The Indianapolis Colts walked away from their first preseason game with a 19-18 win over the Buffalo Bills. Andrew Luck, Frank Gore, and Robert Mathis did not play in the game. According to ESPN, owner Jim Irsay said that Luck will get his first start of the preseason at home in Week Two. The Colts defense did get a close look at all three of the Bills quarterbacks: Tyrod Taylor, Cardale Jones, and E.J. Manuel. The Bills quarterbacks had a relatively easy time working past the Colts secondary as they combined for 246 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
Takeaways from Indianapolis Colts Preseason Week One
Clearly, there are three big takeaways from Indianapolis Colts preseason Week One action, as some of the bigger issues that the Colts did not address during the off-season, including the running game and pass rush were highlighted in this game.
The Running Game and Offensive Line Still Need Improvement
Josh Ferguson, Trey Williams, and Robert Turbin all had multiple chances to show what they can do and solidify themselves as the backup running back. With Gore sidelined, the Colts were only able to manage 30 yards on 23 carries. However, Jordan Todman was able to get in the end zone on a 42 yard touchdown off a screen pass. The importance of Gore cannot be overstated, especially seeing the results of this game. The offensive line didn’t help in the running or passing game. Quarterback Scott Tolzien had a tough time hanging in the pocket. It would be jumping the gun a little bit to say that this young offensive line won’t improve at all in 2016.
There is a Good Battle for the Fourth Wide Receiver Spot
With the loss of Andre Johnson to free agency, the Colts have their top three receiver spots locked up and are looking for the fourth to be filled. T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief have the first two positions locked up and Phillip Dorsett is expected to fill the third. Chester Rogers had a 57 yard touchdown reception, which was one of the Colts’ two touchdowns in the game. Tevaun Smith also made his case with 34 yards on three receptions. Josh Boyce and Mekale McKay are two more names to watch as they combined for three receptions for 32 yards. The Colts are also looking to fill their other tight end spot opposite Dwayne Allen after the departure of Coby Fleener. Chase Coffman looks like he could add some depth to the position.
The Pass Rush Still Needs Help
With Kendall Langford and Mathis both sidelined for the first preseason game, we got a good look at some of the deeper players on the depth chart. Earl Okine might have made a name for himself with one sack in the game. Rookie Sterling Bailey may be a name to watch as he got his first NFL tackle. Outside linebacker Erik Walden is also expected to step up and help out the pass rush this season. He will be starting opposite of Mathis. Furthermore, an injury to linebacker Sio Moore will not help the situation at linebacker. Overall, the situation with the front seven does not look promising so far.
Main Photo:
