Last Saturday night (August 21st) the Colts were in Bloomington Minnesota to take on the Vikings. What made this game noteworthy was that quarterback Sam Ehlinger lead the first team and showed what he could do. The Texan has shown a strong arm and mobility but has made some questionable decisions and has not always protected the ball. And so it went for most of the first half. Jordan Wilkins got most of the ball toting duties and Dezmon Patmon emerged as a favorite target of all the passers. Braden Smith was back in the starting lineup at right tackle. The Horseshoe may be showcasing Wilkins as possible trade bait before the regular season begins.
The team’s exchanged field goals and late in the first quarter Ehlinger threw an ill-advised pass that was tipped by a Viking defensive lineman into the hands of a defensive back who turned it into a pick six. It was 10-3 and the Vikes seemed to have the momentum. Later in the second quarter with less than 3 minutes to go Ehlinger drove the team to the red zone and seemed ready to score when he tossed a poorly thrown ball into the hands of a Vike DB who was waiting in the end zone. That was it for game. He didn’t return to the field for the rest of the show.
Jacob Eason was under center and played smoothly. He threw short passes, took what the Viking defensive gave him and managed the Colts’ offense capably. He ate up the clock and added three more field goals to the score. It wasn’t a lot but it was enough. More importantly, he established himself as the number one guy until Carson Wentz gets back.
In reality, however, it was the Colts’ defense that won the game. They put up a solid pass rush all night long. The team’s number one draft pick Kwity Paye scored his first pro quarterback sack in the second quarter. Safety Khari Willis was all over the place making plays. No offensive touchdowns were scored by either team. It was a big night for defensive football. The final score was 12-10 the Colts.
At Monday practice who should appear — non other than Carson Wentz and Quenton Nelson. Both are recovering from foot surgery that supposedly had a nine week time frame. Wentz claims that he fully expects to be in the starting lineup for that first regular season game against the Jags. We’ll see.
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