"We became a better defense today."
Lou Anarumo tells it how it is. With 36 years of coaching experience under his belt, the defensive coordinator knows what makes a good team – and a good player. Referred to as a "mad scientist" in his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Anarumo's defenses have been characterized by versatile players who can take on multiple roles, allowing for a variety of schemes and looks.
When Anarumo was hired as the Colts' new defensive coordinator in January, he inherited a relatively young secondary – with the exception of 29-year-old cornerback Kenny Moore II – as the majority of the core group was 25 years or younger.
Now, not so much.
With recent free agent additions in 26-year-old safety Cam Bynum and 28-year-old cornerbacks Corey Ballentine and Charvarius Ward – and Moore, of course, still occupying the slot cornerback spot – Anarumo now has a strong group of experienced veterans to work with in 2025.
Bynum will be entering his fifth season in the NFL after spending his first four years with the Minnesota Vikings, where the former fourth-round pick compiled 342 tackles, 20 pass break-ups, eight interceptions, five tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Ward, with seven years of NFL experience, has tallied 435 tackles, 70 passes defensed, 10 interceptions and three forced fumbles so far in his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. For reference, Moore, in eight seasons with the Colts, has put up 594 tackles, 62 passes defensed, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles and 20 interceptions.
Put simply, all three players know what it takes to perform at the highest level on a regular basis.
Bynum said it best in his introductory press conference: "The type of guys that we have, that the organization has put together to create the secondary, I already know. I'm getting excited talking about it right now. I know we're going to be big time."
Moore was one of the first Colts players to contact Bynum after the safety signed with the Colts, expressing how excited he was to have Bynum – and his viral dancing celebrations – in Indianapolis. The feeling is mutual, and it goes beyond simply what Bynum and Moore know they can do on the field together; they both know the kind of teammate they're getting.
"Talking to Kenny, he's been somebody that I've looked up to for a while, watching his film and learning from him," Bynum said. "I know when we come together and we put the work in that we know we're going to put in, I know that greatness is gonna happen, and it's just a matter of how quick we can gel together and really get on the same page with each other and really become brothers on and off the field."
While Ward doesn't know Bynum or Moore well (yet), he also couldn't contain his excitement about his new teammates.
"I know he a ballhawk and a pretty good dancer," Ward said of Bynum with a grin. "He seems like a real fun guy, and he's got a lot of talent too."
"I think we gonna have a playmaking secondary," Ward added. "Obviously Kenny's a ballhawk as well, I'm trying to elevate my game, continue to get better and better, become a ballhawk too. So hopefully we can force a lot of turnovers and be one of the best secondaries in the league."
Ward and Moore – both former undrafted free agents who pride themselves on their work ethic, determination and "dawg" mentality – are particularly attractive cornerbacks for Anarumo's defense both for their personalities and versatility.
"You've got a corner who's been a proven guy throughout his career," Anarumo said of Ward. "Tall, can really run, he's got length, great arm length, excels in press coverage. We want to be tight in coverage and defend people this year, and he's done a great job of that in his career – and also, taking the ball away.
When it comes down to it in this league, guys are going to have to cover elite receivers, and we've got an elite corner to do that, who will not only cover, can take the ball away and also be a great tackler as well."
It was after Ward's signing when Anarumo said the Colts' defense just got better.
As for Moore, the slot cornerback could also have more opportunities to get after quarterbacks, as Anarumo has the reputation of someone who isn't afraid to bring a blitz when he has the right personnel. When Anarumo was paired with cornerback Mike Hilton with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2021-24, Hilton led all NFL cornerbacks with 178 blitzes. Moore was eighth with 87.
The addition of Ballentine will add more depth at the cornerback position with a player who has adopted the mentality of being ready to play at all times. The 28-year-old has played in 69 games across six years in the NFL, and said he knows how to fit in a variety of defenses and anticipate what opponents will do.
"I guess poise is the right word, too," Ballentine said. "I don't get too flustered when bad things happen, as opposed to a rookie who might not know what to think, what to expect. I don't really get too flustered about things that I can't really control or if something doesn't go my way in one moment or another."
Bynum, Ballentine and Ward join the Colts with different backgrounds, stories and skills. They've already started to find common ground among each other and the rest of the secondary, though, with one thing rising above the rest: their determination to help their team succeed.
"I think we'll be great – I know we'll be great," Bynum said. "I expect greatness out of us and I know that there's going to be no problem when it comes down to putting the work in."
