Indianapolis Colts All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner proved his worth again on Sunday—except without even actually playing this time around.
Having been unavailable because he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the Colts’ big offseason defensive acquisition was sorely missed against the Tennessee Titans—as the Indianapolis defense resembled nothing like the elite collective unit that fans have been accustomed to seeing largely all season.
The Colts defense was destroyed by another All-Pro, running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 178 rushing yards on 27 carries (6.6 ypc. avg.) and 3 rushing touchdowns.
The game felt over at halftime, as ‘King Henry’ was gashing the Colts, who had no answer—especially along their defensive front:
Derrick Henry in Week 10 vs. the Colts: 103 yards
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 29, 2020
Derrick Henry today vs. the Colts: 140 yards and 3 TD in the first half.
The Colts have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in any other game this season.
On the afternoon, the Colts defense ultimately surrendered 45 total points—as the unit couldn’t stop either Tennessee’s air or ground game—in what was an abysmal performance.
This past offseason, the Colts parted with a first round pick to acquire Buckner—while then awarding him with a lucrative 4-year, $84 million contract extension shortly thereafter.
After Sunday, honestly, it felt like it should’ve been a lot more:
Chris Ballard said getting a star 3-tech like DeForest Buckner was the key to unlocking their defense. It appears he was correct.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 29, 2020
Hurry back, DeForest Buckner.
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) November 29, 2020
Now we know why certain guys deserves big pay days. ♂️
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) November 29, 2020
Indy should retroactively trade another first for DeForest Buckner https://t.co/1Q5JOJKZTf
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) November 29, 2020
Didn’t know @DeForestBuckner was the most important person on @Colts team but it for sure feels like that right now...
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) November 29, 2020
#Colts can't get Buckner back fast enough. pic.twitter.com/ui1BvxPXDi
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 29, 2020
2 words: DeForest Buckner. Never seen such a night and day difference in a run defense due to one player not playing.
— Trai Essex (@TraiDay79) November 29, 2020
The former 7th overall pick of the San Francisco 49ers has been as great as advertised for the Colts in their much improved defensive interior—helping anchor what has been one of the league’s most improved defenses this season.
At 6’7”, 295 pounds, Buckner is a natural fit as a three-technique in the Colts defensive scheme and utilizes his strength, athleticism, quick feet/closing speed, and freakishly long arms (34 3/8”) to disrupt opposing offenses against both the run and passing game—as an overall, well-rounded elite interior defender:
DeForest Buckner threw him @DeForestBuckner @Colts
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 20, 2020
(h/t @LockedOnColts) pic.twitter.com/CCeJB2ISUE
Buckner has 40 tackles (23 solo tackles), 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, 13 QB hits, and 32 total QB pressures during 10 starts for the Colts defense in his debut campaign in Indianapolis.
Per PFF, Buckner is their 5th highest graded interior defender with a +89.6 grade overall.
While Buckner had been in some national media NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversations earlier in the season, the Colts’ total defensive collapse on Sunday in his absence should’ve cemented him belonging in any and all serious discussions going forward:
DeForest Buckner might have just wrapped up DPOY honors today.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) November 29, 2020
Perhaps most importantly, the Colts (now 7-4) need him back on the field as soon as possible—fighting tooth-and-nail for an AFC playoff berth in the last remaining stretch of the NFL’s regular season.