The good, bad and ugly from the Colts’ preseason performance vs. Bengals

Anthony Richardson’s opening drive. Beyond the outcome and the overall numbers from Richardson on that possession–which were excellent–just as important was the process component for him. On his way to the end zone, there were a few plays where Richardson handled the blitz very well and got the ball out to his receivers. His decision-making was good and that crossing route to Alec Pierce was a well-timed play. For more on that first drive, click here.

Alec Pierce. In the five series that the offensive starters played, Pierce caught two passes totaling 31 yards. The first was for 18 yards on the aforementioned crossing route and the other was a quick pass to Pierce who appeared to be Richardson’s hot read off a blitz, and it was turned into a good gain. Pierce seems to be making a jump in the second year within Shane Steichen’s offense.

Laiatu Latu and DeForest Buckner. I know the Colts defensive starters were going against backups, but the combination of Latu and Buckner was simply dominant. Both were constantly in the backfield, with Latu recording a sack on his first play. Latu and Buckner are going to benefit from having each other on the field because defenses can’t double-team both of them, and trying to double-team even one could come with a big risk.

Spencer Shrader. After Matt Gay kicked the first extra point, Shrader took over, and went 2-for-2 on field goal kicks, which included making a 56 yarder.

Tyler Goodson: As he has all of training camp, Goodson looked quite good with the ball in his hands, totaling 57 yards on 13 carries. He also had 10 yards on two receptions and a 34 yard kick return. Compared to Evan Hull, Goodson has just a bit more juice with the ball in his hands.

Raekwon Davis was back on the field. After returning to practice on Thursday, Davis saw some playing time on Thursday. His return to the lineup will provide a big boos to the Colts run defense when Grover Stewart isn’t on the field.