Andrew Luck. (Getty Images) |
The game was billed as the matchup of two rising superstars, quarterbacks Andrew Luck for the Indianapolis Colts and Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins. The overall top two picks in the 2012 NFL draft didn't disappoint, as the Redskins pulled away for a 30-17 victory Saturday in D.C.
Luck was again steady -- and at times spectacular -- throwing for 151 yards and a score on 14-of-23 passing. Griffin was impressive too, despite missing on a couple of deep balls. The rookie from Baylor threw for 74 yards and a score on 11-of-17 passing.
The game was won in the trenches, however, and the Colts failed to stop the Redskins rushing attack. Indy was equally abysmal running the ball, and protection for Luck was shaky at best. Rumors have been swirling that the team is looking to trade for an O-lineman, but nothing has occurred. The offensive line will certainly be an area of concern heading into Thursday night's preseason finale with the Bengals.
Injury trouble? Both cornerback Jerraud Powers and nose tackle Brandon McKinney will have MRIs to determine damage done to their respective knees. McKinney is replaceable; Powers is not. With a defensive backfield constantly in flux and a revolving door at cornerback, losing the only solid starting corner would be a huge blow to the Colts. For his part, Powers isn't concerned:
I am fine people, if this was regular season, I wouldn't have came out the game....
— Jerraud Powers (@JPowers25) August 26, 2012#relax
WR Avery solid in debut: Donnie Avery saw his first action of the preseason and did not disappoint. The former Ram had six catches for 38 yards, but more telling was that he was targeted by Luck seven times. He looked fast and healthy filling in for Austin Collie (concussion).
The receiving corps as a whole was a bright spot. Rookies Griff Whalen and T.Y. Hilton were both solid, with Hilton catching a touchdown pass. Whalen is going to make it tough on the Indianapolis front office. He's looked very good in two games, but the undrafted free agent will still be lucky to steal a roster spot.
Run defense? The Colts defense was like a donut: soft in the middle. The Redskins gashed Indy for 147 rushing yards, led by rookie Alfred Morris' 107 yards on just 14 carries. The Colts were without starting linebackers Robert Mathis and Pat Angerer, but it certainly wasn't a good sign that the Redskins were able to control the line of scrimmage.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSSportsNFLIND.