The Colts took on the 49ers in their 3rd preseason game and came away with a 23-17 win. Andrew Luck was 8 of 10 for 90 yards and his first touchdown pass of the season —a 15 yarder to tight end Erick Ebron. Ebron looks to be a solid addition to the offense. Luck injured his foot on a 15 yard scramble and is not practicing this week but should be ready for the Bengals game Thursday night. Jacoby Brissett and Phillip Walker both performed solidly in relief.
The offensive line is still a big problem. Anthony Castonzo is still out and Le’ Raven Clark has shown that he is not the answer. Austin Howard, acquired in the off season, was pulled after 3 plays at right tackle. Denzelle Good has a leg injury. The interior line has not come together yet. They can’t protect Luck nor can they open holes for the running backs.
Running back is another problem area. Marlon Mack has an injured hamstring and Robert Turbin faces a 4 game suspension. No one else has shown any big play potential. Part of that is the line, however.
The wide receivers are a mediocre group without T.Y. Hilton. Ryan Grant has been a disappointment. Chester Rogers is the best of the group but his slight build keeps him from overpowering cornerbacks. The rest of the receivers are forgettable.
Defensively the Colts have shown improvement in the pass rush. Third year tackle Hassan Ridgeway has 4 sacks, dependable John Simon had 2 and a half, and recently acquired defensive end Ryan Delaire has 2.
Cornerback is now the major defensive problem area. Last year’s second round pick Quincy Wilson has under performed and is listed 4th on the depth chart. The current starters are Pierre Desir and Kenny Moore II. Safety is a bit better.
If there is a strong area is special teams with the NFL’s oldest active player Adam Vinatieri kicking and second year man Rigoberto Sanchez punting. Both are first rate. Rookie Nyheim Hines returns kicks but has had fumbling problems.
The team has to get the roster down to 53 players after the final preseason game with the Bengals to start the season. They have over 90 players on the roster so cutting down will be a great deal of work. The Colts open against the Bengals again a week later so I do not look for a very exciting game from either team.
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