Stampede Blue
The Colts have had a couple of standout performers so far this season, but there can only be one team MVP!
Some even for the first time in their respective careers, including starting left tackle Bernhard Raimann and maybe even veteran nose tackle Grover Stewart.
DeForest Buckner, Kenny Moore II, and Quenton Nelson are the other names I threw out there in my earlier piece regarding possible realistic Pro Bowl honors.
However, when taking this even a step further, who’s been the most valuable Colts player so far this season?
Over the past 2 seasons, that player has arguably been starting veteran defensive tackle DeForest Buckner because of his consistent high level play, durability, and importance to the Indy defense as the motor that essentially powers it from the 3T spot inside.
However, having missed 5 starts because of a high ankle sprain, Buckner may not be quite the ‘most valuable player’ this Colts season because of his slightly limited availability.
(That being said, there’s no question that he’s resumed right where he left off as a disruptive interior pass rushing force for Indianapolis).
Factoring in availability, and the fact that each Indy starting offensive lineman has missed some time surrounding him, and I’d go with perennial Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson—who’s continued to anchor the starting left side of the Colts offensive line at a high level.
Regarding Nelson, who’s made all 13 starts this season for the Colts:
“Per PFF, Nelson’s +80.7 overall grade is 11th best at his position, and his pass blocking grade of +79.7 and run blocking grade of +83.0 which are 7th best at his position respectively.”
During 460 total pass blocking snaps in 2024, Nelson has allowed just a sack and 15 total QB pressures (via PFF). Per ESPN, he also led all NFL interior lineman entering Week 14 with a run block win rate of 81%.
However, I’m curious of your thoughts here, Horseshoe Faithful?
