On Thursday, the Indianapolis Colts capped off their final preseason game with a win against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road. In this winning effort, two offensive playmakers outshone the rest. Throughout this preseason, NFL fans have witnessed the ability of Colts rookie wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell and rookie quarterback, Jason Bean. Both of these playmakers were on full display on Thursday and with their performances, they might have even propelled their NFL futures.
Two Rookies Who Made a Statement During the Colts Final Preseason Game
Adonai Mitchell
It is expected that rookie wide receiver, Adonai Mitchell will make the Colts’ 53-man roster. However, the capacity in which he will play still remains to be seen. Thursday’s final preseason game was the rookie’s best performance so far as a Colt. Mitchell played a little over one quarter of football and within that, he finished with two receptions on four targets for 18 yards and one touchdown. That touchdown was Mitchell’s first of the preseason and it came on a nice crossing route that showcased his speed. Mitchell could’ve finished the night with at least three receptions. However, Anthony Richardson missed him wide open over the middle for a big gain on third down throw.
Needless to say, Mitchell could make the case as being one of the biggest steals in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was drafted in the second round and was the 11th receiver picked. Throughout this preseason, Mitchell has also shown, as a rookie, that he can be the playmaker the Colts need him to be for this offense. The league knows how explosive Anthony Richardson is. Therefore, coupling his young talent with more young talent like Mitchell could blossom into a dynamic duo.
Jason Bean
One of the more under-the-radar playmakers for the Colts this preseason is rookie quarterback, Jason Bean. He is a dual-threat quarterback from Kansas University and went undrafted this year. So far through the preseason, Bean is making an extremely strong case to be the Colts’ third-string quarterback. Right now, the battle for that spot is with Sam Ehlinger who always plays well in the preseason. That being said, though, Bean has shown that whatever Ehlinger can, he can also do.
On Thursday, Bean finished 4/4 for 52 yards, did not take a sack, and finished with a 118.8 passer rating. He also had three rushes for 15 yards and one touchdown. This all came on one drive and was the only drive that Bean had on the day. During his touchdown scramble, he was tackled awkwardly while trying to dive into the end-zone and subsequently went into the medical tent and did not return to the game. It was reported that he injured his shoulder on the play, but it was not serious. Based on the lack of reports to the contrary, it is believed that Bean will not miss any time.
Jason Bean’s strength is with his legs in the pocket and outside the pocket. In three seasons at Kansas, he accumulated over 900 yards rushing. In the passing game, though, he still needs to develop, but there is no question that he has the skillset to be a solid backup in this league. He could even become a solid starting quarterback with more reps. The Colts will have a tough decision to make on where they want to go with their third quarterback. If Thursday showed anything it was that Ehlinger’s spot on this roster could be in jeopardy.
Main Image: atie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
