INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts found themselves on the wrong end of a lopsided affair against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15 action, falling 34-7 down in Louisiana on Monday Night Football.
Between offense, defense and special teams, all three phases had their struggles. Understandably, there weren't many individual standout performances, but Pro Football Focus did credit the left side of the Colts' offensive line — tackle Anthony Castonzo and guard Quenton Nelson — with strong outings. Both players earned top-10 grades among their positions groups according to PFF, continuing strong seasons for both, as Nelson on Tuesday was named to his second Pro Bowl, while Castonzo was named an alternate.
Anthony Castonzo
Offensive Tackle Tied-No. 6 (78.5), 56 snaps (100 percent)
The Colts' blind side protector had another solid day at the office, earning a grade of 68.1 in run blocking but then an 85.3 in pass protection. He allowed zero pressures and had no penalties, being just one of seven offensive tackles in the NFL to allow zero pressures and have no penalties in Week 15.
Overall, the Colts were not very productive on the ground, running it a total of 17 times for 46 yards (2.7 avg.) and one touchdown. However, their one touchdown, which was a goal-line run, came behind Castonzo and Nelson on the left side, and three of their five run plays resulting in first downs were on the left side.
Quenton Nelson
Guard No. 7 (76.2), 56 snaps (100 percent)
The Colts got very little going on offense against the Saints, but their pass protection proved to be a quality front line for quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the skill position players. Brissett was sacked just one time despite the Saints going into the game tied for the fourth most sacks in the league.
Nelson himself allowed no pressures in the backfield and was also not penalized, being one of 18 guards in the NFL in Week 15 to not allow any pressures and to also have no penalties. Nelson had a run-blocking grade of 66.7 with an even more excellent grade of 88.8 in pass protection, which was his third highest pass-blocking grade of the season.
