Two Colts defensive linemen graded out among elite company Week 1

The final score may not seem like it, but the Indianapolis Colts defense was tremendous during their Week 1 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  And of that group two of team's defensive linemen found themselves in elite company. Those players being edge rusher Kwity Paye and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.  Kwity Paye:  This is Paye's […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Sep 10, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) celebrates a tackle for a loss in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The final score may not seem like it, but the Indianapolis Colts defense was tremendous during their Week 1 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

And of that group two of team's defensive linemen found themselves in elite company.

Those players being edge rusher Kwity Paye and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. 

Kwity Paye: 

Aug 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

This is Paye's 3rd season in the NFL and he began it with a bang Sunday against the Jaguars. He ended the day with his first sack of the 2023 season. And found himself 3rd in the entire NFL among edge rushers in pass rush win rate according to ESPN / NFL Next Gen Stats

DeForest Buckner:

Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) brushes off his chest after sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buckner proved yet again that he is the Colts best individual player Sunday. He ended Week 1 with 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 6 tackles and 1 touchdown. And like Paye, Buckner found himself among the best in the league at his position at pass rush win rate. As he landed 8th in the NFL according to ESPN / NFL Next Gen Stats.

Featured Image By: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports