The Colts opened the 2018 preseason schedule with a visit to Century Link Field in Seattle last Thursday night to play the Seahawks. The whole sports world was focused on #12 of the Colts to see if he is really back and ready to play. While he showed a bit of rust, he generally looked ready to go as he led the first two offensive drives as the team scored a field gold on each. Overall Luck completed 6 passes on 9 attempts for 64 yards. The offensive line tried a number of different sets and several backfield combinations. Veteran running back Robert Turbin led the team in rushing with 27 yards on 6 carries. In the third quarter reserve quarterback Phillip Walker found back up tight end Darrell Daniels for the Colts’ only touchdown. Preseason is about looking at players trying to make the squad.
In the fourth quarter Colts safety Shamarko Thomas made a bit of NFL history by becoming the first player to be ejected from a game for violating the new helmet to helmet hit rule. Thomas was pretty flagrant in hitting Seattle wideout David Moore head to head. The Colts released Thomas on Saturday.
On the downside the Colts lost promising wide receiver Deon Cain for the year with a torn ACL. Cain had impressed everyone with his ability in camp. Anthony Castonzo didn’t make the trip because of a pulled calf muscle.
The Colts won 19-17 but in preseason, wins don’t mean a great deal. The Colts meet the Baltimore Ravens Monday Night (August 20) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Lucas Oil Stadium Gets a Top 10 Rating
Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Colts and the Indy 11, was named the 10 best NFL Stadiums in the National Football League according to Athlon Sports Magazine. The fieldhouse look and mega retractile roof get high marks in design and the concourse is the best among all 32 teams. It’s accessibility to the downtown hotels and restaurants is one of the big reasons why the NFL Combine keeps coming back here every year.
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