INDIANAPOLIS — The game was over, but for Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu, the frustration had just begun.
After the Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Latu sat at his locker, head in his hands, consumed by anger and disappointment.
“F***!” he shouted.
Despite his six tackles, including four solo, and a forced fumble, the focus remained on the Colts’ defeat and their poor defensive showing. They had allowed a season-high 497 yards to a previously winless team, and that didn’t sit well with Latu—the team’s top draft pick and first defensive player selected this spring.
“We’ve gotta clean up our tackling,” Latu said. “It’s frustrating.”
It was a low point for the rookie, one he hopes never to get used to. But it also revealed his high expectations for himself and the team. Falling short of those standards was difficult for him to accept.
“He is emotionally invested,” said defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. “That’s how he’s wired, and we appreciate that.”
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley added, “He’s so team-oriented. [He asks] ‘What more can I do?'”
The clear answer: get more sacks. Through six games, Latu had just one, and missing out on a few more had been driving him mad. Yet, Latu was making an impact in other ways. He led all Colts defenders with nine pressures, according to ESPN, an impressive stat for a rookie edge rusher. His 15.9% pass-rush win rate was better than notable players like Montez Sweat and Travon Walker, who had combined for 7.5 sacks.
His teammates have noticed.
“The guys around me keep encouraging me to keep rushing, keep applying pressure because we’re making an impact,” Latu said. “It’s frustrating not getting [sacks], but I have great teammates who keep me going. I strive for perfection. When I review the tape, I don’t want any regrets.”
Though perfection has been elusive, Latu’s progress is clear. Initially expected to play a limited role, injuries on the Colts’ defensive line have forced him into a larger role. His snap count increased from 30 in the first three games to 41 over the last three. Instead of playing in optimal pass-rush situations, he’s now defending the run more frequently due to injuries to players like DeForest Buckner, Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis. Only Paye has returned.
The Colts’ defense has struggled, going two games without a sack and ranking second-worst in the league, allowing 155.2 rushing yards per game.
Still, the challenges have given Latu room to grow. His run defense has improved, and he was a force in the Colts’ game against Jacksonville, where they allowed 126 rushing yards. Latu also pressured Tennessee quarterback Will Levis several times in Week 6, recording two of the Colts’ four quarterback hits.
Despite this, Latu can’t shake the memory of a 65-yard cutback touchdown run by the Jaguars’ Tank Bigsby, even though it wasn’t his fault.
“I wish I had made that play,” he said.
As for sacks, the Colts believe they’ll come soon.
“They might not show up in sack totals,” Bradley said. “But we see him getting there. Just like with takeaways, you keep going, and they’ll come in bunches.”
Back in the locker room, as the team cleared out, Latu, now calmer, began to dress, but his focus remained.
“I love this team, man,” he said. “I just want to win.”
The Colts are confident he’s on his way to helping them do just that.
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