The Indianapolis Colts failed to reach the postseason despite their hot start to the 2019 campaign and while it was ultimately a lost season, there were some bright spots along the way.
Finishing in third place is never desired but the Colts showed that even without their franchise quarterback, they can still compete down the stretch. Some additions this offseason may need be in order, but there is plenty of optimism in terms of the direction of the team.
As the 2019 season ends and we look forward to 2020, let’s hand out some awards before the offseason officially starts:
Most Valuable Player: CB Kenny Moore
There are a few names worthy of this award. When talking about the most valuable player, it isn’t just the player that puts up the best stat line. While that helps, the most valuable player should be given to the player that had the biggest impact. That doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet.
Moore’s impact on the defensive side of the ball can’t be understated. He’s the team’s best cornerback working both from the slot and on the outside when they need him to. Though he dealt with injuries plenty this season, Moore’s impact was felt every game he was on the field.
The Colts value versatility and Moore’s 2019 season was the perfect embodiment of that attribute. From applying sticky man coverage to being one of the best open-field tacklers in the game to even being used as a blitzer from the slot, Moore’s impact was monumental for a growing defense.
What’s more, the absence of Moore may have been felt in a bigger way when he couldn’t get on the field due to an ankle sprain. The defense fell apart and it’s almost a direct correlation to Moore’s absence.
There are several players deserving of the award, but Moore was the team’s most valuable asset in 2019.
Offensive Player of the Year: OL Quenton Nelson
Even in a down year for the offense, there were a few players that could be worthy of this title. When it came down to it, the choice was between Nelson and running back Marlon Mack—who enjoyed a career season leading the backfield.
However, Nelson’s combination of consistency and production gives him the edge. It isn’t often that a left guard is held in such high regard, but Nelson was the team’s best player on that side of the ball. His improvements in pass protection coupled with his nastiness in the run game had a major impact on the offense.
Nelson earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod and is likely to be voted an All-Pro for the second time in as many years as well. There are still some ways for Nelson to improve, but he was the offense’s best asset in 2019.
Defensive Player of the Year: DE Justin Houston
Though the Colts defense was streaky during the entirety of the season, Houston was as consistent as ever and gave the Colts a strong presence from the edge. When Chris Ballard signed him to a two-year deal, the hope was Houston would provide some extra pass rush help. He proved to be the unit’s most effective weapon when getting after the passer.
Houston finished with 10.0 sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss—all of which led the defense. He was also extremely reliable from an availability standpoint. He led the defensive line in snaps played (675) and played all 16 games for the first time since 2014.
The Colts are hoping to get some development out of their younger pass rushers for the future, but it was a treat to watch Houston consistently wreck backfields and apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Rookie of the Year: S Khari Willis
While the rookie class for the Colts showed some promise, there weren’t a whole lot of positions that needed immediate production from the first-year players. However, Willis was at a position that needed some youthful infusion.
The fourth-round pick proved to be a solid running mate alongside Malik Hooker. He was solid in coverage and flew around the field finding the ball on almost every snap. He dealt with some injuries late in the year but eventually took over the starting safety role from Clayton Geathers.
Linebacker Bobby Okereke also gets some consideration given the second half he had, but Willis likely made the biggest impact while working in a starting role.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Tom Rathman
The Colts had a plan to make their rushing attack one of the best in the NFL. They achieved that goal in 2019 and much of the credit goes to Rathman’s leadership of the backfield.
From top to bottom, the Colts’ backfield might be the safest group in terms of depth. From Marlon Mack leading the way to his first 1,000-yard season to guys like Jonathan Williams and Jordan Wilkins stepping up and having success in Mack’s absence.
What’s also even more impressive is the ball security Rathman has been able to implement. Throughout the entire backfield, there was only one fumble, which came from Nyheim Hines. Rathman’s work with the backfield has helped give the Colts one of the best units in all of football.
Biggest Surprise: WR Zach Pascal
It is an understatement to say the Colts wide receiver room was decimated by injuries. There was a time in which all three of T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell and Devin Funchess were injured. That left a lot of opportunities for Pascal to step up and he did so in a big way.
Enjoying a breakout season, Pasca led the offense in receiving yards (607) and was tied for the lead with five receiving touchdowns. There were a few games where Pascal disappeared but with the state of the passing game declining, his positives were far more impactful.
The Colts reached a one-year extension with Pascal so he will be around to provide more depth at a position that still needs more work.
Biggest disappointment: TE Eric Ebron
There were a lot of disappointments with the Colts in 2019. From Jacoby Brissett’s mid-season regression to the lack of impact from defensive tackle Denico Autry, there were plenty worthy of this title. But none were more disappointing than Ebron.
A season after he led the tight end position with 13 receiving touchdowns, Ebron’s regression hit him hard. The lack of volume in the passing game coupled with his own inconsistent play led to a massive down year. It got to the point where he felt the need to air his frustrations publicly.
Ebron finished the 2019 season playing in 11 games while recording 31 receptions for 375 yards and just three touchdowns. Now an impending free agent, it will be interesting to see what happens following his disappointing season.
