Indianapolis Colts cornerback Xavier Rhodes earned the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award for his efforts in the 36-7 win over the New York Jets in Week 3.
The veteran cornerback started the game strong on the first drive by taking a Sam Darnold pass on the boundary for a pick-six, giving the Colts an early lead. Then Rhodes grabbed another interception in the end zone in the second quarter.
It was a huge day for the veteran and one that was encouraging after his Week 1 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars was shaky.
X Factor. @XavierRhodes29_ is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week! 🚧 pic.twitter.com/ov4Tfl4lBv
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 30, 2020
The Colts have been without starting cornerback Rock Ya-Sin for the last two games due to what the team has labeled as a non-football illness. It required a procedure, but the expectation is Ya-Sin will return to practice this week.
In Ya-Sin’s absence, Rhodes has been solid for the most part. He played well mostly against his former team in the Vikings and then had the dominant performance in Week 3.
As the schedule seemingly gets a little tougher, the Colts will need Rhodes to keep his play steady at a high level, especially given how impactful the secondary can be when they make plays.
