Colts’ Defensive Miscues Were Glaring in Loss to Eagles
By Dave McKee
The Colts’ defensive miscues were glaring in their 36-10 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Missed tackles in the open field and boneheaded penalties will be the coaching points this week in Indianapolis.
Well Colts fans, football is finally here. The Indianapolis Colts traveled to Philadelphia for a 1 pm game against the Eagles. Losing 36-10 is never good. In the regular season it would be considered a drubbing. However, this was a preseason game and it served its sole purpose helping coaches evaluate their players. The Colts hurt themselves in two major areas: turnovers, penalties and missed tackles. These mistakes can be detrimental in the regular season and quickly turn the tide of a game. This is what preseason is for.
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If there are mistakes to be made, its best to get them over with in August than have them suddenly appear in December. Tackling can be fixed through practice, penalties can be prevented and turn overs are always coaching point. It is difficult to determine what can truly be gleaned from a game like this.
Andrew Luck played for approximately 11 plays and was a perfect 5-for-5 passing for 43 yards before Coby Fleener dropped well thrown pass. Backup quarterback Matt Hasselbeck took over later on in the same drive. Soon after all the starters were pulled for the second string.
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Critiquing play calls is impossible because this is an evaluation period and we have to keep in mind that several players were withheld for rest or injuries. This game was not intended for starters. The plan was to evaluate the younger guys and they got their opportunities. With no major injuries heading into the game, the inactive players list is proof that the team’s focus was on the rookies and second and third string players.
The Highlight of the Game:
Rookie Josh Robinson got the bulk of the carries in the second half. He looked very good for his first game. In total, Robinson had 10 carries for 44 yards and scoring the Colts’ lone touchdown. Robinson turned a 3rd & 9 run play in the red-zone into a touchdown. In pure “Human Bowling Ball” fashion, he broke three tackles on the way to the end-zone.
The Highs, Lows and Lessons Learned:
Rookie Phillip Dorestt The game is not too big for him, but as impressive as he’s been in training camp, even he has areas to improve upon. Dorsett led the team with in receptions and receiving yards with 4 catches and 51 yards respectively. In all he looked great but at a critical moment he made a mistake. Dorsett ran an excellent crossing route and was rewarded of a for a 20 yard reception. As Dorsett turned up field he was caught from behind by defensive back Eric Rowe. Though Dorsett had tucked the ball Rowe was able to punch it out from behind.
The turnover came early in the second quarter and derailed a solid drive for the Colts. Much to Dorsett’s credit, he owned up to the mistake speaking with Colts reporter Steve Andress about the difference from College to the Pros in a post-game interview. “It’s different. It’s different from college. I’d say ball security, just catching the ball and tucking it.”
Honorable Mention:
Bjoern Werner has been embattled – by injuries and critics – since last season and is trying to fend off the “First-Round Bust” label. He took a step in the right direction on Sunday. Reading a play-action bootleg pass Werner realized he was not going to get to quarterback Matt Barkley. With perfect timing Werner got his hands and deflected the pass. It was was then intercepted by rookie linebacker Amarlo Herrera.