Jaylon Jones was among Pro Football Focus’ most productive cornerbacks in the Indianapolis Colts’ Week 11 win over the Jets.
Overall, Jones seemed to be all over the field, which included making five total tackles. But in coverage, while Jones was targeted heavily–eight times–he allowed just four completions for a grand total of 36 yards–or 9.0 yards per catch.
Only one of those four receptions would go for a first down and he also came away with two forced incompletions. Aaron Rodgers’ passer rating when targeting him was just 62.5.
And keep in mind, most of Jones targets came matched up against Garrett Wilson, who has been one of the more productive receivers in football this season. According to PFF, Wilson caught just 2-of-6 targets with Jones in coverage for seven yards.
When Week 11 was all said and done, Jones’ PFF grade was the fourth best among all cornerbacks.
During the offseason, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard chose to stand pat at the cornerback position despite the ups and downs that this group experienced in 2023.
One of the main factors behind this decision was that Ballard wanted to give the young cornerbacks in that room the opportunity to develop, and to a degree, he was banking on that happening.
While Jones has still experienced some ups and downs, again, not uncommon for a young player and includes giving up some explosive completions, overall, Ballard’s decision to lean on Jones has worked out well.
In addition to Jones’ development, the emergence of Samuel Womack, who was claimed off waivers during roster cutdowns, and of course, the play of Kenny Moore, the cornerback position for the Colts has been more stable this season than I’m guessing most would have expected.
