The Indianapolis Colts failed to keep up in a high-scoring affair, dropping their preseason opener 34-30 against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium.
With the starters playing exactly two drives in order to get their feet wet, the majority of the game was played by the second, third and fourth strings.
As the position battles rage on, the preseason games are what will help determine the back end of the roster the most.
The preseason games also might be the biggest factor in determining a player's stock throughout the process of cutting the roster down. A strong game can elevate a player's status while a poor outing can crush his chances of making the team.
It's a fluid process, though. One week, a player's stock might be trending a certain way, and another week it can go in the opposite direction.
Following the preseason opener, here's a look at the stock report for a handful of Colts players:
Colts' stock report following first preseason game
Stock Up
G Dalton Tucker
An undrafted free-agent rookie, Tucker got some run with the second-team offense at guard. The Marshall product brings vast experience after 51 collegiate games (30 starts), and he was a bright spot on the offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, Tucker allowed just one total pressure on 26 pass-blocking snaps. He also showed off the ability to get in space on a nice counter-trey block. There are only so many spots open on the offensive line, but Tucker made a strong impression.
CB Micah Abraham
Another rookie who shined during his opportunities, Abraham very well may have become the favorite to be the backup nickel defender behind Kenny Moore II after his performance Sunday. Also a Marshall product, the undersized defender plays much bigger than his frame. His big play came when he stripped, recovered and returned a fumble for a touchdown on a Broncos rushing attempt. He also forced an incompletion down the sideline and had a taclke for loss.
EDGE Isaiah Land
While rookie Laiatu Latu was one of the stars, we're going to look at one of the underrated depth pieces on the defensive line. Land can serve as an edge rusher or a SAM backer in a pinch. He showed off some impressive juice getting off the line and recorded a pressure on 11 pass-rushing snaps, according to PFF. He also added four tackles (three solo) against the run.
TE Mo Alie-Cox
For all the offseason talk about Alie-Cox being a potential cut or trade candidate, the veteran tight end doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Alie-Cox ran solely with the first-team offense and provided the biggest play for the starting offense on a 19-yard reception during the second drive. Big Mo appears to have the starting role locked up along with Kylen Granson.
Stock Down
OT Blake Freeland
Those hoping Freeland would have shown some improvements after a rough rookie season were sorely disappointed. The second-year offensive tackle played 33 snaps with the second and third-string offense at left tackle. He allowed a team-high three total pressures on 17 pass-blocking snaps, including a quarterback hit that resulted in a Sam Ehlinger interception. Freeland is still the favorite for the swing tackle role, but the gap between him and rookie Matt Goncalves is getting closer.
Run Game
It wasn't an encouraging outing for the rushing offense. Even with Jonathan Taylor surprisingly getting the start in the preseason opener, the Colts running backs all combined to take 17 carries for 35 rushing yards. Trey Sermon left with a hamstring injury. Both Evan Hull and Tyler Goodson scored goal-line touchdowns, but they also averaged 2.0 and 2.1 yards per carry, respectively. It will get going eventually, but it wasn't a strong outing in the slightest.
CB Dallis Flowers
Playing in his first game since suffering a torn Achilles in Week 4 last year, there clearly was some rust for Flowers. However, this performance certainly hurt his chances in the competition with Jaylon Jones for the starting boundary role. According to Pro Football Focus, Flowers allowed four receptions on six targets for a team-high 54 yards.
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