Colts defense makes early noise under new coordinator Lou Anarumo

WESTFIELD, Ind. — The Colts’ defense made itself heard on Day 2 of training camp — flying around, chirping between drills, and showing early signs of what new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is building in Westfield.

Anarumo, hired this offseason after five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, brings a reputation for blitz-heavy creativity and high standards. Bengals players nicknamed him the “mad scientist” for his ability to disrupt elite quarterbacks — most notably Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.

His message in Indy? Everyone is held accountable.

“Yeah, I've always been brought up that way — that hey, whether you're the, you know, four-year starter in college or a freshman, or here in the NFL, a ten-year vet or a rookie, everybody's held to the same standards because we're going to be out there on Sundays playing together,” Anarumo said. “And I think they appreciate when there's no sacred cows… you’re just really on the guys in a positive way to get better.”

That tone has already raised the intensity of practice — not just for the defense, but for the Colts’ offense, too.

“You know, we're facing a lot of tight coverage out there at receiver,” offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “They're pressing up, they're running tightly with our receivers, which makes the quarterbacks really have to deliver the ball exactly where they want to. Because a lot of times that DB is right in position to make a play if you don't throw the ball accurately… All that stuff makes you better, right? It's that old iron sharpens iron type of thought process.”

The Colts defense ranked 24th in total defense last season, allowing 24.4 points per game. With veterans like DeForest Buckner and Zaire Franklin returning — and young players stepping into larger roles — Anarumo’s system is expected to emphasize alignment, discipline, and disguise.

The focus early in camp? Setting the tone.

And if Day 2 was any indication, that tone is tough, disciplined, and built on accountability.

Indianapolis returns to the practice field Thursday morning for its third full session at Grand Park. Pads are expected to come on early next week.