Filling in for the injured Mike Adams, Indianapolis Colts rookie Clayton Geathers made an impact in his first NFL start in Sunday's win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Geathers, a fourth-round pick out of Central Florida with a reputation as a punishing hitter, finished with seven solo tackles and nine tackles total.
“He played with a lot of energy, a lot of physicality and a lot of passion,” Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano said, per the team's official website. “You could just see it – whether he made a play or somebody else made a play, he brought a lot to our defense (Sunday).”
In addition to his nine tackles, Geathers tipped a Matt Ryan pass that led to an interception by Colts safety Dwight Lowery in the end zone.
“He was all over the place, big hits, tipped balls," Pagano said of Geathers. "He was outstanding.”
Adams status for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is uncertain due to an ankle injury. If last week is any indication, the Colts should be fine if Geathers is called on to start once again.
