Rookie JuJu Brents On Playoffs: Colts Can Win AFC South

Indianapolis Colts rookie cornerback JuJu Brents recently spoke on the team's hunger for a playoff spot (and win).

Indianapolis Colts rookie cornerback JuJu Brents returned to action in Saturday’s dominant victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers after a two-month stint on the sideline due to a quad injury.

Brents hit the ground running, seeing 93% of defensive snaps at boundary cornerback and playing a crucial role in a secondary that forced two interceptions and held Pittsburgh’s passing attack to 142 yards.

Brents recently spoke exclusively with Horseshoe Huddle and discussed his return to the lineup, acclimating to Gus Bradley’s defense, and more. Brents also proclaimed that the Colts are going to win the AFC South!

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JM: That was a massive win over a quality Pittsburgh Steelers team on Saturday. You now find yourself in a three-way tie for first place in the AFC South. Is belief increasing in the locker room that this Colts team can win the division?

Brents: Yeah, it definitely is. I would say even when we didn’t know for certain what the playoff picture was going to look like, or when our record wasn’t where we wanted it to be, we always kept that mentality that we had a good team that could make a run at this thing. We’re taking things one game at a time. We’re not trying to look too far ahead.

We have a different type of feeling and belief in the locker room right now. Everybody is putting their best foot forward. We want to make sure we have the best opportunity to make the playoffs.

JM: Things are definitely looking up. You also returned from a two-month stint on the sideline with a quad injury. What was your mindset like throughout the recovery process?

Brents: It was a tough one. The injury meant things weren’t going according to plan for my rookie season. I started off on a good note, and then adversity got in the way through the injury. During that time, I kept telling myself that it was a temporary setback. I had to understand that while focusing on the things that I can control during that time.

I had to make sure I took care of myself mentally. I was taking care of my body as best as possible so once I got back out there, I wouldn’t miss a beat.

JM: You didn’t miss a beat. You played 93% of defensive snaps at boundary cornerback. How have you adjusted to playing in Gus Bradley’s defense and his Cover 3 looks?

Brents: Coach Bradley throws a lot of different things at us. We have a young group on the back end of our defense. He’s always challenging us to go out there and compete. I have to make sure I’m completely locked in on my keys. I don’t want to let any of my guys down. I was doing all the mental work beforehand so when I get out there on the field, those plays have already been made in the film room. It’s all about attention to detail. It’s a Cover 3 zone but we switch it up and play some man coverage as well. You have to be completely locked in at all times.

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JM: How does the scheme fit your skill set?

Brents: For me, I’ve always been a versatile player. I have the zone eyes necessary to make plays on the ball when those opportunities arise. I’m also able to switch it up and play man coverage here and there. The scheme definitely leads to opportunities to make plays on the ball. It’s more of a three-deep defense that’s matchy. Being able to have zone eyes on the quarterback, it allows me to make plays.

JM: You’re going up against bigger body guys like Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. in practice, and also the smaller shiftier types like Josh Downs. How have they made you a better cornerback?

Brents: We have a great receiver group. Even our scout team guys, they don’t get enough shine. DJ Montgomery showed up big for us against Pittsburgh. I practice against him every single day as well. We have a lot of versatility within our receiver group. It allows me to get comfortable with whatever matchups on Sunday.

Like you said, there’s a lot of versatility. Going up against Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce is different from the smaller shiftier types like Josh Downs or Isaiah McKenzie. I play with a lot of confidence on Sundays because of the way those guys prepare me in practice. I’ve seen it all.

JM: You got your first career interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in October. What was that first interception feeling like? You can get addicted to that feeling.

Brents: It was dope, man (laughs). I’ve been waiting for that moment for a very long time. Ever since I was a kid really. It was a great feeling. Now, I’m looking forward to getting a few more interceptions. It’s been a minute since I had one. Like you said, you can get addicted to that feeling (laughs).

JM: What can you say about Gardner Minshew? Coming in as a backup quarterback, now helping this roster fight for playoff positioning.

Brents: He’s the ultimate competitor. Watching him compete and prepare throughout the week, every game is a mental and physical battle. Guys get banged up and then seeing the way they bounce back on Sunday, that’s the main thing about Gardner that sticks out to me. His compete level is crazy. He wants to win.

He’s a guy you want on your team. There’s always good vibes in the locker room when he’s around (laughs). He’s a good dude. Everything you see on social media, that’s just Gardner Minshew being himself (laughs). He’s like that 24/7.

JM: No doubt. I’ve had a few experiences with him, and he’s always himself (laughs). You covered a lot of great receivers in college, but the NFL is a different ballgame. Who’s the best receiver you’ve covered thus far?

Brents: I’ve seen some good ones so far. Calvin Ridley immediately comes to mind. There’s been a bunch of them. Even this past weekend, Diontae Johnson was pretty good. We played against Amari Cooper. The most challenging one so far I’d say was Calvin Ridley. He cuts on a dime. He’s very shifty and savvy.

I’ve seen a lot of them. Even DeAndre Hopkins. I would say he’s in the back end of his career, but he’s still one of those guys. You can see that from the kind of numbers he’s putting up this season. I would say Calvin Ridley was the most challenging one so far.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. What are JuJu Brents’ goals for the remainder of the 2023 season?

Brents: For me, I have to stay healthy first and foremost. I’m going to continue conducting myself like a professional. I’m gonna take care of my body so I’m out there helping my teammates.

Now, all the energy we’re rocking with, I just want to win. The best is yet to come. I’ve been told by so many guys that have had 12-year careers that they’ve never been to the playoffs. We have a chance to get there in my rookie season. We’re literally right there. We control our destiny.

I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team win. We want a playoff win.

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