Stock Up
Daniel Jones
We knew that it was not going to be smooth sailing all season, and that there were going to be some hiccups here and there from new franchise quarterback Danny Dimes, but how he bounced back from those is what impressed me. Mistakes happen, it is how you bounce back from them that makes the difference. After throwing a bad interception, and being down a score a big part of the game, Daniel Jones was still cool & collected, did not panic, and managed to get the win, improving to 5-1 as the Colts’ starter.
Tanor Bortolini
Believe it or not the Colts are starting a new center on the offensive line this season, and the reason why it has flown under the radar is that Bortolini has been really good. He had an impeccable game against the Cardinals, both in pass-protection and opening up running lanes. Right guard Matt Goncalves suffered a bit against, so what Bortolini managed to do is even more impressive.
Josh Downs
Downs continues figuring out his role in this new Colts’ offense, and had his best game of the season against the Cardinals. It is difficult for him because Alec Pierce gets most of the deep shots, Michael Pittman Jr. is the #1 receiver, and now Tyler Warren is getting his fair share of targets too. Downs established himself as a shifty slot receiver that is consistently open, and has a knack for moving the chains. He also helped his case a ton by holding on to the ball on the touchdown to tie the game at 24.
Michael Badgley
There is no shorter lease for kickers than being picked off the street after the starter gets injured. Had Badgley missed a single kick there would have been questions about whether he is the answer for this year. That did not happen as the Money Badger made all five of his kicks, including a 45-yard field goal. The Colts don’t need him to make long kicks, just be consistent on the short ones.
Germaine Pratt
Pratt wasted no time in leaving the Las Vegas Raiders and reuniting with Lou Anarumo in Indy. Having to start in the place of the injured Joe Bachie, Pratt was not spectacular, but solid enough to be good. He clearly knows Anarumo’s scheme, and Lou knows what he can, and can’t do. Pratt led the team in tackles, was serviceable in coverage, and should continue getting most of the snaps alongside Zaire Franklin.
Chris Lammons
After #1 corner Charvarius Ward went down with a concussion during warmups, among several other injured players, the Colts were forced to go with Chris Lammons, Johnathan Edwards, and Mekhi Blackmon at corner. The best from that uninspiring bunch was unquestionably Lammons, who has also been the most consistent this season. Kenny Moore and Mike Hilton could be back as early as next week, Ward might miss one or two games more as it is his second concussion this season, and there is no telling when Jaylon Jones is going to be activated from IR, leaving the door open for Lammons to continue seeing meaningful snaps.
Stock Down
Zaire Franklin
Franklin was undoubtedly outplayed by Germaine Pratt, struggled in pass coverage, struggled in run defense, and made a boneheaded mistake that costed the Colts a lot, and could have easily costed the win. His play this year has been very similar to last season, and that is just not good. There is no telling whether Jaylon Carlies will be able to play or not this season, but the Colts need to upgrade the linebacker position.
Samson Ebukam
Ebukam was slowly getting back to pre injury form but his game against the Cardinals was definitely a step back, registering just a single pressure against Jacoby Brissett. His performance highlighted the need for an edge rusher to play alongside Laiatu Latu, now 5-1 it would be wise for Ballard to start looking at potential trade targets (Dolphins’ Jaelan Philips for example).
Mekhi Blackmon / Johnathan Edwards
It is hard to blame them, as they were not supposed to see the field at all this year, but an absurd amount of injuries at the position forced them on. They really struggled against the Cardinals, and it is not like they were going up against Puka / Davante. The duo finished the game being targeted 14 times, allowing 11 receptions for close to 200 yards.
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