Colts Unveil Depth Chart: Major Position Battles Revealed
Colts Preseason Game Plan: What’s Different This Week?
The Big Picture
Think of preseason games like practice scrimmages before the real season starts. The Indianapolis Colts are getting ready for their second practice game against the Atlanta Falcons, and Head Coach Shane Steichen has a specific plan.
What’s Staying the Same?
Just like last week against the New England Patriots:
- Most starters sit out – The best players on the team won’t play in the actual game
- Joint practices replace game time – Wednesday and Thursday practices with the Falcons count as "game action" for the top players
- Coaches evaluate backups – This lets the coaching staff see how younger players perform under game conditions
IMPORTANT POINT
Joint practices are when two teams practice together. It’s like a controlled scrimmage where coaches can stop play to teach. For starters, this is better than a real preseason game because they get more reps against different opponents without the injury risk of a live game.
What’s Different This Time?
The Quarterback Rotation Flip-Flop
| Last Week (vs Patriots) | This Week (vs Falcons) |
|---|---|
| Anthony Richardson started & played entire 1st half | Riley Leonard starts & plays entire 1st half |
| Riley Leonard played entire 2nd half | Anthony Richardson plays entire 2nd half |
Why Switch It Up?
- Fair evaluation – Both QBs get experience starting and finishing
- Different situations – Starting vs. coming in mid-game are different skills
- Building chemistry – Each QB works with different groups of teammates
Meet the Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson Sr. (The Starter)
- Role: The Colts’ franchise quarterback – the guy they’re building the team around
- Year: Entering his 2nd NFL season
- Goal: Get comfortable running the offense, then hand off to the backup
Riley Leonard (The Rookie)
- Role: Backup quarterback, drafted this year
- Background: Played college football at Duke, then Notre Dame
- Goal: Show he can lead an NFL offense when called upon
Step-by-Step: How This Game Will Work
- Wednesday & Thursday – Joint practices with Falcons (starters get their work here)
- Game Day – Most starters watch from the sideline in street clothes
- 1st Half – Riley Leonard runs the offense with mostly backup players
- Halftime – Coaches review what worked, what didn’t
- 2nd Half – Anthony Richardson takes over with the backup crew
- Post-Game – Coaches evaluate everyone’s performance on film
Why This Approach Makes Sense
IMPORTANT POINT
Preseason games don’t count toward the regular season record. They’re purely for:
- Evaluating roster bubble players (guys fighting for a spot on the team)
- Installing and testing new plays
- Building game conditioning for backups
- Keeping starters healthy for Week 1 (the games that actually matter)
Summary
- Colts vs. Falcons = Preseason Game #2
- Starters = Practicing Wed/Thu, not playing in the game
- QB Plan = Leonard starts (1st half), Richardson finishes (2nd half)
- Opposite of last week when Richardson started
- Goal = Fair evaluation, injury prevention, roster decisions
FAQ
Q: Why don’t starters play in preseason games anymore?
A: NFL teams realized the risk of injury outweighs the benefit. Starters get better, safer work in joint practices where coaches can control the intensity.
Q: Is Anthony Richardson losing his starting job?
A: Absolutely not. This is just about giving both quarterbacks different looks. Richardson is firmly the Week 1 starter.
Q: What are "joint practices" exactly?
A: Two teams practice together for 2-3 days. They run drills against each other, do 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods. It’s like a scrimmage but with coaching stops and controlled contact.
Q: Who else should I watch in this game?
A: Keep an eye on rookie players, undrafted free agents, and 2nd/3rd year players trying to make the 53-man roster. These guys are playing for their NFL lives!
Q: When do the "real" games start?
A: The regular season kicks off in early September. That’s when every game counts toward playoffs and the Super Bowl chase!