Stock Up
Jonathan Taylor
What a game this was for JT, who was kept somewhat in check against the Dolphins on the debut. He exploded against the Broncos for over 200 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, on just 27 touches. Taylor tends to start slow, improving as the season goes on, so him playing like this on Week 2 should be a scary sight for the rest of the NFL. He has also vastly improved in pass-protection, an area where he struggled in the past.
Daniel Jones
Encore performance for Indiana Jones, having another impeccable performance and now 2-0 as the Colts’ starting quarterback. I did not expect him playing at this level, and I was somewhat optimistic about him getting a fresh start with such a talented supporting cast. The hug with Tyler Warren and Quenton Nelson in the end after Shrader nailed the field goal warmed my heart. Jones looks happy playing here, he is doing exactly what this offense needs from him, and he should only improve as he gets more comfortable within the offense.
Mekhi Blackmon
Playing opposite Xavien Howard, Blackmon was the indirect benefficiary of most targets going the other way, and a big reason why Courtland Sutton finished the game with a single reception for 6 yards. With Ward potentially returning to the lineup next week, and Jaylon Jones on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, Blackmon could remain as the starter.
Nick Cross/Camryn Bynum
The Colts’ new backfield looks among the best in the entire NFL at this point, with the duo complementing each other perfectly, and now the biggest strength of the Colts’ defense. Bynum got himself another interception (with another crazy celebration), and Cross has quietly evolved into one of the best tackling, and all-around safeties in the league. Crazy development for a guy that some fans were asking to be cut after injuring Josh Downs in the last preseason.
Tyler Warren
Once again leading the team in receiving yards, putting up impressive tape as a blocker, Tyler Warren is as good as advertised people. The Colts have finally solved the tight end position, and I am comfortable saying that after just two games because everything Warren does is just so smooth. There is no gimmicks to his game, he is just that dominant.
Stock Down
Pass-rushing unit
Going up against one of the best pass-blocking units in the NFL, and without their best edge rusher in Laiatu Latu, the Colts’ pass-rushing unit disappointed. I expected to see more of 2nd round pick J.T. Tuimoloau, but he played just 5% of the snaps. Tyquan Lewis, Samson Ebukam, and Kwity Paye registered a single combined pressure, as Broncos’ quarterback Bo Nix seemed to have all day to throw in the pocket. Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner generated some minor interior pressures, and one of those directly impacted the play where Bynum got the interception, but it was still a bad showing overall.
Xavien Howard
Howard was forced into the starting lineup after Ward was ruled out with a concussion, and the long layoff showed. Howard was targeted 11 times throughout the game, allowing 8 catches and drawing three penalties. It was one of the worst showings overall I have seen from a Colts’ cornerback since Tony Brown against the Saints in Week 8 of the 2023 season, where he allowed 7 catches for 183 yards and a touchdown (remember that one?). I expect Howard to improve as he gets more playing time, also because it can hardly get any worse.
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