The Indianapolis Colts were officially back on the field for Day 2 of training camp at the Grand Park Sports Complex in Westfield on Saturday.
Though the pads aren't expected to come on until later in training camp, there were plenty of notes to take away from Saturday's practice.
It seemed to be a day where the defense dominated for the most part. Quarterback Anthony Richardson was solid again, going 4-of-4 without throwing an interception during 11-on-11 work.
Here's a look at the biggest takeaways from Saturday's practice:
Takeaways from Day 2 of Colts training camp
Defense dominates
It seemed to be a pretty strong day overall for the defense. They came away with some big plays, including an interception from a Day 3 draft pick. The defensive line seemed to have its way Saturday with a number of rushers getting to the quarterback.
This is expected for the most part at the start of training camp, but it's encouraging for the defensive unit going into Gus Bradley's third year as coordinator. The offensive line also dealt with some penalties and snap issues.
Kwity Paye has a big day
The fourth-year edge rusher needs a big season if he wants to ink an extension beyond his fifth-year option in 2025. He got off on the right foot Saturday, logging a pair of would-be sacks. The pads aren't on, and no one touches the quarterback so a bit of imagination is needed in those situations.
But it's a good sign that Paye, who is sporting a slimmer build around 260 pounds, is starting camp on the right note. The Colts pass rush has the chance to be a strong unit in 2024, and the continued development of Paye's game will play a major role in that.
Richardson was “sacked” twice today. Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye did the honors. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) July 27, 2024
Jaylon Carlies impressing
One of the standouts from the spring practices continues to impress during the first week of training camp. The fifth-round pick out of Missouri had another impressive play, catching a tipped pass for an interception. Most reports say it would have gone for a pick-six in a real game.
Carlies continues to work his way up the depth chart, and he seems to be the favorite for the LB3 role behind Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed. The rookie even got some run with the first-team defense at the WILL spot in base packages with Franklin shifting over to the SAM role.
Anthony Richardson, Michael Pittman duo is legit
The defense may have won the day, but the connection between Richardson and his top target continues to grow. Pittman was the receiver on several of Richardson's throws, especially in 7-on-7 work. The chemistry between the two has gotten noticeably stronger.
The Anthony Richardson - Michael Pittman Jr. connection is legit.
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) July 27, 2024
That duos chemistry looks drastically improved entering year two together.
Quick notes
Quarterback Joe Flacco was absent from practice as he attended the funeral for the late Jacoby Jones. Sam Ehlinger stepped in as QB2.
Rookie Tanor Bortolini rotated with Danny Pinter for the backup center role.
Punt returners for the day included Anthony Gould, Dallis Flowers and Josh Downs.
Downs was pretty active again, including a deep reception down the field from Richardson.
The battle at free safety remains steady. Nick Cross got the first-team reps in 11-on-11 and Rodney Thomas II started with the first-team unit in 7-on-7 work.
Injury report
PUP list: CB Chris Lammons (ankle)
NFI list: DT Raekwon Davis (illness)
Right tackle Braden Smith did not practice for the second straight day while defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo left toward the end of practice with an undisclosed injury.
What's next?
The Colts are back on the field Sunday afternoon for Day 3 of training camp at Grand Park before a day off Monday.
