Kenny Moore II showed why he’s the trusted veteran in the Colts secondary

Entering Week 1, everyone knew the young Indianapolis Colts secondary would have their hands full with Calvin Ridley. Despite missing a year and a half of football, everyone remembered that Ridley was an elite receiver. If they forgot, Ridley had the perfect opportunity to remind them against Indy’s inexperienced corners.

The Colts have two first-time starters at corner: Darrell Baker Jr. and Dallis Flowers, both in their second year. While they were impressive in training camp and the preseason, the real test was containing Ridley, Trevor Lawrence, and the Jacksonville Jaguars offense. Unfortunately, Baker and Flowers didn’t do enough studying.

Calvin Ridley had his way with the Colts in the first half, catching seven passes for 92 yards and one touchdown. Indy knew that had to figure out a way to contain Ridley in the second half if they wanted a chance at winning the game. The Colts ultimately lost, but they did find an answer for Ridley: Kenny Moore II.

Colts turned to Kenny Moore II to slow down Calvin Ridley

In the second half, it seems like Moore was mirroring Ridley. Whether Ridley lined up in the slot or on the outside, Moore was with him. So after seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown in the first half, Ridley only finished with eight catches for 101 yards. That’s just one, nine-yard catch in the second half, thanks to Kenny Moore II.

This is the kind of veteran leadership and production that Indy needs in the young secondary. Moore is leading by example, and is proving to be a player that the secondary can lean on in a jam. This is also the kind of production that Moore needs for himself. Not only is it a contract year, but he’s coming off a down year. All offseason, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has talked about how the Colts expect a much better Kenny Moore II in 2023, and it’s looking like that’s the case.

READ MORE