The top five graded Colts from Week 17 victory v. Raiders
After imposing their will over the Las Vegas Raiders, the Indianapolis Colts received some love from Pro Football Focus.
The Indianapolis Colts (9-7) defeated the Las Vegas Raiders (7-9) 23-20 to move closer to a postseason spot.
After a devastating loss to the Atlanta Falcons a week ago, head coach Shane Steichen expressed faith in his team’s ability to rebound. The Colts proved Steichen correct, as they overwhelmed the Raiders up front by combining explosive throw plays with excellent running. The result sets up a win-and-in scenario for Indy this week against the Houston Texans.
Numerous players played admirably in the Colts’ victory, according to Pro Football Focus ratings. Let’s break down and study the five Colts players that received the highest grade on Sunday.
1.) OT Bernhard Raimann – 87.8 Overall Grade
Bernhard Raimann has to be near the top of the list when determining which Colt had the strongest breakout season in 2023. The second-year left tackle has come a long way since his rookie season. Against the Raiders, he continued his excellent season.
Raimann had the highest overall grade of any Colts player this week, with an 87.8. Raimann’s 88.9 run blocking grade led the team, clearing the way for Jonathan Taylor and Trey Sermon on the left side. His 78.7 pass blocking grade rated second on the Colts, and he allowed no sacks, QB hits, or pressures on the day.
Raimann’s ascension continues, as he is presently the NFL’s fourth-ranked offensive lineman. If there was any doubt that Raimann is the Colts’ franchise left tackle, it is gone.
2.) CB JuJu Brents – 85.9 Overall Grade
3.) G Quenton Nelson – 81.7 Overall Grade
Raimann was not the only offensive lineman on this week’s top-five list.Quenton Nelson also returned, and the All-Pro guard was there for the game against the Raiders.
With an overall grade of 81.7, Nelson was the third-highest-graded Colt versus the Raiders. Nelson was frequently employed as a puller to lead block for the group of running backs, and his 78.8 run blocking grade was third on the Colts. Nelson also received a pass blocking grade of 71.4, placing sixth on the team despite allowing only one pressure on the day.
Nelson returns to All-Pro form after a disappointing year last season. His improved play has been a big factor for the Colts’ offensive line’s success this season.
4.) C Ryan Kelly – 79.1 Overall Grade
It’s no surprise that a third offensive lineman made the list after the Colts destroyed the Raiders up front.Ryan Kelly maintained his strong play in the center of the Colts’ offensive line.
Kelly finished as the fourth-highest-graded Colt, with a score of 79.1. Kelly’s 82.3 run blocking grade was second only to Raimann’s, as he helped clear the way for critical runs down the stretch. Despite allowing just one pressure and one hurry, Kelly’s pass blocking grade of 50.7 was a team low (for those who qualify).
Overall, Kelly is back to his Pro Bowl form, rating as the NFL’s No. 7 center. It’s encouraging to see Kelly performing well after a couple of difficult years, both on and off the field.
5.) WR Alec Pierce – 72.7 Overall Grade
The player who made the biggest play of the day for the Colts rounds out the top five.Alec Pierce hit on a deep ball from Gardner Minshew, helping the Colts build a lead that the Raiders could not overcome. Pierce caught one pass for 58 yards and a touchdown in the win.
Pierce finished the game as the fifth-highest-graded Colt, with an overall rating of 72.7. Pierce’s 72.8 receiving grade was a team-best despite the lone catch, as he hauled in the longest play of the afternoon for the Colts offense. His lone target, which resulted in a touchdown, also earned him a perfect QB rating on the day.
Pierce’s year has not gone as well as he had intended. However, plays like the one he made on Sunday demonstrate how dangerous he is as a deep threat and what he may potentially do when Anthony Richardson returns next season.
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