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Colts: Xavier Rhodes proving he was great addition to Indy defense

By Ryan Stano

Sep 27, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) celebrates his pick six with teammates in the first half against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes (27) celebrates his pick six with teammates in the first half against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Colts signed Xavier Rhodes to a bargain contract this offseason.

The Colts have the number one defense in the league. I know you probably don’t believe me, so I’ll say it again…the Colts have the NUMBER ONE defense in the league. It’s still very weird to say based on the history of how the team normally plays on that side of the ball.

Defense is not normally the strong suit of this franchise. One of the biggest reasons why th Colts have made such a dramatic change in their defensive prowess is the addition of cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who has been excellent so far and improved a secondary that got torched during the second half of last season.

Rhodes has been perhaps the best cornerback in the NFL over the course of the first four weeks of the season. He had two picks against the Jets in Week 3, including a pick-six. The other interception he had was in the end zone and kept the Jets from scoring a touchdown.

Rhodes played almost as well against the Bears, registering two crucial pass breakups down the field. The Colts have played really well with Rhodes being their second primary outside corner alongside Rock Ya-Sin. The way he plays is exactly the way the Colts need him to in their scheme.

Indianapolis has been doing a very good job of allowing Rhodes to do what he does best, which is playing press coverage. While the Colts still play a fair amount of zone, both Ya-Sin and Rhodes thrive when playing tight in a man-to-man setting.

Rhodes and the rest of the Indy defense will be put to the test next week when they face the Browns, who have two great receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. Rhodes will likely be tasked of taking on Beckham Jr. for most of the game, and we’re excited to see what he’ll be able to do with such a difficult assignment.

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