Colts: 3 slight surprises from Indy’s first official depth chart
By Mike Luciano
The Indianapolis Colts have a very pivotal 2021 campaign ahead of them, as they need to assemble an explosive offense and lockdown defense if they want to take down the Tennessee Titans and reclaim the AFC South crown.
On top of the fact that quarterback Carson Wentz was a huge unknown before his trip to the COVID-19 reserve list and lack of practice time, Frank Reich and Indianapolis needed to figure out who the third cornerback, starting edge rushers, and fourth wide receivers were going to be.
After a successful preseason that saw them go undefeated against the Panthers, Vikings, and Lions, Indianapolis has released its first official depth chart in preparation for their Week 1 tussle against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. While there were few surprises, a couple of moves caught our eye.
These three stood out as the most shocking decisions that Reich instilled on the Week 1 chart. Time will tell if these alterations will be enough to help take down Seattle.
3 surprises from the first Colts depth chart
3. Rock Ya-Sin starts at cornerback
Ya-Sin has been a slight disappointment after being nabbed with a very early second-round pick back in 2019. For every great game in which he looks like a quality physical corner, he follows that up with a poor performance, usually featuring a long pass play that he allowed thanks to his lack of speed.
After riding the Ya-Sin roller coaster several times last year, Reich has bought another ticket. Ya-Sin has been named as a starting outside corner along with Xavier Rhodes. Kenny Moore will operate in the slot, while TJ Carrie will serve as a versatile backup who can fill several roles.
T.J. Carrie listed as backup nickel and free safety.
— Indy SportsOne (@IndySportsOne) September 7, 2021
It appears Rock Ya-Sin has won the job as CB3. https://t.co/wDvlGfxlYR
WIth two All-Pro level performers in defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and linebacker Darius Leonard, the secondary is the weakest unit on this defense despite the presence of a player like Julian Blackmon. In order to flip the script, they need someone with Ya-Sin’s talent to step up.
The Colts parted with two young defensive backs in Andre Chachere and Marvell Tell, and they likely wouldn’t have parted with two guys that know the system unless they have confidence in Ya-Sin and his ability to turn it around. He could be in for a payday if he finally turns it around.