The Colts went into the offseason believing Justin Walley could step right into a major role, and for a while, that confidence seemed justified. Indianapolis was comfortable moving on from Kenny Moore II because the plan was for Walley to return healthy and handle the slot corner job.
That vision looked promising in camp. Walley, who had been out for well over a year after missing his rookie season with an injury, was reportedly sharp at nickel alongside Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward. Two games into the season, though, the picture has changed fast.
Walley has been targeted over and over, and the results have been rough. Through two games, he has allowed 10 catches on 10 targets for 147 yards, which works out to 14.7 yards per target, plus two touchdowns. He has also given up 75 yards after the catch, missed 21.4 percent of his tackles, and watched opposing quarterbacks post a 158.3 passer rating when throwing his way.
The tape has made the problem hard to ignore. Walley has been a beat late against slot receivers, and while there’s no embarrassment in having trouble with Zay Flowers, he also couldn’t stay attached to the Chiefs’ passing game. Travis Kelce, Tyquan Thornton, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy all found success with Walley nearby.
The Colts do not have a clean answer waiting behind him. Cam Bynum has taken on big nickel duties in certain packages, but making him the full-time slot corner would mean pulling him away from the spot he does best.
Indianapolis could cycle through Walley, Kapena Gushiken, and Jonathan Owens while searching for something that works. Bringing Kenny Moore II back is not on the table, since he is not a fit for the system.
The larger issue is that the defense needs help everywhere. Lou Anarumo’s job security should already be under the microscope after a 0-2 start and a pair of games in which the Colts have been thoroughly picked apart.
Walley is not the only reason for that, and pinning everything on a young player returning from a long injury layoff would be unfair. Still, he has taken a major share of the blame for the way this season has opened.
A move back outside may be the best way to help him reset. He is not going to play over Gardner or Ward, but sliding him to the boundary could be what gets his footing back. Either way, Indianapolis has to sort out nickelback quickly.
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