Colts Training Camp Roundup: Latu Has His Best Day As The Need For A Receiver Grows!
Today’s practice: Saturday, Aug. 8 — Saturday in the Park
The Indianapolis Colts returned to the practice field Saturday for another weekend session, but the day began with a familiar storyline that has followed the team throughout the opening weeks of training camp: injuries.
Wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed), wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (hamstring), running back D.J. Giddens (hamstring), safety/linebacker Hunter Wohler (hamstring), linebacker C.J. Allen (hamstring) and defensive tackle Tim Smith (undisclosed) all sat out Saturday’s practice.
The most notable new name on the injury report was Downs.
Downs is reportedly dealing with a groin injury, adding another concern to a receiving corps that is already being stretched thin. With Downs unavailable Saturday, the Colts' available receivers for Daniel Jones were primarily Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Anthony Gould.
That is not an ideal situation this early in August.
Indianapolis has already been forced to manage injuries to several receivers during camp, and with the regular season approaching, the Colts may need to seriously consider bringing in another receiver before long.
Depth is important during training camp, but it becomes even more important when injuries begin limiting the number of players available to take meaningful reps.
For now, however, the players who were healthy enough to practice continued competing.
Latu Takes Over
The first 11-on-11 period with the first-team offense immediately provided the defense with an opportunity to take advantage of Indianapolis' limited offensive personnel.
Laiatu Latu took advantage.
The young edge rusher got off to a clean start, recording what would have been a sure-fire sack of Daniel Jones.
It was only the beginning.
The Colts' defensive line would get to Jones two more times during the first red-zone period, consistently applying pressure and preventing the offense from developing much rhythm.
For the first-team defense, it was an opportunity to take advantage of an offense missing several of its playmakers.
And for much of the period, the defense did exactly that.
But there is one problem when facing Daniel Jones.
You can only keep him contained for so long.
Anarumo Likes The Colts Depth At Linebacker
After practice defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo provided a decent update, stating that nearly all of the linebackers we have seen rotate in and out of the first team defense thus far will see playing time in some way during the regular season.
While It is not all that surprising, it is still of note due to the sheer versatility of the players used by Anarumo.
Rookie C.J Allen, while injured still offers a lot to the Colts defense. As well as rookie Bryce Boettcher who has made a name for himself finding a groove with Allen out.
Jaylon Carlies has responded well to adversity, with Laiatu Latu also showing repeated flexability as a unique alternative linebacker used in different looks on defense.
Jones Finds Dulin
Despite the defensive pressure, Jones eventually found a way to break through.
The quarterback delivered a dart to camp standout Ashton Dulin in the back of the end zone, with Dulin making a toe-tap touchdown catch while being covered by Cam Taylor-Britt.
It was an outstanding play from both players, but the throw was particularly impressive.
Jones placed the football exactly where only Dulin could make a play on it, allowing the receiver to secure the touchdown despite tight coverage.
The play was another example of what has become a recurring theme throughout Colts camp: the defense may dominate a stretch, but Jones continues to find a way to make a big play.
Outside of that touchdown, however, the offense struggled to generate much against the Colts' defense.
Indianapolis' first-team defense has consistently shown the ability to lock down the offense, and Saturday was another example.
Latu, in particular, continued to make his presence felt.
Later in the practice, he used an impressive swim move to get home for another would-be sack.
That brought Latu's total for the day to four would-be sacks.
That makes Saturday easily his best day of training camp so far.
Latu's continued development could be one of the most important storylines on the defensive side of the football. The Colts need consistent pressure from their front, and performances like Saturday's suggest Latu may be ready to take another significant step forward.
McGowan Continues to Impress
Seth McGowan also received another significant opportunity with the first team.
At this point, it is hardly a surprise.
McGowan has been turning heads since he first stepped onto the field during training camp, and his physical running style has continued to earn him opportunities alongside the starters.
The rookie running back has consistently displayed the downhill mentality and physicality that have made him one of the more interesting players in the battle for the No. 2 running back position behind Jonathan Taylor.
With D.J. Giddens once again sidelined by his hamstring injury, McGowan had another chance to separate himself.
And he continues to make a strong case.
Leonard Makes His Case
The quarterback competition behind Jones also took another interesting turn Saturday.
Riley Leonard received the start with the second-team offense during the first 11-on-11 period.
He immediately made the most of the opportunity.
Leonard delivered a beautiful 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Coleman Owen, giving the rookie quarterback another strong moment in what has become an increasingly competitive battle with Anthony Richardson.
The question now is whether this could be the point where Leonard begins to create some separation.
The Colts have continued to evaluate both quarterbacks throughout camp, but Richardson's inconsistency has opened the door for Leonard to make a legitimate push.
If Richardson cannot find a way to become more consistent, Leonard's continued positive performances could eventually force Indianapolis to make a difficult decision.
Richardson Struggles Again
Unfortunately for Richardson, Saturday provided another example of the inconsistency that has plagued him throughout camp.
Working with the third-team offense during 11-on-11s, Richardson attempted to find rookie receiver Deon Burks with a pass over the middle.
The ball was noticeably behind Burks.
Undrafted rookie Robert Carter Jr. took advantage, intercepting the pass.
It was another difficult moment for the fourth-year quarterback.
Richardson's struggles throughout camp have become one of the more concerning storylines surrounding the Colts.
The physical talent remains obvious, but the execution has not been consistent enough.
Missed reads, inaccurate throws and inconsistent exchanges have continued to appear, and Saturday's interception only added to those concerns.
There is still time for Richardson to turn things around.
But with Leonard continuing to make plays when given opportunities, the pressure on Richardson to find consistency is becoming increasingly significant.
Grupe Remains Steady
The kicking competition also continued Saturday with Blake Grupe getting his opportunity.
Grupe finished the day 5-for-6, successfully converting attempts from 25, 34, 42, 48 and 54 yards.
His lone miss came from 58 yards when the kick bounced off the post before hooking left.
Despite the miss, it was another encouraging performance from Grupe.
He has consistently demonstrated that he possesses the leg strength necessary to make difficult kicks, and his overall consistency throughout camp has given him an advantage in the competition with Spencer Shrader.
A 58-yard attempt hitting the post is hardly enough to erase the body of work Grupe has produced so far.
Takeaways + Update
Saturday's practice provided another mixed bag for the Colts.
The defense dominated large portions of the day, with Latu producing his best practice of camp and the defensive line consistently getting pressure on Jones.
At the same time, Jones continued to demonstrate why he has been one of the biggest positive stories of training camp, finding Dulin for a perfectly placed touchdown despite the pressure surrounding him.
McGowan continued to earn first-team opportunities, while Leonard delivered another strong performance in the backup quarterback competition.
For Richardson, however, the concerns continue to grow.
And perhaps the biggest issue Indianapolis needs to address is becoming increasingly obvious: receiver depth.
With Downs now dealing with a reported groin injury and several other receivers already missing time, the Colts are approaching the point where adding another body to the room may become a necessity rather than a luxury.
There is still plenty of time before the regular season begins.
But as training camp continues, the Colts are learning which players they can rely on, and which areas of the roster may require another look.
Saturday offered plenty of answers.
It also created a few more questions.
As for updates, Friday saw the breaking news that Colts and former Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has been suspended the first game of the regular season - Home opener against the Baltimore Ravens - which is most certainly not what Lou Anarumo and the Colts wanted to hear.
Seeing as the story is seemingly still developing, it is unclear why Cam Taylor-Britt was suspended, at least in the eyes of the public. But its a situation the Colts will have to deal with and change their possible game-plan because of.
But, it's nothing the Colts haven't had to deal with before, as unfortunate circumstances have had their way with Indiana's best for quite some time.
Stay tuned for more developments as they unfold.
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