Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL is all about winning and performance. But to win, you have to first preform. The Indianapolis Colts are looking at every player on the roster and determining how well they can play, and if they can be a functional part of the team to lead them to wins during the season.
As the Colts go into their second preseason game, the stakes are getting higher for every player. Players who do not do well this week are bound to get cut. From this, there are many stories to follow.
All eyes will immediately shift to the running back position this week. Ahmad Bradshaw has a chance to play, and reports indicate he could see a few snaps this coming Sunday against the New York Giants. It will also be telling to see what other backs are going to secure a roster spot.
Vick Ballard is locked in at the no. 2. Kerwynn Williams carried the ball a few times last week and showed solid performance in his efforts. He could see increased reps this week, otherwise he’s getting cut. Donald Brown and Delone Carter are in a battle for the no. 3 spot. Neither impressed last week, and whoever is the odd man out could be cut if Williams steps up this week.
Davin Meggett received one carry last week, and it looks like his time with the Colts could be coming to a close.
There’s not much to see with quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Matt Hasselbeck. Chandler Harnish is the quarterback to watch. Harnish has shown flashes of supreme ability and desperately needs to improve to solidify himself as the Colts’ long-term backup. He has a lot of raw talent, and just needs to mold it.
There is an exciting receiving battle brewing in Indy. Reports coming out of training camp were partial to new Colt Darius Heyward-Bey. It sounded like T.Y. Hilton would move to the third receiver spot behind Heyward-Bey and Reggie Wayne.
After last week’s preseason game, that totally changed. Hilton had a whale of a game in limited action, while Heyward-Bey sat out, injured. Obviously Wayne is solidified as the starter, but the race is tight between Hilton and Heyward-Bey.
Who will fill the void at tight end? Dwayne Allen is stepping up and preforming admirably. Behind him, it’s all a blur. 2013 was supposed to be backup tight end Coby Fleeners’ year. Last week, he caught the ball, fumbled it away, and exited with a concussion. He won’t be playing this week, so someone needs to step up. Justice Cunningham is the favorite to fill in for Fleener, but at this point, it’s anyone’s position.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Colts showed major struggles. The second and third team defensive backfield were absolutely carved up by the Buffalo Bills‘ quarterbacks. The Colts’ defense failed to catch one interception and allowed 315 yards passing with three touchdowns through the air.
The Colts’ run game was solid for the most part besides when C.J. Spiller was in the game (but who can blame them?). The Colts’ defensive backfield must step up this week. The entire defense as a whole needs to improve as well.
