Five Things Learned: Colts-Chargers (2019, Week 1)

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» SWARMING RIVERS: The Colts’ defense entered the offseason wanting to see a more consistent pass rush, and if Sunday’s game is any indication, Indy is well on its way to accomplishing that goal. The Colts logged four sacks and eight hits of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers on the day, generating pressure from both the edge and from within. Second-year defensive end Kemoko Turay led the charge with a sack and a forced fumble, and he should’ve had a second strip sack if not for an offsides call on another defender. Veteran Justin Houston also had a solid Colts debut with a sack and several hurries, while Al-Quadin Muhammad (one sack) and Ben Banogu and Denico Autry (a half-sack each) also got in on the pressure party. “Oh, we fed off that a lot,” said safety Malik Hooker, who had a critical one-handed interception in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter that set up the eventual game-tying drive. “That gives us a chance to make more plays on the ball. When the D-line’s rushing like that — you know, putting pressure on the quarterback — that makes them to get it out early, and gives us on the back end more of a chance to get interceptions or better coverage on defense because we know we’re only covering so long when they’re getting off like that.”