3 biggest X-factors for the Colts in 2022

1. Stephon Gilmore

The Colts’ No. 1 cornerback being one of their X-factors might sound crazy, but nobody knows what version of Gilmore Indy is going to get. At 31 years old, Gilmore is two full seasons removed from his Defensive Player of the Year campaign in 2019. Since then, he’s played 19 of a possible 32 regular season games.

Gilmore showed glimpses last season (albeit in just nine games) that he’s still capable of being a shutdown corner.

The five-time Pro Bowler is still one of the best defensive backs in single coverage and the Colts will need him to be at his best with box-office receivers like Davante Adams, AJ Brown, Cee Dee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Diontae Johnson all on the 2022 schedule.

A lot will be riding on Gilmore’s shoulders next season, and that’s a worrisome thought given he’s battled injuries in each of the last two seasons. Will he return to All-Pro form or will he continue to show his age as he did in his final season in New England when he produced an uncharacteristic 58.5 coverage grade from PFF?

That remains to be seen. A cornerback rotation of Gilmore, Kenny Moore, Isaiah Rodgers and Brandon Facyson has loads of potential, but it starts with Gilmore fulfilling his assignment of limiting opposing team’s No. 1 receivers.

Honorable mentions: Matt Pryor, Nick Cross and Bernhard Rainmann.

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