RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The hope is that preseason action can provide some answers to pressing questions that a team may have. But for the Indianapolis Colts , Saturday's performance against Atlanta only raised more questions around three specific position groups.
The depth of the cornerback, defensive end, and offensive line units was brought into focus during that game and, if called upon this upcoming season, could be a potential problem for the Colts .
The pass rush depth
Whether or not those around Laiatu Latu can generate steady pressure this season has been an unknown all offseason. The preseason hasn't provided many answers either. The combination of Caden Curry, George Gumbs, Micheal Clemons, and Jaylahn Tuimoloau played a total of 58 pass rush snaps and generated three pressures. Tuimoloau and Clemons didn't have any.
Laiatu Latu will lead the way and Arden Key will start opposite of him, but defensive end is a heavily rotated position with four or five players seeing steady snaps. Can the Colts get consistent production from the rotational defenders at this position?
Colts' cornerback depth
The depth of this unit was thought to be quite good during the offseason, but the preseason has proved otherwise. The trio of Mekhi Blackmon, Rob Carter Jr., and Johnathan Edwards all took their lumps on Saturday and throughout the preseason.
Blackmon was again penalized twice and gave up four completions for 50 yards. Carter, who started over Johnathan Edwards, allowed two receptions for 47 yards, and Edwards gave up yet another downfield pass play. Atlanta's quarterbacks averaged nearly 11 yards per pass attempt -- that's a lot.
A bright spot has been the play of Cam Taylor-Britt.
Offensive line depth
Steady pressure on the quarterbacks and the run game couldn't get going. Without steady offensive line play, that makes moving the ball with any sort of consistency a real challenge. Without Luke Tenuta, the tackle depth took its lumps, while no one has really emerged to take control of the backup center role, although I would guess Dalton Tucker is the most likely to earn that spot.
The Colts' starting offensive line unit should be quite good, but the depth at center and tackle is a major unknown.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Latest preseason game raises questions at 3 positions for Colts
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