Moore’s performance was the catalyst for the Colts getting back into the win column. He has also catapulted himself up the cornerback rankings, as Moore is now the No.10 ranked cornerback in the NFL per PFF. If Moore continues to play at this level, another Pro Bowl could be in his future.
While Moore received all of the headlines from Sunday’s game, and rightfully so, another Colts cornerback showed out against the Panthers. Rookie Jaylon Jones proved he belongs as a starter moving forward in Indy. The seventh-round pick tallied five tackles and a pass defensed in the win.
Jones was the second-highest-graded player for the Colts on Sunday with an 84.7 overall grade. Jones finished behind only Moore with an 85.9 coverage grade after allowing just 21 yards. His tackling grade was third on the team to Moore and Rodney Thomas II at 79.1 after recording three stops.
Jones was thrust into the starting lineup for the Colts after a season-ending injury to Dallis Flowers. With how the rookie has been performing as of late, he may not give up that starting role anytime soon.
3.) DT DeForest Buckner – 78.0 Overall Grade
Another defender that made his presence felt throughout the game was DeForest Buckner. Buckner was a menace the entire game, consistently getting pressure on Young and batting down passes. Buckner racked up four tackles, a sack, two tackles for loss, two QB hits, and two passes defensed.
After a performance like that, it is no surprise Buckner was the third-highest-graded Colt against the Panthers, with an overall grade of 78.0. The former All-Pro had the best pass rushing grade on the Colts at 83.2, leading the team with five total pressures and making life difficult for Young. His 70.6 tackling grade ranked fourth on the team, with three stops to his credit.
Buckner has continued to be a force on the Colts’ defensive line all season. It would not be a surprise if he was selected to the Pro Bowl again, just like Moore.
4.) OT Bernhard Raimann – 76.1 Overall Grade
The lone offensive player on the list comes from the offensive line. Bernhard Raimann has had a breakout second season as the Colts left tackle, continuing to stack good performances. The former third-round pick is proving every week he can be the Colts’ long-term solution at left tackle.
Raimann was the fourth-highest-graded Colt and highest-graded offensive player, with an overall grade of 76.1. A run blocking grade of 72.0 by Raimann was the best mark on the Colts as he paved the way for Jonathan Taylor and Zack Moss. Raimann also had the second-highest pass blocking grade for the Colts at 77.5, allowing only one pressure in 28 opportunities.
Raimann has now jumped to the No.9 ranked offensive tackle in the league. The second-year player looks more like a draft-day steal as the weeks go on.
5.) LB E.J. Speed – 76.1 Overall Grade
Rounding out the top five players is a linebacker who has taken on a bigger role in 2023. E.J. Speed has found himself as the primary third-down linebacker, coming into the game for Shaquille Leonard on the important down. Speed continued to make the most of his opportunities on Sunday, finishing with three tackles in 32 snaps.
Speed tied Raimann for the fourth-highest-graded Colt against the Panthers, with an overall grade of 76.1. Speed was the fourth-highest-graded defender in pass coverage at 74.0, allowing only 24 yards. The linebacker also tallied a 65.0 tackling grade, good enough for eighth on the team.
With the Colts down Zaire Franklin on Sunday, the linebackers needed to pick up the slack with their captain out. Speed helped do that and more as the Colts came away with the win.
