Next up for the Indianapolis Colts defense is a duel with rookie quarterback Drake Maye and a New England offense that heavily utilizes the tight end position in the passing game.
Heading into Sunday's game, tight end Hunter Henry leads the Patriots in yards, receptions and targets this season. He totaled 535 yards through the air and caught 51 of 68 targets.
Among all tight ends in 2024, Henry is fifth in receptions and sixth in receiving yards.
Second on the team in each of these categories is receiver Demario Douglas, but third is another tight end, Austin Hooper.
We've seen in previous games this season that the tight end position can give these Colts' defense some fits.
When Indianapolis last played Houston in Week 8, Dalton Schultz was one of the Texans' best receivers that week.
Buffalo's Dawson Knox only had two receptions but averaged 20.0 yards per catch against Indianapolis. Minnesota's Josh Oliver and TJ Hockenson combined for 85 yards and a touchdown in Week 9.
We also saw Miami tight end Jonnu Smith also rush for a team-high 96 yards against Indianapolis and Chicago's Cole Kmet rushed for 97 yards.
This season, the tight ends are catching nearly six passes per game against the Colts in the NFL. On those receptions, this position group averages 55 yards per game and nearly 10 yards per catch.
As they have done all year, the Colts should be prepared for Henry and Hooper to play important roles in Sunday's game. While the defense always has to put together a group effort to contain an offense, the Colts' linebackers will likely play a big part in limiting New England's passing game since the tight ends are so heavily involved.
