Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson gives glimpse of value in first test

The Indianapolis Colts have good reason to be positive about their franchise quarterback’s new bodyguard, Quenton Nelson

Indianapolis Colts rookie Quenton Nelson’s reputation as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft was confronted by a tough first regular season outing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. His maiden competitive start may have ended in defeat, but it wasn’t without providing glimpses of elite potential up against one of the deepest defensive cohorts in the NFL.

To put it into context, the left guard began his career predominantly matched up against a Geno Atkins that started the season having racked up 58 sacks at defensive tackle since being named starter in 2011. Few offensive linemen can acclaim to making their presence felt against the Bengals’ front seven, which is why even mere adequacy can be deemed promising on Nelson’s part.

Rookie misjudgements were unsurprisingly scattered throughout his performance, though some arguably stemmed from the frailties of those beside him.

Nelson was in for all 82 snaps, playing a key role in both restricting the Bengals to two sacks — which could have very easily been more — as well as helping pave the way for an improved Colts running game.

The Notre Dame product previewed his value to the Colts’ rushing attack on a second-and-7 play early in the first quarter, displaying impressive speed off the mark to shift right and block the on-rushing right defensive tackle. He used the momentum from his motion to drive his man out of the pocket, carving a gaping hole for running back Jordan Wilikins to breach for a comfortable first down.

Nelson showcased his mobility to help prolong a 3.5-minute drive on another second-and-7 later in the quarter, coordinating huge strides with a minor rotation of his hips to halt the tackle as he tried to beat him on the outside. Luck was then able to find wide receiver Ryan Grant on the hash marks for another first down.

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On an eventual third-and-goal in the same drive, Nelson displayed his brute strength as the only offensive lineman to push his defender back towards his goal-line, only for Wilkins to be snuffed out at the line of scrimmage. It served as a minor clue for the Colts of Nelson’s ability to be a red zone asset, with a separate occasion also seeing Wilkins miss an opportunity to exploit a run on goal created by his guard’s blocking.

The 22-year old showcased his athleticism again on a vital third-and-8 early in the second quarter when he shut out the Bengals’ right tackle, before maintaining his front-foot power to transition into blocking the left tackle as the pair crossed. Luck was consequently afforded the time to find favourite target T.Y. Hilton, who ran for a first down, just as the pressure was beginning to come in from the edge.

This was one of multiple occasions in which Nelson was seen to lend a hand to his center Ryan Kelly. One of his standout moments arrived shortly after, coming in a play that saw Luck throw a 26-yard touchdown pass to tight end Eric Ebron to complete a seven play drive.

Nelson displayed incredible power to plant his weight onto his back foot, whilst maintaining excellent balance to thwart Atkins. This granted his quarterback the opportunity to step up slightly and make the throw as defensive end Jordan Willis was closing in from the left-hand side. It’s also worth noting head coach Frank Reich’s clever use of Ebron in a deep route to cap off a drive that had consisted of short passes.

The third quarter saw Nelson demonstrate his ability to adapt to rotational lineman as he again employed big strides and back-foot fluidity to deny Andrew Billings an inside run on Luck, who converted on a second-and-two with a pass to Grant beyond the 50-yard line.

Nelson’s dominance was illustrated late in the fourth when he back-peddled well against Atkins on a third-and-10, with Luck lined up directly behind him to find tight end Jack Doyle for a first-down.

He wasn’t just aiding his quarterback’s recovery, but finishing plays in ruthless fashion at times. Even when his efforts required last-ditch and unattractive adjustments, he was still making a notable difference.

This was perfectly exhibited in a double move to nudge Atkins towards left tackle Joe Haeg, before swivelling to jolt linebacker Carl Lawson on his way towards what seemed a certain sack. The move afforded Luck the extra second he needed to release the ball for a completion to Doyle. A split second can make a lot of difference in front of a signal-caller as talented as No. 12.

The expected return of starting left-tackle Anthony Castonzo for Sunday’s meeting with the Washington Redskins could prove an intriguing insight to Luck’s bolstered blind-side protection. To exchange blows with a man of Atkin’s calibre is a major first sign of encouragement for the Colts’ first-round pick.