Recapping the Colts' preseason opener

The 2023 Colts took the field for the first time Saturday afternoon. and while the result wasn't what they wanted, the rust has officially been shaken off.  Due to the Colts' rotation between their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams, we will break down the stat production the same way.  1st team Stat Leaders:  Passing:Anthony Richardson: […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Grant Stuard (41) tackles Buffalo Bills wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (81) during the second half at Highmark Stadium.

The 2023 Colts took the field for the first time Saturday afternoon. and while the result wasn't what they wanted, the rust has officially been shaken off. 

Due to the Colts' rotation between their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams, we will break down the stat production the same way. 

1st team

Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium.

Stat Leaders: 

  • Passing:
    • Anthony Richardson: 7/12 (58%), 67 yards, 1 interception

  • Rushing:
    • Deon Jackson: 6 attempts, 35 yards, 5.8 yards per rush
    • Evan Hull: 7 attempts, 15 yards, 2.1 yards per rush
    • Anthony Richardson: 2 attempts, 7 rushes, 3.5 yards per rush
  • Receiving: 
    • Isaiah McKenzie: 3 receptions, 20 yards
    • Kylen Granson: 1 reception, 20 yards
    • Evan Hull: 2 receptions, 18 yards
  • Tackles:
    • Zaire Franklin: 2 total tackles, 1 solo tackle
    • Trevor Denbow: 1 solo tackle
    • Chris Lammons: 1 solo tackle
  • Sacks: 0
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Points Allowed: 7

Offense

Rookie QB Anthony Richardson got the start for the Colts, and he had his ups and downs throughout his debut. His first drive ended with an interception that looked like  miscommunication between him and WR Isaiah McKenzie. 

McKenzie would take full credit for the interception later during an interview where he shared that the miscommunication was on his end. 

A positive for the Colts, though, was that Richardson looked more comfortable after each drive. On his last, he was able to drive the team down the field for a should have been easy field goal, but kicker Matt Gay missed from 28 yards out. 

Before the missed field goal though, Richardson had a pretty deep ball attempt intended for WR Alec Pierce, who will get credited for the drop on the play. 

Defense:

The 1st team defense was on the field for the entire 1st quarter. During that time, they would give up 7 points. Which only came after the interception setting up a short field. 

The starting defense wasn't able to notch any sacks or interceptions. But it was nice to see Shaquille Leonard take the field for the Colts as well as the team hold the Bills to 0 points outside of the short field off the turnover. 

2nd team

Stat Leaders:

  • Passing:
    • Gardner Minshew: 6/6 (100%), 72 yards
  • Rushing: 
    • Jake Funk: 6 attempts, 10 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Receiving: 
    • Josh Downs: 2 receptions, 29 yards
    • Michael Strachan: 1 receptions 18 yards 
    • Pharoah Brown: 1 reception, 10 yards
  • Tackles: 
    • Segun Olubi: 4 total tackles
    • EJ Speed: 2 total tackles
    • Nick Cross: 2 total tackles, 1 solo tackles
  • Sacks: 0 
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Points Allowed: 3

Offense: 

The 2nd team offense was able to get the Colts on the board with a Jake Funk touchdown run. 

The story of this group though was how poor the play of the 2nd team offensive line performed. Rookies Blake Freeland and Emil Ekiyor struggled and hopefully will be able to use this film to improve going forward. 

Defense: 

The 2nd team defense was able to win the quarter as the Colts outscored the Bills 7-3. Still weren't able to get pressure on the QB here which will need to improve in season if Gus Bradley's philosophy of getting home with 4 is going to work. 

3rd team

Aug 12, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Segun Olubi (50) tackles Buffalo Bills running back Latavius Murray (28) running with the ball during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Stats: 

  • Passing:
    • Sam Ehlinger: 8/9 (89%), 72 yards
  • Rushing: 
    • Kenyan Drake: 5 rushes, 10 yards, 2.0 yards per rush
    • Sam Ehlinger: 2 rushes, 10 yards, 5.0 yards per rush
    • Jason Huntley: 2 rushes 6 yards, 3.0 yards per rush, 1 touchdown
  • Receiving: 
    • Malik Turner: 4 receptions, 48 yards
    • Amari Rodgers: 2 receptions, 17 yards
    • Breshad Perriman: 1 reception, 5 yards
  • Tackles: 
    • Grant Stuard: 9 total tackles, 4 solo tackles
    • Kevin Toliver: 5 total tackles
    • Cameron McGrone: 4 total tackles
  • Sacks: 3
    • Dayo Odeyingbo: 1 sack
    • Al-Quadin Muhammad: 1 sack
    • Khalid Kareem: 1 sack
  • Interceptions: 1
    • `Darius Rush: 1 interception

Offense: 

The 2nd half would belong entirely to the Colts' 3rd team. Sam Ehlinger would be under center, where he would lead one scoring drive. Like the 2nd team, the 3rd team's offensive line struggled mightily which handicapped them from being able to build many scoring opportunities. 

Defense: 

The Colts would allow multiple members of the 2nd team to continue their play with the 3rd team today and multiple were able to add highlight plays to their days. Dayo Odeyingbo and Al-Quadin Muhammad earned sacks in the 2nd half after playing with the 2nd team as well. And the play of the game came from rookie CB Darius Rush who returned his interception to the house off a tipped pass. 

The Colts will get extra looks at their next preseason opponent as the Chicago Bears will come to town for joint practices next week. Before the two face off at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 19th at 7 pm eastern standard time. 

Featured Image By: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

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