by Kevin Hickey
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II is enjoying a strong bounce-back campaign and has returned as the top slot defender in the NFL as the team comes out of the bye week.
According to Next Gen Stats, he has the top overall slot score in the NFL and the top tackle score. The score is a “composite of a player’s production and efficiency when aligned in the slot through the first 10 weeks of the 2023 season. The rankings come from a pool of 46 slot defenders who play at least 50 percent of their snaps in the slot (min. 50 slot snaps).”
Here’s what Next Gen Stats said about Moore as the NFL’s top slot defender:
Coverage Score: 94
Pass Rush Score: 60
Tackle Score: 92
SLOT OVERALL SCORE: 91Moore’s double pick-six performance in Week 9 against the Panthers, one of which came from a slot alignment, helped him land the No. 1 spot on this list.
The 2017 undrafted free-agent signee is in the midst of a career year, setting personal bests in completion percentage over expected (-6.2%) and target EPA (-14.1). Couple those marks with his third-least receptions over expected allowed when aligned as a slot corner (-3.2), and the result is the top coverage score (94) on this list.
Playing slot corner isn’t just about pass defense; these guys are also tasked with assuming a crucial role in preventing big run plays to the outside. Moore ‘s top tackle score (92) on this list indicates he’s been incredibly effective at doing just that. In fact, Moore leads all defenders in run stop EPA (-5.5) from a slot alignment this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Moore’s 68.4 passer rating allowed ranks best among defenders with at least 152 coverage snaps in the slot. His 0.80 yards allowed per snap from the slot also ranks as the fourth-best among slot defenders.
Moore has been a vital glue guy in a young secondary that has also dealt with some major injuries.
In a contract year, Moore just might be playing himself into a new deal this offseason.
Originally posted on coltswire.usatoday.com