Colts @ Bengals
Final Score: Colts 27, Bengals 14
Writer: Darian Hudock (@DarianQB_List)
After holding their starters, the Bengals drop the third and final pre-season game and enter the season without a win. We got a decent look at the Colts starters on both sides of the ball, what jumped out the most was a deep inconsistency in the passing game. After a hot start, the Colts scored 20 of their 27 points in the second half.
Three Up
- Anthony Richardson — Led an outstanding 12 play 80 yard TD drive the first time out
- Alec Pierce — Showed signs of an expanded role in the offense
- Tyler Goodson — Received highest snap share in backfield, 3 Targets
Three Down
- Anthony Richardson — Pick 6 & fumbled on a sack, Showed inconsistent accuracy
- Eric All Jr. — Only commanded one target despite playing a high % of snaps
- Logan Whiteside — Started the entire game but displayed nothing special
Colts
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson: 8/14, 86 Yards, 1 TD, 1INT | 1 Rush, 3 Yards
What an up-and-down game for A-Rich. After leading a 12-play scoring drive his first time out, nothing after seemed to go well. He threw an interception returned for a touchdown to Bengals CB Jordan Battle and was stripped from behind, luckily the ball was recovered by the offense. Also shown was inconsistent accuracy, missing multiple receivers despite clean throwing conditions.
Notes
- It doesn’t show the accuracy improvements year over year you want to see
- High-tempo first drive showed what this offense is capable of
Missed Opportunities
- Multiple incompletions on makeable third-down passes
- Pick 6 off miscommunication with his WR
Sam Ellingher: 8/13, 48 Yards
Unspectacular showing from Ellingher, whose best drive of the day ended in a failed 4th down at the Colts’ 3-yard line.
Notes
- Very low average depth of target, and wasn’t asked to do much in the passing game
Missed Opportunities
- Didn’t push the ball down the field at all, needs better pocket awareness
Jason Bean: 4/4, 52 Yards | 3 Rush, 15 Yards, 1 TD
Would have loved to see more of Bean, who led a touchdown drive immediately after entering the game. He showed both a willingness to throw it downfield and tuck and run if the play breaks down.
Notes
- Showed great mobility on multiple rush attempts, including a strong 1 yard TD
Missed Opportunities
- Left the game after sustaining an injury
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor: 4 Rush, 15 Yards | 1 Reception 8 Yards
Taylor only played on the first of the Colts drives, but he looked like his usual self being effective in both the run and passing game.
Notes
- Looks like he is still one of the best RBs in the league
Tyler Goodson: 13 Rush, 57 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards
Tyler Goodson played well after taking over primary back roles when Jonathan Taylor left the field. Solid between the tackles and effective as a pass catcher.
Notes
- Split the backfield with Evan Hull
- Good pass catcher who uses his hands to attack the ball
Missed Opportunities
- Wasn’t on the field for 3rd down snaps
Evan Hull: 9 Rush, 30 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -3 Yards
Evan Hull ran the ball well, especially along the left side of the line. He also played on multiple third-down snaps after entering the game.
Notes
- Showed strong outside running
Missed Opportunities
- Wasn’t used in pass protection
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Michael Pittman: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 12 Yards
This game for Pittman was unspectacular. After catching a 12-yard gain on the team’s first drive, he was missed by QB Anthony Richardson on his only other target in the game
Notes
- Showed an innate ability to create separation
Missed Opportunities
- Sadly he can’t control if the QB can hit him when he’s open
Alec Pierce: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 31 Yards
An exciting performance for Alec Pierce fans, as he was used in more than just his previous deep-threat role. He came out hot, catching both his receptions in the team’s first 3 pass attempts.
Notes
- Showcased a possible improvement in opportunity share in the offense
Adonai Mitchell: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards, 1 TD
The first touchdown of Mitchell’s young career came on a 9-yard crossing route from Anthony Richardson. Appears that Mitchell will have a clear-cut role in the offense.
Notes
- Played with the starters
Missed Opportunities
- Was missed on a third-down contested catch opportunity
Bengals
Quarterback
Logan Whiteside: 16/21, 98 Yards, 1 TD | 2 Rush, 10 Yards
Whiteside got a chance to start the entire game for the Bengals, delivering an unspectacular performance. He hit WR Jermaine Burton on a 21-yard touchdown, but outside of that did not complete many passes past 5 yards.
Notes
- Showed decent mobility but nothing special passing the ball
Missed Opportunities
- Needs to work on his pocket awareness, giving up multiple sacks
Running Back
Trayveon Williams: 11 Rush, 66 Yards | 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 11 Yards
After last night, Trayveon Williams looks to be slotted in as the RB3 behind Zach Moss and Chase Brown. Williams was able to show his explosive abilities on a 16-yard rush and was targeted frequently out of the backfield.
Notes
- Showed a good burst on a few runs
- Didn’t cede snaps to any other RB
Missed Opportunities
- Was never able to break away on any of his catches
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Jermaine Burton: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 56 Yards, 1 TD
Burton was far and away the Bengals’ best WR on the field last night. His TD catch came on a 50/50 ball where he outmuscled the CB to win the catch.
Notes
- Showed good separation & contested catch ability
Missed Opportunities
- Caught a pass for negative yards where the defender made a good open field tackle 1v1
Eric All Jr.: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards
The rookie TE played most of the snaps yet was unable to have any real production in the game, yet was the 2nd leading pass catcher on the team.
Cam Grandy: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 9 Yards
Shedrick Jackson: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 8 Yards