Indianapolis ColtsRookie defensive end Laiatu Latu has become strong as a passer in recent weeks.
According to PFF’s metricsIn the last two games, Latu has totaled eight pressures, two sacks and forced a fumble.
Compared to the rest of his position group league-wide, Latu ranks third in PFF’s pass rush rating during that span. He is also fifth in win rate and tied for seventh in sacks.
“We’ve seen it in training and in matches, it’s happening slowly and as I mentioned before, the conversations with him continue. Gus Bradley said Tuesday. “Opportunities will present themselves and he made a big play for us. He made some other pursuit tackles, I think he ran on a screen, he gave the lead, the week before the stray screen .”
Early in the season, stats in terms of pressures and sacks didn’t always accurately reflect Latu’s impact on the game or the progress he was making.
However, where he has consistently ranked well from Week 1 to where we are today is in pass win rate. Heading into Week 13, out of 122 eligible edge defenders, Latu ranks 26th in this category, showing that when there is consistency, production will eventually follow.
Latu’s run defense has also improved. Over the last three games, he ranks 18th in his position group in run stops. This well-rounded skill set has also translated into more playing time.
“He’s really evolved to the point where not only is he a rusher, he can rush the passer, but he has really good football instincts,” Bradley added. “His ability to chase and run, the effort he shows on tape, all those things put him in position to make big plays for us.”
Next up for Latu and the Colts as he looks to continue gaining momentum is a matchup with New England. The Patriots will enter this game allowing the fourth-highest quarterback pressure rate this season.
This article was originally published on Colts Wire: Colts rookie Laiatu Latu among PFF’s most disruptive DEs in recent weeks
