Kenny Moore II needs a bounce-back season in a big way. After a career year in 2021, Moore had one of his worst years in 2022. An ankle injury limited him to just 12 games, and a new defensive system led to some uninspiring play. Add in his desire for a new contract, and it was just a bad year all around for the veteran defensive back.
That sour note is almost how he ended his time with the Colts. Moore’s name was in a ton of trade rumors all offseason, but Indianapolis ultimately elected to keep him. Now, with one year remaining on his contract, that will be played out in Indy, Moore has a better relationship with defense coordinator Gus Bradley, and he’s prepared to return to his dominant form in 2023.
According to Bradley, that transformation has already occurred. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, Bradley revealed that Moore has been absolutely dominant in training camp. Moore has been flashing so much that even the offensive coaches have been talking to Bradley about how good he’s looking.
Talking to Colts DC Gus Bradley now. He singles out Kenny Moore II as playing at an extremely high level in camp. Offensive coaches have been making comments to him about how well he’s playing. Moore looking to have a bounce back year in 2023.
— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) August 2, 2023
Kenny Moore II looks elite in training camp
This is great news for Moore. Not only is he playing for a new contract, but he’s also playing for his future in Indianapolis. If he can carry this type of play into the season, he will be rewarded a nice contract, either by the Colts, or some other team that targets him in free agency.
This is also great news for Indy. The defense will obviously benefit from having an elite Kenny Moore II on the field. Additionally, with a young secondary, Indianapolis needs a veteran star to lead the group and provide quality play for the inexperienced unit.
Quality play for Moore looks like what he did in 2021 when he made his first Pro Bowl. That season, Moore played in all 17 games and recorded 102 tackles, six for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, 13 pass deflections, and four interceptions. He was everywhere on the field making plays. Gus Bradley said that it’s a point of emphasis to get Moore back around the ball so that he can showcase his play-making skills. It’s looking like that will happen in 2023.