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2 days ago
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7 Non-quarterback position battles to watch in Colts v. Ravens preseason game
The Indianapolis Colts will open the preseason on the road on Thursday evening against the Baltimore Ravens. During the preseason, instead of focusing on how the Colts stack up to their opponent, we look internally at what positional battles are taking place and will ultimately shape what the 53-man roster looks like in a few weeks. We know quarterback is the big competition that all eyes will be on. Anthony Richardson will get the start in this game and play roughly a quarter and a half. For more on what the Colts hope to see from him in this game, you can find that here. But for now, let's focus in on the other positional battles taking place. Colts' backup running back role Earlier this offseason, GM Chris Ballard said that the Colts needed more production from the backup running back role. Competing for those snaps are DJ Giddens, Tyler Goodson, and Khalil Herbert. Giddens has made a strong impression as of late, showcasing his ability to find space and create off it, along with being able to contribute in the passing game. As offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter mentioned recently, more has been put on Giddens' plate. Starting center It's been presumed all offseason that Tanor Bortolini would start at center, but he is competing for that job with Danny Pinter. However, that role may already be taking shape with Bortolini working with the first-team over the last two consecutive practices after he and Pinter had been alternating days. Pre-snap protection calls and adjustments are key responsibilities that come with filling this role. A lot is also asked of the center position in the run game within Shane Steichen's offense. Fourth tight end We know Tyler Warren is at the top of the depth chart, while we can assume that Mo Alie-Cox and Drew Ogletree will hold the other two spots. But that fourth spot is up for grabs. Primarily competing for that role are Will Mallory and Jelani Woods, both of whom can bring an added pass-catching presence to the position. Warren is going to be featured right away, but we will see a lot of two tight end sets, and during those more obvious passing situations, either Mallory or Woods could pair with Warren. Fourth defensive tackle in the rotation Of course, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart will be leading the way here. Neville Gallimore also seems fairly well cemented into the third rotational role. But at a position where four players see regular snaps, that last spot in the rotation is available. Competing for it are Eric Johnson, Tim Smith, and Adetomiwa Adebawore. As always, consistency will be key, but also potentially factoring into the decision will be whether the Colts want more of a pass rush presence, which Adebawore can provide, or a run-stuffing presence, which the other two can add. The starting linebacker role next to Zaire Franklin The thought has been that Jaylon Carlies will start next to Franklin this season, and that still may be the case. However, it doesn't look like a foregone conclusion either. One player to watch in particular is Joe Bachie, who has consistently made plays in practice and is familiar with Lou Anarumo's defense, having spent the last few seasons with him in Cincinnati. The third safety Cam Bynum and Nick Cross will, of course, be the starters here, but under Anarumo, we could see a lot more three-safety looks this season. Hunter Wohler is coming off a strong showing in the joint practice, which included him coming away with two interceptions, one of which came at linebacker and the other at safety. Rodney Thomas is vying for this playing time as well. Wohler provides more of a box presence while Thomas can fill more of a free safety role. Cornerback spot opposite of Charvarius Ward Competing for these snaps were Jaylon Jones, JuJu Brents, and Justin Walley. All three players, however, are dealing with injuries currently. So this position battle may be on hold for the time being. It could also mean we see a lot of Samuel Womack, who will have the opportunity to make some plays and perhaps make his way into the conversation. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts vs. Ravens: 7 Non-quarterback position battles to watch
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
6 Indianapolis Colts defenders to watch during training camp
Training camp is almost here for the Indianapolis Colts. The rookies will report on July 21st, the veterans on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on the 23rd. There are always numerous storylines to watch for as camp unfolds, many centered around positional battles. But for now, we will focus our attention on specific players. After highlighting one player at each of the offensive position groups to watch during Colts' training camp, let's now do the same on the defensive side of the football. Defensive end: Laiatu Latu The recipe for Latu to make a Year 2 leap certainly exists. He finished the 2024 season ranked 27th among defensive ends in PFF's pass rush win rate metric, and oftentimes, where there is consistency, the production will follow. He's also now playing in a defensive scheme under Lou Anarumo that should benefit the defensive front with its more aggressive approach and varying alignments. So with that said, you'd like to see signs from Latu over the next several weeks that a big jump this season is on the way. Defensive tackle: Tim Smith Smith is in a position as a sixth-round pick to carve out a role and help right away. The playing time at defensive tackle behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart is up for grabs this summer, and as a run-first defender who has experience playing across multiple gaps, Smith is a good fit for Anarumo's defense and can provide help where it is needed. Linebacker: Jaylon Carlies Carlies is the presumed starter next to Zaire Franklin, and while he impressed as a rookie, showing that he is a sound tackler while also limiting pass catchers to only 6.0 yards per reception, he's still inexperienced as well, with just 242 career snaps on defense. So with that inexperience comes unknowns. As a former college safety, his coverage experience will be valuable in Anarumo's defense. Carlies missed the on-field portion of offseason programs, still recovering from shoulder surgery. Cornerback: Justin Walley Walley grabbed the attention of his teammates and coaches with his play during OTAs and minicamp. He brings excellent speed to the cornerback position, is versatile, and had good ball production in college. He's tailor-made for Anarumo's aggressive and disguise-heavy defense in the secondary and will be competing for playing time opposite of Charvarius Ward. Safety: Rodney Thomas and Hunter Wohler We know Cam Bynum and Nick Cross will be starting at safety, but who will secure that third spot on the depth chart? During Anarumo's time in Cincinnati, he used three safeties on the field relatively often. So whoever earns that spot on the depth chart could play a role defensively this season. This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts training camp: 6 players to watch on defense during practices
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
5 position battles to watch at Steelers training camp
With just a few days until the Steelers report to training camp on July 23, fans have several positional battles across offense, defense, and special teams to look forward to. Here are the five biggest starting roles up for grabs in Latrobe this summer. Long snapper Although not the flashiest position in the NFL, Steelers starting LS Christian Kuntz will attempt to fend off journeyman LS Tucker Addington — who signed with Pittsburgh in June. Free safety While all signs point to FS Juan Thornhill as the go-to replacement for ex-Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, an undrafted rookie could push the two-time Super Bowl champion for the starting role — none other than standout Iowa Hawkeye DB Sebastian Castro. Fullback Hybrid player Connor Heyward may have hinted at a full-time switch to fullback this offseason — but he first needs to beat out undrafted rookie FB DJ Thomas-Jones, a sleeper to make the 53-man roster. Punter After Steelers starting punter Cameron Johnston suffered a season-ending knee injury last season, Corliss Waitman stepped up in a big way for Pittsburgh. Only one punter will remain in the Steel City — but whether it's the now-healthy Johnston or the talented Waitman who takes the role remains to be seen. Running back Jaylen Warren's time to shine as the Steelers' lead rusher could be in jeopardy — as Pittsburgh drafted one of 2024's best college running backs in Kaleb Johnson. Training camp will serve as the first of many battles to decide whether or not Warren can fend off the rookie third-rounder — and a strong outing in Latrobe could decide the fate of the starting running back position. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers training camp: 5 starting spots up for grabs in Latrobe
