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2012 NFL Preseason: Colts Finish Preseason 2-2 with Victory over Bengals

By Josh Wilson
Aug 30, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes the ball in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE
Aug 30, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes the ball in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

The Indianapolis Colts tonight concluded their 2012 preseason with a 20-16 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing the preseason with a 2-2 record. It is the team's best preseason record since 2004.

Here are some notes from the game:

  • Andrew Luck got one drive, which lasted 3 plays. Luck threw 2 passes, completing one for 8 yards. One drive is really all the rookie quarterback needed - he has shown he is capable of playing at this level and had accomplished all he could from preseason games. Besides, why not give him a rest before facing the Bears?
  • Drew Stanton also only got one drive, his lasting 5 plays. He threw 3 passes, completing all of them for 43 yards. He looked impressive. I was surprised he only got one drive, but I guess the Colts feel fine about Stanton and wanted to get Chandler Harnish more playing time.
  • Speaking of Harnish, he got all but three drives tonight. He was pretty good, completing 9 of 16 passes for 162 yards and 1 touchdown.
  • Guys who really impressed me tonight: Moise Fokou (13 tackles, 2 pass deflections), Mario Addison (6 tackles, 3 for loss, 2 sacks), Mario Harvey (6 tackles, 2 for loss, 1 pass deflection), Jerry Hughes (3 tackles), Kris Adams (2 catches for 55 yards), Deji Karim (12 carries for 36 yards and a touchdown), Drew Stanton (3/3 for 43 yards), Chandler Harnish (9/16 for 162 yards and 1 touchdown), Dominique Jones (2 catches for 44 yards and a touchdown)... and Pat McAfee (8 punts, 49.1 average).
  • Pat McAfee punted 8 times, averaging 49.1 yards per punt. He had one partially blocked, but it did not count as the Bengals were offsides.
  • Kris Adams made 2 catches for 55 yards tonight, but was hit in the head at the goal line on a pass intended for him. He did not return. I think that Adams has a shot at the 53-man roster. I think with how susceptible to injury the receiver position appears to be, the Colts need to keep six guys at the position. Adams could be that sixth guy (behind Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Donnie Avery, T.Y. Hilton, and Lavon Brazill).
  • I want to believe in Jerry Hughes. I really do. He has been good all preseason and had a great night tonight. But he did this last preseason too. He deserves a chance, that's for sure. But I'm not going to believe until he consistently produces - in the regular season. One thing is for sure, however - if Dwight Freeney is gone, he will get more opportunities to try to prove himself in games that matter.
  • Ok, on to Freeney. He didn't dress tonight, but he has been the focus of attention. There have been rumors that Freeney will be released (I don't know where they came from, but I know for sure that they have not been confirmed). I would be in favor of that, but I highly doubt it happens. I think it is more likely he is traded, which is not likely either. But I definetly think he should be moved.
  • The Colts committed 10 penalties for 80 yards. The Bengals committed 14 for 119 yards. Yeah, it seemed like a lot more combined. Obviously, that must change.
  • One last note: the offensive line was much better tonight. Not perfect, but much better.

    • Teams are required to get their rosters down to 53 players by tomorrow night. The Colts will likely make some moves after that as well.

    One week from Sunday, the Colts take the field in Chicago to face the Bears in the regular season opener. The preseason is over. The Colts looked good for the most part, and now it is time to really play football.

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