The Indianapolis Colts are winless in this years’ preseason, finishing 0-2-1, as they fell 25-16 at home to the Detroit Lions. Of course, more important than the actual win in preseason, is how the Colts depth performed well after a disappointing showing last weekend hosting the Atlanta Falcons.
Here are some takeaways from this year’s preseason finale:
OFFENSE:
Quarterback: The primary backup quarterback job behind starter Daniel Jones appears to be Anthony Richardson Sr.’s (barring a trade), as he completed
7 of 10 passes for 80 total passing yards. Richardson hit the layups, had a few good throws, while missing a few others. However, he was in the driver’s seat entering the day and did nothing to hurt his stock in this one. Meanwhile, presumed 3rd-string quarterback Riley Leonard was rockier, completing 3 of 7 throws for 48 total passing yards and an interception. Colts third-string Easton Stick got his first preseason run, closing this one out in further mop-up duty. He completed 8 of 15 total passes for 78 total passing yards, and unfortunately for him, should be an easy cut, but could be a practice squad signing as the Colts look to keep a 4th-string depth quarterback.
Running Back: Rookie running back Seth McGowan ran with the first-team offense, and once again, had a handful of nice carries, rushing for 20 total rushing yards on 4 carries. He appears to have overtaken DJ Giddens, who’s been limited with a hamstring injury, for the RB2 job behind star workhorse Jonathan Taylor. While Giddens rushed for a 6-yard touchdown late in the second quarter, he also once again showed his continued struggles in pass protection, completely whiffing on a block—which directly led to Leonard’s interception denoted above. Giddens has probably shown enough talent as a rusher to stick as the Colts’ RB3 for now though, but will need to improve as a pass blocker to see the football field more.
Wide Receiver: Veteran Keenan Allen had his first reception as a Colt, which was a 24-yard reception from Richardson Sr. early in this one. Rookie 7th round pick Deion Burks continued to play well in preseason, and the Colts appear to have a tough decision in their wide receiver room lower on the depth chart. Among those competing, Coleman Owen, who adds special teams return ability, had a 12-yard reception before being forced to leave to the Colts blue medical tent after sustaining a big hit. The group of Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Ashton Dulin, and maybe Laquon Treadwell appear to be all locks, but beyond them, is anybody’s guess. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine may be redundant with Allen’s signing, while Burks offers more long-term upside as a wide receiver, but doesn’t offer the same special teams value and versatility as either Anthony Gould or Coleman Owen, which could be the bottom line difference.
Offensive Line: The backup Dalton Tucker transition to center was an interesting experiment, but has run its course, as Indianapolis has to find a 2nd-string center consistently capable of snapping a ball to the quarterback in shotgun, which once again was an issue for the former with several errant shotgun snaps—which has been a re-occurring theme throughout training camp and preseason.
DEFENSE:
Edge: Rookie George Gumbs Jr. once again flashed as a rotational edge, while 2nd-string edge Jaylahn Tuimoloau continues to be ‘just a guy’ out there at edge, but made his biggest impact on special teams. Fellow rookie Caden Curry had a nice pass pressure, and like Tuimoloatu, also made his mark on special teams in this one with a fumble recovery on a kick return (*which kudos to Bryce Boettcher on the punchout). To me, Curry is the ideal lower on the depth chart backup edge, with his energy, hustle, and special teams versatility, and it would be very surprising to me if he doesn’t stick on the Colts final 53-man roster.
Linebacker: Rookie linebacker CJ Allen, who’s currently listed as the first-team starter on defense alongside fellow linebacker, veteran Akeem Davis-Gaither, was very underwhelming in this one. He struggled to get off blocksand was nonexistent in the run defense game. It may be a fair question of whether the Colts will continue to go with Allen as the starter, who still has some work to do. Speaking of Boettcher, he finished with 6 tackles.
Cornerback: The Colts cornerback depth is suspect outside their ‘Big 3’ of Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and Justin Walley. Ron Carter Jr. was the latest Colts backup cornerback to get picked on in preseason.Cam Taylor-Britt probably sticks, who had a nice run stop, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts are very active at this position on the waiver wire, and completely revamp their backup cornerbacks 5-6.
Safety: 2nd-year safety Hunter Wohler got a lot of run in this one, but should be a lock to make the final 53-man roster. He’s a good versatile backup football player, who can help the squad in a number of ways on both defense and special teams. Rookie AJ Haulcy should be the starting safety, but Wohler will contribute out there.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Kicker: It appears as though Spencer Shrader has won this competition outright through his preseason play, as he knocked down a 60-yard field goal, while fellow contender Blake Grupe doinked in a 46-yard field goal and also converted a 36-yard field goal attempt. The scripts have been flipped in training camp and preseason, as Shrader, who largely struggled in camp, has really come on with the preseason lights on for the Colts.
