With two pick-sixes against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9, Kenny Moore II is having a fantastic season for the Indianapolis Colts.
Even though he may not be the team’s most famous player, Kenny Moore II is unquestionably one of the Indianapolis Colts’ most vital players. Despite significant injuries, the seventh-year cornerback is performing well and keeping the team competitive.
The rebuilding Colts have had a season filled with highs and lows. The team won three of its first five games, which made for an exciting start to the season. But before winning their most recent game against the Carolina Panthers, who had only won one game, they would go on a three-game losing streak.
Anthony Richardson, the quarterback the Colts selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, was having an incredible debut season. Regretfully, he hurt his shoulder against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, which ended his season.
Injury-related absences have also been reported from other important players, including Julius Brents, Kwity Paye, and Zaire Franklin. In addition, Grover Stewart is presently on suspension for abiding by the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. For the Colts, who have a disappointing but not terrible 4-5 record, Moore has been a beacon of hope.
In the Colts’ Week 3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, kicker Matt Gay of the Colts made a huge play. In the same game, he became the first player in NFL history to hit four field goals longer than fifty yards.
This season, Gay is not the only Colt who had a historic game. Moore’s performance against the Panthers in Week 9 was equally noteworthy. The native of Valdosta, Georgia scored two pick sixes as Indianapolis prevailed 27–13. At the end of the first half, he picked off a pass intended for Bryce Young and returned it for 49 yards and a touchdown. Later in the fourth quarter, on a 66-yard return, he had a pick-six.
Moore made Colts history by becoming the first player to produce two pick-sixes in a single game. Additionally, he is the first NFL player to do so since 2021, when safety Mike Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers accomplished the same feat. Moore had only scored one touchdown in his seven-year career coming into the Panthers game.
In the victory, Moore also recorded eight tackles and two passes defended. He was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. It was the second time he had ever been given the honor in his career. In Week 14 of the 2020 season, he was also named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Thus far, Indy’s defensive secondary has not performed well. The unit ranks sixth in the league with 2,115 passing yards allowed. Given that the Colts lost Isaiah Rodgers, Brandon Facyson, and Stephon Gilmore in the offseason, this is not shocking. Dallis Flowers also experienced an Achilles rupture earlier in the season.
The squad’s best defensive back is Moore. He has 61 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 5 passes defensed so far this season. In addition, the 2021 Pro Bowler has two quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks.
Following a difficult 2022 campaign during which he dealt with injuries, Moore has recovered. The Colts have a good chance of qualifying for the playoffs this season if he keeps up his strong play.
