THE Indianapolis Colts The defense held on for as long as possible against the Denver Broncos, but overcoming the issues on the offensive side of the football was a very daunting task.
Now that the dust has settled on this game, Pro Football Focus had the opportunity to review the tape and distribute individual player grades. So which Colts defensive players received the highest grades?
Before we dive in, I’d like to mention that while PFF grades are useful in quantifying a performance, they are not the be-all and end-all when it comes to evaluating a player. This is a measurement and should be treated as such. However, when a player performs well, the rating reflects it.
Here’s a look at PFF’s scoring system to provide some context behind the numbers:
90.0+: Elite
80-89.9: High quality
70-79.9: Good
60-69.9: above average
50-59.9: Average
40-49.9: below average
39.9 or less: mediocre
Nick Cross
PFF category: 86.7
Cross had 13 total tackles in this game and no missed attempts either. In coverage, he allowed just one reception for 13 yards and also came away with an interception.
CB Sam Womack
PFF category: 79.9
Womack was targeted four times and allowed three receptions, according to PFF, but he limited pass catchers to a total of just 22 yards, or 7.3 yards per catch. Womack also forced a pass breakup and had an interception.
S Julian Blackmon
PFF category: 69.8
Blackmon had three tackles and had a quiet day in coverage – which is a good thing for a defensive back – with just one target resulting in an incomplete pass.
Honorable mentions
LB Grant Stuard: 69.1
LB-EJ Speed: 65.0
DT Grover Stewart: 64.9
This article was originally published on Colts Wire: PFF Grades: Colts’ highest-rated defenders vs. Broncos
