Cleveland Browns: 3 reasons why the Colts will be a real test for Browns

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 04: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 04, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Colts defeated the Bears 19-11. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 04: Philip Rivers #17 of the Indianapolis Colts passes against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 04, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. The Colts defeated the Bears 19-11. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 04: Anthony Miller #17 of the Chicago Bears is dropped by Khari Willis #37 (L) and Bobby Okereke #58 of the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field on October 04, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois. The Colts defeated the Bears 19-11. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 04: Anthony Miller #17 of the Chicago Bears is dropped by Khari Willis #37 (L) and Bobby Okereke #58 of the Indianapolis Colts at Soldier Field on October 04, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois. The Colts defeated the Bears 19-11. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

That defense is for real

When looking at stats for any sports, there are always a few “real” stats that matter more and a few “inflated” stats that don’t matter as much. For instance, a “real” stat in the NBA is shooting percentage. Do you know what stat doesn’t matter? Points per game. Score 50 points, but take 50 shots? Not impressive. Score 30 points but only take 13 shots? Impressive.

For football defenses? There are two stats to keep an eye out for; points allowed and total yards allowed. Things like sacks, turnovers, defensive points scored; all that is the sizzle, not the steak. So don’t worry about anything else about the Colts defense. Just worry about these two things. Which they do really good. They have given up the fewest yards in the league and have allowed the least amount of points in the league so far this sesaon.

The Cleveland Browns could be in for a long day.

Yes, the Colts’ biggest win is arguably against the Vikings. The Vikings have been a bad team so far in 2020. They are not, however, a bad offense. They’ve scored 30 points three times so far in 2020. If they had a defense, they might 3-1 or even 4-0.

Sure the Jets and Bears are bad teams, but that’s mostly because they have bad coaches. Don’t let the opposition allow you to sleep on the Colts. They have some solid linebackers who can stuff gaps and the addition of DeForest Buckner has been a blessing for the Colts and a curse for the NFL. Their only real pass rusher to worry about is Justin Houston, and while he may not be his 22-sack self from 2014, he’s good enough to still chase down Baker Mayfield if Jedrick Wills can’t do his job.

This team is a great group, even if it’s devoid of many big names.