Kenny Moore II may not be the face of the franchise, but he’s certainly one of the most important players for the Indianapolis Colts. The seventh-year cornerback is playing at a high level and helping the team stay competitive despite key injuries.
This has been an up-and-down season for the rebuilding Colts. Things started out exciting as the team won three of its first five games. However, they would go on a three-game losing streak before winning their most recent contest against the one-win Carolina Panthers.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the Colts drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, was having a sensational rookie year. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during Week 5 versus the Tennessee Titans.
Other key players like Zaire Franklin, Kwity Paye, and rookie Julius Brents have also missed time due to injury. Plus, Grover Stewart is currently serving a suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Moore has been a ray of hope for the Colts, who own a disappointing, but not horrible 4-5 record.
Kenny Moore II Has Been a Bright Spot for the Indianapolis Colts
Historic Performance in Charlotte
Colts kicker Matt Gay came up huge during the Week 3 win over the Baltimore Ravens. He became the first player in NFL history to hit four 50+ yard field goals in the same game.
Gay isn’t the only Colt to have a historic game this season. In Week 9 against the Panthers, Moore had a memorable performance as well. The Valdosta, Georgia native had not one, but two pick sixes as Indianapolis won 27-13. He intercepted a pass from Bryce Young and returned it for 49 yards and a touchdown at the end of the first half. He later had a pick-six during the fourth quarter on a 66-yard return.
Moore became the first player in Colts history to produce two pick-sixes during a single game. He’s also the first NFL player to accomplish the feat since safety Mike Edwards, then with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did so in the 2021 season. Before the Panthers game, Moore had only scored one touchdown during his seven-year career.
Moore also had eight tackles and two passes defended in the win. For his efforts, he was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week. It was the second time in his career that he received the honor. He was also the AFC Defensive Player of the Week during Week 14 of the 2020 season.
Kenny Moore is Having a Great Season
Indy’s defensive secondary has struggled this far. The unit has allowed 2,115 passing yards, sixth-worst in the league. That’s not surprising, seeing that the Colts lost Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson, and Isaiah Rodgers during the offseason. Dallis Flowers suffered a torn Achilles earlier this season as well.
Moore is the team’s best defensive back. This year, he has accumulated 61 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions and five passes defensed. The 2021 Pro Bowler has also produced 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hits.
Moore has bounced back after a rough 2022 campaign in which he dealt with injuries. If he continues to play well, the Colts have a decent shot at making the playoffs this season.
Main Image: Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
