Colts' Kenny Moore II Makes Case for NFL's Best Slot CB vs. Panthers
It is no secret how challenging 2022 was for Kenny Moore II.
The Indianapolis Colts cornerback struggled to adjust to new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's scheme. He felt like he was not making the impact he had previously made for the team. With his performance faltering, dealing with injuries, and a 4-12-1 record, Moore was at a low point in his career.
Truthfully, Moore did not even know if he would return to the Colts in 2023 as the cornerback was entering a contract year with trade rumors swirling.
Fast forward to today, and Moore is back to his Pro Bowl form, looking like the 2021 version that led many around the league to believe he was the best slot cornerback in the NFL. We may have to start considering that once again.
Moore was a monster for the Colts on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, finishing with eight tackles, two passes defensed, and two interceptions, returning each for touchdowns. With his family in attendance, Moore's performance was the catalyst for the Colts getting back into the win column as they beat the Panthers 27-13.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) runs 49 yards for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9).
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
"To be honest, there is no surprise there," head coach Shane Steichen said about Moore. "The way he practices, the way he works, he shows up, he watches tape, he does it the right way. When you do it the right way you're going to make plays on Sunday, which is what he did for us, which was huge. I mean, 14 points by him was phenomenal."
Moore made history for the Colts with his ball-hawking ability. He became the first player in Colts' franchise history to record two pick-6s in the same game. Moore totaled 115 return yards as he took both interceptions back for scores.
Moore also made history on a personal front. Before Sunday, he had only scored one touchdown in his NFL career, an interception return in 2020. He doubled his career touchdowns in a single afternoon.
"Resilience. Consistency. Just trying to be a great teammate," Moore said about setting the franchise-record. "Being in the right spot. A guy that they can trust and lean on. I just want to do it for the team."
The first interception came as the Panthers were trying to score on a two-minute drill before the end of the first half. With 20 seconds remaining and the Panthers around midfield, Bryce Young fired a pass to the right side intended for Chuba Hubbard. Moore read it the whole way, jumping in front of the throw and taking it back 49 yards for the score.
"The best players in the league have great instincts," Steichen explained. "You coach them as hard as you want, but the guys that are really good with ball skills and good instincts, sometimes that takes over. (Moore's) got a great feel for that position inside there, the nickel position, and he just continues to show up and make plays."
The second interception came as the Panthers were driving in the fourth quarter. A score would bring the Panthers within one possession of the Colts. But Moore had other ideas.
Young felt pressure and tried to dump the ball off to Miles Sanders. The ball sailed over Sanders' head and into the arms of Moore, who returned it 66 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.
On the field, the impact Moore is making for the Colts this season started well before his big day against the Panthers. Moore has played in all nine contests for the Colts, tallying 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, five passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, and two QB hits. To put things in perspective, Moore has surpassed all of his 2022 totals in those statistics besides tackles (65), which he will likely eclipse next week.
Off the field, Moore has been a leader for one of the youngest position groups on the team. The Colts decided to go young at cornerback this offseason, drafting three corners in the draft and trading away veteran Stephon Gilmore. Outside of Tony Brown, no other cornerback on the Colts' active roster has more than two years of experience.
Moore has provided leadership and guidance to an inexperienced group learning on the fly. As the Colts end a three-game losing streak, Moore has helped keep the team together through this rough stretch of games. There's a reason why the cornerback was voted as a team captain for the second year in a row.
"The veteran presence in there, (Moore) and Buck (DeForest Buckner) and Grove (Grover Stewart), and all those guys," Steichen elaborated. "Those guys are legit players. When you have a tough time in this league sometimes you lose three in a row, how do you respond? You lean on those players in the locker room to bounce back and have that veteran leadership, and that's what they did for us."
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) gets a pick six as fans cheer during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.
© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Moore has returned to being a playmaker on the Colts' defense. It has been a long road to get back to this point for the 2021 Pro Bowler. When training camp began, there was no guarantee Moore would be back with the Colts after the 2023 season. The resurgence in play from Moore has made it more likely than ever that he will end up signing a long-term extension to stay in Indy.
But Moore is grateful for what he has endured to get to this point in his career. He finally feels like himself again.
"I think I've needed every moment that I have had here in the organization this year just to feel like me," Moore admitted. "We've already talked about everything to getting back to who I am. And I have a lot of great vibes. A lot of great energy with the organization. Just being in a position to make the plays. That is all you can ask for as a player. All you can ask for is the trust and I feel great."
When Matt Eberflus was the defensive coordinator for the Colts, the nickname "Lightning in a Bottle" was given to Moore for his energy and play. After a performance like that, the nickname feels as fitting as ever.
So does including Moore in the conversation for best slot cornerback in the NFL, once again.
Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!
Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.
