We’re always searching for silver linings as the Indianapolis Colts sit at 2-3, but look closer to approaching a full blown rebuild than realistically contending for a Super Bowl title anytime soon.
One of them is regarding the standout play so far of starting offensive lineman Matt Goncalves, the 3rd-year pro who just began his second season as a full-time starter at right guard due to positional necessity.
The former 2024 Colts’ 3rd round pick out of Pitt is blossoming into one of the better young
starting offensive guards in all of football right before our very own eyes this 2026 season.
While there was consensus concern among Colts fans that allowing breakout starting right guard Will Fries, who Indianapolis will face in two weeks, to leave in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 offseason, would prove to be a critical mistake in hindsight, Goncalves appears to have sufficiently filled those rather large shoes.
Per PFF, Goncalves is their 12th best graded offensive guard with a +75.9 overall grade through 5 starts in the 2026 campaign. Specifically, he’s allowed just a sack and 3 total QB pressures so far in 195 total pass blocking snaps. His allowed pass pressure rate (5.7%) is among the best at his starting right guard position.
If this keeps up, the big man, approaching 320 pounds, can chug as many footballs as he wants in celebration!
