The Indianapolis Colts were on the field Sunday for their third training camp practice, marking the first time during camp they've practiced two days in a row.
After the defense dominated practice during Day 2 of training camp, the Colts offense bounced back in a nice way. It was a lively practice with the first fight breaking out and plenty of splash plays on both sides of the ball.
Here's a look at the biggest takeaways from Sunday's practice:
Takeaways from Day 3 of Colts training camp
Offense bounces back
After a rough day Saturday in which the defense dominated, the offense enjoyed a strong bounce-back practice. Anthony Richardson threw by far the most passes at camp thus far, going 11-of-16 in team drills, including starting 7-of-7 to begin the day, according to multiple reports.
The chemistry between Richardson and second-year receiver Josh Downs appears to be building at an extremely high rate. The duo's best play of the day came on a corner route 30 yards down the field in which Richardson threaded the needle.
Darts to Downs. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/HSzz6RzHmS
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 28, 2024
Julian Blackmon shines
While the offense enjoyed a bounce-back day, that doesn't mean the defense was totally dominated. Blackmon, who re-signed with the team in free agency, gave a reminder of just how talented he is. If only he could put together an entire season of health.
After Richardson started his day completing his first seven passes, Blackmon made sure to put an end to that, making an incredible leaping interception. It was Richardson's first interception of training camp.
That’s why his handle is @JumpManJu32. pic.twitter.com/N3JuSVpPTy
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) July 29, 2024
First fight of camp
The Colts saw their first fight of training camp on Sunday, and it shouldn't be a surprise to see who was involved. After a 1-on-1 play between Michael Pittman Jr. and Jaylon Jones resulted in the latter being flagged, an argument ensued.
Most scuffles don't really turn into anything, but this one had punches thrown. Pittman had to be restrained by the coaching staff until cooler heads prevailed. Nothing carried over after that, which is a good sign, but it's also just another signal that training camp is back.
Big passing day
This appeared to be the most passing the Colts have done in their three training camp practices. Richardson had roughly 15-16 attempts, depending on the source, while veteran backup Joe Flacco was also 10-of-15 on his attempts, according to Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star.
The Colts are going to emphasize the run game with Richardson and star Jonathan Taylor, but it's also clear they aren't going to shy away from throwing the ball when they need to.
Injury report
PUP list: CB Chris Lammons (ankle)
NFI list: DT Raekwon Davis (illness)
Did not practice: DE Dayo Odeyingbo (calf)
Right tackle Braden Smith made his camp debut as he recovers from offseason knee surgery while DE Samson Ebukam was carted off during team drills due to a calf injury.
Quick notes
Rookie Adonai Mitchell made an incredible leaping catch in 1-on-1 drills over Dallis Flowers for what would have been a 40-yard gain.
Second-year tight end Will Mallory made some plays as a receiver on Sunday.
Owner Jim Irsay made his first public appearance at training camp since 2023.
Tyquan Lewis filled in for Samson Ebukam on the first-team defense.
Full pads come on for the first time Tuesday.
What's next?
The Colts have Monday off before getting back on the field Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. for what should be the first padded practice.
