6 Standouts from Colts' preseason opener vs. Broncos (2024)

If you look at the stat sheet, combined between Tyquan Lewis and Laiatu Latu you will see two tackles. However, the impact that both players made was far greater. Each was able to get into the backfield to generate a few quarterback pressures, with one of Latu’s pressures ending with a Kenny Moore interception, while against the run, both helped funnel the ball carrier back inside. Latu was also getting plenty of attention from the Denver offensive line, having to deal with some double-teams.

Anthony Gould got some early game snaps lined up in the slot, but where he really stood out was on special teams as a return man. A big reason why the Colts drafted Gould was because of his impact in this phase of the game at Oregon State, which includes being named an All-American in 2022. On kick returns, Gould totaled 138 yards on five attempts, which included a long of 49 yards. He had only one punt return for 9.0 yards, but for some context, an average of 9.0 yards per return over the season would have ranked in the top half of the NFL in 2023.

The Colts’ tight ends aren’t exactly known for generating huge plays in the passing game, but as a group, we saw this unit do just that in the preseason opener. Will Mallory would average 15.5 yards per catch on two receptions. Mo Alie-Cox had a reception for 19 yards, and Jelani Woods a catch for 17 yards. Jordan Murray would also have a 10 yard reception as well. Of the five longest passing plays generated by the Colts’ offense, three came from the tight ends.

Rookie sixth round pick Micah Abraham is competing with veteran Chris Lammons for the backup nickel cornerback role behind Kenny Moore. In his preseason debut, Abraham made two high impact plays, recording a tackle for loss and forcing a fumble which he then returned for a touchdown. Abraham was also in on six tackles, and looks natural in the slot, even though most of his college career was spent on the boundary.

Nick Cross got the start at free safety and in a competition where no one prior to today’s game had done much to separate themselves, Cross may have taken a step in that direction with his performance. Cross finished the day with three tackles, two of which were solo, with one coming in open space. He had a near interception and a pass deflection as well. Now in his third season in Gus Bradley’s system, It wasn’t perfect but progress seemed to be made. Cross looked comfortable with his role.

Although individual performances is what I’m going for here with this article, the starting defense in their two series of action looked really good as a collective unit. As already mentioned, Latu and Lewis were getting after the quarterback, Zaire Franklin was, as always, around the ball, and Kenny Moore had an interception. Broncos starting quarterback Jarrett Stidham averaged only 5.3 yards per attempt while running back Javonte Williams averaged under 4.0 yards per carry.