Newly acquired star cornerback Sauce Gardner is still finding his role in this defense under Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Switching teams mid-season is always hard for any player, but switching teams and playing in a foreign country is even harder.
Although the Colts have had success this season, the bye week couldn't have come at a better time for an ailing defense and a new player finding his legs. Gardner played well in his first tilt as a Colt. In Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Gardner was a positive presence even in the brutal loss.
Gardner also went from a Jets team struggling to find their identity after a head coaching change and a presumed rebuild to a Super Bowl contender. In settling into his new role on the Colts, Gardner expressed his desire to do more for his new team.
Colts' defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo gave Sauce Gardner high praise
The DC helped ease the stress of settling into a new team by telling Sauce to be himself, telling the cornerback, "You had a great game. We just need you to be you. Given everything that happened, we don't need you to feel like all the pressure is on you because as long as you're at your best and you're being there for your teammates, that's all that matters."
Gardner proved Anarumo's words true again while playing KC. The cornerback was targeted seven times in coverage, and allowed four completions, but for only 21 yards. He also had six tackles and was excellent in run support.
Coming into the season, the Colts brought in some new faces in the secondary to help bolster an ailing defense that has historically been strong up front, but lacking depth in the secondary. Indianapolis brought in Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward in free agency and made sure to keep Kenny Moore II around.
After a freak accident during warm-ups, Ward ended up on IR, and the Colts had to make a move before the trade deadline. New owner Charlie Irsay-Gordon played a major role in suggesting a long-term solution versus a temporary fix. The Colts sent two first-round picks and struggling receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets in exchange for an elite corner.
After playing the Chiefs in Week 12, Indianapolis heads into the last third of the season sitting at 8-3 and fighting for the first-round bye in the playoffs. If the Colts can secure home-field advantage, this would be the first time since the Peyton Manning era that the Super Bowl is held in Indianapolis.