The Indianapolis Colts, playing as 3.5-point favorites according to FanDuel, got absolutely shellacked 34-6 by the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday. This wasn’t just a loss, it was a first-half disaster where Indy was outscored 24-6, and honestly, the backup quarterback situation looks messier than ever after those performances.
Colts QBs Struggle, Backup Spot Still Up for Grabs
Colts head coach Shane Steichen split the game, giving Riley Leonard the first half and Anthony Richardson the second, all to try and find a clear QB2 behind starter Daniel Jones. Jones is coming back from a torn Achilles, so this backup spot feels pretty darn important. Leonard started and just couldn’t get anything going, completing a paltry 7-of-14 passes for only 62 yards. No touchdowns, no interceptions, just… flat. Then Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick from the 2023 draft, stepped in for the entire second half. Did things get better? Nope. Richardson went a dismal 3-of-9 for a mere 24 yards through the air, also adding 15 rushing yards on three carries. Again, no touchdowns, no picks. If you were hoping for one of these guys to grab the job by the horns, you’re still waiting. Neither has firmly established themselves as the clear backup, and that’s a problem heading into the regular season.
Undrafted Rookie Jack Strand Is an Absolute Revelation for the Falcons
Meanwhile, over on the Falcons’ side, it was a completely different story, even with their big names sitting out. Star running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts all watched from the sidelines. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., who’s recovering from a torn ACL, didn’t see action either. But guess what? Atlanta’s offense still looked smooth. Cooper Rush got the start and was incredibly efficient, hitting 10-of-11 passes for 86 yards. But the real standout? Undrafted rookie Jack Strand. This kid, out of Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead, came in late in the first half and played the entire second, and he was an absolute *revelation*. Strand tossed for 212 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions on 12-of-17 passing. He also ran for 22 yards and a score on nine carries. Remember how he was responsible for Atlanta’s only points in their preseason opener with a one-yard rush TD? He’s making a serious case for himself, potentially as QB3 or even the backup if Penix isn’t fully ready. Talk about making a name for yourself!
Both teams wrap up their preseason next week. The Falcons are set to face the Miami Dolphins on Friday, and the Colts will go against the Detroit Lions on Saturday. For Indianapolis, it’s one last chance for Leonard or Richardson to finally show they deserve that backup role. It’s getting down to crunch time, and they need to bring it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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