Grover Stewart was one of the best defensive tackles in the league last year with the Indianapolis Colts, and he has a plan to takes things to another level.
The 2022 season was one to forget for the Indianapolis Colts, but individually, it was the best season of Grover Stewart’s career. After committing last offseason to show up in better shape and play more dominant, Stewart delivered, being arguably Indy’s most consistent player last season.
Starting in the preseason, Grover Stewart was just a disruptive force for opposing offenses, and that continued through the regular season. At times, Stewart would take over an entire series, stuffing runs in the backfield and collapsing the pocket. He was a big reason why the Colts defense was good for the majority of the year.
He finished the season playing in all 17 games, and recording 70 tackles, nine for a loss, four sacks, and three batted passes— all career highs. Even though he was snubbed in end-of-year accolades, it was clear that Stewart was one of the best defensive tackles in the league last season.
As good as he was, Stewart isn’t satisfied. He knows his game can go to another level, and he’s working on something specific to get it there. Stewart is focused on improving his pass rushing.
Additionally, Stewart says he is focusing intently on becoming a more consistent pass rusher.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 3, 2023
The goal: To force coaches to keep him on the field on third down.
Grover Stewart focused on being a consistent pass rusher for Colts
As previously stated, Stewart only had four sacks. Those four sacks were in addition to five hurries and three quarterback hits. The majority of Stewart’s destruction was done against the run and on first and second down. He was often subbed out on third downs and passing situations, so there’s obviously room for improvement.
Grover Stewart is making it clear that he’s taking the necessary steps to make those improvements and became a complete, dominant defensive tackle. Everyone witnessed how productive he was after locking in last offseason, so it’ll be fun to see how Stewart’s pass rushing improves with that being his new focus.
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