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Colts: DeForest Buckner’s quote on Julian Blackmon proves Indy has a future star

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Julian Blackmon #32 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass intended for Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 18: Julian Blackmon #32 of the Indianapolis Colts intercepts a pass intended for Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Colts DT DeForest Buckner’s quote on rookie safety Julian Blackmon should excite fans in Indianapolis.

Though the Indianapolis Colts pulled off a thrilling comeback victory on Sunday after falling down by as many as 21 points just a few seconds into the second quarter against Cincinnati, fans should still have a ton of concerns about the team’s outlook for the season.

Most of them should undoubtedly revolve around the defense, which got torched out of the gates for the second straight week against a Bengals team with a rookie quarterback playing behind an abysmal offensive line.

On paper, Indy’s defense was poised to make Joe Burrow’s life a nightmare for three hours. Instead, however, the group let him cook to the tune of completing 64.1% of his passes (25-of-39) for 313 yards. The young QB didn’t throw a touchdown, but he did a tremendous job at marching the offense down the field. Cincy just opted to pound the rock once it got down to the goal line.

Burrow actually had a chance to muster a game-winning drive in the waning moments of the fourth quarter with the score 31-27, but he threw what proved to be a game-sealing interception. Who was on the receiving end of that INT? None other than rookie safety Julian Blackmon, who’s been nothing short of sensational at the start of his career.

The 2020 third-round pick looks like an absolute steal so far, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner’s comments on him indicate that Indianapolis has a star on its hands.

The fact that Buckner, who is one of the most dominant and respected players at his position, is speaking about Blackmon with sheer awe just speaks to his potential. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but he looks like somebody who can become one of the most feared ballhawks in the league before long.

Keep in mind that the 22-year-old was limited for the majority of training camp while rehabbing a torn ACL he suffered in his final collegiate game back in December, so it’s downright scary to think that he’s been THIS good across his first handful of games at the NFL level without even being up to speed during the preseason.

How good has Blackmon been? Well, let’s just say that he’s tied for first among safeties with two interceptions and fourth among all defensive backs with six passes defended. Those numbers come despite the fact that the Utah product didn’t play in Week 1 and has made just four starts.

To cap it all off, Pro Football Focus has even taken notice of Blackmon’s phenomenal start, giving him an elite 74.1 grade and including him on their All-Rookie Team through the first quarter of the 2020 season.

If Blackmon doesn’t jump that crossing route, well, let’s just say that we don’t want to think what the defense would have done with its back against the wall and Burrow in a groove. The budding safety clinched a huge win for the Colts, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.

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