Sergio (Brown) Still Starting for Colts

Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Chuck Pagano announced today that while LaRon Landry will be active and ready to go for Sunday Night’s game against the New England Patriots, Sergio Brown will continue as the team’s starting safety alongside Mike Adams.

With Landry missing the past 5 games because of a PED suspension, Sergio Brown has started in his absence. During that span, Brown has recorded 14 tackles, 1 sack, 4 pass deflections, and 1 QB Hit. In truth, he has played quite well and has given the Colts’ defense an added boost, particularly in coverage.

While Pagano said Landry “will play”, it will likely be in a situational role against the run. Landry is a more traditional “in-the-box” safety, while Brown gives the defense more range and flexibility in coverage. They’re more apt to use Brown’s skill-set against a strong New England Patriots passing game that uses a heavy mix of wide receivers.

Brown has simply been the more effective of the two during the current season to date, and there’s no logical reason as to why he should be replaced by the underperforming Landry at this juncture.

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) gets past Indianapolis Colts strong safety LaRon Landry (30) and runs for a touchdown in the second half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports