The Indianapolis Colts took on the New England Patriots in preseason Week 1, and the game ended in a tie. The outcome didn't matter, though. What did matter was which players would take the opportunity to improve their roster standing.
While many position battles were not decided, some might have become more intriguing. The kicker battle is real, for instance, but more on that in a minute. The backup quarterback spot might be tilting a certain way, too.
Overall, the Colts started messier than the Pats, but improved as the first half wore on. The second half was mostly backups of backups trying to earn a roster spot. In the case of some Indy players, they might have done just that.
4 Indianapolis Colts winners who emerged and 2 concerning losers vs. Patriots
Turned heads: Quarterback Anthony Richardson
Richardson had a bit of a weird night. He got better as the first half went on (that was his half to play), but had a fumble when he held the ball too wide from his body. He also had an interception that wasn't his fault (Coleman Owen had the ball bounce off his hand), and didn't have another that likely would have been a pick on the last drive of the half.
Still, he was sharp with his throws against backups, and he was a force to bring down when he ran. If he can do that well against starters, who knows? He also thoroughly outplayed Riley Leonard, who threw an interception on his first drive under pressure and completed just 10 of 21 passes.
Disappointed: Edge rusher Jaylahn Tuimoloau
It is too soon to call Tuimoloau a bust. He is only entering his second season, but goodness, he looks awful. As a rookie, he had the excuse of being overwhelmed by the speed and power of the game. Tuimoloau should be acclimated now, though.
Even against backups he failed to produce. In training camp, he hasn't impressed. Partly because of him, the Indianapolis Colts' pass rush is a mess.
Turned heads: Kicker Spencer Shrader
Last year in limited time, Shrader struggled to make kicks beyond 50 yards, even in practice. He also has been behind Blake Grupe throughout camp, as Grupe has been far more accurate. Not against the New England Patriots, though.
Grupe missed a 61-yard field goal in the first half, his only field goal attempt of the night. In the second half, Shrader made both his kicks, including one from 61 yards. Maybe special teams coordinator Brian Mason was telling the truth: Maybe Indy truly does have a kicker battle happening.
Disappointed (but it wasn't his fault): Special teams coordinator Brian Mason
Speaking of Mason, he suffered an injury on the last play of the game. Yes, he is a coach on the sidelines, but when the play entered the Colts' sideline, Mason couldn't get out of the way and injured his knee.
After the game, head coach Shane Steichen said that Mason's knee would be evaluated to see the severity of the damage. The positive is that Mason isn't a player, so he likely won't miss any games. The negative is that it still isn't good when anyone gets hurt.
Turned heads: Running back Seth McGowan
McGowan might have only had 17 yards rushing (he really had 18, but more on that in a second), but he looked strong while also looking faster than expected. Jonathan Taylor and DJ Giddens didn't get carries, of course, but the team clearly has some trust in the rookie running back already.
As far as the one extra yard, McGowan scored a touchdown that was taken back. As he reached the ball toward the goal line, the ball was knocked out of his hands. Had the play been reviewed, which it would have been in the regular season, the replay would have shown he scored a touchdown.
Turned heads: Tight end Will Mallory
The Colts are still looking for a WR3, and no players emerged during the 13-13 tie with the New England Patriots. Mallory might have a receiving threat, however. He is already known as a solid blocker, but should Tyler Warren miss time, Mallory could help pick up some of the slack.
The veteran tight end had six catches for 80 yards with a long of 19. Was he playing against backups? Sure, but he flashed the ability to really help Indianapolis when the real games begin in 2026.
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