Despite erasing a 23-point deficit and forcing overtime, the Indianapolis Colts (2-2) couldn’t finish the comeback, falling 29-23 against the Los Angeles Rams (2-2) in Week 4.
Though the struggles during the first half of the game shouldn’t be dismissed entirely, it’s important to note the fight this team showed to even make the game competitive in the end. The result isn’t what they wanted, but it at least provides some encouragement for when they begin firing on all cylinders.
Buy Colts TicketsWhen taking stock of a player’s performance, it’s best to be fluid. A player’s stock will fall and rise throughout the season so none of this is set in stone. However, it is important to take note of the narratives and storylines taking place as the campaign progresses.
A player’s stock can be impacted by factors such as their performance or the type of snaps they receive during the games.
Here’s a look at the stock report for the Colts following the Week 4 loss:
Stock Up: DE Dayo Odeyingbo
The third-year edge rusher had a fantastic game and was easily the Colts’ best defender on the field. Odeyingbo recorded 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, one tackle for loss, one batted pass and a forced fumble. He led the way with six total pressures and seven defensive stops, according to Pro Football Focus.
Stock Down: DT Taven Bryan
It’s never easy replacing DeForest Buckner and then being compared to the former All-Pro. So a bit of context is needed. However, Bryan struggled to make any positive impact against the Rams as the main defender at the three-technique. He didn’t record a single pressure as a pass rusher and was easily washed out of the run game. Hopefully, Buckner gets back on the field in full capacity soon because the Rams had a clear plan to attack Bryan’s gap.
Stock Up: RT Braden Smith
The Colts offensive line as a whole struggled in pass protection against Aaron Donald, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. But Smith was fantastic in that area. He didn’t allow a single pressure on 35 pass-blocking snaps and was moving defenders in the run game. This was one of Smith’s best games in a while.
Stock Down: LB Shaquille Leonard
This has more to do with Leonard’s decreasing role than anything else. He played a season-low 45% of the snaps on defense. It’s clear he’s not fully healthy, and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley admitted Tuesday that the plan is to have him fully ready by the middle of November. Hopefully, the plan works and The Maniac gets back to form because the impact plays simply aren’t there right now.
Stock Up: TE Andrew Ogletree
It only took one drive for Ogletree to make an impact as a receiver, but that’s all he needed. On the Colts’ final drive of regulation, Ogletree snagged three receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown, which helped set up the game-tying two-point conversion. It also was the second game in a row in which Ogletree out-snapped Mo Alie-Cox as the No. 2 tight end, further proving we’re seeing a change in the guard.
