Following the Colts win over the Steelers, Pro Football Focus has had the chance to review the tape and hand out their weekly grades.
So which players on the defensive side of the ball for the Colts received the highest marks?
As always, my disclaimer when discussing PFF’s grades is that they are not the be-all-end-all, and are just one of many metrics and evaluation tools. With that said, if a player performs well, the grade generally reflects that.
Below is a look at PFF’s grading system to provide some context behind the numbers:
90.0+: Elite
80-89.9: High quality
70-79.9: Good
60-69.9: Above average
50-59.9: Average
40-49.9: Below average
39.9 or less: Poor
Grover Stewart
PFF grade: 84.4
Stewart continues to play at a high level in the middle of this Colts defensive front. He was again good against the run, recording a tackle for loss, but Stewart’s impact won’t always show up on the stat sheet. With the double-teams he takes on the space he occupies, he helps create opportunities for others. In addition to all of that, PFF credited Stewart with three pressures and a sack as a pass rusher.
Jaylon Carlies
PFF grade: 82.3
Carlies has been the third linebacker for the Colts when they line up in their base 4-3 defense. He played 23 snaps on Sunday and was all over the field, totaling nine tackles while allowing only one reception for six yards. The linebacker unit as a group was a big reason behind the Colts’ run defense success once again.
Sam Womack
PFF grade: 77.2
After mostly splitting playing time with Dallis Flowers the last two weeks, Womack took the bulk of the boundary cornerback snaps opposite of Jaylon Jones and left his mark on this game. In coverage, Womack allowed only one reception for 12 yards and had two pass breakups at key moments in the game.