Colts and Cardinals Heat Up with Joint Practice Action: Key Takeaways from Wednesday’s Session
The Indianapolis Colts were back in action on the practice field Wednesday, kicking off their first of two high-energy joint practices with the Arizona Cardinals. With the second practice set for Thursday evening, fans and analysts alike were eager to see how these sessions would unfold.
Joint practices like these are known for their intensity, often mirroring the intensity of actual games more than a preseason match might. Both teams get the chance to test their starters against a fresh opponent, and coaches can dial up more complex plays, providing a valuable insight into their team's potential. Here’s a rundown of the five key takeaways from Wednesday’s practice.
Michael Pittman Shines Bright
Michael Pittman Jr. had a standout performance that left many buzzing. According to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan, Pittman “might have been the best player on the field” during Wednesday's practice. Nate Atkins of the Indy Star echoed this sentiment, noting that Pittman was "dominating" during one-on-one drills. To top off his impressive day, Pittman snagged a spectacular 35-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, capping off a thrilling six-play, 75-yard drive.
Head coach Shane Steichen couldn't have been more thrilled with Pittman’s performance. “It was awesome,” Steichen said after practice. “Pitt got around the cornerback, the safety was inside, and Richardson laid it perfectly in stride. It was a sight to behold.”
Anthony Richardson's Efficient Day
Anthony Richardson demonstrated impressive efficiency against the Cardinals' defense. Joel Erickson of the Indy Star highlighted that Richardson completed 6 of his 8 passes during the 11-on-11 period, including that crucial touchdown to Pittman. His accuracy didn’t stop there; he was nearly flawless in the 7-on-7 drills, hitting 11 of 12 passes.
Even with only 98 career dropbacks under his belt, Richardson’s year in Shane Steichen's offense has clearly paid off. As GM Chris Ballard noted, Richardson is surrounded by a talented team, which takes some of the pressure off him to carry the team single-handedly. “We liked all the stuff we saw, but he’s still got to prove it over time,” Ballard commented. “You can be a flash, but he’s got to prove it consistently. Luckily, he doesn’t have to carry us by himself.”
Evan Hull Steps Up with Trey Sermon Out
With Trey Sermon sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Evan Hull stepped up as the second running back. Shane Steichen didn’t provide an update on Sermon’s status post-practice, but Hull made the most of his opportunity. Erickson reported that Hull had several “solid gains,” showcasing his skills and possibly giving us a peek into the potential third back spot on the roster.
Sermon has been a solid No. 2 back for the Colts, but Hull’s performance on Wednesday might hint at a new dynamic in the backfield. With his pass-catching abilities, Hull could add a new layer to the Colts’ offensive strategy.
Pass Rush Dominates
The Colts’ pass rush made a statement during Wednesday’s practice. Nate Atkins highlighted the dominance of the defensive line, particularly noting DeForest Buckner and Laiatu Latu as standout performers. With the Colts investing heavily in their pass rush and questions lingering in the secondary, this group’s performance is critical for the team's success in 2024.
Despite finishing fifth in sacks last season, Buckner pointed out that the Colts still need to improve their pass rush consistency, as they ranked 22nd in pressure rate. The impressive showing on Wednesday suggests they are heading in the right direction.
Secondary Faces Challenges
While the pass rush shone, the secondary struggled to keep up. Atkins noted that the Colts’ defensive backs had a rough day, getting “annihilated” despite the strong pass rush. Quarterback Kyler Murray’s ability to extend plays and his efficiency when he did find time to throw exposed some weaknesses in the Colts’ secondary.
GM Chris Ballard is banking on the development of young secondary players to elevate their performance. However, as seen during the preseason opener, the margin for error is slim for this unit. Last season, the secondary’s inconsistent play led to poor ball production and too many big plays allowed.
In Summary
Wednesday’s practice was a showcase of highs and lows for the Colts. Michael Pittman’s stellar performance and Anthony Richardson’s efficient play were bright spots, while Evan Hull’s role in the backfield and the dominant pass rush offered promising developments. However, the struggles of the secondary highlight areas that need addressing before the regular season kicks off.
With one more joint practice against the Cardinals scheduled for Thursday, the Colts have another opportunity to refine their strategies and address the issues observed. Fans should stay tuned as the Colts continue to gear up for what promises to be an exciting season.
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