Isaiah Rodgers has proved that he deserves a starting role for the Colts
After begging the Indianapolis Colts and Gus Bradley to play Isaiah Rodgers more, fans were finally rewarded with impressive snaps from Rodgers.
Last year, Isaiah Rodgers was a much-needed jolt of energy in the secondary for the Indianapolis Colts. Heading into this season, you’d think new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would have recognized that but he was adamant about Rodgers being a great backup on the roster.
Bradley insisted on giving Brandon Facyson more reps each week, to which the defense got exposed week after week. Facyson and Bradley have a history together with the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers. Facyson and secondary coach, Ron Milus, also have a connection dating back to the Los Angeles Chargers.
That’s why many assumed that Brandon initially won the cornerback No. 2 job. Not that Bradley and Milus were playing favorites or anything, but because Facyson’s experience in the system made him a better option to start the season, despite Rodgers being the better playmaker.
In Week 4, however, Isaiah Rodgers finally saw more snaps than Facyson and the analytics, as well as the film, showed that No. 34 deserves more snaps, period.
Facyson vs Rodgers Sr.
— Colts Topic (@ColtsTopic) October 3, 2022
Two very similar plays. Two very different outcomes. pic.twitter.com/Hie9XWiyTk
Rodgers has done well with his limited chances in 2022, and that should have earned him a starting role in the Colts’ secondary. With the team starting 1-2-1, what is there to hurt by trying to change things up a bit?
The numbers show Isaiah Rodgers is great in the secondary for the Colts
Taking a dive into the analytics, Isaiah Rodgers has been a better player with similar competition this season. Since Rodgers did not get any snaps in Weeks 1 or 2, we will not compare numbers from those weeks for Facyson. But, for what it’s worth, Facyson had a miserable Week 1, and Week 2 was just his second-best game of the season but the Colts lost 24-0 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rodgers has averaged a 76.6 overall rating through Weeks 3 and 4. Facyson is averaging just a 57.7 rating. Rodgers gets the nudge over Facyson in rush defense, tackling, pass rush, and coverage.
Rodgers has seen 49 snaps on defense through the two weeks compared to Facyson’s 58. However, the number is dwindling down for Facyson after a rocky showing at home against the Tennessee Titans, only seeing just 12 snaps.
If this is your CB room, who are you starting each week? Just player numbers, not names. #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/ynelgonrMn
— Justin Bauerle (@justinbauerle) October 4, 2022
Having a good battle in camp is one thing, but when a player has proven that he is the starter, the coaching staff needs to listen. Isaiah Rodgers has earned the starting spot sitting alongside Stephon Gilmore.
With his coverage, tackling, and play-making skills, Rodgers truly has become the CB2 on the Colts roster, and no one should be surprised when he eventually slides into CB1 status not just on the Colts, but on any roster.
