This is a new series where I will pick a few underrated Colts’ players that could end up being key contributors to the outcome of the game. Keep in mind that this is not going to be the typical Colts’ players to watch, we all know that you always have to keep an eye on Jonathan Taylor, and that Daniel Jones’ play will be important for the offense. It does not take an expert to realize that DeForest Buckner is the driving force of the defense, and that almost every opposing big play comes when targeting No. 44, so we will try and be a bit more original here.
Neville Gallimore, defensive tackle
Gallimore has been a pleasant surprise this year as a rotational pass-rusher from the inside, as Anarumo is deploying him mostly on passing downs, hiding his deficiencies as a run defender. The Colts interior defensive line is still anchored by Buckner and Stewart, but both are in their thirties, and minor injuries tend to pile up more at this stage in their career. Anarumo and the Colts coaching staff are well aware of this, so Gallimore could end up seeing the field more and more as the season goes on. He will have a favorable matchup on his hands, facing a Rams’ interior offensive line that has struggled in pass protection, and a quarterback like Matt Stafford that has lost some of his mobility.
Dalton Tucker, right guard
If starting right guard Matt Goncalves is forced to miss the game with a toe injury, that leaves Dalton Tucker as the next man up. Tucker played close to 300 pass blocking snaps last year, allowed 24 total pressures, and was the lowest graded offensive linemen by PFF.com. The Colts did not like what they had in him and chose to play Mark Glowinski coming off the street, who was more consistent. With another offseason under his belt, Tucker will probably be much further along his development, but it is still worth keeping an eye out on him. Jones’ success at quarterback has been built on proper offensive line play, and it is a known truth in the NFL that an offensive line is only as strong as its weakest link. Tucker being at least serviceable is going to be really important on game day.
Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver
Mitchell has been awfully quiet this season, with just four receptions on eight targets. That is never something you want to see out of your second round pick, that was expected to have a bigger role on the team this season. With Alec Pierce possibly out of the game with a concussion, there is a decent chance that Mitchell will see more playing time. Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon are two really good cornerbacks, that will make life complicated for the Colts0 receivers, but even more this is the perfect chance for Mitchell to show what he has, and perhaps force Steichen to play him more.
Mekhi Blackmon, cornerback
Charvarius Ward will shadow Puka Nacua most of the game, as has been the case this season with him following the opposing team’s No.1 receiver around. That leaves the other outside cornerback spot for either Howard or Blackmon. Against the Titans, Howard played on 81% of the snaps, compared to Blackmon’s 49%, but don’t think that is set in stone going forward. Anarumo seems to favour Howard so far, but the veteran cornerback has had his fair share of struggles. Blackmon could easily end up seeing the field more against the Rams.
Jordan Whittington, wide receiver (Rams)
Davante Adams did not practice on Wednesday, and has struggled a bit to kick off the season, catching just 13 of the 29 passes thrown his way. Whittington is the next man up on the Rams’ depth chart, and has just 5 targets this season. With the Colts focusing all of their attention on Nacua (as they should), and with the No.2 cornerback spot in doubt for Sunday, Whittington could be in line for a breakout game.
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