Reviewing how the Colts’ players improved or decreased their position on the team.
Stock Up
Tyler Goodson
Jonathan Taylor is still week to week with his high ankle sprain, and Goodson is not only eating up into Sermon’s touches, beating him 14 to 9 on Sunday, but also being much more productive than him, and potentially earning himself some playing time as a relief/pass-catching specialist back. He also scored his first career touchdown against the Dolphins.
Grant Stuard
Leading the team with 18 combined tackles on his first real NFL action after the injury to Jaylon Carlies, Stuard looked more than the part of the starting linebacker. I have seen him make more plays on just a single game than Zaire Franklin all season long. If Speed and Carlies miss any amount of expecting time then Stuard will get more chances to showcase his skills, but even if those two are ready to go next week I hope the long-haired demon gets some snaps.
Matt Gay
Gay seems to be completely healed from his hernia, and this week even made a field goal over 50 yards right down the middle. He said it himself it was good to get over the rut, so hopefully he can finally become the reliable kicker the Colts envisioned him to be. With how hard the offense has been struggling to move the ball having a guy that can consistently make kicks over 50 yards is a big asset.
Jaylon Jones / Sam Womack
I am very critical of Chris Ballard, and I was most vocal about his mismanagement of the cornerback position. Even more so after #1 corner Juju Brents went down with an injury that will sideline him for most of the season. Well fear not, first of all second-year cornerback Jaylon Jones has taken a massive step forward this season and continues to improve every single week. Then, waiver wire pickup Sam Womack has been a diamond in the rough, and on nickel packages were Kenny slides down to the slot he has been impressive both tackling and in coverage.
Stock Down
Trey Sermon
Another disappointing outing for Trey Sermon, who had an excellent opportunity with JT out. 3rd stringer Tyler Goodson ended up getting more carries than him, and with Taylor now returning who knows whether Sermon will even see the field at all in the upcoming weeks.
Anthony Richardson
Even though it was not entirely his fault, as the receivers were just not getting open, this was not a great showing for Anthony Richardson getting back from his hip injury. 10/24 is never a good sign, and the other problem is that the Colts have some tough defenses on the horizon, so it is not like it will get any easier for the young quarterback.
Shane Steichen
Steichen just seemed outcoached throughout the entire game by the Dolphins’ defense, as everything that he tried to, Miami had an answer for. Getting JT will be huge for this offense, but Steichen’s regression as a play-caller is a worrying sign for the future. The unit certainly has the talent to be much better than 16 points, especially considering that the Dolphins were without several key starters for the defense.
