Top 5 Graded Colts From Week 14 Loss vs. Bengals

Pro Football Focus feels one Indianapolis Colts player stood out amongst the rest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-6) could not push their winning streak to five after they were embarrassed by the Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) 34-14.

Sunday was a story of constant self-inflicted wounds by the Colts. All three phases made too many mistakes to overcome, and the Bengals were the better team in every facet. The loss also tightens the playoff race in the AFC, with the Colts now one of six teams in the conference with a 7-6 record.

Although the Colts did not get the win, a few players performed at a high level, according to the grades from Pro Football Focus. Let's dissect the five players who graded out the highest for the Colts on Sunday and analyze their performances.

Note: The player must have played at least 25% of the snaps to be eligible.

1.) WR Michael Pittman Jr. - 83.5 Overall Grade

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While the Colts made mistakes in all phases, one offensive player produced at a high level. Michael Pittman Jr. continued to be the star of the offense, making plays whenever he had the opportunity. Pittman tallied eight catches for 95 yards and a two-point conversion. It was Pittman's sixth straight game with eight or more receptions.

Pittman was the highest-graded Colts player in the loss, finishing with an overall grade of 83.5. His receiving grade was the best on the team at 81.8 after doubling the next-closest receiver in yards. Pittman also had a team-best 77.3 drop grade, continuing to showcase his sure-handedness as he did not drop a single pass.

With Jonathan Taylor out due to injury, Pittman is the unquestioned best playmaker on the Colts. The offense will need to continue going through the WR1 as he is in the midst of a career season.

2.) LB Zaire Franklin - 78.6 Overall Grade

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Although the Colts allowed 34 points on Sunday, one linebacker made plays all over the field. Zaire Franklin had another day with double-digit tackles, as he was a magnet for the football. Franklin racked up 14 tackles and a tackle for loss in Cincy.

For Franklin's effort, he was the highest-graded defender on the Colts and second-highest-graded player, with an overall grade of 78.6. Franklin's 84.0 run defense grade was a team-best after registering four stops and helping limit the Bengals to 3.5 yards per carry. His tackle grade of 76.7 was fourth-best on the team, as Franklin only missed one tackle on the afternoon.

Franklin is having a standout 2023 campaign, leading the NFL in tackles with 144. The linebacker is well on his way to earning his first Pro Bowl appearance.

3.) QB Gardner Minshew - 75.7 Overall Grade

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Moving back to the offensive side of the ball, Gardner Minshew faced pressure all afternoon from the Bengals' defensive front. When he did have time to throw, he moved the Colts offense down the field. Minshew finished the day 26-of-39 (67%) for 240 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

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Minshew was the third-highest-graded Colt on the afternoon, with an overall grade of 75.7. He received a 73.2 passing grade after registering an adjusted completion percentage of 76.3%. Unfortunately, Minshew had zero big time throws, indicative of the struggles the offense had against the Bengals.

Minshew has done a fine job of keeping the offense afloat after the injury to Anthony Richardson. For the Colts to make it into the playoffs, Minshew must be at his best over the next four weeks.

4.) S Nick Cross - 75.1 Overall Grade

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Over the past few weeks, Nick Cross has been getting more and more playing time on the Colts' defense. The increased role has led to production from the second-year player. Cross tallied four tackles in 29 snaps on Sunday.

Cross finished as the Colts' fourth-highest-graded player, with an overall grade of 75.1. Cross registered a run defense grade of 76.8, second behind Franklin against the run after recording two stops. His 64.4 coverage grade was the third-best on the Colts as Jake Browning steered clear of the second-year safety.

Cross is finally starting to see playing time on the Colts' defense and has made the most of his opportunities. If Cross continues playing at a high level to finish the season, the 2022 third-round pick could be in line for a starting job in 2024.

5.) DE Kwity Paye - 74.9 Overall Grade

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The Colts failed to sack Browning on Sunday after sacking Will Levis six times the week before. Despite not recording a sack, Kwity Paye affected the game in other areas. Paye had two tackles, a tackle for loss, and a QB hit in the loss.

Paye rounds out the top five highest-graded Colts with an overall grade of 74.9. Paye's 63.2 pass rushing grade was good enough for second on the team after forcing two pressures to go along with his QB hit. His 71.7 tackling grade was good enough for seventh-best on the team.

While Paye had a respectable grade for Sunday's performance, it was not up to his standard. The Colts' pass rusher will look to rebound and have a bigger impact this Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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