WESTFIELD – The preseason has changed.
For years, the opening match of the pre-season was little more than a friendly, a chance for young players and substitutes to gain an advantage in the fight for a place in the squad while the team’s key players remained on the bench to avoid injury.
Then the NFL took a preseason game out of the rotation and changed the schedule, while the league’s coaching staffs increasingly prioritized joint practices. Under the leadership of Shane SteichenThe Colts have held joint training sessions with two of their three opponents in the preseason, giving the coaches the opportunity to individually adapt the situation for their core players while minimizing the risk of injury.
The start of the season was the exception.
When the Colts host Denver at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m., it will be Indianapolis’ first opportunity to test its roster against another NFL team. And while Steichen has not announced any plans regarding playing time, he hinted Wednesday that the team’s core players will be used.
“Possibly, yes,” said Steichen.
Indianapolis will likely be without some stars for Sunday’s game, so with that in mind, here’s an educated guess on what to look for in the Colts’ game against the Broncos.
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Anthony Richardson throws, not Anthony Richardson runs
Apparently.
For the first time since that fateful game against the Titans, the player the Colts hope will develop into the face of the franchise would take the field.
Richardson seemed to have a much better command of the offense in training camp, completing 59 of 93 passes (63.4%) in 11-on-11 drills, according to IndyStar’s unofficial tally, although an offense that has experienced periods of inconsistency at Grand Park may be without its two most reliable receivers, Josh Downs (high ankle sprain) and Michael Pittman Jr. (the type of player Indianapolis might limit) for most of the day.
One thing to remember: Once the regular season begins, Richardson’s mobility both on the ground and in the air will almost certainly be a central part of Indianapolis’ offense.
However, it’s highly unlikely that the Colts will offer any insight into their plans for Richardson’s legs against the Broncos. First of all, Indianapolis doesn’t want its starter to get injured, and just as importantly, one of Steichen’s strengths is finding weak spots on offense that are tailored to the defense Indianapolis is playing against.
Indianapolis has little reason to impose these wrinkles on one of its opponents now.
Laiatu Latin
The first defensive player drafted in April made a better-than-expected impression in training camp, causing problems for Indianapolis’ backfield on an almost daily basis with his combination of speed and remarkable agility.
Latu will get his first chance to confirm his camp performance against another NFL team on Sunday.
Rookie pass rushers often struggle with growing pains, but the Colts desperately need Latu as an ideal replacement for Samson Ebukamthe returning team leader in sacks, who will miss the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in the early days of training camp.
Denver is hosting an open competition for the starting quarterback job, with Jarrett Stidham going up against No. 12 overall draft pick Bo Nix of Oregon and former Jets passer Zach Wilson. Broncos head coach Sean Payton has not said who will start against the Colts, but the presence of three young quarterbacks suggests Latu will have chances to attack passers trying to move the ball down the field.
Free safety dance
The battle for the free safety position, the most important battle in the squad in the first week of training camp, remains completely open. Open enough that the Colts’ assistant general manager Ed Dodds attach great importance to the warm-up game on Sunday.
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“I think we need to get to the games,” Dodds said. “It’s not just about finding the best combination of two guys, but also which guy is free and which guy is strong, because each of those positions demands different things.”
Julian Blackmon will be one of the securities.
Blackmon, who is already coming off a successful year, was the secondary’s best playmaker throughout training camp and made convincing plays even after Indianapolis asked him to move back to the free safety position at times last week.
The other candidates offer a lot of uncertainty.
Prospect of a third year of study Nick Cross has every chance to earn a spot in the starting lineup, but questions remain about his ability to communicate and make big plays. Veteran Ronnie Harrison is no longer a full-time starter since 2021 and former starter Rodney Thomas II was inconsistent in training camp.
Consistent safety play is critical in a zone-heavy system, and the remaining available veterans were signed or poached by other teams this week. Indianapolis has a month to find answers.
Rookie receiver
Adonai Mitchellthe team’s second-round pick, is still battling with the third-year receiver Alec Pierce for a role in Indianapolis’ offense this season.
Mitchell was inconsistent in training camp, with the few big plays he made including drops and an inability to win jump ball battles. But the preseason is an opportunity to make a lasting impression.
Fifth-round pick Anthony Gould should be a player to watch in the Colts’ first live test of the NFL’s new kickoff rules, an electrifying open-field runner that Indianapolis drafted for his return skills.
The Colts will also take a closer look at Gould’s abilities as a receiver after Indianapolis was forced to sit out downs indefinitely on Wednesday due to an ankle sprain sustained by a careless tackle by Cross.
Gould’s downfield speed has been evident on the practice fields, but his ability to handle the short, accurate option throws that are the bread and butter of Downs’ game is still questionable.
The Sleepers
Whenever Indianapolis’ starters leave the game, the battle for roster spots begins.
Every year there are a few surprise guests who end up playing a prominent role.
For example, Trey Sermon seems to be the clear favorite for the No. 2 position as running back behind Jonathan Taylorleave Evan Hull And Tyler Goodson to compete for the role of pass catcher in Steichen’s offense, a role that didn’t make many headlines until the fatal call on fourth down against Houston in the season finale.
Ebukam’s injury – and Raekwon Davis‘s prolonged absence due to high blood pressure – has opened up some options on the defensive line. Indianapolis used a waiver claim to sign the former Florida A&M pass rusher Isaiah’s Land at the cutdown date last season, and Land has flashed his potential in training camp, making him a candidate for the roster spot vacated by Ebukam’s injury. Davis’ absence has opened the door for a three-way battle between Adetomiwa Adebawore, Taven Bryan And Eric Johnson at defensive tackle.
And if anyone is looking for a reason to watch the last quarters: The undrafted free agent quarterback Jason Bean has little chance of making the squad, but his impressive speed makes Bean a candidate for the final phase where he can shine – provided he is given enough time to shine.
