The historic performance from Kenny Moore II against the Panthers proves the Indianapolis Colts cornerback is back among the league’s elite.
by Andrew Moore
It is no secret how challenging 2022 was for Kenny Moore II.
The Indianapolis Colts cornerback struggled to adjust to new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme. He felt like he was not making the impact he had previously made for the team. With his performance faltering, dealing with injuries, and a 4-12-1 record, Moore was at a low point in his career.
Truthfully, Moore did not even know if he would return to the Colts in 2023 as the cornerback was entering a contract year with trade rumors swirling.
Fast forward to today, and Moore is back to his Pro Bowl form, looking like the 2021 version that led many around the league to believe he was the best slot cornerback in the NFL. We may have to start considering that once again.
Moore was a monster for the Colts on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, finishing with eight tackles, two passes defensed, and two interceptions, returning each for touchdowns. With his family in attendance, Moore’s performance was the catalyst for the Colts getting back into the win column as they beat the Panthers 27-13.
“To be honest, there is no surprise there,” head coach Shane Steichen said about Moore. “The way he practices, the way he works, he shows up, he watches tape, he does it the right way. When you do it the right way, you’re going to make plays on Sunday, which is what he did for us, which was huge. I mean, 14 points by him was phenomenal.”
Moore made history for the Colts with his ball-hawking ability. He became the first player in Colts’ franchise history to record two pick-6s in the same game. Moore totaled 115 return yards as he took both interceptions back for scores.
Moore also made history on a personal front. Before Sunday, he had only scored one touchdown in his NFL career, an interception return in 2020. He doubled his career touchdowns in a single afternoon.
“Resilience. Consistency. Just trying to be a great teammate,” Moore said about setting the franchise-record. “Being in the right spot. A guy that they can trust and lean on. I just want to do it for the team.”
The first interception came as the Panthers were trying to score on a two-minute drill before the end of the first half. With 20 seconds remaining and the Panthers around midfield, Bryce Young fired a pass to the right side intended for Chuba Hubbard. Moore read it the whole way, jumping in front of the throw and taking it back 49 yards for the score.
“The best players in the league have great instincts,” Steichen explained. “You coach them as hard as you want, but the guys that are really good with ball skills and good instincts, sometimes that takes over. (Moore’s) got a great feel for that position inside there, the nickel position, and he just continues to show up and make plays.”
The second interception came as the Panthers were driving in the fourth quarter. A score would bring the Panthers within one possession of the Colts. But Moore had other ideas.
Young felt pressure and tried to dump the ball off to Miles Sanders. The ball sailed over Sanders’ head and into the arms of Moore, who returned it 66 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.
Originally posted on Horseshoe Huddle