On a quiet Saturday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indianapolis Colts misplaced a nail-biter of a preseason sport in opposition to the Detroit Lions.
Regardless of each groups not taking part in most of their starters, followers in attendance had been in a position to catch a superb back-and-forth sport that got here all the way down to a failed two-point conversion by the Colts.
We shouldn’t learn an excessive amount of into what occurred when it comes to the result, however listed here are 5 takeaways from the second preseason sport:
1
Notable starters that performed
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There have been a handful of starters that taking part in within the first half for the Colts. Only one from the defensive aspect of the ball. Rookie Nick Cross did find yourself getting some helpful taking part in time. The third-round rookie security continued to flash his skills as a security. His finest play got here when he compelled a contested catch scenario which helped drive the Lions to accept a subject purpose.
On the offensive aspect of the ball, Indianapolis nonetheless had extensive receiver Alec Pierce, extensive receiver Parris Campbell, left sort out Matt Pryor, and guard Danny Pinter log in some snaps. Pinter did get the beginning at middle over his proper guard spot. The teaching workers clearly views Pinter because the backup middle if something had been to occur to Ryan Kelly.
There wasn’t a lot motion for Pierce and Campbell. Pierce did get one catch and made a formidable effort to work by means of a sort out to get the primary down in a third-down scenario.
2
Tyquan Lewis is again!
Accidents could be such a detriment to a participant’s profession. Sadly, Lewis has handled various them all through his profession. Final season got here to an finish for him when he tore his patellar tendon which got here when he was taking part in a few of his finest soccer. He made his official return in opposition to the Lions and he seemed like he hasn’t misplaced a step since his harm.
His greatest play got here on a third-down when he made an incredible learn and blew up a display screen play. Lewis goes to be the primary participant within the defensive entrance rotation and he seems like he’s able to get his profession again on monitor with a robust 2022 season.
3
Huge days for Dezmon Patmon and Mike Strachan
The competitors for the ultimate spots within the extensive receiver room heated up in opposition to Detroit. After having a quiet begin to his preseason, Dezmon Patmon received the fireworks going with some explosive performs. He completed with 5 catches for 103 yards and a landing on six targets. His rating got here on a 50-yard reception. The third-year receiver wanted this efficiency right this moment and he capitalized on the chance.
After coming off the PUP checklist, Mike Strachan was fast to make his presence identified. The promising receiver was in a position to showcase his skills to assist regain any misplaced momentum when he was out along with his harm. He received all his manufacturing on his first drive. He caught three balls for 45 yards and a landing. He confirmed off an incredible launch on his route for the rating.
The pair of receivers nonetheless have every week left to earn their spot on the ultimate 53-man roster and their efficiency in opposition to the Lions helped each of their instances.
4
Will there be three quarterbacks on the ultimate roster?
Chris Ballard goes to have an fascinating choice to make when he places collectively the ultimate 53-man roster. Relying on a staff’s quarterback scenario, there isn’t a significant want to hold a 3rd quarterback. The considered having Matt Ryan and Nick Foles within the quarterback room would make one assume that it wouldn’t make a lot sense to maintain three quarterbacks on the roster. Particularly when the entrance workplace might want depth in place teams just like the receiver and the defensive entrance.
However Sam Ehlinger is placing collectively a superb preseason and has proven some growth as a passer during the last couple of weeks. Towards Detroit, he went 9/11 for 136 yards and two touchdowns. In each preseason video games, he’s 19/22 for 224 yards and 4 touchdowns. The entrance workplace was an enormous fan of the child once they chosen him and if he caps off his preseason with one other strong efficiency then he can solidify his spot on this staff.
5
Rush protection was atrocious
It’s vital to remind your self that that is the preseason and the way groups look now doubtless gained’t be the identical in a number of weeks. But when this sport was any indication, the Colts’ backups have some work to do to enhance in opposition to the run. The Lions averaged 5.3 dashing yards per try. There have been various missed tackles and the operating backs had extensive dashing lanes all through the sport.
It ought to be famous that it sounded prefer it wasn’t simply the backups that struggled in opposition to Detroit’s operating sport this week.
There’s no purpose to overreact to 1 week of soccer in August however the rush protection can be one thing to control when the season opens on Sept. 11.