Reviewing how the Colts’ players improved or decreased their position on the team
Stock Up
Anthony Richardson
There was no bigger winner on Sunday than Anthony Richardson, who returned to the starting lineup with a bang. The young quarterback had one of his best games as a pro, and looked much better than before the benching, completing over 60% of his passes, getting three total touchdowns, and overall looking much more settled down in pockets that were usually collapsing quickly.
Laiatu Latu
Three pressures, two tackles for loss, and a sack for Latu, who is quietly putting up an impressive rookie season. He now is averaging a pressure every 9.5 pass rushing snaps. While that is not close to the elite edge-rusher rookie seasons like T.J. Watt or Micah Parsons, Latu is playing with a hand on the line and Gus Bradley is more conservative on his pass-rushing approach.
Jaylon Jones
According to PFF, Jones allowed just four catches on eight targets and had two forced incompletions. This was against Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson mind you (though obviously not both at the same time, as that might be a bit unfair). I am very happy to eat my words about Ballard addressing the cornerback position in the offseason, as even after the injury to Juju Brents, Jones has been absolutely amazing.
Matt Goncalves
What a day for Goncalves, when the Colts needed it the most with injuries ravaging the offensive line. The rookie swing tackle was impressive, and facing a tough matchup too, as the Jets’ defensive line is among the best in the NFL and they had edge rusher Hassaan Reddick back with them. His good play raises the question “Should the Colts play him at right guard to keep him on the field?”
Josh Downs
Flacco, Richardson, Minshew, Ehlinger… no matter the quarterback you just know Josh Downs is going to deliver. He caught all five of his targets for 84 yards and a touchdown, on a play where he was coming out of the backfield. I feel confident saying that right now this is the best wide receiver the Colts have, and an absolute weapon for Steichen.
Matt Gay
Gay made all three of his field goals, including one of 56-yards, and nailed his one extra point attempt of the game. A solid day in the office for the kicker who had missed a long one against the Bills. After a rough start, he is now 16 of 17 on field goals and perfect on XP for the past seven games.
Stock Down
Dalton Tucker
The matchup against Quinnen Williams was the toughest the interior offensive line will face this season, and not having veteran center Ryan Kelly to help set up the pass-protection schemes probably hurt too, but undrafted free-agent Dalton Tucker has been underwhelming so far starting in place of the injured Will Fries. Tucker allowed 5 total pressures against the Jets, and the coaching staff is probably looking at different alternatives right now for the position.
E.J. Speed
Speed is so hard to figure out, he is solid defending the run, shoots the gap with violence and is overall a good tackler, but his deficiencies in pass-coverage, along with the amount of dumb mistakes he makes every now and then mean the Colts need an upgrade at the position. This time, it was an unnecessary delay of game penalty that gifted the Jets an extra attempt to get into field goal range.
Jonathan Taylor
The Jets were clearly intent on stopping the run, and the Colts could not get anything going, as the veteran running back finished with just 57 yards on 24 carries. He also lost two touchdowns inside the 5-yard line to Anthony Richardson, but in the long run I think having AR in the backfield helps him a lot.