Colts Most Improved Player of 2023 Revealed
The Indianapolis Colts were in a new situation on nearly every front in 2023. Much of it was due to a horrific 2022 season where coaches, players, and front-office members weren't happy and the team played underwhelmingly, resulting in a sad 4-12-1 finish.
While it gave Indy the number four overall pick and the selection of quarterback Anthony Richardson, it also brought several questions into the new season with Shane Steichen as a first-time head coach.
Questions also surfaced if veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II was going to return and if his best days were behind him. Trade rumors swirled with Moore having a year left on his four-year, $33.3 million contract.
Ultimately, Moore opted to stay with Indy for the final season on his deal.
The decision to stay put paid off, as Moore flourished in his second season operating in Gus Bradley's scheme and helped lead one of the youngest secondaries in the NFL.
The seven-year pro had one of his best years to date, and Pro Football Focus named him the Colts' most-improved player of 2023.
Moore may be 30 years old, with some believing he is on the downswing of his career, but he responded to any potential critics in style. His 79.3 coverage grade and 78.1 overall grade were both career highs.
PFF displayed Moore's 2022 overall defense grade compared to 2023. The difference is night and day.
In 2022, Moore finished with an overall defensive grade of 55.7, but he notched a far better mark of 77.4 for the 2023 campaign.
This performance was good for fourth overall on the defensive roster, behind notable names like defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (81.8) and end Samson Ebukam (84.4).
Moore also finished the year with a great stat line of 93 tackles (8 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 6 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns.
Now, Moore finds himself a free agent coming off a resurgent year after many figured he'd find a new suitor already.
With the Indy secondary consisting of young talent like JuJu Brents, Jaylon Jones, and Dallis Flowers, will the Colts ink Moore a new contract?
He'll be just one of the numerous players that the Colts have to make a choice on keeping or letting walk in the 2024 offseason.
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