Which Colt Can Stand Up For Robert Mathis?

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) sacks Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) late in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Colts 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Last offseason, Ryan Grigson raised many eyebrows when he signed Packers veteran free agent Erik Walden to a four year, $16 million deal. Walden came into the season with high expectations and often times had little or no impact on the field. He posted a measly 45 tackles and three sacks. While those numbers aren’t great to begin with, Robert Mathis was lining up on the other side of him and often was facing double teams. The Colts needed Walden as a pass rushing option last year and it simply did not work. This season, however, Walden appears to be doing better.

With Robert Mathis out, Walden has to step up and deliver a pass rush; so far, he has been able to follow through. In the Colts opening game against Denver this season, Walden was able to register a sack as well as three tackles. On Monday, the Eagles were dealing with injuries all across the offensive line and Walden was going up against a third string right tackle. In the first half, Walden was able to consistently blow by Andrew Gardner and pressure Nick Foles. Walden only registered three tackles but had two QB hits, including disrupting a Foles pass in the red zone on third down, forcing the Eagles to kick a field goal.

However, the second half was a different story; the up-tempo Eagles offense had worn down the Colts defense and by the third and fourth quarter, they were gassed. During the Eagles comeback Foles had an ample amount of time to throw and he made the Colts play. It also didn’t help that Josh McNary was often lined up on Darren Sproles who, once again, was able to gash the Colts defense; this time, in a different uniform. Even though Walden couldn’t carry over his production into the second half, Monday’s game can be used as a confidence boost. With Arthur Jones out for the next few weeks, the Colts need Walden to step up and deliver the pass rush.