The Colts haven’t had many luxuries, and they caught the injury bug early in the season, but against all odds. They still have playoff hopes, at the midpoint in the season, the Colts have procured a 3-5 record, with wins coming against the Redskins, Bills, and Raiders. Although they are only two games out of the playoff race, they are geared up to make a run at the playoffs. Here are their midseason grades.
*Rookies are not included on this report, to see the rookie grades please see https://fullpresscoverage.com/2018/11/01/colts-midseason-rookie-report-card/
Andrew Luck
The diamond stud in the Colts offense, Luck has been as solid and steady as ever, dropping 23 touchdowns and spearheading a potent Colts’ offense.
Grade: A
Marlon Mack
After coming off an injury, Marlon Mack has been on a tear, recording 125 yards, at least one touchdown, and at least two catches in his past two games, if he stays healthy, he will be a legitimate NFL running back to pair with Andrew Luck, even if Leveon Bell becomes a Colt.
Grade: B+
T.Y. Hilton
Due to a change in scheme, Hilton’s usage has changed, he is being transformed from the speedster depth threat to a crafty interior wide receiver, due to this change, and a hamstring injury, the ghost has had a pedestrian season recording 26 grabs for 353 yards.
Grade: B
Ryan Grant
A free agent signing, Grant has been what everyone expected, not overly athletic or talented and just average, but he has been steady. He has matched T.Y. in grabs at 26, amassing 260 yards.
Grade: C+
Chester Rogers
Chester Rogers has a 10.6% drop rate which is good for 12th worst in the NFL. This says a lot, but that is not the whole story. He has moved on from his dropsy tendencies and leads T.Y. and Grant in catches, with 32. But he has still been a shaky option for the Colts.
Grade: D+
Eric Ebron
Ebron has been Andrew Luck’s most reliable and productive target, a great signing by GM Chris Ballard, he leads the colts with 36 receptions, and 394 yards and has caught seven touchdown passes from Andrew Luck. His blocking has been exposed in certain situations, but he is invaluable for the Colts right now.
Grade: B+
Jack Doyle
A rock solid option for the Colts, he’s missed much of 2018 with a hip injury and theoretically cost the Colts a win vs the Bengals with a late fumble. He played very well against the Raiders in the Colts last game, basically dominating an entire drive in the fourth quarter.
Grade: B-
Anthony Castanzo
Early in the season, Costanzo’s presence was severely missed, as his backups struggled week by week. His return has seemingly boosted the Colts line to a top level offensive line, although he will face a tough task in Yannick Ngakoue upon returning from the bye week.
Grade: A-
Ryan Kelly
Barring an errant snap that resulted in points for the Texans, Kelly has been great. One of Ryan Grigson’s few good picks has been solid and steady all year.
Grade: B+
Matt Slauson/Mark Glowinski
Slauson was a veteran presence on the line and played serviceably, but his season was cut short after he broke a vertebrae which could perhaps spell the end of Slauson’s career. But Mark Glowinski has starred in his absence, being a dominant guard as a replacement, he looks to be a staple of this Colts O-line.
Grade: B/B+
Jabaal Sheard
Jabaal Sheard has been quiet, but has still managed to have a decent year, with 4.0 sacks and six tackles for loss. He also has recorded 8 QB hits.
Grade: C+
Al Woods
Al Woods has recorded just 17 tackles, and only one tackle for loss. He has been a non factor outside of sucking up blocks to help Darius leonard clean up backs.
Grade: C-
Grover Stewart
He has barely eclipsed double digit tackles at 10; it has been a disappointing season so far for the second year product.
Grade: D
Margus Hunt
Hunt began this season strong but has trailed off in a very disappointing way, having last recorded a sack in week four. Perhaps he could start producing again, but with the inevitable return of Tyquan Lewis, the snaps will get harder to find across the defensive line.
Grade: C
Denico Autry
Outside of an uber productive week four against the Texans, Autry hasn’t made much of an impact, recording all of his sacks in week four, and nine of his 15 tackles. Although he has been hurt, the production has not been there.
Grade: C-
Anthony Walker
Walker is the elder statesman of the linebackers and has been effective. He has recorded 53 tackles and an interception. His steady impact along Darius Leonard has made things easier on coach Eberflus.
Grade: B-
Kenny Moore
Perhaps the best Colts corner on the roster, Moore has been more than solid this year, only allowing a 64.2 (#7) passer rating when his receivers are targeted. Although he is undersized, his quickness and technique allow him to make plays on balls that he normally couldn’t. He also has two interceptions on the season.
Grade: B+
Nate Hairston
Hairston has not been as solid, allowing a miserable 133.5 passer rating, and also giving up two touchdowns.
Grade: D
Pierre Desir
The middle road of the Colts’ corners, Desir has outperformed expectations but hasn’t been the Colts number one coverage guy, allowing an 86.1 passer rating, while also snagging two picks. At 28, he could have a few more solid years with the Colts.
Grade: B-
Malik Hooker
The second-year safety is quiet but is terrifying quarterbacks away from one half of the field because of his range and instincts. Perhaps in the second half of the season, his impact can be quantified and he can snag a few picks.
Grade: B
Clayton Geathers
In the Tampa 2 system, Geathers suspect pass coverage skills have been exposed, and the muscle hasn’t been a contributor, as he is constantly fooled by quarterbacks, but is still effective in run stopping.
Grade: C
Rigoberto Sanchez
Rigo has been effective; a great replacement to Pat Mcafee. He is averaging a booming 46 Y/P and is still a dynamic punter for the Colts.
Grade: A
Adam Vinatieri
Vinatieri is undeniably the greatest kicker of all time. Although he has declined a little bit, is still in the upper echelon of NFL kickers that are still active.
Grade: A-
The Colts look to keep their playoff hopes alive this sunday with a divisional win against the Jaguars. Look for the return of Tyquan Lewis to add some fire to the defensive line. Also be on the lookout for the Colts to try to continue their dominance on the O-Line, while facing a tough and talented Jags defense.
