INDIANAPOLIS — Sometimes, a little time and distance can make things that initially seemed terrible seem less so. Time heals all wounds, right? Yes, it's just the preseason. No, it doesn't count for anything. Yes, the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason before their 0-16 season. All of that is true. It is also true that, no matter the circumstances, the Indianapolis Colts looked rough in their second preseason outing against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 22, 2026.
A Quarterback Battle or a Battle for Survival?
If you had told me there was a quarterback battle, I would have thought the winner had to go fight a dragon because it seemed like neither man wanted the job. Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson both struggled, looking uncomfortable against the Falcons' second and third units, respectively. The offensive line was a sieve, and receivers had balls bouncing off their chests. It was a collective failure that left the Colts' coaching staff with more questions than answers as the regular season approaches.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Colts' quarterback situation is far from settled. Leonard, the rookie out of Notre Dame, showed flashes of athleticism but lacked precision, completing just over half of his passes for 112 yards and an interception. Richardson, the second-year signal-caller, fared no better, throwing for 89 yards on 9-of-18 passing with a fumble. Neither quarterback was able to establish any rhythm, and the lack of protection only compounded their issues.
Bright Spots Amidst the Gloom
The only person who looked like they were on track for a roster spot was Deion Burks, the undrafted free agent wide receiver from Purdue. Burks has been making plays all training camp and continued that trend in the preseason, hauling in four catches for 62 yards and a touchdown, while also providing a spark in the return game. His versatility and consistency are making a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster.
On the defensive side, some of the rookies and linebackers did stand out. Jaylon Carlies, a fifth-round pick out of Missouri, recorded a sack and three tackles, showing the kind of relentless pursuit the Colts need. Meanwhile, second-year linebacker Zaire Franklin continued his impressive camp, leading the team with eight tackles and breaking up a pass. These performances were bright spots in an otherwise forgettable game.
Penalty Problems and Pass Rush Woes
Speaking of roster spots, does Mekhi Blackmon have a spot on this team? The cornerback, acquired in a trade with the Vikings, has been a liability in coverage, but his biggest issue is discipline. Blackmon was flagged three times against the Falcons — two pass interference calls and a holding penalty — earning him the unwanted nickname "Mr. Yellow" from the Vulius analysis desk. He has to get the penalties down, or his spot with the Colts is gone.
On top of that, the rest of the defense got little to no push or pressure. It looked like the Falcons' offense was wearing the red quarterback non-contact jerseys the way they went untouched at times. The Colts' defensive line, missing key starters like DeForest Buckner, struggled to generate any pass rush, allowing the Falcons' backups to look like Pro Bowlers. This is a concerning trend that the coaching staff will need to address before the season opener.
What Does It All Mean?
So, did the game count? Nope. It will be a blip even on the Colts' 2026 season, let alone historically. Did it count for guys trying to make the roster? It meant everything. A game like that was a collective effort and won't undo all the positives a player has put together over training camp, but it doesn't help. That's why they play preseason games — well, that and money — but it's a chance to show what one can do against true competition. It's just preseason, but there isn't enough time or space to make that one look pretty.
As the Colts prepare for their final preseason game against the Bengals, the focus will be on evaluating the quarterback battle and solidifying the roster. The coaching staff, led by head coach Shane Steichen, will have tough decisions to make, and the performances in practice and the final exhibition will be crucial. For now, Colts fans can only hope that this rough patch is a precursor to a stronger regular season, as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
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