Tag: Kenny Moore

PFF says Saints should target this slot DB in free agency

PFF says the Saints should target Colts slot specialist Kenny Moore in free agency, moving Alontae Taylor back where he’s played his best football:

Dennis Allen has built the New Orleans Saints around his secondary, and fans should expect him to continue to pour resources into that position group in 2024. That starts with free agency. According to Pro Football Focus analyst Gordon McGuinness, their top target should be Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II. A specialist in guarding the slot, Moore could be a big upgrade in that role over Alontae Taylor. Here’s what McGuinness had to say in making his case:

2022 second-round draft pick Alontae Taylor has struggled from the slot through his first two NFL seasons. With the way the slot cornerback market usually shakes out, the Saints might be able to bring in some competition without spending too much. Kenny Moore II is coming off the highest PFF coverage grade of his career (79.3) in 2023 and would be an immediate upgrade on the inside.

No player was targeted more often in the slot last season than Taylor (96 times, per PFF charting) and he allowed the most catches (65) and yards (672) in the league. The six touchdown receptions he gave up were second-most. Taylor is at his best playing outside where he can use the sideline to his advantage and compete at the catch point further downfield.

Let’s compare that to Moore, who played six fewer snaps in the slot than Taylor and faced 34 fewer targets. Moore allowed 49 receptions for just 399 yards and intercepted nearly as many passes (two) as touchdowns he allowed (three). He missed a dozen tackles this year but played more than 1,000 snaps, so it’s not a bad rate.

Sure, Moore is 30 years old and is likelier to slow down than improve his game. But the Saints need a better answer for covering the slot than playing Taylor out of position. If they do something drastic with Marshon Lattimore and trade him, opening a path for Taylor to start out wide (where he’s played his best football), splurging on a free agent contract with Moore would make sense. PFF projects him to land a two-year, $13.5 million deal in free agency with about $8 million in guarantees, which the Saints could easily fit on their books after reaching salary cap compliance.

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Instant analysis of Colts’ 27-13 win over Panthers

Here’s our instant analysis from the Week 9 win.

The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) ended their three-game losing streak with a 27-13 win over the Carolina Panthers (1-7) on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium.

In a game the Colts were dominating going into halftime, the Panthers didn’t go away quietly until they made some crucial mistakes in the fourth quarter that allowed the Colts to put the game away.

With this win, the Colts ended their three-game skid and now will focus on getting healthy for the trip to Germany where they’ll face the New England Patriots.

But first, here’s our instant analysis from the Week 9 win:

WATCH: Kenny Moore II gets second pick-six vs. Panthers

Kenny Moore II pick-six encore.

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II figured one pick-six wasn’t enough.

Early in the fourth quarter as the Carolina Panthers were threatening to make it a one-score game, Moore came through with his second interception-returned-for-a-touchdown.

Bryce Young overthrew a screen to Miles Sanders, and Moore was right there for the interception. He raced 66 yards for his second score of the game to give the Colts a 27-10 lead early in the fourth quarter.

He’s the first player in franchise history to record two pick-sixes in a single game. Take a look here:

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Colts vs. Jaguars: 5 things to know in Week 1

Here are five things to know for the Week 1 matchup between the Colts and Jaguars.

Regular season football is officially back, and the Indianapolis Colts start their 2023 season against the reigning AFC South division winners.

The Jacksonville Jaguars return to Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 10, to defend their crown.

Indianapolis has a new coaching staff, quarterback, and team identity built around youth. It’s all hands on deck as the team looks to win its first game in the Shane Steichen era.

Here are five things to know entering the Week 1 matchup:

Colts vs. Bears: 6 things to know in preseason Week 2

Here are six things to know entering the preseason Week 2 matchup.

The Indianapolis Colts host Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 19, for their second preseason game.

After hosting two joint practices with the Bears this week, the team will continue the battle on familiar turf against the squad led by Matt Eberflus.

Here are the six things to know for Week 2 of the preseason:

 

Colts vs. Bills: 5 things to know entering preseason Week 1

Here are five things to know as the Colts enter their first preseason game against the Bills.

The Indianapolis Colts travel Saturday to Orchard Park, NY, for their first action in the Shane Steichen era. The Buffalo Bills host the Colts at Highmark Stadium for a preseason Week 1 game.

With so many new faces and schemes still being installed, there is a lot to work out, but perhaps the most exciting part: Colts football is back.

Here are the five things to know for Week 1 of the preseason:

5 bold predictions entering Colts training camp

Here are five bold predictions for the Colts as they enter training camp.

Training camp awaits the Indianapolis Colts, and so do many new possibilities. With a revamped coaching staff and several new pieces from the draft and free agency, the Colts are ready to put it together.

Entering new seasons always brings more hope regardless of how a team may have finished the previous season. The Colts are a prime example of this considering their new additions at head coach and quarterback.

Here are five bold predictions entering Colts training camp:

5 Colts players with the most to lose at training camp

Taking a look at five Colts players with the most to lose at training camp.

The Indianapolis Colts have much to focus on this season, including where improvements could be made. The team needed more from the core in 2022 and did not get it, leading to a shocking 4-12-1 record.

While many parts of the franchise are new, including the head coach and quarterback roles, several veterans have been vital staples but could see their tenure close during this season or shortly after.

We took a look at the players with the most to gain at training camp. Now, here are the five Colts players with the most to lose:

Madden 24: Launch ratings for Colts LBs, CBs

Shaquille Leonard and Kenny Moore II lead the Colts LBs and CBs in Madden 24 ratings.

With training camp right around the corner for the majority of teams, EA Sports has started unveiling “Madden NFL 24” launch ratings ahead of the release date for the game.

After taking a look at the wide receivers and safeties, the second group to be revealed included the defensive tackles and defensive ends. Now, it’s time to take a look at the linebackers and cornerbacks for the Colts.

Here’s a look at the launch ratings for the linebackers and cornerbacks on the Colts in “Madden NFL 24:”

How Isaiah Rodgers’ suspension impacts Colts

How Isaiah Rodgers Sr.’s suspension impacts the Colts.

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers Sr. is expected to receive a season-long suspension from the league for violating the NFL’s policy on gambling.

The news was handed down Wednesday in response to an investigation that raised concerns that Rodgers was part of numerous bets on NFL games, reportedly including some that involved the team.

The expected unavailability of Rodgers casts serious doubt on the strength of the Colts’ cornerback unit. Despite returning veteran Kenny Moore II, the group is fragile regarding experience.

Several players are limited in starting experience, instead having niche skillsets related to special teams. Not to mention, the remaining unit is exceptionally young including this year’s draft class haul of Julius Brents, Jaylon Jones, and Darius Rush.

If the team chooses not to sign a veteran cornerback to replace Rodgers, fifth-round pick Darius Rush could get the nod to start in his place. Rush has elite athleticism with long arms that could help his assimilation into the role. However, asking Rush and several rookies to start in the secondary will be very challenging for the Colts and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

What could help these young players is a quick, explosive pass rush that can disrupt games and stop passing attacks. The team’s 11th-ranked defense, which produced 44 sacks and a pressure rate of 22% in 2022, will need to step up again to help mitigate the secondary youth. Additionally, this could be a prime opportunity for Kenny Moore to shine.

Before the beginning of last season, he wanted a new contract that matched his belief that not only was he the best slot corner in the NFL, but one of the best in the league, period. This is his chance to prove that as he enters his second year in Bradley’s system. Elite play on the field and accompanying mentorship could help lessen the weight of Rodgers’s absence.

The most important thing for fans to remember is that this will continue to be fluid. The coaching staff will continue to tweak the lineup based on production, matchups, and specific packages. Patience is needed and warranted.