from the Colts’ offensive players, who are struggling against the new defensive schemes in practice. “So, being able to hear that from the offense is really reassuring for us to know that, okay, we trust it, and going against the offense, they’re saying the same thing,” Bynum continued. “So, we know that Lou’s defense is going to pay us really well this season as far as making plays.”
Bynum, a proven playmaker with 65 career games (54 starts), brings a wealth of experience to Anarumo’s scheme. His resume includes eight interceptions, 28 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, five tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. In Anarumo’s defense, which is designed to maximize the impact of elite safeties, Bynum is poised to elevate the unit to new heights.
The Colts’ revamped defense won’t have to wait long to prove itself. In Week 1 on September 7, they’ll face a formidable challenge when the Miami Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa, DeVon Achane, and Tyreek Hill, visit Lucas Oil Stadium. With Anarumo’s schemes, Bynum’s playmaking, and a bolstered roster, the Colts are gearing up for a defensive turnaround that could redefine their season.