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Colts: 3 best-kept secrets on Indianapolis roster

By Jerry Trotta

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after making a tackle behind the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 10: Grover Stewart #90 of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after making a tackle behind the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Colts DL Grover Stewart (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1.Grover Stewart

The Colts’ pass rush has a ton of question marks following the departures of Denico Autry and Justin Houston, who posted a combined 15.5 sacks and 22 QB hits in 2020.

As things stand, Indy is planning to use a combination of Tyquan Lewis, Kwity Paye, Dayo  Odeyingbo and Kemoko Turay to make up for those losses. Whether that combo will be enough remains to be seen, but the Colts’ dominance along the interior should help the cause.

Colts standout Grover Stewart still isn’t as appreciated as he should be.

Though DeForest Buckner nabbed all the headlines and will continue to do so — and understandably so after he was named an All-Pro in his debut season with the Colts — fellow tackle Grover Stewart isn’t far behind in the importance pecking order on Indy’s defense.

Known more as a run-stuffer than an outright pass rusher, Stewart doesn’t pad the stat sheet every season. In 2020, he managed 53 tackles, five QB hits, 0.5 sacks, and nine pressures.

For context, Stewart’s 58.7 pass rush grade from PFF pales in comparison to his 71.2 mark against the run. And just because the fifth-year pro isn’t racking up sacks and pressures doesn’t mean he doesn’t help free up real estate for Buckner. The two DTs work great together, and the Colts proved that by giving Stewart a lucrative mid-season extension last year.

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