Colts Report Card: Depth Struggles in Blowout Loss to Falcons

The Colts struggled across the board in Saturday’s 34-6 preseason loss to the Falcons.

Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (26) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Indianapolis Colts rested most of their starters against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, and their backups gave them very little reason to feel comfortable about the depth behind them.

Indianapolis was dominated 34-6, outgained 461 yards to 164 and failed to score a touchdown. From an offense that could barely move the ball to a defense that made Atlanta UDFA QB Jack Strand look like a Hall of Famer, there were not many positives to take away.

Here is how each Colts position group graded after Saturday’s loss.

Quarterbacks: D

Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Anthony Richardson still looks like the favorite over Riley Leonard in the battle to back up Daniel Jones, but neither quarterback gave Indianapolis much on Saturday.

Leonard finished 7-of-14 for 62 yards, while Richardson went 3-of-9 for 24 yards. Combined, the two completed just 43.5% of their passes for 86 yards with zero touchdowns.

The offensive line certainly did them no favors, but neither quarterback consistently elevated the offense around him. Indianapolis scored only six points, went 1-of-11 on third down and never found the end zone.

Offensive Line: D+

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Blake Freeland (73) and Indianapolis Colts center Tanor Bortolini (60) warms-up for practice Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during the Colts Camp Kickoff at Grand Park in Westfield. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Colts rested their starting offensive line, giving several depth pieces an opportunity to make their case for roster spots. Not many took advantage.

Indianapolis struggled to create consistent running lanes and allowed Richardson to be sacked twice in the second half. A penalty on center Josh Kreutz also wiped away one of Richardson’s better completions.

The quarterbacks were under pressure too often, and the unit never gave the offense a chance to establish any sort of rhythm.

Wide Receivers: C-

Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Coleman Owen (9) carries the ball during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It is difficult for a receiver room to make much noise when the entire offense finishes with 86 passing yards, but this group did little to help change that.

Coleman Owen provided essentially the only explosive play through the air with a 39-yard reception. Deion Burks caught four passes for 19 yards, while D.J. Montgomery, Eli Pancol and Pharaoh Brown combined for only 23 yards.

With several receivers still competing for the final roster spots, Saturday was a missed opportunity for somebody to separate himself.

Defensive Line: D

Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Caden Curry (55) pressures Atlanta Falcons quarterback Jack Strand (18) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Atlanta controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the afternoon, rushing for 164 yards while their quarterbacks operated comfortably in the pocket.

UDFA DT Cameron Ball recorded a sack, and players like DT Tim Smith and rookie DE George Gumbs Jr. flashed on individual snaps, but there was never consistent disruption.

When Indianapolis did begin collapsing the pocket, Atlanta's quarterbacks repeatedly scrambled and extended plays. For a unit facing mostly reserves, the lack of consistent disruption was concerning.

Linebackers: C-

Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Goodson (25) runs past Indianapolis Colts linebacker CJ Allen (53) for a touchdown during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The linebackers were probably the most average position group on the field.

Austin Ajiake and Jaylon Carlies tied for the team lead with six tackles, while Bryce Boettcher recorded four tackles and a tackle for loss. Rookie CJ Allen also made his preseason debut and finished with three tackles in limited action.

The impact plays were not there. Atlanta consistently sustained drives, and nobody from this group did enough to change the direction of the game.

Defensive Backs: D

Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) breaks up a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Either Minnesota State UDFA QB Jack Strand is elite or the Colts' secondary depth has some serious work to do.

Strand completed 12-of-17 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown, while Cooper Rush went 10-of-11 for 86 yards. Atlanta finished with 297 net passing yards and consistently found openings throughout the Indianapolis secondary.

Cam Taylor-Britt and Jaylon Jones each made nice plays in coverage, but those moments were overwhelmed by everything else. The Falcons drove the field almost whenever they wanted, and Indianapolis never forced a turnover.

There is only so much stock to put into a preseason game without most of the starters, but Saturday showed just how much work is left to be done. 

The Colts did not just lose. Their depth got dominated in nearly every facet of the game.

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