Instead of having a typical training camp practice on Monday, the Indianapolis Colts made the trip to Lucas Oil Stadium to hold an intersquad scrimmage as they prepare for the 2020 season.
>>>Colts whose stock is rising during camp<<<
Without the benefit of preseason games, the Colts have to pick their spots when to let it loose with the physicality. There’s a fine line between keeping the players out of harm’s way and getting ready for the brutal physicality of the season.
Here are eight takeaways from the Colts’ scrimmage on Monday:
Marlon Mack shines
Marlon Mack is eating today. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 24, 2020
There is a battle in the backfield for the Colts after they traded up for Jonathan Taylor in the second round of the draft, but Mack isn’t letting up one bit. The fourth-year back was the star of the day on offense, ripping off explosive run after explosive run. He even recorded a 53-yard touchdown run coming out to begin the “second half” of the scrimmage.
>>>Mack taking majority of first-team reps<<<
Mack is the incumbent starter in the backfield, and it will be important for him to continue his progress in training camp. What’s interesting is how much work in the passing game he is seeing. If he continues to be an explosive runner while also catching passes, he has a chance to fend off the rookie in Taylor for the starting role throughout the season.
Frank Reich said DL Ben Banogu suffered an ankle injury during the team’s practice at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts don’t believe the injury is too bad.
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) August 24, 2020
Ben Banogu suffers ankle injury
The Colts had a bit of an injury scare during the scrimmage when the second-year edge rusher in Banogu suffered an apparent lower leg injury. Head coach Frank Reich confirmed to the media following practice that Banogu has an ankle injury but isn’t too concerned that it will be a major issue.
>>>Banogu establishing himself<<<
Banogu gingerly walked off the field after suffering the injury and didn’t return to the scrimmage. With Kemoko Turay still on the PUP list, Banogu has a chance to truly solidify a role as an edge rusher opposite Justin Houston. Hopefully, this injury isn’t too serious.
RBs very active
We talked about how Mack essentially ran the day for the offense with multiple big runs, but the backfield continues to be arguably the most active position group on the offensive side of the ball. Between the three running backs having big runs while also catching passes, this group is bound for a big season.
Here’s how the receptions broke down for the Colts:
Catches from Rivers today: Hilton 5, Burton 3, Hines 3, Campbell 2, Mack 2, Taylor 2, Pascal 1, Alie-Cox 1
Catches from Brissett: Alie-Cox 4, Patmon 3, Taylor 3, Hines 2, Fountain 1, Farrod Green 1
Catches from Eason: Hines 2, Patmon 1, Fountain 1, Vollner 1
Kelly: Fountain 1
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 24, 2020
As expected, Hines is extremely active in the passing game, especially with Rivers under center. But Mack and Taylor are also extremely active in the passing game and should continue to be viewed as such entering the season.
Jacoby Brissett had mixed day
Running with the second-team offense, Brissett had an up and down day. He finished with just one touchdown pass while completing 14 of his 23 attempts—those numbers should be considered unofficial.
That's it for today's practice.
QB numbers:
Rivers 19-28, 2 TDs
Brissett 14-23, 1 TD
Eason 4-8
Kelly 1-4— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 24, 2020
Brissett got off to a slow start, starting his day 2-of-7 but ended the two-minute drill with a touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Dezmon Patmon.
Colts LBs look great today. Fast.
— jimayello (@jimayello) August 24, 2020
LBs playing fast
The Colts know what they have in their linebackers. The unit should be considered one of the best in the league with Darius Leonard, Anthony Walker and Bobby Okereke. The unit was all over the place on Monday making plays.
Even second-year backer E.J. Speed was stringing together several plays. With Leonard and Walker leading the way, the Colts should be excited about what they have both in their starters and in the depth players with Okereke and Speed. They continued to impress during the scrimmage on Monday.
Thoughts on Colts practice
— TONs of throws to RBs. Maybe Reich's not opening the playbook. Lots of screens/dumpoffs
— Hines again really active on offense
— Marlon Mack looked superb
— Walker/Darius were really good
— Chase McLaughlin 8-8. Hot Rod 5-8.
— Eason impressed late— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 24, 2020
Kicking competition update
Though it may not be the most exciting position battle to talk about, the kicking competition will be a vital one for the Colts over the next few weeks. It shouldn’t be an overreaction just from Monday’s scrimmage, but the competition seems to be taking shape.
With the scrimmage at Lucas Oil Stadium holding a bit more weight than the typical training camp practices, Chase McLaughlin has a clear edge over the undrafted rookie in Rodrigo Blankenship.
McLaughlin was a perfect 8-for-8 on the day while Blankenship was 5-for-8 on field-goal attempts.
Frank Reich on Tyquan Lewis: "He's literally showing up every day."
It's been almost two weeks, and Lewis, entering the biggest year of his career, is bringing it. Former 2nd round pick is playing like it.
But it's only August. Gotta do it in the regular season.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 24, 2020
Tyquan Lewis camp MVP?
Facing a crucial battle for a roster spot, Lewis has certainly risen to the challenge in Year 3. As one of the biggest risers in training camp stock during the first week of padded practices, Lewis continued his strong campaign at Monday’s scrimmage.
>>>Lewis impressing at camp<<<
His showing on Monday included a forced fumble in which he beat rookie guard Danny Pinter while he also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage from Jacoby Brissett.
This is a big camp for the third-year defensive tackle and he’s on his way to carving out a huge role in the defense.
Jacob Eason's arm strength has been real evident here in this team period. He throws it very well to the outside
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 24, 2020
Jacob Eason impressing with arm strength
The rookie quarterback hasn’t gotten a whole lot of playing time during padded practices, and that continued during the scrimmage. However, he did get some work late on Monday and impressed with his natural arm strength on his nine attempts.
>>>Eason taking on unique challenge<<<
Eason was the victim of a few drops, but it is apparent what the Colts saw in the fourth-round pick. He will have to continue making the most of his reps, but he has showcased that natural arm talent plenty throughout the first week of padded practices.
