Colts: Is Vontae Davis a shutdown corner?

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis had the highest coverage grade (+15.8) among his peers in 2013. However that league leading grade may be a little misleading, as it was significantly inflated by one astonishing +7.8 performance at home against the Broncos. Additionally, while Davis managed an impressive 12.3 Cover Snaps per Reception, 14th in the league, he also conceded eight touchdowns, with only two other corners allowing more. So his 2013 performance was very good, but perhaps not truly best in the league.

Now, ten weeks into the 2014 season, Davis has not surrendered a single touchdown, and his +10.9 coverage grade and 15.8 Cover Snaps per Reception rating both rank third among starting corners. Passers have an average QB rating of 41.1 when throwing into his coverage.

Davis hasn't been perfect;  Andre Johnson gave him problems, catching all four targets for 74 yards and drawing a pass interference call. Davis also conceded a 9 yard catch in just 11 snaps before being injured in the Steelers game, but everyone saw what Ben Roethlisberger did to that secondary without him. Is it time to call Davis a shutdown corner? Perhaps not quite yet, but he is getting close. He will take another step towards that status if he can keep Tom Brady and the Patriots quiet on Sunday night.