Biggest takeaways from Colts' first joint practice with Cardinals

The Indianapolis Colts hosted the Arizona Cardinals for the first of two joint training camp practices Wednesday at the Grand Park Sports Complex.

This was the first training camp practice for the Colts that was held during the evening. Most of the practices have been in the morning with some coming during the mid-afternoon.

A big focus of the day appeared to be 1-on-1 drills as well as plenty of work in 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills.

Both sides of the ball seemed to have their wins while the Cardinals also found some success offensively when Kyler Murray was given time in the pocket.

For the biggest takeaways, here's a look at what went down Wednesday.

Colts, Cardinals joint practice takeaways

Anthony Richardson flashes brilliance

With the expectation that Richardson won't play in Saturday's preseason game, Richardson got plenty of work against the Cardinals defense. While there were some missed throws during 1-on-1 drills, Richardson flashed brilliance during the scrimmages.

According to reports, Richardson was 6-of-8 with a 30-yard touchdown to Michael Pittman Jr. during team drills. He led one drive that was six plays for 75 yards, and it ended with the Pittman score.

Secondary struggles

While the pass rush seemed to have a strong day with flashes from rookie Laiatu Latu, who got more work with the first-team defense, the struggles in the secondary continue to be an issue. According to Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star, the secondary was getting "annihilated" throughout practice.

Unsurprisingly, it seems the secondary struggled to contain Cardinals star rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who had several receptions against his father's team. The Colts largely ignored the secondary this offseason so it will be something to monitor as the season approaches.

Julian Blackmon still switching spots

The star safety has been a Swiss-army knife for the Colts this preseason. Though the Colts would like to keep Blackmon at his best position, strong safety, the lack of separation between Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II at free safety has led to the veteran taking snaps in their stead at times.

Blackmon recorded an interception against Kyler Murray during a 7-on-7 drill. If he can stay healthy, Blackmon could truly be a fantastic asset in the back end of the defense.

Michael Pittman Jr. shines

The leader of the wide receiver room continued to show off why he earned a three-year, $70 million contract extension this offseason. According to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan , Pittman "might have been the best player on the field Wednesday night" considering his wins during 1-on-1 drills and the touchdown in 11-on-11 drills. Bowen called it "one of the best days of camp" for Pittman.

Colts injury updates

NFI list : DT Raekwon Davis (illness)

Did not practice: WR Josh Downs (ankle), RB Trey Sermon (hamstring) DE Samson Ebukam (Achilles), WR Ashton Dulin (undisclosed), DE Genard Avery (leg)

Rookie LB Jaylon Carlies (hip) returned to practice for the first time in roughly two weeks. He only did individual work.

CB JuJu Brents (shoulder) also returned to practice after sitting out of the preseason opener.

Quick notes

Michael Pittman Jr. dominated the 1-on-1 drills against the Cardinals cornerbacks, per Nate Atkins of The Indianapolis Star .

Anthony Richardson and rookie wideout Anthony Gould connected for a 60-yard touchdown during 7-on-7 drills.

CB Dallis Flowers had an interception with the second team, which is big after his poor outing in the preseason opener.

It was a bit surprising that there were no fights or skirmishes simply given the nature of joint practices.

Adonai Mitchell continues to take the starting slot snaps with Josh Downs healing from a sprained ankle.

What's next?

The Colts and Cardinals will return Thursday evening for the second joint practice at 6:00 p.m. ET before Saturday's preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

MORE COLTS
Colts could have potential trade partner in Vikings
Colts' plan for Anthony Richardson in remaining preseason games
Colts vs Cardinals: 4 things to watch at joint practices