Colts' Linebacker Puts Up Vintage Performance in Win Over Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts' Grant Stuard looked like a long-forgotten brand of player in the win over the Miami Dolphins.

Oct 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Grant Stuard (41) wrap up Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images / Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images-Imagn Images

Indianapolis Colts' linebacker Grant Stuard was a man on a mission this past Sunday. Starting in place of the injured E.J Speed (and then moving to a more prominent position in nickel packages once Jaylon Carlies left the game), Stuard racked up 18 tackles and made numerous big plays in the Colts' week seven victory.

Stuard was an absolute animal in run defense in this outing, flying around the field and making plays on just about every Miami Dolphins offensive snap. His 18-tackle day was the third-most total tackles in a game by a Colts player since 1984 and the most since Shaquille Leonard hit 19 back in 2019.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

This performance by Stuard may not be up there with the greats like Ray Lewis or Luke Kuechly, but it does bring back fond memories of old school energizer bunny types like Mike Peterson once was in Indianapolis. Stuard's brand of linebacker may be a dying breed in the NFL, but his performance on Sunday reminded me (and many others) of how NFL games used to look.

Shane Steichen spoke highly of the veteran linebacker following his career-best performance, stating that Stuard can be "an example for the entire NFL."

"The way he goes about his business, the way he practices is like nothing I've ever seen. Everything's 100 miles an hour, and he finishes on every drill. And to go out and have the performance that he did on defense – 18 tackles and then I want to say he had 23 reps on special teams. It might have been more. The guy just works and there's no secret to success when you work as hard as a guy like he does. It's going to come to fruition at some point."

"And so you get your opportunity to go in and go make plays, and that's what he did. I mean, he's flying around the field all day. He was the player of the game for us on defense. It's very special to see – his story and everything that's happened to him and his life, and the way he played in that game and getting his opportunity, it was special."

Grant Stuard reminding me of a simpler time when linebackers like this were the norm. Bring back tackle machines that throw their body into every play pic.twitter.com/BhDqnA9tHc

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) October 21, 2024

Stuard may not be an every-down player for the Colts going forward, but there is just something beautiful about football when a special teams ace gets his chance to shine on defense. In a once in a lifetime opportunity for Stuard, he made the most out of it and helped propel the Colts to victory against the run-dominant Dolphins.

Whatever the future holds for Stuard in Indianapolis, and in the NFL, this game was certainly one that was a joy to watch as a fan of the game.

---

Need your fill on daily Colts' content? Head over to the Locked On Colts' YouTube channel where Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks hit on all the major topics surrounding this team. Hit that subscribe button while you are there!

Become a Locked On Colts insider! Ask your burning questions and get prompt answers from someone who's around the team every day! Get special access from the locker room, practice field, and press box!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.