The Indianapolis Colts finally took the field for the first dress rehearsal of the preseason, logging an anti-climactic 13-13 tie with the New England Patriots after going through the full Anthony Richardson experience in the first half.
While most things have to be taken with a spoonful of salt in the preseason, some young players may have helped their chances of taking the field early and often when it actually counts. Conversely, others didn't do themselves many favors.
That was especially the case with the pass-rushers. While Jaylahn Tuimoloau had a rather unimpressive performance after showing promise in joint practices, rookie Caden Curry looked like someone who could make an impact right away.
Indianapolis Colts pass rushers are trending in opposite directions
Tuimoloau entered the game carrying some momentum after beating rookie OT Caleb Lomu a couple of times in joint practices. Instead, he got moved around by the Patriots' backup linemen and registered a single tackle.
Caden Curry, on the other hand, was probably the defense's second most active player after Bryce Boettcher.
The sixth-round rookie led the third-team defense and showcased his pass-rushing moves with six tackles (three solo), three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, two passes defensed, and one sack. It was a dream-like debut for someone who looked more like a developmental selection.
While that doesn't necessarily mean he'll start opposite Laiatu Latu in Week 1, he might have closed the gap between him and his fellow Buckeye. Tuimoloau, conversely, will most definitely lose ground to Arden Key if he doesn't get his act together in the next couple of weeks.
On a side note, fellow rookie pass rusher George Gumbs Jr. also showed signs of promise on his first taste of NFL action. A WR turned TE turned DE, he was one of the biggest question marks in this year's class, but the otherworldly athleticism clearly helps the game come naturally to him.
He's turned heads in training camp and had a sack in his debut, and while he won't play much in the regular season, perhaps it won't be a red-shirt campaign for him after all.
The Colts entered this offseason with major needs in the pass-rushing department, and while they made several moves to address it, they didn't bring in any big-name players. That might be because of their belief in Tuimoloau, and if that's the case, he's got plenty of catching up to do.
Again, the preseason is meaningless until it's not. Winning or losing here is irrelevant to the equation, and this is the time to make mistakes. That said, Tuimoloau was supposed to dominate against lesser competition after a strong camp, and he looked like more of the same from his rookie season.
Will Curry climb the pecking order and get more run with the second defense next week? We'll have to tune in.
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