Three takeaways from second Colts preseason matchup

After a successful week of joint practices with the Chicago Bears, the Colts found themselves resting nearly all of their expected starters in the second week of the preseason. Though fans will likely have to wait until Thursday’s tilt against the Eagles to get another look at Anthony Richardson & Co., Saturday’s contest offered plenty of takeaways. 

Second-team offensive line woes

Though the starting offensive line has looked solid throughout training camp and preseason after a down year in 2022-23, depth is clearly a cause for concern. The second-team o-line, bookended by Blake Freeland and Arlington Hambright, was largely ineffective throughout the first half. Given their poor performance last week as well, this elevates the need for worry about the unit.

Dynamic defensive duo

Nick Cross and Grant Stuard each continued stellar preseasons with great performances in the first half Saturday night. Cross was a lockdown defender in the defensive backfield, a position where the Colts needed to show improvement. Meanwhile, Stuard has gotten looks as a second-string linebacker and has consistently been the best player on the field, always in the right spot to make plays. He displayed excellent strength and speed, and seems to have earned a spot in the linebacker rotation in Indianapolis.