Even after their four-game winning streak was snapped in Pittsburgh, Indianapolis Colts (7-2) fans remain confident that their team is headed in the right direction—92% to be exact. And for good reason. Despite the recent tough road loss, the Colts still sit atop the AFC and made a blockbuster move earlier this week to significantly upgrade their depleted cornerback room.
Specifically, the Colts made national headlines just ahead of this week’s trade deadline by acquiring two-time NFL All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner. The price was steep: two future first-round picks and wide receiver A. J. Mitchell. While that cost was no doubt high for a cornerback—even one as young and talented as Gardner—a strong majority of Colts fans have graded the surprising trade deadline deal positively.
Namely, 49% of Colts fans gave the trade an A grade, while another 39% rated longtime general manager Chris Ballard and Co. with a B. A smaller portion of fans gave lower marks.
Only time will tell whether Gardner lives up to the value Indianapolis gave up. However, he’s a young, elite cornerback who excels when things are going right. He is expected to help the Colts both in the short term and well beyond.
The Colts didn’t just acquire key competition, a stopgap, or a bandaid solution—they landed a bona fide CB1 just hitting his prime. Joining Charvarius Ward (when healthy) and Kenny Moore II, this trio arguably forms the best cornerback group in all of football.
Gardner, having cleared the league’s concussion protocol earlier this week, is expected to make his Colts debut in Berlin, Germany, against the Atlanta Falcons on the road this weekend.
Adding to the optimism, 97% of Colts fans believe Indianapolis will emerge victorious versus Atlanta and perhaps start a new winning streak.
Prost to the Colts’ bright future!
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https://www.stampedeblue.com/indianapolis-colts-news/117543/colts-reacts-survey-results-week-10-hear-about-that-big-trade