The Indianapolis Colts returned to the field for the second day of training camp on Saturday at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield.
Though the pads aren’t scheduled to be worn until later in training camp, Saturday’s practice provided plenty of learning opportunities.
It appeared that the defense dominated for the most part. Quarterback Anthony Richardson performed admirably again, going 4-of-4 without throwing an interception during 11-on-11 practice.
Here are the top takeaways from Saturday’s practice:
Takeaways from Day 2 of Colts training camp
Defense dominates
Overall, the defense appeared to be performing well. They came away with some key plays, including an interception by a Day 3 draft pick. On Saturday, the defensive line appeared to have the upper hand, with several rushers reaching the quarterback.
This is mostly expected at the start of training camp, but it’s positive for the defensive unit as Gus Bradley enters his third year as coordinator. The offensive line also faced some penalties and snap troubles.
Kwity Paye has a big day
The fourth-year edge rusher needs a strong season to get an extension beyond his fifth-year option in 2025. He started off on the right foot Saturday, recording a couple of potential sacks. The pads are not on, and no one hits the quarterback, so a little imagination is required in those scenarios.
But it’s a good indicator that Paye, who has a leaner build and weighs roughly 260 pounds, is starting camp on the right foot. The Colts pass rush has the potential to be a strong team in 2024, and Paye’s ongoing development will play a significant role in this.
Richardson was “sacked” twice today. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye did the honors. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) July 27, 2024
Jaylon Carlies impressing
One of the standouts from spring workouts has continued to impress throughout the first week of training camp. The fifth-round pick from Missouri made another outstanding play, catching a tipped throw and interception. According to most sources, it would have gone for a pick-six in a real game.
Carlies is working his way up the depth chart, and he appears to be the favorite for the LB3 position behind Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed. The rookie even received some experience with the first-team defense at the WILL position in base packages, with Franklin shifting to the SAM position.
Anthony Richardson, Michael Pittman duo is legit
The defense may have won the game, but Richardson’s bond with his top target continues to strengthen. Pittman was the recipient on several of Richardson’s tosses, particularly during 7-on-7 play. The relationship between the two has become substantially stronger.
The Anthony Richardson – Michael Pittman Jr. connection is legit.
That duos chemistry looks drastically improved entering year two together.
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) July 27, 2024
Quick notes
Quarterback Joe Flacco was absent from practice as he attended the funeral for the late Jacoby Jones. Sam Ehlinger stepped in as QB2.
Rookie Tanor Bortolini rotated with Danny Pinter for the backup center role.
Punt returners for the day included Anthony Gould, Dallis Flowers and Josh Downs.
Downs was pretty active again, including a deep reception down the field from Richardson.
The battle at free safety remains steady. Nick Cross got the first-team reps in 11-on-11 and Rodney Thomas II started with the first-team unit in 7-on-7 work.
Injury report
PUP list: CB Chris Lammons (ankle)
NFI list: DT Raekwon Davis (illness)
Right tackle Braden Smith did not practice for the second straight day while defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo left toward the end of practice with an undisclosed injury.
What’s next?
The Colts are back on the field Sunday afternoon for Day 3 of training camp at Grand Park before a day off Monday.
