Will KC Chiefs get another AFC player-of-the-week performance at Indianapolis Colts?
We’d like to thank Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson for making us look good.
The idea in this particular space each week is to identify some players to watch, one on each side of the ball for each team, for a total of four. Quarterbacks are excluded — they’re always players to watch anyway, right?
For the Chiefs’ game against the L.A. Chargers in Week 2, we identified Watson as a player to watch based on the likelihood he’d see increased playing time because of an injury to talented rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie.
Last weekend, in the Chiefs’ home opener against the Chargers, Watson had to be thinking What can I actually do now that I’ve earned The Star’s watch-list recognition? (stop us if you think we’re getting a little full of ourselves, wink-wink).
And then, BOOM: Chargers QB Justin Herbert released a fateful pass near the goal line early in the fourth quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Ninety-nine yards later, Watson took his pick-six bows in the opposite end zone after a game-changing play that earned him AFC Player of the Week honors.
So who gets the Players to Watch chef’s kiss this week as the Chiefs travel to Indianapolis to play the Colts?
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton
The temptation here was to go with defensive end George Karlaftis, who played at nearby Purdue. But with linebacker Willie Gay Jr. sidelined for the first game of his four-game suspension, additional expectation falls on Bolton. He’ll be up to the task. The former Mizzou star is off to a solid start this season, leading the Chiefs with 20 total tackles and calling the defensive plays on the field.
Chiefs running back Clyde Edward-Helaire
It’s been a great start to the season for the third-year back who has two receiving touchdowns to go along with his team-leading 116 rushing yards. His 52-yard gallop against the Chargers was the longest of his career and he seems to be running with an extra burst through two games. The Colts have been excellent against the run this season (2.7 yards), so look for Edwards-Helaire to add to his receiving totals.
Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner
The last time Buckner played against the Chiefs, he gave them fits. Suited up with the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, Buckner was credited with 1 1/2 sacks, three quarterback hits and six tackles. He hasn’t missed a beat since signing with the Colts, collecting an All-Pro selection in 2020 and Pro Bowl nod last season.
Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Pittman missed last week’s game at Jacksonville and the Colts felt his absence. A week earlier, he had nine receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown against Houston. Pittman was the team’s top target in 2021 for Carson Wentz. He was limited in practice this week but said he felt good.