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Colts Trying to Get Mo Alie-Cox More Involved

Originally posted on FanNation All Colts | By Jake Arthur | Last updated 10/27/21

Good things happen for the Indianapolis Colts when tight end Mo Alie-Cox gets the ball.

Because of that, the coaching staff will continue to find ways to get him involved.

“He has an aggressive mindset just like all our guys when they get the ball in their hands," Colts offensive coordinator Marcus Brady told reporters this week about Alie-Cox. "When he gets the ball in his hands, he’s going to be a physical bruiser. We’re trying to get him more and more involved because he’s improved obviously and I mean he’s a big target, which helps with us.”

Last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, Alie-Cox caught a career-high fourth touchdown of the season and his second in as many weeks.

Since Week 4, he's seen more action in the Colts' passing game, catching 10-of-15 targets for 145 yards (14.5 avg.) and 4 touchdowns.

Alie-Cox is especially getting more attention in the red zone, with three of his four scores coming within the opponent's 20-yard line, and another coming from 28 yards out. He's third on the Colts in red-zone targets (4) this season behind Zach Pascal (9) and Michael Pittman Jr. (7).

A big part of Alie-Cox's involvement is obviously the person passing him the ball — quarterback Carson Wentz — and his comfort level with Alie-Cox as a pass-catcher.

“It definitely has grown," Brady said about Wentz's trust in Alie-Cox. "And Carson will request him on certain plays here and there – just his size and his trust level that he’s gaining with him, it just helps. So the more and more we’re going to try and get him involved, but obviously, sometimes the defense dictates that.”

Wentz's comfort level in Alie-Cox is evident as the fourth-year tight end is tied for fourth on the Colts in targets and is tops among tight ends.

On the season, Alie-Cox has caught 13-of-21 targets for 177 yards (13.6 avg.) and 4 scores. He's on pace to tie his career-high in receptions (31) and set new bests in yardage (430) and first downs (22).

According to Pro Football Focus' grades, Alie-Cox currently ranks 16th among NFL tight ends overall (66.9) after finishing sixth in 2020 (78.2). He's also 11th in receiving (73.4).

Statistically, Alie-Cox has the 10th-most yards after catch average (6.0) and yards per route run (1.84). He ranks 4th in both average depth of target (10.5) and passer rating when targeted (137.5). He's been dinged for just 1 drop.

Alie-Cox has been held in high esteem by PFF in recent years, ranking 6th overall in 2020.

As for what Alie-Cox might do moving forward, he's got a tough matchup this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, who statistically rank sixth against the tight end position and have only allowed two touchdowns to the group so far in 2021.

What do you think about Alie-Cox's playing time? Drop your thoughts below in the comment section!

This article first appeared on FanNation All Colts and was syndicated with permission.

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