DeForest Buckner with very honest evaluation of Colts' defense in 2024

Indianapolis Colts' defensive tackle DeForest Buckner spoke with the media on Tuesday. When discussing the play of the defense during the 2024 season, Buckner was very honest about what took place on the field.

"That was the worst defense for a season that we've had since I've been here," Buckner said, via the Indy Star. "It doesn't matter who you are, your name is attached to that. It doesn't matter how good of a season you had personally. My name is on that. I have a lot to prove this year."

The Colts finished last season allowing 25.1 points per game, which ranked 24th in the NFL. They allowed the ninth most rushing yards on the year and were one of the worst tackling teams in football.

Against the passing game, Indianapolis ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in yards per pass allowed, completion rate, passer rating, and pass deflections.

But going beyond the overall numbers and rankings, the Colts' defensive performance for the 2024 season was defined by their late-season matchup against the New York Giants. Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Colts' defense surrendered 38 points to a Giants' offense that was averaging just over 14 points per game on the year.

So, how do the Colts overcome the challenges and inconsistent play that they experienced throughout 2024?

"Everybody needs to buy in and believe in the one goal we're trying to accomplish," Buckner said via Locked on Colts. "And that's to win a Super Bowl and being able to do whatever it takes and doing your job without anybody's egos getting attached to it. If you mess up, just admit to it and move on from it. That's how we get better. You gotta be able to take criticism."

To help accomplish this, the Colts made a number of changes on defense this offseason. Head coach Shane Steichen moved on from defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and the team hired Lou Anarumo.

Schematically under Anarumo, we are going to see a much more aggressive and disguise-heavy scheme that will be malleable and throw a variety of looks at opponents. Off the field the Colts are getting a very to-the-point coach who is going to be direct about everything.

"I just love how blunt he is," Buckner said of Anarumo. "He's straight to the point and don't sugarcoat nothing, and that's the type of coach that I've always loved throughout my career.

"How am I supposed to know how to get better if my coach doesn't tell me? It doesn't matter who you are--All-Pro, Pro Bowl or to the lowest guy on the totem pole, Lou is going to tell you if you messed up and tell you that's not how he wants it and he's going to tell you this is the way you should do it. That's what I appreciate about him."

Along with adding Anarumo as defensive coordinator, GM Chris Ballard was aggressive early on in free agency, signing safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward to bolster the play of the secondary.

Both have won at the NFL level, have good ball production in their careers, and are versatile, able to fill a variety of roles, which will be a key element to playing Anarumo's secondary.

"I'm excited about those guys and what we were able to do this offseason in free agency and in the draft," Buckner said of Bynum and Ward. "Adding competition to the group only makes the team better. It makes guys in the room play harder, and that's what you want. You want guys fighting for a spot."

All eyes will be on the Colts' quarterback situation, but improved play on defense will make the job of whoever starts and the offense as a whole much easier by limiting points and getting off the field to give the offense additional possessions.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp: DeForest Buckner very honest about 2024 defense