After a season with veteran corners like Stephon Gilmore, Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Brandon Facyson leading the cornerback room, Indy has undergone a youth movement. Aside from Kenny Moore II and Tony Brown, two veterans who play in the slot, the cornerback room in young, like really young. The starters, Dallis Flowers and Darrell Baker Jr., are both in their second years. Their backups, JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones, are both rookies.
However, despite this youth, the Colts are hopeful that the young corners are prepared for the season. They all had strong training camps, and while their youth is considered a disadvantage, it’s also the reason the future is so bright. But still, the fact remains that Indy’s corners are extremely inexperienced. As promising as they’ve been in the preseason and training camp, the real answers won’t come until the regular season.
Indianapolis should have a lot of answers come Sunday, because the young secondary will face a big challenge in the Jacksonville Jaguars offense.
Jaguars will help Colts learn where the secondary is at
There won’t be any easing into the season for this young secondary. Indy’s first matchup is against the Jaguars. Jacksonville has a talented young quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, and a really nice wide receiver room. Last season, Lawrence had a Pro Bowl year, throwing for 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. Leading the team receiving was Christian Kirk with 84 receptions for 1,108 yards. Zay Jones and tight end Evan Engram both had over 700 receiving yards as well.
The Jaguars’ passing game should be even more dangerous now. Not only are all those players returning for year two in the system, but they added Calvin Ridley, one of the NFL’s best wideouts when he last played. Between personal issues and a gambling suspension, Ridley hasn’t played since Week 6 of the 2021 season. However, his last full season, 2020, he caught 90 passes for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns. Since returning, he has looked great for Jacksonville.
Between Ridley, Kirk, Lawrence and the rest of Jacksonville’s offense, the young secondary will certainly be tested. It’s time for Indy’s corners to show everyone what they’re made of.