The Indianapolis Colts (7-5) pulled off a 31-28 overtime win on the road against the Tennessee Titans (4-8) at Nissan Stadium.
Sweeping the Titans and winning in Nashville for the first time since 2018, the Colts are now riding a four-game winning streak with five games remaining in their playoff push.
Now, it’s time to take a look at how this game impacted the stock of a handful of players.
When taking stock of a player’s performance, it’s best to be fluid. A player’s stock will fall and rise throughout the season so none of this is set in stone. However, it is important to take note of the narratives and storylines taking place as the campaign progresses.
A player’s stock can be impacted by factors such as their performance or the type of snaps they receive during the games.
Here’s a look at the stock report for the Colts following the Week 13 win:
Stock Up: WR Alec Pierce
Pierce put together his best game of the season even though he recorded only three receptions. For the first time in his career, Pierce reached 100 yards in a game. It all started on the opening drive, which was capped by Pierce’s 36-yard touchdown reception to get the Colts on the board. Then, he came through with a clutch 55-yard reception in overtime to set up the walk-off touchdown. Pierce’s role won’t see him finish with double-digit receptions in a game but if they can build off some of these deep plays, it would open up the offense greatly.
Stock Down: RT Blake Freeland
Though he didn’t allow a sack, Freeland was credited with allowing a team-high five pressures, including a quarterback hit, on 46 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The rookie has been thrown into some tough situations as a spot starter and basically held that role Sunday playing all but three snaps after Braden Smith injured his knee. Of all tackes with fewer than 300 pass-blocking snaps, Freeland has allowed the second-most pressures (30).
Stock Up: S Nick Cross
Cross saw a big increase in snaps during the divisional matchup, playing 31 snaps. Through the entire season up until Week 13, Cross had seen 20 combined snaps. He was targeted twice in coverage and didn’t allow a reception while adding a pass breakup. He also was the one who forced the fumble/blocked punt on the second punt attempt for the Titans after the Colts blocked the previous attempt and returned it for a touchdown. It will be interesting to see if this expanded role continues down the stretch,
Stock Up: DE Tyquan Lewis
Lewis continues to quietly have a strong season. He was credited with six pressures, tied for the team-high with Samson Ebukam and DeForest Buckner. He also was credited with two run stops, according to Pro Football Focus. As long as he stays healthy, Lewis is proving he may deserve another contract this spring.
