3 Takeaways from Colts training camp practice No. 8: Ups and downs for the quarterbacks

USA Today

2 days ago

Following training camp practice No. 8 for the Colts, here are three takeaways, which includes an up and down day for the QBs.
The Indianapolis Colts have wrapped up their eighth practice of training camp and their first since Thursday evening's practice under the lights.
With help from those who were in attendance at Grant Park, let's highlight three takeaways from what took place on Saturday.
Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones took their lumps in the red zone
Both quarterbacks have put together some strong showings as of late, with Richardson in particular coming off a very impressive performance on Thursday. However, in the red zone on Saturday, where much of the practice was focused, both Jones and Richardson took their lumps.
According to ESPN's Stephen Holder, Richardson and Jones would each throw two interceptions in the red area. Jake Athur of Horseshoe Huddle would add that Richardson "was late on many of his throws," adding that he was just 3-of-10 passing in 11-on-11s.
Arthur would then call Jones' performance a "mixed bag," with two interceptions and included him completing 10 of his 14 throws in 11-on-11s.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter provided some added context around the red zone period, mentioning that red zone work in practice will often favor the defense.
"Dropback passing practice is always a little bit of a high-leverage situation for a quarterback," Cooter said. "You drop back 12 straight times in 7-on-7, the defense sort of squeezes those zones, the man coverage is tighter, we're trying new plays.
"So, red zone practices, when you sort them out at the end of the year, they don't always end up being your highest production practices. But we do get a lot out of them."
AD Mitchell continues to build momentum
It was a rough first week of training camp practices for Mitchell, which included several drops. However, over the last few practices, including on Saturday, Mitchell has been finding that consistency.
Arthur would write in his post-practice takeaways that Mitchell has put together an "outstanding" week of practices, adding that he looks "much more comfortable," which is resulting in Mitchell making big plays.
After practice, Mitchell acknowledged that at the start of training camp, his hands "weren't working," according to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan.
However, since then, his hands have been terrific. Since Mitchell arrived in Indianapolis, his ability to create separation has been clear as day. What's been missing is the consistency but he appears to be finding that crucial element.
"Now we in Year 2 now, and I just feel more comfortable," Mitchell said after practice via the Indy Star. Whether it's in the meeting rooms, walkthroughs. I'm not focused on what the play is, what do I have to do? I'm focused on how I'm doing it and why I'm doing it, and what I'm doing."
The kicker competition is taking shape
It's an "open competition" for the Colts' kicker job between Spencer Shrader and Maddux Trujillo. In the early going, this battle appears to be taking shape, with Shrader having the advantage.
After Saturday's practice, special teams coordinator mentioned that Shrader has made 87% of his field goal attempts in training camp while Trujillo has made 74%.
Mason is tracking and charting how each kicker performs during individual periods, team periods, along with the upcoming joint practices and preseason games. The latter environments will carry more weight when it comes to making this decision, which gives Trujillo time to close the gap, but for now, the undrafted rookie will be playing catch-up.