During a season of change for the Indianapolis Colts’ linebacker corps, Zaire Franklin further cemented himself as the alpha at the position.
For the second straight year, Franklin set a franchise record for tackles (179) while adding 1.5 sacks, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
The 27-year-old also deepened his role as a leader, especially on a young defensive unit, but was among the most notable Pro Bowl snubs.
Independent of that individual honor, Franklin was among the few observers unimpressed with his second full season as a starter.
“To be honest, I didn’t meet any of my goals — the goals that I set for myself,” Franklin said the day after the regular season ended with a 23-19 loss against the Houston Texans.