The Indianapolis Colts’ defense had a rough afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens, but an underlying metric showed the pass rush performed among the best in the NFL.
ESPN’s updated pass rush win rate rankings placed Indianapolis fifth in the NFL through Week 1 at 63%. The metric measures how often a pass rusher beats his block within 2.5 seconds.
That standing is especially notable after the Colts finished 30th in the same category last season at 29%.
ESPN noted that it adjusted the formula for 2026, so the percentages are not a perfect year-to-year comparison, and the current sample consists of only one game. Regardless, moving from 30th to fifth in league rank represents a favorable early spot.
Several Colts defenders also appeared high on ESPN’s
individual leaderboards.
DeForest Buckner ranked tied for fifth among defensive tackles with a 35% pass rush win rate, while Grover Stewart was ninth at 30%. Laiatu Latu tied for 11th among edge rushers at 29%.
According to PFF's metrics, Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson was under pressure at the fifth-highest rate in Week 1.
Despite the 41-23 loss, ESPN’s metric suggests the Colts’ front was winning individual pass-rush matchups at a strong rate even though the overall defensive performance needs to get cleaned up.
The Colts will aim to rebound against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts pass rush lands top-5 spot in ESPN metric despite Week 1 loss
