The Indianapolis Colts (3-5) suffered their third consecutive loss Sunday when they were defeated 38-27 against the New Orleans Saints (4-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Week 8 loss was a tough one. The Colts were competitive going into halftime, even leading 17-7 early in the second quarter. That’s true for the majority of the third quarter as well until the Saints put together consecutive touchdown drives to put the game away.
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 8 loss:
Stock Up: RG Will Fries
Fries has been pretty solid in pass protection for the majority of the season, and that continued again Sunday. According to Pro Football Focus, Fries didn’t allow a single pressure on 47 pass-blocking snaps. While rookie Blake Freeland continues to struggle next to him, Fries has been a reliable asset at right guard.
Stock Down: CB Tony Brown
If we’re being genuine, Brown was set up to fail in this situation. While we shouldn’t make excuses for his poor play, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley left him on an island far too often even when it was clear he wasn’t able to apply sticky coverage with consistency. According to Pro Football Focus, Brown allowed a perfect passer rating of 158.3 in coverage. He was targeted seven times, allowing seven receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown. It doesn’t get much worse than that.
Stock Up: WR Josh Downs
The rookie’s stock has been rising steadily since the season began, and he continues to prove to be a reliable piece of the offense. He led the offense in receiving yards for the second week in a row, posting seven receptions for 72 yards on nine targets. His ability to quickly win out of the slot has given the Colts a reliable option over the middle of the field, and he’s been a crucial piece on third downs.
Stock Down: OT Blake Freeland
In fairness to Freeland, he has been getting a trial by fire to begin his career. The fourth-round pick has been thrust into the starting lineup for five consecutive games due to injuries ahead of him. He played two games at left tackle and has been the starting right tackle for the last three games. Though he didn’t allow a sack against the Saints, he did allow a team-high six pressures on 47 pass-blocking snaps. Again, he’s kind of getting a trial by fire so we shouldn’t be too hard on him, but he has to begin showing more consistency.
Stock Up: CB Jaylon Jones
It’s difficult to not be impressed by the seventh-round rookie. He has stepped up in every way whenever his number is called. Now working as a starter due to the Julius Brents injury, Jones was targeted six times in coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. He was credited with allowing just two receptions for 24 yards, both of which came in coverage against Chris Olave. He also added two passes defensed against Michael Thomas while allowing just seven yards after the catch. Despite the very real question marks in the secondary, Jones is providing plenty of promise.
Stock Down: Defensive Line
Just a brutal day for the entire defensive line. Outside of DeForest Buckner’s strip-sack, which was the lone highlight of the game for the unit, the defensive front struggled mightily. They recorded just two quarterback hits and one sack while allowing Taysom Hill to average 7.0 yards per carry against them. The absence of Grover Stewart is bigger than we initially thought.
