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One NFL insider believes there are high expectations for these two Colts’ defenders in the new-look defense under Lou Anarumo.
The Indianapolis Colts have high expectations this season for pass rushers Samson Ebukam and Laiatu Latu.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer visited Indianapolis Colts’ training camp over the weekend and in his takeaways article, he mentioned the “belief” that Ebukam and Latu can flourish in Lou Anarumo’s new defense.
“DC Lou Anarumo is expected to be a difference maker, and the first area the Colts see it showing up is in the pass rush,” wrote Breer. “Samson Ebukam is healthy again and there’s a belief that both he and Laiatu Latu could get to double-digit sacks in the new scheme.”
Under Anarumo, we are going to see a more aggressive and disguise-heavy defense overall. From the pass rush’s perspective, that should help take away the quick passing game–an area of this Colts’ secondary that was exploited last season–and the disguising of coverages can create hesitation for the quarterback. Both elements should provide additional time for the pass rush to get home.
I would also anticipate more movement up front as Anarumo varies alignments and who is where, along with some added blitzing that could benefit the front four as well.
During the 2023 season, Ebukam nearly hit the 10 sack mark with 9.5, but missed all of last season with an Achilles injury. Admittedly, there are unknowns when it comes to how quickly he can return to his previous form.
Latu, meanwhile, is a popular pick to be a breakout candidate. Perhaps the best evidence from last season that a jump is coming is that he ranked 27th among all defensive ends in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric. Oftentimes, when a player can consistently win their one-on-one matchups, the production will follow.
If both Ebukam and Latu can hit the double-digit sack mark as Breer suggests, the Colts’ defensive line will have the chance to be one of the more disruptive units in football when coupled with the depth they have overall at the defensive end and tackle positions.
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