Colts TE Jack Doyle vs. Saints DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

With Vonn Bell missing this game with a knee injury, expect Gardner-Johnson to play even more often than usual as the Saints evaluate their options at the safety position. Gardner-Johnson has proven to be an asset as an open-field tackler and slot defender, but his matchup with Doyle should be very interesting to see. We haven’t seen much of Gardner-Johnson lined up as a conventional box safety or defender up at the line of scrimmage.

The Colts will make an effort to get Doyle the ball; he currently ties the team lead in receptions (38) and just inked a long-term contract extension. How well that strategy pays off depends on whether Gardner-Johnson can keep up with Doyle’s crafty routes in both man and zone coverage. The rookie has done a good job of it so far this year, but this will be a new experience for him by every measure.

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