Colts are seeking solutions after first 2 opponents ran roughshod over their defense

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indianapolis' biggest offseason need was supposed to be beefing up a young secondary that struggled in 2023.

Instead, two weeks into the season, the run defense has been the most glaring problem.

The Colts' first two opponents, Houston and Green Bay, each rushed for more than 200 yards, putting winless Indy already in a two-game deficit in the AFC South and last in the NFL with 237.0 yards rushing allowed per game entering Monday.

Clearly, the Colts need to find a quick solution with the Chicago Bears (1-1) coming to town for Week 3.

“We have to get in our meeting room on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and get it fixed. That is the bottom line,” coach Shane Steichen said after Sunday’s 16-10 loss. “We have the guys in that locker room to do it. I have no doubt about that. I am not going to lose any faith in that, we just have to get it fixed.”

It won't be easy, especially with three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner hurting. He's only missed one game since being acquired in 2020, being held out of a November game after going on the COVID-19 list.

Buckner's streak could be in serious jeopardy this week. Despite playing through a back injury Sunday, he left the game and was carted to the locker room with what turned out to be a sprained ankle. He did not return.

And with last season's sacks leader, Samson Ebukam, already out with a torn Achilles tendon that leaves two big holes on Indy's defensive line.

Personnel may only be part of the problem.

Even with Buckner, the Colts allowed 100-yard rushers in consecutive weeks and Green Bay needed only two quarters to top 200 yards.

While the Colts' halftime adjustments helped plug some of the holes, it's unclear whether they will change anything over the last 15 games.

“You give up that, two weeks in a row, you come to a reality that's a problem,” linebacker E.J. Speed said Monday when asked about the 474 yards rushing they've allowed this season. “I know that I accepted it, being a linebacker and teams running the ball on us and I know this week I'll be doing everything in my power to stop the run.”

Jonathan Taylor. On a day the Colts played so poorly in other facets, Taylor looked like the 2021 NFL rushing champ. While his league-high scoring streak ended at seven games, he accounted for nearly half of Indy's 338 total yards with 103 rushing and 32 receiving.

Ball security. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is now 2-4 as a starter and clearly needs more time to become the franchise quarterback Indy expects. Yes, he's showed potential. But after fumbling twice and throwing three interceptions, one coming on the final heave of the game, Richardson must take care of the ball.

Alec Pierce. The third-year receiver was one of Richardson's favorite options for the second straight week. Pierce's progress was under major scrutiny last season. This season he appears to have taken a big step forward. He leads the Colts with eight receptions, 181 yards and two TD catches through two games.

WR Adonai Mitchell. The speedy rookie turned heads at training camp and during the preseason, increasing expectations. But he and Richardson are not yet in sync, resulting in Mitchell catching just two of his nine targets for 32 yards.

Buckner was carted to the locker room during the game after his lower right leg got caught underneath him. But it may not have been as serious as originally feared. Steichen said Monday that Buckner has a sprained ankle. Rookie DE Laiatu Latu also did not return after injuring his hip Sunday. Starting safety Julian Blackmon missed the Green Bay game with a shoulder injury. Starting CB JuJu Brents (knee) went on injured reserve last week.

The Colts remain hopeful WR Josh Downs could return this week from an ankle injury that has kept him out since early August.

39:49 — That's the total possession time for Indy through two weeks. It's also 22 seconds less than the Green Bay Packers had Sunday. Finding a way to sustain drives and give the defense a breather certainly would help.

The Colts return home for the next two games, against quarterback Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Colts hope to turn their season around, it's imperative they start winning now.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) is pushed of of bounds short of the goal line Green Bay Packers defensive backs Kitan Oladapo (27) and Keisean Nixon (25) after a catch during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce makes a catch for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) celebrate as intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs from Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) is brought down by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) fumbles as he is tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs for a first down as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Samuel Womack III (33) gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

ATLANTA (AP) — Alexey Miranchuk scored on a booming shot in the 84th minute to give Atlanta United a 2-2 tie with MLS-leading Inter Miami, which brought on Lionel Messi as a substitute Wednesday night looking to move a step closer to the Supporters’ Shield.

After making a triumphant return to the Miami lineup with two goals and an assist last weekend, Messi started this game on the bench. Coach Gerardo Martino wanted to manage the minutes of his 37-year-old star, who is coming back from an injury with the club in the midst of a busy stretch.

Messi trotted on in the 61st, shortly after Leo Campana had scored off a deflected free kick to put the Herons in front. But the Argentine star and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner couldn't find the net in his limited time on the field.

Miami improved to 19-4-6 with five matches remaining in the regular season. The Herons pushed 12 points ahead of LA Galaxy, who played later Wednesday against Portland, in their bid to gain home-field advantage throughout the MLS playoffs.

Messi showed flashes including a backfooted pass to Federico Redondo, who misfired trying to get it back to the Miami star on the give-and-go. In stoppage time, Messi dribbled around three players in the penalty area but failed to get off a shot. Finally, he threw up his arms in frustration when another pass was intercepted by Atlanta.

With the home team trailing 2-1, Miranchuk unleashed a left-footed shot from 20 meters out that found the top left corner of the goal.

Both teams created a plethora of scoring chances in the closing minutes, but neither could break through.

Miami grabbed the lead on David Ruiz’s goal in the 29th off another deflection. Franco Negri’s pass hit someone just outside the area, somehow got through three other players and wound up going right to Ruiz, who was all alone between two Atlanta defenders and slid the shot past Brad Guzan.

United tied it in the 56th when Saba Lobjanidze’s header slipped between the legs of Miami keeper Drake Callender.

The announced crowd of 67,795 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium roared when Messi and three of his teammates trotted to the end line to begin warming up about three minutes into the second half.

Campana put the Herons ahead with a free kick that was intended for the right corner of the Atlanta goal. But the ball deflected off Dax McCarty and ricocheted into the net on the left side. Guzan, diving the other way, never had a chance.

Two minutes later, Messi came on for Julian Gressel.

UP NEXT

Inter Miami: Faces New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

Atlanta United: Travels to New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

AP MLS: https://apnews.com/hub/major-league-soccer

Inter Miami defender Serhiy Kryvtsov (27) and Atlanta United forward Daniel Ríos (19) battle for the ball during thre first half of a MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams (3) and Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana (8) chase the ball during thre first half of a MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Atlanta United defender Stian Gregersen (5) and Inter Miami forward Leonardo Campana (8) battle for the ball during thre first half of a MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi leaves the pitch after during a MLS soccer match against Atlanta United Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi controls the ball during the second half of a MLS soccer match against Atlanta United Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10), right, and Atlanta United defender Derrick Williams (3) battle for control of the ball during the second half of a MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)