Winners and losers from Colts' preseason win over Cardinals

The Indianapolis Colts bounced back with a 21-13 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

None of the starters for the Colts on the offensive side of the ball got on the field for this game while the majority of starters on defense also got rest.

The Colts drew first blood with a rushing touchdown in the first quarter while the Cardinals went into halftime with a 10-7 lead.

However, two more rushing touchdowns during the second half gave the Colts a lead they wouldn't surrender.

We've got you covered on the winners and losers from the Colts' second preseason game.

Colts' preseason winners and losers

Winners

LB Jaylon Carlies

After missing roughly two weeks of training camp and the preseason opener due to a hip injury, the rookie linebacker finally got some action in a game. He did not disappoint either. The fifth-round pick worked with the starting defense and immediately got two stops on the first drive.

This is a big deal for Carlies, especially after he missed a good chunk of time during training camp. The Colts have a wide-open competition for the No. 3 linebacker spot behind Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed, and it's fair to say Carlies is leading that charge.

QB Jason Bean

The undrafted rookie out of Kansas continues to shine as an impressive surprise for the Colts. His electric dual-threat ability was once again put on display during the preseason. Even though he did throw an interception, the rest of his day was about as strong as one could hope.

While Sam Ehlinger got the start, Bean came in as the second quarterback. He completed 7-of-9 passes for 94 yards and one interception. He also added four carries for 14 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

It will be interesting to see if Bean gets any run ahead of Ehlinger during the finale.

DT Adetomiwa Adebawore

Few players have raised their stock in the way Adebawore has throughout training camp and the preseason. He put together another fantastic effort working as the starting three-technique with DeForest Buckner getting some rest.

Adebawore was all over the field for the Colts playing well into the second quarter. He recorded 1.0 sack, two quarterback hits and one tackle for loss. It was a big day for the second-year defensive tackle who was coming off a limited rookie campaign.

S Nick Cross

A lot has been made about Cross' inability to completely take over the free safety position. It wasn't a great sign he was in the game with most starters resting, but that was to be expected. With all that said, Cross mostly played the strong safety position, and he shined.

Throughout the first quarter, Cross was all over the field making plays. He wound up with five tackles (three solo) and a tackle for loss. The Colts have major questions at the free safety position but if Cross can prove to be a quality starter on the strong side, maybe they hope for Julian Blackmon to make the switch to the free safety spot.

Run game

After struggling during the preseason opener, the backfield for the Colts enjoyed the complete opposite type of performance. Tyler Goodson got the start taking six carries for 35 yards and a rushing touchdown while second-year back Evan Hull took four carries for 26 yards.

The big story from the backfield, though, was second-year undrafted free agent Zavier Scott. The electric ball carrier took 11 carries for 55 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. It's officially a three-headed competition with Trey Sermon absent due to a hamstring injury he picked up during the preseason opener.

Losers

TE Jelani Woods

Again, things are not trending in the right direction for the third-year tight end. After missing the entire 2023 season due to nagging hamstring injuries, Woods again finds himself dealing with an ailment. Getting the start alongside Will Mallory and Drew Ogletree, Woods had to leave the game early due to a toe injury.

It's a surprising development that Woods has fallen so far out of favor with this coaching staff, especially after showing promise during his rookie campaign in 2022. Either way, this toe injury likely doesn't do him any favors.

OT Blake Freeland

It's officially time to start worrying about Freeland and his lack of progress. After being on this list following the preseason opener, the second-year offensive tackle once again struggled in pass protection against the Cardinals' reserves.

Freeland's biggest issue appears to be the lack of a consistent anchor. His play strength negates any solid technique he might be putting on tape, and it's causing major disruption in the passing game when he's on the field.

As he competes with rookie Matt Goncalves, the Colts may need to think about bringing in a veteran offensive tackle to compete.

G Josh Sills

Though Sills has a history with Shane Steichen and spent the 2023 season on the Colts roster as a reserve lineman, it's not going as well for him in 2024. Sills has struggled to make a positive impact at the guard position, and he exited Saturday's game with an ankle injury. His roster spot is very much in jeopardy.

K Matt Gay

It's the preseason so maybe this is an overreaction, but Gay has not looked like the kicker the Colts paid handsomely during the 2023 offseason. Gay has missed three field goal attempts in two games. Two of them have been from more than 50 yards, but he gets paid to hit those.

The veteran missed another one in the fourth quarter Saturday from 44 yards out, pulling it left of the goal post. The Colts will have a problem if this persists.

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