Stock Up
Jonathan Taylor
Not like his stock could be any higher, but Taylor continues putting numbers that make him worthy of that MVP award. Almost 300 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns against a really tough front, and instrumental in the Colts getting their 8th win of the season. It is not only that, but even with the offensive line not opening up massive holes Taylor still manages to get yards after contact and makes defenders miss effortlessly.
J.T. Tuimoloau
The 2nd round pick started his career a bit slow, being a healthy scratch the first weeks of the season because of scheme issues, but he is slowly getting more and more playing time, taking full advantage of it. Tuimoloau continues showing a variety of ways to get to the quarterback and generate pressure, and is definitely a candidate to get more snaps going into the latter part of the season, especially with Kwity Paye struggling in that department.
Zaire Franklin
#44 has been playing some really good football lately. Overall he just looks a step quicker, and that makes all the difference in the world in the NFL. Against the Falcons he finished with 10 tackles and got the key sack on third down to force the punt in overtime, playing a big part in winning the game for Indy. He still struggles a bit in coverage, but if he is that good against the run and makes such an impact rushing the passer (credit to Anarumo too), then we can forgive that.
Alec Pierce
The evolution that Pierce had as a football player since the Colts drafted AD Mitchell in the 2nd round has been insane. His route-running has improved drastically, he has become an even more consistent deep threat, and also works his behind off in run blocking. If he keeps playing like this I don’t think the Colts will be able to re-sign him as the #2 receiver.
Daniel Jones
Yes, he struggled, and yes, there were some plays that raised some eyebrows. Jones definitely comes with heavy luggage, and every single time he struggles the national media starts claiming that his mirage of a season is finally over and that he came down to earth. It seems like everyone other than Colts’ fans are rooting against him, probably because they just hate being proved wrong. No one expected this from Jones, and it is probably killing them that he is in fact playing like an above-average NFL quarterback.
Look at the 4th and 2 throw to Warren with the game on the line and a busted pass-protection by the right side of the line. Look at the scramble before that to turn a 3rd and 21 into the aforementioned 4th and 2. Look at the beautiful throw in overtime to help set up the eventual game-winning touchdown. Daniel Jones is a good NFL quarterback, he is the right guy to lead this team, and even though everyone wants him to fail, I have faith that he will get us as far as possible.
Stock Down
Michael Badgley
Badgley missed an extra-point attempt and also a 53-yarder. In the end he managed to make the 44-yarder at the end of regulation that sent the game to overtime, but it was still a bad game for him. Kicking in grass is tougher, but had the Colts lost this one it would have been mostly on Badgley. With Bass and McManus returning shortly for their teams, the Colts could be enticed to look elsewhere for options at the kicker position.
Braden Smith
The right side has been the weak link of the Colts offensive line this past couple of weeks. They are still good, but they are not dominant like before, and opposing defenses are starting to identify which areas to target to generate pressure on Daniel Jones. Smith is a free-agent after this season, and with him playing like he is I doubt the Colts will be too eager to bring him back.
Michael Pittman Jr.
This could very easily be just a blip on the radar, but Pittman had an uncharacteristic quiet game on Sunday getting just two targets. Warren and Pierce were the ones carrying the load through the air, but it was JT type of game as the MVP-candidate got a season-high 32 carries, compared to his season average of 17.4.
See More:
