Indianapolis Colts Rookies bring silver lining after disastrous recent loss

The Indianapolis Colts took home a losing record after falling behind the Minnesota Vikings in the Week 9 edition Sunday night football. Statistically, the loss was Indy’s worst offensive performance of the season.

The Colts’ offense only totaled 227 yards and 13 first downs, both of which were season lows. These numbers aren’t pretty, but there are some positives to take from the loss. Rookie offensive linemen Dalton Tucker And Matt Goncalves both showed up in Primetime to protect the veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.

Among all rookies, Tucker and Goncalves ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, in lowest pressure percentage allowed by linemen (according to The 33rd Team | X).

Lowest pressure rate allowed by starting offensive linemen in Week 9 (min. 10 pass-blocking snaps):

1. Beaux Limmer, LAR: 0% (44 passes/0 presses)
2. Jackson Powers-Johnson, LV: 0% (39/0)
3. Brandon Coleman, WSH: 0% (25/0)
4. Roger Rosengarten, BAL: 0% (22/0)
5. Taliese… pic.twitter.com/t5C4sJlZFy

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 4, 2024

In 30 pass-blocking snaps, Tucker and Goncalves each allowed two pressures. Considering the Vikings defense’s high blitz rate, there is at least something positive for the Colts. Despite strong performances throughout the game, the O-Line collapsed on the final drive, resulting in Flacco being sacked three times.

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In addition to the two rookies, there are old veterans Quenton Nelson, Ryan KellyAnd Braden Smith. According to Pro football focus Stats say Nelson had another solid season, but Kelly and Smith weren’t playing their best football. Tucker (64.4) and Goncalves (66.1) outperformed Kelly (50.1) and Smith (63.3) overall against the Vikings.

#Fals Week 9 blocking grades against the Vikings per PFF:

Matt Goncalves – 66.1
Quenton Nelson-70.6
Ryan Kelly – 50.1 (!)
Dalton Tucker-64.4
Braden Smith-63.3

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) November 4, 2024

It’s inspiring to see young linemen popping up on the depth chart, but Kelly’s regression doesn’t look good on the field. For a player who emphasized what the ‘standard’ should be for the team after Richardson’s sack, he hasn’t set the tone for his group.

Finding success in the ground game will be important against the Buffalo Bills. Keeping an eye on who’s making the key blocks will be interesting for Colts fans looking to find the defective leaks in the trenches.

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