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“That is a base call deal right now when it comes to that,” Anarumo said. “So, we don’t do a whole lot and we are just getting used to the mechanics of signaling from the sideline on the ball. So, we kept it really simple out there, but they executed what I was asking.”
The Indianapolis Colts defense has wreaked havoc for the offense through the first two weeks of training camp, especially during the red-zone focused practice sessions.
Third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. was off-target Saturday morning in particular, completing just 3-of-10 pass attempts in the high-leverage red zone scenario. After two misfires, Richardson tried to scramble to buy more time, but lofted an underthrown pass into the end zone, which resulted in an easy interception for cornerback Kenny Moore II.
Daniel Jones threw two unimpressive interceptions Saturday as he was picked off by linebacker Joe Batchie on his first throw of the 7-on-7 session. The Colts secondary continues to have a field day when Jones holds the ball and tries to force late passes into heavy traffic, best evidenced when his late throw resulted in an interception for safety Nick Cross at the goal line.
One thing for certain about Jones is the seventh-year veteran will consistently take the easy checkdowns during team sessions. Jones completed 6-of-8 passes in the first 11-on-11 team session Sunday, including a pair of TDs to tight end Tyler Warren and receiver Ashton Dulin during the initial red zone period. In 7-on-7 drills with the starters, Jones finished his reps on a solid note after he sent receiver Josh Downs on a jet motion across the formation and found him on a slant for a first down.
The Colts offense managed to collect three field goals across four separate two-minute drills this weekend. Despite nearly getting picked off by safety Camryn Bynum, Richardson commanded an excellent drive with the starters in Sunday’s final team session. Richardson found Downs on consecutive passes, then hit Dulin for a first down and led Tyler Goodson on a swing pass out of the backfield to set up a 54-yard field goal for kicker Spencer Shrader. In Sunday’s final two-minute period, Jones completed a deep pass to Anthony Gould for a massive gain that set up rookie kicker Maddux Trujillo to deliver a 33-yard field goal to end practice.
All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin returned to the practice field Saturday for the first time this summer, commanding the first-team defense to an impressive effort in the red zone. Second-year linebacker Jaylon Carlies is projected to emerge as a starter alongside Franklin and described how more will be expected from him after elevating to a bigger role.
“It was definitely my rookie year, that was definitely a learning experience for me,” Carlies said. “On and off the field, just learning the ins and outs of being in the NFL, Having great teammates definitely helped me get through my rookie year as well. With different things from treating my body, watching...
