Colts vs. Vikings – Preseason Game 1 Preview

The preseason kicks off tonight in Indy as the Minnesota Vikings come to town for a little Friday night football.  It’s exciting that football is finally back, but in all honesty, this game is about as meaningless as they come.  The preseason overall is meaningless in many ways, but the first game is usually the least exciting of them all.  The starters will barely play, there are a bunch of no names on the field and many times it’s pretty sloppy football.

No matter how pointless the preseason is there are some benefits.  Injured players get a chance to shake off some rust, fans get a chance to see new draft picks and lesser known players do get a chance to showcase their talent.   Which may very well be the case tonight for the Colts.  At least 10 players will be sitting out the action tonight, including wide reciever Anthony Gonzalez, back up quarterback Jim Sorgi, and tight ends Dallas Clark, Jacob Tamme, and Tom Santi.  I don’t care about Clark or Gonzo sitting out, but would have liked to see the young tight ends, Tamme and Santi, get some work in.

With all the players missing the game, there are still some things to watch for:

– How quarterback Curtis Painter does in his first NFL action

– What Lance Ball and Chad Simpson are able to do at running back

– Glimpses of Larry Coyer’s new defensive scheme

– Austin Collie in the slot

Ok, have to cut this short !!  … just got a call from the wife … and well off to see the mother-in-law !!

If you’re off to the game tonight, have fun and always GO COLTS !!!