Colts Post-game Grades: Preseason Game One

The Colts had their first preseason game of the year last night. Who stood out and who crumbled under the pressure of playing in a game for the first time?

The Colts played pretty well overall in their first game since the end of December. Granted it was the first preseason game, but some aspects of the team look like a well oiled machine. Other aspects though looked like they needed a lot of work. First, how did the offense do?

This grade is mainly for the first team offense, which really got an A. They looked in rhythm and scored on both possessions they were out there. Andrew Luck looked great in his first game action in over a year. The offensive line looked good except for the two backup tackles who were in the game because of injuries to the starters.

The rest of the offense had some issues. Jacoby Brissett could never get into a rhythm because Joe Haeg and Braden Smith kept getting beat along the offensive line. The running game never quite got going either. Also fourth string quarterback Brad Kayaa fumbled the ball three straight snaps and had the last one go over his head into the endzone to be recovered by Seattle for a touchdown. Philip Walker had some good looking throws though, and had the Colts’ only touchdown pass.

Unlike the offense, this grade is mainly for the backups. The backups were the only ones who could consistently get pressure on the quarterback. John Simon and Hassan Ridgeway both came up with sacks and both looked good in the pass rush, and Nate Hairston came up with a key interception in the endzone.

Unfortunately the first team defense did not look good. Russell Wilson picked them apart en route to score a touchdown on their opening drive. No one came close to getting any pressure on Wilson, which allowed him plenty of time to find the open man. The secondary had issues covering as well.

The special teams were the Colts’ best unit last night. Adam Vinatieri made three field goals, including a 51 yarder, and Michael Badgely added one too. Rigoberto Sanchez punted the ball well too. The great field goal kicking is a prime reason why the Colts won the game.

Look back this afternoon for some individual grades for players on the first team offense and defense to see how individually players looked.