2. Ben Banogu
There are several players on the Colts’ roster who are facing make-or-break seasons in 2021, and Ben Banogu is undoubtedly one of them.
Leading up to Sunday’s game, Banogu had received rave reviews from the coaching staff for his performance during training camp. The 2019 second-round pick looks more elusive and has been generating consistent pressure in the backfield.
Colts pass rusher Ben Banogu needs to perform better in the preseason.
As a result, Banogu faced high expectations against Carolina. Unfortunately for him, however, he didn’t show up once in the box score before recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter (the fact he was in that late suggests his roster spot isn’t safe).
While Banogu had a couple of promising moments on film, he needs to produce in games for him to carve out a role in the defensive end rotation.
For someone who has just 2.5 sacks in 25 career games and was inactive seven (!) times last season, this wasn’t the start Banogu was hoping for.
Let’s hope he fares differently vs the Vikings on Saturday.