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NFL Preseason Week 1 Game Recap: Buffalo Bills 23, Indianapolis Colts 19 | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF
In their first preseason matchup, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 23-19. It was the first chance to see Colts No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson, as well as plenty of first- and second-year players trying to solidify roster spots.
Offensive spotlight: Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir was the highest-graded player on offense from either team, earning an initial 90.4 overall grade with an 87.5 receiving grade — all pending review. He finished the game with two catches on four targets for 25 yards, with one being an explosive play that was also a catch in traffic. But he did have a frustrating drop later in the game, which was emblematic of some highs and lows for him thus far in training camp.
Bills running back James Cook also looked promising. He finished the day with 20 yards on four carries and a touchdown. He forced one missed tackle with seven yards after contact and an unofficial 69.9 rushing grade.
Defensive spotlight: Damar Hamlin suited up for his first game since suffering cardiac arrest late last season in a game against the Bengals. He came up with a few key tackles, including a fourth-down stop that ended a Colts drive. In total, Hamlin played 15 snaps and made three tackles, earning an initial 73.4 overall grade with an initial 72.4 grade in run defense. Hamlin looked comfortable and confident — which is good on its own, and incredible given the circumstances.
Rookie spotlight: It wasn’t a perfect first outing from Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson — he was intercepted on his third pass of the game – but there was plenty to like, including this dime of a throw to Alec Pierce.
Anthony Richardson had a DIME that was dropped ???? pic.twitter.com/Kmv9Ld2YWC
— PFF (@PFF) August 12, 2023
Richardson went 7-for-12 with 67 passing yards while adding seven rushing yards on just two carries. He finished the day with an 80.4 overall grade and a 75.0 passing grade — both pending final reviews — on 23 snaps.
Offensive line spotlight: It was a nice performance from Colts offensive lineman Bernhard Raimann, who started to hit his stride down the stretch of his rookie season in 2022. He played 27 snaps, all at left tackle, earning an unofficial 67.2 overall grade but an 82.3 pass-blocking grade. Raimann didn’t give up a single sack or pressure on the day.