Colts backups vs. Buffalo: Defense

As we explored the offensive subs who played against Buffalo in week 17 earlier, let’s take a look at some of the lesser-known defensive guys. When you consider Buffalo ran for 248 yards and had a 120.8 NFL passer rating, it’s not surprising there’s not much good to talk about.

DT Fili Moala (54 of 72 snaps): Moala had been playing poorly all year, and showed no improvement against Buffalo. Facing off against Geoff Hangartner and Richie Incognito, he made them look like Pro Bowlers. He had one tackle and added nothing to the pass rush.

DT John Gill (53 of 72 snaps): Gill didn’t get much push either, but he was active in run stopping and was involved in a couple of nice plays. His day was nothing to write home about, but much better than Moala’s.

DE Ervin Baldwin (53 of 72 snaps): Baldwin mounted some rush (including getting a QB hit), and was probably the Colts’ best D-lineman against the run. I’ll forgive the missed tackle for the stops at the line.

OLB Ramon Humber (68 of 72 snaps): I still think he’s better inside, and he was pushed around in the run game as O-Linemen got right to him. He needs protection. He had a nice day in coverage, though, easily handling the Bills tight ends.

OLB Cody Glenn (26 of 72 snaps): The erstwhile fullback did not stand out on defense, getting schooled by Terrell Owens in coverage once, and adding little in the fight against the run. He also missed a shoulda-had tackle on special teams.

CB TJ Rushing (1 of 72 snaps): They ran him out there once on a 3rd-and-10 to cover Owens in the slot. Rushing passed him off to Tim Jennings, who allowed a three-yard completion, forcing a punt.

FS Aaron Francisco (72 of 72 snaps): He wasn’t as horrible in coverage as I thought he would be – although he was bad – but he was atrocious against the run, missing as many tackles as he made. It was so wrong to cut Matt Giordano for this guy.

SS Jamie Silva (60 of 72 snaps): Silva actually was very good in coverage, allowing just a couple of short catches in front of him before making solid tackles, and swatting away a short pass meant for Lee Evans. But like all the other Colt defenders, he was not much help on running plays.