Indianapolis Colts' defensive end Arden Key has provided a steady pass-rush presence opposite of Laiatu Latu through three games.
Key has logged 10 quarterback pressures, which is the second-most on the team, and ranks tied for 20th league-wide among all defensive ends. He has a forced fumble as well.
Leading to Key's pass rush production is that he's consistently winning his matchups. According to ESPN's pass rush win rate metric, Key ranks tied for 13th among his position group in win rate, defeating the blocker across from him in under 2.5 seconds on 25% of his pass rush reps.
One of the big question marks for the Colts entering this season was whether or not this defensive front had enough pass rush juice to be consistently disruptive. Coming
off last season, that was a significant area of improvement that was needed.
Key's early-season performance has helped provide needed consistency in that regard, although overall, the Colts still rank 24th as a defense in pass rush win rate and 29th in total pressures. Those results, however, are more so a reflection of the unit's pass rush depth rather than the play of the starters. Key, Latu, and DeForest Buckner all have nine-plus pressures this season.
Key maintaining this level of play moving forward will be vital for the Colts' defense.
Indianapolis signed Key during the offseason to a free-agent deal worth $16 million over two seasons.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts free agent addition providing early season boost
