Top 5 Graded Colts From Week 12 Win vs. Buccaneers

Pro Football Focus believes the Indianapolis Colts offense had a bounce-back performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) tallied their third straight win on Sunday, beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) 27-20 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Before their bye week, the Colts offense had struggled to execute at a high level. Led by Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts offense got back on track with 394 total yards and 27 points in the victory. The win moves Indy into sole possession of seventh place in the AFC as they begin their playoff push.

According to the grades from Pro Football Focus, numerous players performed at a high level in the Colts' win. Let's dissect the five players who graded out the highest for the Colts on Sunday and analyze their performances.

Note: The player must have played at least 25% of the snaps to be eligible.

1.) G Quenton Nelson - 85.6 Overall Grade

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While the film has generally shown otherwise, the graders at PFF have seen Quenton Nelson as having a down year for the former All-Pro's standards. However, Sunday's performance saw the Big Q of old make a return.

Nelson was the highest-graded player for the Colts in Week 12, with an overall grade of 85.6. Nelson led the Colts in run blocking, with a grade of 87.6 as he opened up holes for Taylor and Zack Moss on the way to 155 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Nelson ranked eighth on the team in pass blocking, with a 64.9 grade after allowing two pressures on 45 pass plays.

While Nelson may not be getting as much attention as in years past, he is still the leader of this Colts offensive line, which has seen a return to prevalence in 2023. Nelson continues to be one of the Colts' best players and one of the main reasons for the unit's success.

2.) DE Samson Ebukam - 81.8 Overall Grade

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Samson Ebukam came to the Colts in the spring looking for an opportunity to finally start and prove he can be more than a rotational piece. So far, he is becoming one of the best free agent signings Chris Ballard has made. Ebukam finished Sunday's game with four tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble to put the game away for Indy.

Ebukam was the highest-graded defender for the Colts, with a grade of 81.8. His 81.7 pass rushing grade was second on the team as he made Pro Bowl tackle Tristan Wirfs look silly for much of the afternoon. Ebukam was also the Colts' third-highest-graded run defender at 71.6, with all four tackles registering as stops.

Ebukam has been a bright spot on the Colts defensive line and now ranks as the No.17 pass rusher in the NFL. The signing may have seemed unimpactful at the time, but it does not feel that way anymore.

3.) RB Jonathan Taylor - 79.1 Overall Grade

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It may have taken a couple of games to knock off the rust, but Taylor looks back to his old self. The former All-Pro running back took it to one of the best rushing defenses in the league to lead the Colts' offense to victory. Taylor had 15 carries for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Bucs.

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Taylor's performance earned him the third-highestgrade for any Colts player at 79.1. His 83.7 rushing grade was a team-best, with 63 of his 91 yards coming after contact as he forced five missed tackles and accounted for eight of the Colts' 26 first downs. Taylor's 78.5 pass blocking grade was third-best on the team, and he helped keep Gardner Minshew clean. 

As the season has progressed, Taylor has been working his way back to Pro Bowl form. With the Colts in the thick of the playoff race, they'll need to rely on Taylor to get them to the postseason.

4.) OT Braden Smith - 78.9 Overall Grade

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It has become a regular occurrence to see Braden Smith as one of the top-graded Colts each week. The right tackle consistently produces at a high level and keeps opposing pass rushers at bay.

Smith is once again featured on the top five list, coming in as the fourth-highest-graded Colt at 78.9. Smith was the best pass blocker for the Colts with a grade of 81.8, allowing no sacks and just one pressure in 45 pass plays. He also came in as the third-best run blocker with a grade of 73.9, continuing to open holes on the right side of the line.

With how often Smith is featured in this series, it is no surprise to see him ranked as the No.7 tackle in the NFL. Smith is putting together his best season to date, giving the Colts one of the best right tackles in football.

5.) RB Zack Moss - 78.2 Overall Grade

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Rounding out the top five is the other running back for the Colts. While Moss has taken a back seat to Taylor since his return, the fourth-year back is still producing when given the opportunity. Moss racked up 55 yards on eight carries and 15 yards on two receptions in the Colts' win.

Moss was given a 78.2 overall grade by PFF, the fifth-best on the team and the fourth-highest-graded offensive player for Indy. His 81.3 rushing grade ranked second to Taylor as Moss generated 33 yards after contact and three first downs. Moss also ranked second in pass blocking for the Colts, with a grade of 79.1.

Although Taylor has returned to being the top running back, Moss is still a weapon the Colts can rely on. Shane Steichen truly has a two-headed monster in the backfield with Taylor and Moss, and it will be tough for teams to stop them down the stretch.

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