Steichen names starter: Offensive Camp Notes
Thursday's Colts practice was the last before the team travels to Buffalo to take on the Bills for their preseason opener. The team was not in pads and only practiced for an hour, but still, this practice answered more questions than any practice in training camp so far. Offensive Takeaways: Josh Downs’ route running ? […]
Thursday's Colts practice was the last before the team travels to Buffalo to take on the Bills for their preseason opener.
The team was not in pads and only practiced for an hour, but still, this practice answered more questions than any practice in training camp so far.
Offensive Takeaways:
Josh Downs’ route running ?
Colts’ 3rd-round rookie Josh Downs worked with the 1st and 2nd teams Thursday. In a room filled with big bodies, you’d think Downs gets lost in the fold, but that’s not been the case. Downs speed pops as a returner and a receiver. But you can already tell his maturity as a route runner will be his calling card in this league.
Downs' ability to change direction is simply special. He put this on display Thursday with multiple stop-and-go routes. One that comes to mind came off a slant from Garnder Minshew, where Downs stopped on a dime after the catch and turned upfield for a big play after the run.
I think Downs could have plenty of year one impact in this offense as a target who will excel underneath for his QB. Look to him to have multiple 3rd down receptions this season, and be a security blanket for the Colts.
Blake Freeland gets his first 1st team snaps
The first shake-up to the Colts’ starting offensive line occurred Thursday as RT Braden Smith missed practice due to a knee injury, which resulted in rookie Blake Freeland getting his first 1st team snaps for the day.
The Colts drafted Freeland during the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of BYU. During Thursday's practice, Freeland showed great poise in the run game, using his size to his advantage. He did struggle in the passing game, as defenders were able to get him off-balanced throughout practice.
With Smith missing today's practice, it's plausible that Freeland will get to run with the starter during Saturday's preseason opener in Buffalo. It will be interesting to see how Freeland holds his own against the Bills pass rush.
Anthony Richardson named the preseason starter
The long-awaited quarterback starter has been announced for the Colts as rookie Anthony Richardson will be the starter for the team's preseason opener Saturday.
Richardson is coming off an up-and-down practice as he struggled with accuracy Thursday. He would airmail multiple throws on the day but showed off his ability to maneuver through the pocket with his legs and find throwing windows.
All eye's will be on Richardson Saturday as he suits up for his first NFL game, and he will be doing so as the starter. When I asked him after practice what element of his game he is focusing on for Saturday, he said, "Constiencey, I know I can run; I know I can pass. Whatever coach calls, making sure I'm doing my job the right way."
The next time we see the Colts in action will be this Saturday when their preseason opener gets kicked off in Buffalo at 1 pm eastern standard time.
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