FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (WISH) — The Indianapolis Colts ended the first of three preseason games with a 13-13 tie on the road against the New England Patriots.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson started the first half, with second-year quarterback Riley Leonard taking over after halftime. Richardson finished 11-of-14 for 145 passing yards, 53 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown, but he also fumbled and threw an interception.
With 28 seconds left before halftime and the Colts backed up at their own 8-yard line, Richardson led a quick drive to the edge of field-goal range, going 4-of-5 for 49 passing yards. Kicker Blake Grupe then missed a 61-yard attempt on the final play of the half.
Despite three first-half turnovers, including two in the red zone, the Colts trailed just 10-7 at the break.
In the second half, Leonard finished 10-of-21 for 89 passing yards along with an interception.
Colts’ fourth-year tight end Will Mallory played a solid game offensively. Mallory led Indy’s offense with six catches for 80 receiving yards. Colts rookie and former Center Grove High School star Caden Curry recorded a sack along with six tackles and two tackles for loss on the night.
In total, the Colts recorded four turnovers on the day. In the red zone, Indianapolis left some opportunities on the table. The Colts moved the ball well and crossed midfield several times, but they finished just 1-for-3 in the red zone.
Indy’s rushing defense was stout. The Colts’ defense allowed just 2.6 yards per carry and allowed 83 rushing yards on the evening. Offensively, Indianapolis rushed for a combined 133 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a team.
The Colts’ next preseason game is against the Atlanta Falcons on August 22 at 1 p.m. inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Riley Leonard will start in the first half of the next game, and Richardson will take over in the second half. Quarterback Daniel Jones will not play any snaps during the preseason.
