Saturday’s preseason finale provided a unique look for the Indianapolis Colts’ coaching and personnel staffs heading into Tuesday’s final round of roster cuts.
In seasons past, the third preseason game typically served as the “dress rehearsal” for the top offensive and defensive units as they hoped to get in a few final solid drives to build momentum heading into the start of the regular season. The fourth preseason game, meanwhile, served as a “final audition” for the rest of the roster—guys using four quarters to battle for the final few spots on the roster.
Now that the NFL has trimmed its preseason down to three games, though, Saturday’s finale at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers served as both a dress rehearsal and final audition for the Colts. Indy not only pulled away with a 27-10 victory, but the team checked several important boxes as it officially turns its attention to the 2022 regular season opener Sept. 11 on the road against the Houston Texans.
“Good finish to the preseason,” Colts head coach Frank Reich said. “We came in here and really wanted to accomplish some things—wanted the (starting) guys to get a little bit of time, and we got good execution in some of the situational football. That was important. Saw some things that we wanted to see, got guys out (there).”
Offensively, the first-team unit led by quarterback Matt Ryan ended up playing three drives on Saturday, getting into the end zone on drive No. 3 thanks to a one-yard touchdown by running back Deon Jackson, capping a five-play, 48-yard drive that took just 2:35 off the clock. That first unit was without its top two running backs in Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines (rest), as well as center Ryan Kelly (illness), who was replaced in the lineup by Danny Pinter; Will Fries occupied Pinter’s usual spot at right guard.
Ryan completed 5-of-7 passes for 59 yards for an overall rating of 96.7, and he also took off for an 11-yard rushing play to move the sticks early in the first quarter.