ESPN Reveals Stock Up, Stock Down for Colts
The Indianapolis Colts sit at 7-6 and still hold an AFC Wildcard spot after their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Their road to securing a spot in the playoffs got tougher, but they still control their own destiny with games remaining against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans.
The 34-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals brought a jolt of reality back to the Colts who were riding a four-game-winning streak. The Bengals kept their playoff-hopes alive despite losing quarterback Joe Burrow for the season earlier this year.
After the game, ESPN revealed whose stock was up whose was down following the loss to the Bengals.
Stock up after the loss: LB Ronnie Harrison Jr. He made his first start in place of injured starter E.J. Speed (knee). Harrison made a critical play when he snatched an interception away from tight end Tanner Hudson in the second quarter, returning it 36 yards for a touchdown. Harrison was converted to a linebacker from safety this season after starting 45 games as a defensive back in his previous five years. -- Stephen Holder, ESPN
Harrison received a 67.9 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), good for fifth among regulars on defense. However his big play and unexpected contribution gave him the nod in the eyes of Holder.
Zaire Franklin's 78.6 led the Colts defense, but his play wasn't "up" so much as it was a continuation of his excellent work this season.
The Colts had trouble getting to quarterback Jake Browning, who was making just his third-career start. Holder dinged the entire unit.
Stock down after the loss: The pass rush. The Colts had produced 42 sacks entering the game, good enough for second most in the league. But they had shockingly little production against the Bengals, with no sacks and three quarterback hits. Stephen Holder, ESPN
The Colts are still tied for third in the NFL with three-other teams. They'll need to get their pass rush back on track Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky struggled last week against the New England Patriots, and the Colts want to make sure he doesn't get comfortable in a game that has enormous playoff implications.
