PFF grades: Colts highest-graded defenders vs Patriots in Week 13

Here are the three Indianapolis Colts’ defenders that received the highest PFF grades from the team’s Week 13 win.

Following the Indianapolis Colts last-second win in Week 13 over the New England Patriots, Pro Football Focus has had the opportunity to review the tape and hand out their individual player grades.

So, which members of the Colts’ defense received the highest marks?

But first, as always, we will begin with the caveat that, while PFF’s grades are helpful in how they can take a complicated thing like player evaluation and quantify it, they are not the be-all-end-all. These grades are one metric out of many that are out there.

However, having said that, typically if a player performs well, the PFF grade reflects 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

To see who the Colts highest-graded players on offense were, click here.

DE Tyquan Lewis

PFF grade: 92.3

In his second game back since returning from IR, Lewis played 23 snaps as the the fourth member of the defensive end rotation in terms of playing time. Lewis didn’t record any pressures, but PFF through he was excellent against the run with a grade of 94.5, making four tackles, one of which was a stop. When it comes to playing defensive end, setting strong edges so the ball carrier can’t bounce outside is an important element when it comes to run defense that isn’t going to show up on the stat sheet.

DT DeForest Buckner

PFF grade: 82.2

As he does, this was another all-around solid performance from Buckner. He got after the quarterback with three pressures and a sack, while in the run game, he was in on five tackles, four of which were stops. Another game with high impact plays from Buckner.

CB Kenny Moore

PFF grade: 76.1

The stat sheet was pretty light for Moore, but at the cornerback position, that’s often a good thing. He made two tackles and was targeted only once in the passing game, giving up a catch but for only eight yards.

Honorable Mentions

S Julian Blackmon: 72.2
LB Grant Stuard: 70.6
S Nick Cross: 67.9