Colts' Johnathan Edwards Slowly Earning Role on Defense
The Indianapolis Colts' cornerback room has been decimated by injuries and poor play this season. A position that seemed like a strength coming into the year has been worn down to a nub just over a month into the year.
Luckily, undrafted cornerback Johnathan Edwards has been a bright spot in his very limited role through five games.
The Colts' cornerback situation looked promising coming into the summer. Charvarius Ward was the big ticket free agent signing, Jaylon Jones was coming off a strong second season, Justin Walley looked like a steal in the third round, and players like JuJu Brents and Samuel Womack III looked poised to fill out the depth on the roster. Unfortunately, from there, disaster struck the room.
While Ward has remained healthy at the top of the roster thus far, the rest of the room hasn't been as lucky. Jones went down with a hamstring injury late in camp and reaggravated the injury in week one against the Miami Dolphins.
Walley went down with a torn ACL early in August and went on season-ending injured reserve. Womack and Brents were deemed to not be scheme fits, as both players were waived in final cutdowns.
With the entire room essentially being reworked (and I didn't even mention the Xavien Howard signing and retirement in that group of players), the Colts are now relying on Mekhi Blackmon and Edwards to hold down the fort on the outside. Blackmon has been up and down as the starter, but Edwards has shown real promise in his limited, sub-package role thus far.
Edwards has appeared in 28 snaps over the past three weeks, logging a season-high 17 in the win over the Raiders. He may be the Ashton Dulin of the defense, a specialist designated to a handful of snaps per game, but he has been clutch in those snaps.
He has already logged two pass break-ups on third down this season and has been outstanding in man coverage when called upon.
Another notable factor in all this is how difficult it is for young, inexperienced players to find a role on Lou Anarumo's defense. He is infamously strict with young players and won't hesitate to pull the plug if a role players struggles. Even when asked about Edwards' play as of late, Anarumo had cautious praise for the young cornerback:
"Johnathan (Edwards), knock on wood, has done some good things as well. He's a young guy, undrafted guy, who's still trying to find his way in the league. Super, super young. He's a talented guy. So, I'm happy he had a big pass breakup on a deep ball. So, that position requires a lot of things, but confidence is at the top of the list. So, I'm happy that those guys did well."
While Anarumo may be mincing about how he feels about Edwards, he can't hide the fact that the young player is doing everything asked of him so far this season. Even if he hasn't fully gained the trust of the coaches quite yet, they clearly see a long term role for him with this team.
Former Packers CB Who Once Did Everything to Leave for the Ravens Is Now Unhappy and Wants to Return
Former Packers CB Who Once Did Everything to Leave for the Ravens Is Now Unhappy and Wants to Return
Baltimore, October 10, 2025 — Only months after leaving Green Bay in search of a fresh start with the Baltimore Ravens, one former All-Pro cornerback is now facing the weight of regret. What was meant to be a new chapter of dominance has turned into one of frustration, criticism, and longing for the place he once called home.
Since arriving in Baltimore, the veteran defensive back has struggled to find his rhythm. Early injuries and inconsistent performances have drawn heavy scrutiny from both media and fans. Once known as a “shutdown corner” capable of erasing an opponent’s top receiver, he’s now being labeled as one of the biggest disappointments of the Ravens’ early season.
Sources inside the organization say he’s grown increasingly unhappy with his role. Coaches have reportedly questioned his effort, and he feels his leadership and voice in the locker room have been diminished — a stark contrast to the respect and influence he enjoyed in Green Bay.
During a recent practice, witnesses say he quietly muttered a line that caught the attention of everyone around him:
“Back in Green Bay, I felt like I mattered — every snap, every cheer, it meant something. I thought that feeling could be found anywhere, but maybe Lambeau was the only place that ever made it real.”
Those words quickly spread through team circles, sparking speculation that the player’s heart was no longer in Baltimore. For someone who once fought to leave Wisconsin and chase a new challenge, the irony couldn’t be more painful.
League insiders have hinted that he’s even open to restructuring his deal or taking a pay cut if it meant reuniting with his former team. For now, that remains just talk — but it’s enough to stir emotions across both locker rooms.
And now, the name behind the story has come to light: Jaire Alexander, the fiery cornerback who once embodied Green Bay’s defensive identity.
Under the lights of M&T Bank Stadium, Jaire may still wear purple and black — but deep down, it seems his heart never really left Lambeau Field.
