Indianapolis Colts vs. New York Giants Preseason Primer

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback

(12) calls a play against the New York Jets during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

After a long week of practices and the conclusion of training camp, the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) come back to Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday to host the New York Giants (2-0) in Indy’s second preseason game.

While the game last Thursday gave fans many things to be hopeful for, Game Two has plenty of storylines and players to keep an eye on as the teams get ready for the regular season.

Game Information:

Saturday, August 16, 7:00 p.m. EST
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Television: WISH-TV

Here are some things to look for against the Giants:

• Can Herron Repeat: In Thursday evening’s competition against the Jets, Dan Herron came out and played extremely well with the second-string offense. However, the preseason is a dicey place in the football world to immediately judge a guy’s talent. He’ll have some good competition on Saturday; the Giants have played well against the run in two preseason games thus far. If Herron can make a dent in the defense for the second preseason game in a row, the third running back spot might be a lock.
• More Luck, More Hilton: Coach Pagano told the Indianapolis Star earlier this week that he intends to have Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton and the entire first-string offense out there for a longer period of time this week. While we got glimpses of the starting guys last week, there will be more opportunities to see the starters connect. Luck was great last week and the offense was moving well until the Khaled Holmes injury threw everything off.
• Jonotthan Harrison: Harrison’s debut at center against the Jets was less than optimistic. He came in for Holmes and promptly established no blocking presence in the running game and would also throw two snaps over his quarterbacks’ heads. Harrison’s last week of practice hasn’t been exactly solid either, routinely getting bullied and allowing the big guys to collapse the pocket. The Colts don’t really have much choice at center right now while Holmes is hobbled, so all eyes will be on Harrison as he tries to take over the starting role.
• Secondary Play: Both LaRon Landry and Vontae Davis are probable to play on Saturday night, which will instantly upgrade the Colts’ secondary. The two playmakers will see their first preseason action and fans will be excited to see how they do against a depleted Giants receiving core. The safety position beside Landry will still be manned by Delano Howell as it is still his spot to lose. Howell didn’t have a wonderful game against the Jets, but hopes to make some fireworks to cement his place starting on defense.
• Continued Run-Blocking: The Colts defense actually held their own against the run on Thursday, despite Chris Johnson‘s touchdown. Both Johnson and Ivory were kept in check, something that the Colts rarely are good at accomplishing. However, the Giants one-two punch of the preseason of Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams has been fairly potent in their last two games. The defense will be tested and Josh Chapman will have to command multiple blockers on every running play in order to be as effective.

A few more notes:

• We may see the first of Reggie Wayne, as he is listed as questionable. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath on it; odds are, he’ll see action next week. Also listed as probable are RB Ahmad Bradshaw (neck), OLB Robert Mathis (rest) and ILB Jerrell Freeman (thumb).
• RB Davin Meggett (knee), WR Nu’Keese Richardson (concussion), OL Xavier Nixon (knee), ILB Josh McNary (shoulder) and ILB Andrew Jackson (hamstring) are all doubtful. FB Stanley Havili (PUP-shoulder), C Khaled Holmes (ankle) and OL Ulrick John (ankle) are all out.
• The Giants are desperate to let Eli Manning make plays, which may mean we’ll see a lot of passing out of the Giants offense in the first quarter; it’ll provide a good test for the secondary.