Colts Defense: Position Battles to Watch
By Dave McKee
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans center Chris Myers (55) prepares to snap the ball as Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Josh Chapman (96) defends during a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Battle in the Trenches: Who Starts at Nose Tackle?
Much of the conversation about the Colts run defense starts at nose tackle. Manusky’s system requires the NT to take on double-team blocks to open up the rushing lanes for the inside linebackers. Nose tackle is where the Colts must improve most in order to stop the run and last season’s run defense was average at best.
On the bright side, there are several young players who developed last season and gained much needed experience from their snaps in the 2014 season. The Colts increased depth allows for a better rotation of fresh bodies and experienced players. This factor alone can help the Colts stop the bleeding if these young players continue to develop.
Josh Chapman:
Josh Chapman (aka “Chappy” or “Chapnado”) is the incumbent starter from last season. He made some great plays last season disrupting the opposition’s backfield, but disappeared too often for long stretches. Consistency is the key for Chapman to retain the role of starter at nose tackle. He has lacked the ability to stay on the field and needs to stand out during training camp to secure his chances of remaining a starter. If Chapman can improve his durability, he could be solid starter but after three seasons Colts’ fans are still waiting to see it consistently.
Zach Kerr:
Zach Kerr had an impressive 2014 season, as an undrafted free agent out of Delaware. He has a high motor and the ability to collapse the pocket up the middle in pass rushing situations. Kerr has an impressive bull rush, which allows him to generate pressure from the interior. In 12 games, Kerr totaled 16 tackles and 3 sacks as a rookie. Our own William Dials believes Kerr is a hidden gem going into his second season with the Colts. Amidst the big bodies at NT, Kerr has the most upside. With such a wide open position battle, he could be poised for a breakout year in 2015.
Montori Hughes:
Much was expected of Montori Hughes heading into the 2014 season. However, tragedy struck the Hughes’ family after the death of his infant daughter in August of 2014. There is no question that such a loss can deeply impact any parent in unimaginable ways. To Hughes’ credit, he returned after a short leave and played in 12 games including one start. Hughes is a physical specimen at 6-4, 349 lbs., and is still developing his overall skills as a nose tackle after backing up Chapman for most of last season. Hughes needs a strong performance in training camp to solidify his role in the rotation.
Prediction: Zach Kerr