The Indianapolis Colts didn't have much to cheer about after their first preseason game. Taking on the Baltimore Ravens, the Colts made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson was almost immediately injured - so much for that comeback plan - and Daniel Jones continued to prove that the word "adequate" is the only adjective that could be used to describe him. It's hardly inspiring for a fanbase desperate for the team to finally find a franchise QB.
However, there aren't just problems at quarterback. Virtually every unit struggled against the Ravens, and considering both Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are looking at their last year in Indy, that is the last thing they wanted to see.
Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren keeps proving he's a legend in the making
Meanwhile, there are still questions about the overall roster, and injuries have piled up at a time when the Colts really can't afford them. Thankfully, this is just preseason; it's specifically made for this, so teams can see how their rosters are looking and make adjustments before the real games begin.
And for the Colts, it's not all bad news. In fact, even in the disaster of a game against the Ravens, there was one very, very bright spot.
Rookie tight end Tyler Warren didn't play for long, but he played long enough to let the NFL know that those Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) rumors are circulating for a good reason. He was one of the few winners in that Week 1 preseason game, proving that the hype surrounding him all summer was worth it.
In fact, Warren played so well that he was one of just four rookies in the entire league to be given an 'A' grade by NFL.com's Chad Reuter:
"The Colts showed confidence in their first-round tight end, throwing Warren a screen on the team's second offensive play (though it was negated by penalty). He caught a short pass over the middle on that drive, fought for a first down after a would-be tackler bounced off his thigh on his second catch, and then rumbled 23 yards down the middle on this third grab. Warren attacked his blocking duties in-line, keeping his hands and feet active while also holding his ground as a move blocker."Chad Reuter
The tight end unit has been a major position of need for the Colts for a very long time. Mo Alie-Cox is a reliable blocker, but overall, it's been miserable, with embarrassing stats making it clear what Indy's priority needed to be in the draft.
Tyler Warren was the coup that no one saw coming; it was expected that he would get snapped up long before the Colts were able to get their hands on him at No. 14, but all the stars aligned, and the Colts got exactly what they needed. During the Ravens game, some of his actions were reminiscent of Travis Kelce, just further proving that Warren is a star in the making.
While some hyped-up rookies end up being a bust, there is no indication that Warren will be one of them.