After seemingly dominating the Atlanta Falcons in joint practices earlier in the week, the Indianapolis Colts looked sluggish and uncoordinated in their second preseason challenge. Kevin Stefanski's new-look Falcons torched them 34-6 in a battle of the backups.
While this is just the preseason, and it's definitely the right time to make mistakes and figure out what works and what doesn't, it wasn't a pretty watch. With a few exceptions, most of the roster bubble guys showed why they shouldn't make the cut.
Whether it was because they didn't live up to the expectations, they failed to gain an edge in their position battle, or simply because they didn't play well, these are the four players who disappointed the most in Week 2 of the preseason.
4 Indianapolis Colts players who didn't do themselves any favors vs. the Falcons
Jaylahn Tuimoloau
Again, this is just the preseason, but it's starting to look like it's just never going to happen for Jaylahn Tuimoloau. He was a non-factor as a rookie stuck in a veteran-heavy rotation, but he hasn't done much with his opportunities since.
He hasn't separated himself in the competition with Arden Key in training camp, and this was his second consecutive preseason dud. He's getting stuffed by backup offensive tackles and hasn't added anything to his repertoire. Once considered a first-round-caliber talent, he's the team's most disappointing youngster of the past couple of years.
Blake Grupe
The Colts' kicker competition has been one for the ages. Unfortunately, that also means there's absolutely no margin for error, and Blake Grupe may have sealed his fate in the home loss after also missing a 61-yarder in Week 1 vs. the New England Patriots.
Grupe missed a routine 36-yarder in Week 2, all while Spencer Shrader connected on both of his field goal attempts. Through two preseason games, Srhader is 4-for-4, while Grupe has missed both of his tries. He might get a pass for a 60-yarder, but there's no excuse for Saturday's miscue.
Riley Leonard
The only thing that might help Riley Leonard is that Anthony Richardson hasn't done much to secure the QB2 job, either. After two games, the only thing that's clear is that this team would be in a huge amount of trouble if something were to happen to Daniel Jones — nothing new.
Leonard got the start but failed to impress against a backup defense. He completed seven of his 4 attempts for 62 yards with no scores or picks, adding a two-yard scramble. He didn't seem to be in control of the offense, and he lacks the otherworldly athleticism and dual-threat ability that Richardson provides.
C.J. Allen
This might be a bit unfair because he missed key reps in training camp with an injury, but it still had to be said. C.J. Allen struggled mightily in this one, with a missed block even leading to a big gain and a rushing touchdown.
So far, he's looked hesitant and one step slower than he was in college. He's second-guessing every move, and he's getting beaten more often than not. The athleticism is there, but in a much-improved linebacker corps, he might be in for a bit more competition than he initially anticipated. He should be fine in the long run, but this was an ugly watch.
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