The Indianapolis Colts continue to ramp up the physicality as the summer heat takes over the Grand Park Sports Complex.
Putting on the pads Sunday for the third time since the start of training camp, the Colts are preparing for the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET.
It seemed to be a rough day for the offense and quarterback Anthony Richardson, who appeared to be off the mark a handful of times during team drills.
Here's a look at the biggest takeaways from Sunday's practice:
Takeaways from Day 7 of Colts training camp
Offense rallies late after up-and-down day
From most reports, the offense didn't have its best stuff Sunday. Richardson reportedly went 8-of-13 (61.5%) passing, but Jake Arthur of Horseshoe Huddle noted "some of his incompletions appeared to be well off-target" due to miscommunication and throwing off-platform.
The second-team offense struggled as well with Joe Flacco completing 5-of-12 passes during team drills, according to Joel. A Erickson of The Indianapolis Star.
The offense was able to rally late with a huge 25-yard play from Richardson to Michael Pittman Jr. that resulted in a would-be touchdown on the final drive for the starters.
Pass rush shines
Even without Samson Ebukam (torn Achilles), the Colts' pass rush continues to have a strong camp. Led by defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and defensive end Kwity Paye, the defensive line produced four sacks against the first-team offense. Linebacker E.J. Speed also got in on the action.
The Colts defense will rely heavily on the front four, especially now that Ebukam is likely done for the regular season. They'll be leaning on rookie Laiatu Latu a bit more, but it's also nice to see Paye getting things going during the second week of camp.
Trey Sermon locking up RB2 role?
Multiple reports from Sunday's practice heaped praise on Sermon. He's had a nice handful of runs throughout training camp, including a reported 15-yard scamper against the second-team defense. However, Sermon's biggest impression has been his improvements in pass protection.
Jonathan Taylor is going to be the main body out of the backfield but if Sermon can continue to improve his pass protection, that will go a long way for his stock as the clear backup.
Injury report
PUP list: CB Chris Lammons (ankle)
NFI list: DT Raekwon Davis (illness)
Did not practice: DE Dayo Odeyingbo (calf), TE Will Mallory (hamstring), LB Jaylon Carlies (hip), LB Liam Anderson (undisclosed), S Kendall Brooks (undisclosed)
Quick notes
More fights broke out Sunday during team drills, which has become a common theme throughout camp. The main contributors this time were guard Will Fries and safety Julian Blackmon.
Rookie Anthony Gould has some struggles as a return man. He fumbled the ball twice — once when a defender forced a fumble and another when he muffed a punt.
Safety Trevor Denbow recorded an interception against Sam Ehlinger and the third-team offense.
Edge rusher Genard Avery made some noise, adding a tackle for loss and a strip sack against the second-team offense.
What's next?
The Colts are back on the field Monday for a mid-afternoon practice at 2:00 p.m. ET.
