To cap off their 2019 preseason campaign, the Indianapolis Colts traveled on the road and faced the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. And with the help of various standout performances, the Colts defeated the Bengals, 13-6—capturing their first preseason win of the year.
The final preseason game is arguably the most important one, as the majority of players are trying to leave a final positive impression in order to make the team. And in the case of the Colts, this game was also notable because it was their first following Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement.
Here are three takeaways from the Colts’ preseason win:
Parris Campbell finally makes his NFL debut
Even though the Colts added several players throughout the course of the offseason, there have been a select few with high expectations. Wide receiver Parris Campbell is near the top of that list. The Ohio State product is well-known for his speed and great potential and throughout his first few months as a Colt, was making play after play during practice.
But a hamstring injury sidelined Campbell for the majority of training camp until this past week and on Thursday night, he made his NFL debut. Not only Campbell catch three of four targets for 42 receiving yards, but he constantly showed a great first-step and separation from defenders, including his 31-yard catch and run in the second quarter.
Chad Kelly completes stellar preseason
Kelly has been attempting to stay around in the NFL, and one must say his preseason performance greatly helped his case. Before Thursday’s contest against the Bengals, the Ole Miss product had completed 41 of 57 passes for 445 passing yards and two touchdowns.
And despite throwing an interception Thursday, Kelly still looked and played like the same quarterback that’s been accurate and protecting the ball all preseason. While facing the Bengals, Kelly scored a rushing touchdown and completed 13 out of 16 passes for 138 passing yards, with a few of those passes highlighting his arm strength and touch.
E.J. Speed and a few others really stepped up
Although talented players can be discovered on offense, it seems to hit differently when it occurs on defense. When considering how the Colts discovered a defensive player—such as Darius Leonard last offseason—it’s not a surprise they were confident in their selections from last April’s draft.
If Thursday night will mean anything, it’s that a few players are capable of being the next great find for the Colts. Linebacker E.J. Speed and defensive lineman Carroll Phillips concluded their standout preseasons on Thursday night. Defensive back Marvell Tell not only made three tackles but broke up three passes as well.
Regardless of who their competition was, if the rookies are constantly improving, then it should give any team hope about the depth of the roster.
