Following each Colts game, we can look at the player snap counts on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
So, what stuck out during Week 2?
Snap counts can be especially useful in the early stages of the season for determining where things stand in terms of playing time at a position or how the Colts intended to attack the opponent that week with specific looks.
Here are six key takeaways from the Colts’ Week 2 snap count against the Packers:
27 combined snaps for Sermon and Goodson
Jonathan Taylor was having a strong day on the ground, gaining 103 yards on only 12 carries. However, he had no snaps in the fourth quarter, as the Colts instead relied on Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson. My hunch is that this was due to the Colts playing from behind and Taylor having two drops earlier, but it’s terrible that the Colts didn’t feel they could have their most consistent playmaking presence on the field at such a key time. Moving forward, they’ll need to figure out how to make this happen.
Womack and Flowers split playing time
With JuJu Brents out, the Colts decided to have Sam Womack and Dallis Flowers effectively share playing time opposite Jaylon Jones. Womack played 20 snaps, while Flowers played 19. Given how heavily the Packers relied on the run game, neither player was targeted for coverage.
A heavier workload for Bryan and Adebawore
Prior to leaving with an ankle injury, DeForest Buckner was still playing on a snap count after being doubtful with a back ailment. This increased the workload on Taven Bryan and Adetomiwa Adebawore, making the Colts’ matchup less favorable. These two are pass rushers, but they combined for 46 snaps, the majority of which came in run defense.
Kwity Paye
Paye entered the game questionable due to a hamstring injury but appeared to be at full strength. He played 42 snaps, one fewer than Tyquan Lewis’ 43, the most among Colts defensive ends. That accounted for 61 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps, which was consistent with Paye’s performance last week. Latu remains the third member in that rotation.
Alec Pierce led the WRs in snaps
Pierce has been the Colts’ most consistent passing option over the last two weeks. On Sunday, he grabbed 5-of-7 receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Pierce also played 95 percent of the offensive snaps, which was five more than Michael Pittman.
One snap for Ronnie Harrison
With Julian Blackmon out, the Colts decided to move Nick Cross from free safety to strong safety, where he played some snaps this summer, and start Rodney Thomas as free safety. Harrison was brought on board to give depth. Cross delivered another good performance.