Colts vs. Browns: Offense grades

The Colts fell to the Browns in their second preseason game 21-18. Here are how the offensive grades look a day after their game.

The Colts’ first team offense needed to look better than they did against the Bills in their first preseason game. In that game, they looked lost and couldn’t move the ball. They did look generally better against the Browns yesterday. Here’s how each unit graded out.

This was a much better performance for the Colts’ quarterbacks. Jacoby Brissett looked very sharp, going 8-10 for 100 yards and a great touchdown throw. Phillip Walker threw for over 100 yards, as did Chad Kelly. The team as a whole threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Good work by these guys.

The running backs continue to struggle in the preseason, although not all of it is their fault. But the entire stable still only had 73 yards on 21 carries for a paltry 3.5 YPC. They have to do better. Marlon Mack was ineffective yet again with only 6 carries for 10 yards. But most of that wasn’t his fault.

Running the ball ineffectively ultimately comes down to the offensive line and their run blocking. They were awful at that, especially the first team offensive line. Everyone played except for Quenton Nelson, so there isn’t really an excuse. The unit as a whole also allowed two sacks.

The sack total could have been much higher if not for great footwork by the quarterbacks, Brissett specifically. This is the biggest mystery of camp and the preseason. The offensive line simply should not be this bad. Something needs to change very quickly.

Eric Ebron and Ross Travis both scored in this game. Ebron had a great catch off of a bullet thrown by Brissett. Travis scored in his first real action since tearing his ACL in the preseason last year. Hale Hengtes had a big game too, catching 4 balls for 34 yards. Good day for this group.

The receivers largely had a good day, led by Deon Cain who caught 7 passes for 80 yards. Devin Funchess and Krishawn Hogan looked good as well. Zach Pascal did not, dropping both of his targets. Marcus Johnson also had a drop.

The Colts are only going to keep 6 receivers, with T.Y. Hilton, Funchess, Parris Campbell, Cain, and Chester Rogers (because of special teams)locked in. Everyone else is fighting for one spot. Drops aren’t going to cut it.

Hopefully this unit continues to show improvement through the rest of the preseason, especially the offensive line.