Indianapolis Colts’ Practice Number Eight Starts With the Kickers
The kicking competition is heating up at practice number eight for the Indianapolis Colts. In frustrating fashion Rodrigo Blankenship went 2-of-4 hitting from 32 and 48 yards, while missing from 42, and 55 yards. His competition Jake Verity took an edge in the battle hitting 3- of-4 only missing slightly right from 55. Looking at today the team still needs to find a kicker with consistency from long range, as field goals continue to be incredibly important in the NFL.
The Offense Brings It Early in Monday’s Training Camp Practice
The offense started off on a better foot today, rather than Sunday’s struggles. Alec Pierce made a great catch over Brandon Facyson on the first 1-on-1 rep.
Ashton Dulin continues to solidify himself as the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart. He has had a great camp and started his day off with a big catch on a quick comeback, beating Dallis Flowers. Dulin is showing a confidence that has been slowly growing since 2019, this confidence allows him to display more of his full potential.
The go to deep ball target for Matt Ryan in this training camp has been Nyheim Hines. Hines absolutely cooked his man in solo reps for an over the top touchdown ball. If Hines can help take the top off of opposing defenses, he then takes some pressure off of the other wideouts, Jonathan Taylor and himself in the running game.
Michael Pittman Jr. is still a solid player who continues to get his own during all phases of practice. He leads this core with vocal leadership and with his play. Ryan and Pittman Jr. have found a connection that will continue to grow throughout the season, just another reason for MPJ to raise himself to another level.
Indianapolis Colts Defense Came Alive in Full Scrimmage
The offense had the edge in 1-on-1s and 7-on-7s. They came out with some fire after their slow performance. The athletes with tough mentalities on the defense would not let this last. Julian Blackmon got the action started with a training camp first.
If Blackmon can bring a new level of productivity, the Colts defense has the chance to put themselves in the top tier of NFL defenses. The battle continued between the two sides of the ball, and came to it’s finale during the RedZone portion of practice.
The offense was only able to convert on one of their attempts. Brandon Facyson laid a hit hard enough on Alec Pierce to jar the ball loose on a would be touchdown. Then DeForest Buckner tipped a pass from Ryan almost resulting in another interception. The defense caused another drop from MPJ. The only bright spot for the offense was Keke Coutee’s great one-handed catch in the back of the endzone. Coutee continues to fight for a spot in the wide receiver room.
Injury Update
Parris Campbell did not practice in team drills due to hamstring tightness. He did participate in individual training. Colts fans may freak out, rightly so, but this is just a precaution. There is no reason to push Campbell.
Curtis Brooks was poked in the eye and missed Monday’s practice.
Other Colts who did not practice were Byron Cowart, DeMichael Harris, Dennis Kelly, D’Vonte Price, Will Redmond, Forrest Rhyne, Jason Spriggs, Armani Watts, and Chris Williams.
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