In what was a much-improved defensive performance from the Colts in their victory over the Bears, which players on that side of the ball received the highest grades from Pro Football Focus?
As always, I’ll provide my usual disclaimer when we are talking about PFF’s grades: they are not the be-all-end-all. This should be one evaluation method. However, generally speaking, if a player performs well, the PFF grades reflect that.
Below is a look at PFF’s grading 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: Poor
So, with that in mind, here are the Colts’ three highest-graded players on defense from their matchup against Chicago. To see who the three highest-graded offensive players were, click here.
Laiatu Latu
PFF grade: 85.1
Production-wise, it was a quiet start to the season for Latu with just one pressure in two games. However, as we discussed regularly over the last week, he was consistently winning his matchups with one of the higher pass rush win rates among edge rushers. And with that consistency, the production almost always follows. Against the Bears, in addition to his strip-sack, Latu had a team high five pressures as well.
Kenny Moore
PFF grade: 80.6
Moore was in on seven tackles in this game and also recorded a sack. In coverage, he was thrown at often, but allowed only five completions on 10 targets for a grand total of 19 yards. Moore also recorded a pass breakup as well.
Grover Stewart
PFF grade: 77.2
Please note: Adetomiwa Adebawore had an overall grade of 79.2 but I did exclude him since he played just 10 snaps.
On the stat sheet, Stewart was in on four tackles in the run game, two of which PFF considered stops–or plays that result in a loss for the offense. However, Stewart’s impact isn’t always going to show up on the stat sheet as is reflected in his 82.5 run defense grade. But by taking on double-teams, occupying space, and closing running lanes, he creates opportunities for his teammates.
Honorable Mentions
Jaylon Jones: 76.4
Raekwon Davis: 70.2
