The Colts and Patriots are finally moving from practice reps to game action, but Thursday’s preseason opener comes with a familiar twist: the real firepower is staying in street clothes.
Indianapolis and New England already got their work in during joint practices this week, and both sides are expected to keep most of their starters on the bench when the exhibition schedule begins. Daniel Jones will rest for the Colts, while Drake Maye will remain sidelined for the Patriots.
That leaves the spotlight on the backups, and it also makes the quarterback matchup a little more interesting. Anthony Richardson will start for Indianapolis with Jones out, and his career arc has already become a major talking point after being taken fourth overall in the 2023 draft.
Richardson has started 15 games so far, going 8-7 while completing 50.6% of his passes with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In a preseason game like this, he’s got a chance to make a statement.
Still, the edge here appears to tilt toward New England’s depth. Both coaches carry roughly .500 preseason records, and with so many starters resting, the Patriots’ backup group becomes the key factor. Tommy DeVito gives New England the stronger reserve quarterback option over Richardson, and the Patriots also have a young supporting cast that should be ready to produce.
That matters especially at receiver. Several of New England’s backup wideouts are players who started for the team last season, which gives the Patriots a more proven second unit heading into Thursday’s matchup. Against a Colts team leaning heavily on depth, that could be enough to swing the game.
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