The Indianapolis Colts' tackling problems have reached the point where linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither expects the coaching staff to make changes.
Following Sunday's 34-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Davis-Gaither surfaced a straightforward assessment of an issue that continues to hurt Indianapolis' defense.
“I look at tackling as a ‘want to’ thing. Guys gotta want to tackle,” Davis-Gaither said, via The Athletic's James Boyd.
Asked about the next step with tackling remaining a season-long concern, Davis-Gaither pointed toward the coaching staff.
“Uh, I mean, I think coach is gonna start making some changes.”
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither on the #Colts’ tackling issues:: “I look at tackling as a ‘want to’ thing. Guys gotta want to tackle. …” So, what’s
the next step if this has been a season-long issue? “Uh, I mean, I think coach is gonna start making some changes.” pic.twitter.com/B1ZRFJdgVQ
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 11, 2026
Davis-Gaither didn't specify what those changes would involve. But his comments leave open whether he anticipates personnel adjustments, different roles, or some other response to the missed tackles.
The game's statistics illustrated how costly Pittsburgh's biggest plays became. Steelers running back Jaylen Warren scored on an 80-yard reception and a 50-yard run, finishing with 188 yards from scrimmage.
Those two touchdowns accounted for 130 yards and gave the Colts slim room for error elsewhere.
Indianapolis fell to 2-3, leaving the defense with a rough performance to examine before its next game.
How will the staff respond if the tackling continues to fall short?
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts LB Akeem Davis-Gaither expects changes amid tackling issues
