Following a lackluster 3-3 start to the season, a once feared Indianapolis Colts defense has become an ugly paperweight dragging down a competent Horseshoe offense ranked 13th in total yards per game. With injuries plaguing the unit, it is malpractice to bash the defense too much — nonetheless, in the NFL injuries are no excuse for poor performance. One reserve defender for the Colts has stood above the rest though: Samuel Womack III.
Originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, on Aug. 27, 2024, the Niners would waive the Toledo product before general manager Chris Ballard swiftly picked him up off Waivers just a day later. Since then, Womack has risen the depth chart and become the full-time starter due to the injury of JuJu Brents and the release of Dallis Flowers.
This is Dallis Flowers https://t.co/zGFMsLSRgA pic.twitter.com/tZ0DFfuOeW
— Christopher T Ebreo Jr (@Ebreo_Travels) October 9, 2024
Womack receives PFF Praise
Following two pass breakups in his debut start against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29, Womack has strung together three consecutive games with a defended pass — earning him an 87.0 overall PFF grade and an 85.9 coverage grade on the season, both marks are good for third best in the league.
The #Colts are one of only two teams with two CBs graded in the top 12 by PFF through the first six weeks of the season.
– Samuel Womack III 3rd (87.0)
– Kenny Moore II 12th (75.9) pic.twitter.com/cKugRi5s6r— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) October 14, 2024
With Womack playing as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, it brings up the question of who on the Colts’ defense can step up and play to the level that Womack has been at.
Starting with the secondary that is giving up the seventh-most passing yards per game, veteran slot cornerback Kenny Moore II has continued his impressive play in year nine. Moore ranks 12th amongst cornerbacks with a 75.9 PFF grade — making the Colts one of two teams with two cornerbacks graded in the top 12.
Aside from Moore and Womack, second-year cornerback Jaylon Jones has turned into a playmaking perimeter cornerback with two interceptions and a forced fumble this season. However, as the man called to guard the opposing WR1, Jones has strides to make giving up 22 catches in his 35 targets this season.
Rest of defense
Despite the quality play from both Womack and Moore, it is necessary for the Colts’ season success that the rest of the defense mightily step up to their level for the remainder of the season.
Defending over the top, safeties Nick Cross and Julian have had varying levels of success this season. Coming off a heavily criticized season last year, Cross has transitioned into a hybrid linebacker and has racked up 42 tackles this season. While Cross has blossomed in his new role, Blackmon has struggled allowing a 90% completion rate this season after coming off his best season to date in 2023.
The issues this defense possesses are not on the secondary, it falls directly on the front seven. While they are the most injured unit on the team, the lack of pressure put on opposing quarterbacks and their 31st-ranked rushing defense formulate a dumpster fire of a defense.
With injuries to Deforest Buckner, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Latu Latu and Tyquan Lewis throughout the season a fall of pass rush and run defense is inevitable. Despite this, there is the need to play up to the spotlight and take opportunities when they are presented for these reserve players on the roster.
Every single player on the roster — specifically on the defense — can learn from Womack how to be an effective professional football player.
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