Colts' Kenny Moore II Wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week
When you return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game, that performance will be hard to beat.
That is exactly what we witnessed from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II this week. Moore was a superstar in the Colts' 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers, single-handedly outscoring the Panthers from the defensive side of the ball. For his efforts, the NFL announced today that Moore earned the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 9.
Moore was impactful in all areas of the defense on Sunday, finishing with eight tackles, two passes defensed, and two interceptions, returning each for touchdowns. Whether defending the run or the pass, the cornerback made his presence known in front of former Colts' head coach Frank Reich.
The 2021 Pro Bowler 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.
"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."
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) talks with Colts linebacker Segun Olubi (50) between plays during a game against the Carolina Panthers
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
After a rough 2022 that saw Moore deal with injuries and a drop in performance, the veteran has gotten back on track in 2023. Moore has racked up 61 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, five passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, and two QB hits in nine games this season. 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.
Looking back over the past year and a half, 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."
No longer are we talking about whether or not Moore will ever get back to his Pro Bowl form. Instead, the topic has shifted to Moore reentering the conversation for best slot cornerback in the NFL, once again.
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