The Indianapolis Colts preseason opener with the New England Patriots finished in a tie. Coming out of that game, there were both positive developments that took place and some questions that still linger.
Let’s take a look at three of the big unknowns heading into Week 2 of the preseason.
Is the Colts’ pass rush depth good enough?
This has been one of the big questions facing the Colts all offseason, and we still don’t have a clear answer. What we do know is that Arden Key is likely to start opposite of Laiatu Latu. He did not play in the preseason opener.
Jaylahn Tuimoloau and Micheal Clemons, who are next on the depth chart, had quiet games against New England’s backup offensive line. The two were on the field for 46 pass rush snaps and generated one total pressure.
Rookie Caden Curry, meanwhile, had an excellent game and should get more looks in practice to see if he can give the rotation a boost.
Is the cornerback depth more of a question than anticipated?
The Colts’ cornerback depth took some lumps in the joint practice with the Patriots, and that then carried over into the game. Johnathan Edwards was targeted seven times, allowing four completions for 75 yards with a touchdown. Mekhi Blackmon was penalized twice and allowed two receptions on three targets for 24 yards.
Cam Taylor-Britt is likely the fourth cornerback option, able to play inside and out, and he wasn’t targeted over 13 coverage snaps.
Where does the backup quarterback competition stand?
Before the preseason game, Shane Steichen said on a few occasions that the backup competition was close — calling the battle “back-and-forth” recently. Presumably that is where things still stand.
That said, if Riley Leonard entered the preseason game with a slight advantage, that may have been erased following Richardson’s performance. Both players responded with strong red zone sessions in Saturday’s practice. Leonard will get the start later this week against Atlanta.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 3 questions facing Colts entering Week 2 of preseason
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
