Colts Defense: Position Battles to Watch
By Dave McKee
Oct 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver David Kessler (83) is hit by UCF Knights defensive back Clayton Geathers (26) at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Battle of the Safeties: Who Starts Alongside Mike Adams?
Dwight Lowery:
Safety Dwight Lowery was a late free agent signing. Due to his veteran experience and with the lack of depth at the position, he has been penciled in as a starter for 2015 by default. Lowery is a journeyman having previously played for the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Atlanta Falcons respectively. Featured last week by our own Luke Schultheis, Lowery has reportedly “bought into everything” During OTA’s.
Coach Pagano and safeties coach Roy Anderson likened Lowery to pro bowler Mike Adams transition into the defense last season. The comparisons have already been drawn by coaches. As reported by Colts.com writer Kevin Bowen, Lowery’s integration into the system and leadership early on in OTA’s has coaches believing that he too can find redemption in Indianapolis as Adams did. Given that Lowery has played on sub .500 teams for the last four years. Perhaps a winning culture might be all it takes to rejuvenate the 29-year-old veteran.
Clayton Geathers:
Rookie Clayton Geathers has been a standout in the first half of the OTA’s. Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder listed Geathers as a “Rookie to Watch” in week two of the OTA’s. Speaking with Pagano about Geather’s performance, Holder reported that Geather’s has exceeded the coaches expectations. Additionally, Geathers is already getting some first team reps in OTA’s according to Pagano:
"“We’re playing him down in the box in sub-packages as a dime (line)backer,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. “So, he’s learning the back-end plus he’s learning the sub (package). He’s been really impressive as far as picking things up… He’s going to be one of those guys that in today’s football you can play inside as a dime backer and get faster, get more speed on the field and match up with the tight ends that we’ve got to cover now.”"
Geathers has the potential to make a big impact from the back-end of the defense. At 6-2, 220 lbs, he is an imposing force against the run. If Geathers can further develop his coverage skills, then the sky is the limit for this rookie. With such high praise by coaches early on, first team reps and his inclusion into sub-packages as the dime backer, it looks like its only a matter of time before Geathers eventually takes over the starting role.
Prediction: Push