Not that wins and losses matter right now, but the Colts dropped their preseason opener to the Denver Broncos 30-34.
The starters on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball would mostly play two series. The starting offense struggled to get anything going, picking up only one first down, while the defense looked quite good.
For the second and third units on each side of the ball, it was a mixed bag with some good and some not so good.
Let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Colts’ performance on Sunday.
The Good
– As I mentioned, the first-team defense. Tyquan Lewis and Laiatu Latu were able to generate some pressures and help slow the run game. Meanwhile, Zaire Franklin was around the football as he always is, and Kenny Moore recorded an interception. Broncos starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham would average only 5.3 yards per attempt while Javonte Williams was held to just 3.8 yards per rush.
– Clarity at the safety position? Through three weeks of camp, there were still a number of unknowns at free safety, but perhaps, some clarity was gained in the preseason opener with the play from Nick Cross. Cross made three tackles on the day, including two solo, and an impressive one in space. He also had a near interception and pass deflection. With this being his third year in Gus Bradley’s defense, he looked comfortable on the back end. Consistency from Cross will be crucial.
– Seeing Anthony Richardson on the football field. Richardson would go 2/4 throwing for 25 yards in the two series he was on the field. There will be some rust to shake off with this being his first live game since Week 5 of last season, but having him back under center was a more than welcomed sight.
– As a collective unit, the Colts’ defense generated three takeaways. In addition to Kenny Moore’s interception, Cam McGrone forced a fumble, as did Micah Abraham, who also returned it for a touchdown.
– The tight ends in the passing game. Of the five longest passing plays on the day for the Colts, three of them were from the tight end position. Kylen Granson averaged 15.5 yards per catch on two receptions, while Mo Alie-Cox had a 19 yard catch and Jelani Woods a 17 yard catch.
The Bad
– With all units, the Colts’ run game struggled to get going. On the day, the Colts totaled just 64 yards on the ground, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt. The longest carry of the day by any Colts’ back was a 10 yard run by Tyler Goodson. The next longest run was by Evan Hull for five yards.
– Colts running back depth takes a hit: The Colts had two injuries in this game, both at the running back position. Trey Sermon left with a hamstring injury and UDFA Trent Pennix a groin injury. If both are going to miss any sort of practice time, the Colts may have to make an addition.
– Players who didn’t help their training camp stock: CB Dallis Flowers was flagged twice and gave up multiple completions. OT Blake Freeland allowed what looked like a few pressures, and DT Eric Johnson jumped offsides and struggled against the run.
The Ugly
– The second and third team defense: Once the Colts starters exited the game, the Broncos offense was able to move the ball quite easily. Denver put up 34 points over the final three quarters and surrendered 410 total yards. This included Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix having a very efficient day, completing 15/21 passes for 125 yards with a touchdown.
