3 Colts players that need to redeem themselves after Week 1

2. CB Kenny Moore

If Shaquille Leonard is the number one on this Indianapolis Colts’ defense then Kenny Moore has to be number two or three. He is essentially the reason we play a nickel defense so he can be utilized as the best slot corner in the game. Despite the contract negotiations stalling this offseason, Moore has put in a lot of effort to be a leader on this defense and shine in the secondary after the Colts brought in some help. He was even named a captain for the first time in his career. He definitely didn’t live up to this on Sunday.

On Sunday, Moore was targeted seven times and allowed five receptions. This equated to 63 yards or 12.6 yards per catch. Once the receiver caught the ball he allowed them to run for an average of five yards. He also had two penalties in the opening matchup. He had two total in 2021. The most he has ever gotten in his career is 2020 when he had four. There is a lot of pressure on the secondary to perform this year after Indy brought in Stephon Gilmore, Rodney McLeod, and Brandon Facyson.

For perspective, Gilmore was targeted eight times allowing four receptions for 33 yards or 8.3 per reception. On those four receptions, he allowed seven yards after the catch. He committed no penalties. Mind you this was against a wide receiver core that featured the likes of Brandin Cooks, and Rex Burkhead, and that’s about it.

Moore has to step up in Week 2. The Jaguars have more reputable receivers in Christian Kirk, Marvin Jones, and Zay Jones. They proved they could play in Week 1 losing by a small margin to the Washington Commanders. Trevor Lawerence is arguably a better quarterback than Davis Mills and the Colts, including Moore, made Mills look like a good quarterback. Moore has to redeem himself in Week 2 if we want to see this defense reach its true potential and to see him get the money he believes he deserves.