Even after losing their starting quarterback just before the regular season, there were still a handful of Indianapolis Colts players that were considered to be at or approaching a Pro Bowl level.
With two games remaining, the perspective has changed quite a bit as the team is officially out of playoff contention and won’t be able to finish with a winning record. Yet, there are still a few players that could make the Pro Bowl this season.
Here are four Colts that are worthy of being selected to the Pro Bowl:
G Quenton Nelson
Yup, it’s another Pro Bowl for the second-year left guard. Nelson had the difficult task of improving on an All-Pro rookie season, and he’s done just that. There aren’t many guards in the league better than Nelson and there likely isn’t an argument as to who is better than the Notre Dame product right now. He’s the kind of nasty offensive lineman that has a highlight reel. Name another offensive lineman that has one. We’ll wait.
Nelson is a stout pass protector and an equally strong run blocker. He’s the heart of the Colts offensive line and has been one of the biggest reasons for the team’s success in running the football.
LT Anthony Castonzo
While Nelson has been getting all of the love for his dominant play inside, Castonzo has quietly put together an elite season. Protecting the blindside of Jacoby Brissett, Castonzo has been wonderful this season both in pass protection and run blocking. His consistency with technique and production make him a worthy Pro Bowl addition.
There are a lot of bigger name left tackles on the Pro Bowl voting list ahead of Castonzo, but the 31-year-old has been enjoying arguably his best season since entering the league in 2011.
LB Darius Leonard
There’s a good chance Leonard doesn’t make it because he missed a stretch of three games with a concussion. However, the Maniac has been unbelievable for the Colts since returning from said concussion. In the last nine games since Leonard came back from a concussion, he has recorded 86 tackles (53 solo), 4.0 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss and five interceptions. All that as an inside linebacker.
The former second-round pick has found his stride for the majority of the second half, and it could end with him grabbing his first Pro Bowl selection ever.
DE Justin Houston
It’s a long shot for Houston to make the Pro Bowl team but that doesn’t mean he isn’t having a phenomenal year for the Colts. As the team’s leading pass rusher, Houston is tied for 17th in sacks (9.0) and while that number isn’t amazing, he also has nine hurries and 24.0 pressures on the season.
With so many big defenders having better seasons than Houston, he’s unlikely to get in. However, that doesn’t mean he isn’t deserving of a Pro Bowl vote.
