By Ross Jones, FOXSports.com Colts owner Jim Irsay finally applauded his team following Sunday’s 20-12 preseason win against the Giants at New York’s MetLife Stadium. Irsay, who lambasted his team after an embarrassing performance just seven days earlier, fired off a tweet praising them and the job they did. Look, Mr. Irsay isn’t the most transparent person in the NFL but it’s always good to know that the boss likes the product on the field.
Uhh … yeah, what he said. Anyways, let’s get into what we learned from Sunday night’s action:1. Reggie Wayne, you are one bad man
The Colts veteran wide receiver might be another year older, but Wayne continues to look like a superstar. Wayne only had three receptions for 37 yards, but showed off his great hands and elite concentration with this improbable touchdown grab.2. T.Y. Hilton, you too are a very bad man
It’s only Hilton’s second season, but the Colts are expecting big things from him. It’s apparent that he has all the tools to be a special player in this league and it doesn’t hurt that he has a future superstar slinging him the football. Hilton reeled in this 18-yard touchdown reception with ease. If only Indy’s young tight ends (Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen) could emerge as quickly as Hilton has, this offense would be very dangerous. 3. Would you rather have Eli Manning or Andrew Luck?
Manning might have the experience and the Super Bowl rings – that’s plural – but Luck has all the makings of being the next big thing. Luck had a sensational rookie season and has picked up right here he left off. The Colts’ second-year quarterback only got limited action, but made the most of his opportunity by hooking up with Wayne and Hilton for scores. Luck completed 9 of 13 passes for 107 yards and flashed his ability to make play after play. The Colts offensive line was able to keep Luck upright, which is a big priority for head coach Chuck Pagano, as Luck was sacked41 times in 2012, fourth-most in the NFL. Manning had an up-and-down evening and it didn’t help that his starting center David Baas (sprained knee) and go-to wide receiver Victor Cruz (foot) left the game with injuries. Cruz got an X-ray which came back negative, but it’s still not encouraging to see Manning’s favorite target limp off the field. Hakeem Nicks made his preseason debut hauling in two passes for 40 yards. Baas was diagnosed with a sprained knee. 4. Indy’s defense has some very bright spots
One week after allowing the Bills to pretty much do whatever they want, the Colts showed some grit and toughness against a pretty potent Giants offense. It should be noted that in the preseason, teams don’t game plan for each other. But Indy’s defensive front got a great push all night and sacked the quarterback six times. Rookie defensive end Drake Nevis registered two of the sacks as he continues to show promise this preseason. Rookie linebacker Caesar Rayford notched two sacks and has been catching the eye of the team’s talent evaluators. Rayford is trying to make his first NFL team after bouncing around the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League for the last five years. His former team – the Utah Blaze – gave him a shout out on their Twitter account.
Former Utah Blaze DE Caesar Rayford (@caesaray85) logged two sacks tonight against the Giants! (AP… http://t.co/ugRkDR0AQD — Utah Blaze (@utblaze) August 19, 2013
5. NFL on FOX’s Pam Oliver is no doubt the toughest reporter in the biz
It’s never safe being on an NFL sideline. It seems that during every game an innocent bystander is steamrolled by a player running out of bounds. Well, this time NFL on FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver accidentally took a football to the face after Colts backup quarterback Chandler Harnish had one sail on him. Oliver was OK and showed off what a true pro she is as she didn’t skip a beat. Questions? Comments? Send them to lacesoutmail@gmail.com and we might respond in our weekly mailbag!
