Things got a little too close for comfort at the end of the game, but the Indianapolis Colts ultimately came away with a Week 16 win over the Titans.
So now that Pro Football Focus has had the opportunity to review the tape and hand out grades, which Colts’ defenders received the highest marks?
Of course, before we dive in, I do have to add the caveat that while PFF’s grading system is a helpful tool, it is not the be-all-end-all either. It is one metric out of many that are out there and should be treated as such.
But with that said, generally speaking, if a player performs well, PFF’s grades do reflect that.
Here 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
DT Grover Stewart
PFF grade: 78.1
It’s no surprise who the top two highest graded defenders for the Colts were. The combination of Stewart and DeForest Buckner were incredibly disruptive on Sunday, often generating a quick and steady push into the backfield. Stewart generated three tackles in the run game, but it’s also important to note that Stewart’s impact specifically isn’t always going to show up on the stat sheet. He is a space eater and takes on double-teams, freeing up others to make plays.
DT DeForest Buckner
PFF grade: 74.0
Buckner tied for the team lead in pressures with three and among all defensive tackles in Week 16, he ranked 11th in PFF’s run-stop rate metric. The little success that Tennessee did drum up in the run game frequently came when Buckner and Stewart weren’t on the field.
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
PFF grade: 71.8
Along with Buckner, Odeyingbo also had three pressures in a game where getting after Mason Rudolph with how quickly he got rid of the ball wasn’t easy.
Honorable Mentions
LB Grant Stuard: 69.5
CB Jaylon Jones: 66.2
DE Kwity Paye: 66.0