5 biggest surprises from Colts’ 2022 season

Let’s check out one thing constructive that was shocking for the Colts. One factor was the play of the linebacker group with out their chief within the unit. There was a slight fear about how the center of the protection could be with out Shaquille Leonard not within the lineup however Zaire Franklin, Bobby Okereke, and E.J. Pace stepped up for the group and delivered all through the season.

Franklin put collectively one of the best season of his five-year profession. Essentially the most tackles he had in a season previous to 2022 was 40. With Leonard out of the lineup, he completed with 167 tackles which broke Leonard’s franchise file. He additionally had 12 TFLs, six QB hits, three sacks, six move deflections, and compelled two fumbles.

He wasn’t the one one which put collectively one of the best season of his profession. Okereke additionally had his finest efficiency as a professional in his fourth 12 months within the NFL. He completed with a career-high in tackles with 151 (99 solo). Okereke additionally had six tackles for loss, 5 move deflections, two fumble recoveries, and compelled two fumbles.

Whereas Franklin and Okereke received their recognition, Pace was additionally doing his unsung work for the protection. He additionally had his finest season in his four-year profession. Pace completed with 63 tackles (37 solo), seven TFLs, one QB hit, one sack, two move deflections, and compelled two fumbles.

Okereke and Pace are set to hit free company so with the Colts having cash invested in Leonard and Franklin, this was possible the final time this group was collectively. The trio of linebackers ought to be happy with their particular person efforts in 2022.