‘He’s More Vulnerable With Edge Pressure Than He Used To’: NFL Defensive Coach Gets Real on Colts Star

His presence has been pivotal in anchoring the Colts’ offensive line, even amid quarterback instability. However, a veteran NFL defensive coach highlighted a noticeable decline in Nelson’s ability to handle edge pressure as he enters the latter stages of his career.

While he remains strong and reliable at the point of attack, the coach noted that he is more vulnerable to certain matchups than during his earlier dominance. Despite this, Nelson’s overall impact remains formidable, evidenced by his role in the Colts’ consistently strong running game.

NFL Defensive Coach Drops Real Take on Indianapolis Colts’ Quenton Nelson

Nelson’s performance for Indianapolis has garnered an interesting take from a defensive coach in the league. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.

The Colts are consistently a quality running team despite the lack of quarterback stability, and Nelson is a big part of that.

“Honestly, nobody else has really taken the top spot from him,” an NFC executive said. “I don’t think there’s a dominant interior OL right now. He’s the closest thing.”

And his durability should be commended. Nelson has played at least 16 games in every season but 2021, when he played 13 games.

“He’s more vulnerable with edge pressure than he used to at this stage of his career,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “But he’s still really strong and stout at the point of attack.”

Nelson’s 2024 season also included an impressive pass-block efficiency rating of 98.0%, allowing only three sacks across 568 pass-blocking reps. His ability to adapt and maintain high-level performance has kept him at the forefront of discussions about the NFL’s best offensive linemen. Analysts and executives alike agree that Nelson is building a Hall of Fame-caliber résumé.

As the Colts continue to rebuild and navigate roster transitions, Nelson’s leadership and reliability on the offensive line make him an invaluable asset. Though some signs of decline are emerging, his excellence remains a cornerstone of Indianapolis’ approach. Nelson’s legacy as one of the league’s premier interior linemen continues to grow with each passing season.