The Indianapolis Colts made a big a move at the trade deadline. On Tuesday, they acquired all-pro cornerback, Sauce Gardner for two first round picks and Adonai Mitchell. At face value, this trade seems like a lot to give up for one player. However, for a talent like Gardner, this trade seems well within reason. The biggest surprise is that Chris Ballard was willing to do this trade or at least be persuaded to do this trade. Regardless, Ballard has been, historically, very conservative when it comes to trades. This season has been a completely different story and the team sits at 7-2, the number one seed, and just got better.
What Sauce Gardner Brings to the Defense
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. His first two years in the league, he made two Pro Bowls, made first team all-pro twice, and won Defensive Rookie of the year. In year three, 2024, he did not make the Pro Bowl, but did have a solid season. This year has been much of the same.
Gardner suffered a concussion in Week 7 and has yet to make it back on the field, but will be expected to play this Sunday when the Colts face the Falcons in Germany. This is given that he passes protocal. Nonetheless, having him in the secondary will be a big step in the right direction for this defense. The secondary has been a recurring issue over the years and this season, the Colts have been determined to shore this unit up. The traded for Camryn Bynum, and Charvarius Ward in the offseason. Coupling them with Gardner will be a game changer.
The Impact of Losing Adonai Mitchell
Ever since the Colts Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, Mitchell has not been the same receiver. Prior to Week 4, Mitchell was getting a good number of targets as a depth peice and was avering 10 yards per reception. Unfortunately, Michell’s imfamous goal line fumble put a damper in his entire season. Since that fumble in Week 4, Mitchell has been virtually non-existent on the field. Through the first four weeks, he had 12 total targets. In Weeks 5-9, he has only been targetted four times. Needless to say, the second round pick from 2023 who had so much potential lost something. It’s still unsure what that is as it could be confidence, poise, or ability. Regardless, the Colts needed to move on.
Mitchell has a lot of raw talent that, if a team is willing to allow, he can develop into a very solid and reliable outside receiver. Unfortunately, that wont happen with the Colts.
Are the Colts a Complete Team?
One of the markers for Super Bowl contenders is that the team needs to be good on all phases of the ball – defense, offense, and special teams. Right now, the Colts are in a good position to be a complete team that does not have any holes.
With the exception of the Week 9 anomaly against the Steelers, the Colts are the best offense in the league. The still lead the league in points per game, touchdowns per game, yards per play, fourth down conversions, and rushing touchdowns per game. Daniel Jones now leads the league in passing yards and Jonathan Taylor still leads the league in rushing yards.
When placekicker, Spencer Shrader went down with a season-ending injury, there was concern surrounding special teams. Fortunately, the Colts were able to acquire Michael Badgley, who previously played for the Colts, and has been very solid so far. Throught four games, he is 5 for 5 on field goals, with his longest being from 53. He is also 14 for 15 on extra points.
The defense was the area that couldn’t seem to keep up with the production and consistency of the offense and special teams. However, with the acquisition of Sauce Gardner, this defense can blossom into an elite unit, especially under the leadership of Lou Anarumo.
The Lucky Colt 
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