Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - INDIANAPOLIS COLTS CAMP, DAY 10: Daniel Jones, Cam Bynum Deliver Late vs. New England Patriots

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Colts finally got their hands on another team yesterday. So how'd it go? Let's get to it. You are Locked on Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. All right, welcome to Locked On Colts on the Locked On Podcast Network. I am your host, Jake Arthur, the Indianapolis Colts beat writer for Roundtable Sports. And today's show is brought to by Cal She.

Starting point is 00:00:34 For a limited time, download the Calcii app. and use code locked on to get $10 when you trade $10. All right, what is up everybody? So the Colts have hit the field again as of Tuesday. They had their first joint practice of the summer out outside Gillette Stadium in Foxborough with the New England Patriots, of course, boo hiss. But they're doing that as kind of a little dress rehearsal for Thursday, which will be the preseason opener. and after nine previous practices, it was finally an opportunity for the Colts to get their hands on somebody else for a change. Overall, seems like the practice went pretty well, only one skirmish.

Starting point is 00:01:14 Sometimes there are far more, but I know Shane Steichen kind of preaches to be smart during these situations to his team. So let's go ahead and dive into it real quick. So first we're going to get into kind of just there was some weird random news throughout the last 24, or 36 hours for the Colts. And then we'll finally transform into what happened at practice. So let's start with just the injuries. Guys who were back who have missed some time recently, wide receiver Josh Downs was back.

Starting point is 00:01:46 He'd missed a couple days with a groin injury. Lequan Treadwell had missed a few days with a hamstring. Justin Wally missed Sundays practice, most of it with a hamstring. He was into position drills, but not the team drills. And then Hunter Wooler, I think, It's like five practices, five or six with his hamstring. Guys who remained out linebacker, C.J. Allen with a hamstring, he missed a few days.

Starting point is 00:02:10 Running back DJ Giddens. He's missed like four or five at this point now with a hamstring. Mooney Ward was a new one. He did not travel with the team out to New England. He's got a little back injury that they're maintaining, just kind of taking care of him right now. And then Alec Pierce, of course, on the active Pupplist still with his ankle. Now, early in the week, I believe Monday night, it was reported that Pierce had had a second PRP shot, platelet-rich plasma shot at the end of June to kind of speed along his recovery from his surgery,

Starting point is 00:02:48 which, oh, by the way, was revealed to not only be ankle, but ankle and heel, according to Fox 59's Mike Chapel. So if you're catching up on the timeline or the whole thing is confusing, basically Alec Pierce played through an ankle injury starting near the end of 2024. That bothered him. Played with it all throughout 2025 and they kind of maintained it. Got to a point where it really became painful and he missed a little practice time near the end of 2025. So in 2025, the season ended. He had a PRP shot like right after the season. They hoped that doing that would solve the issue and they'd have to check back, you know, several weeks later to see if it actually did the job.

Starting point is 00:03:35 Turns out it did not have the desired effects. So they went ahead and they had this surgery in March on his heel and ankle. It's the left one. So that carried a recovery time of like four to six months, which basically put him any returning anywhere from the beginning of training camp into. September. So here we are. We're starting like the third week of training camp now to this point. And he hasn't fully returned. But then the news comes out of this PRP shot in late June. Now, fast forward to the current time on Tuesday morning, whatever source told everybody on Monday that the shot happened, backtracked. They said the shot didn't actually happen. I don't really know how that transpires. But Colts GM, Chris Ballard,

Starting point is 00:04:25 came out to the media that did make the trip out to New England on Tuesday morning. And he cleared the air. He said, you know, everything is still on track for Alec to return by week one. They're still hopeful there. But he did not have a second PRP shot in June. I don't really know if that makes much difference. I just don't think they wanted misinformation out there. But on a side note, not even really a side note, I guess it is a development. Pierce was seen working on the field with a trainer off to the side for the first time during training camp. We haven't seen that. I've been out to all the ones that have been here in Indy and that has not been seen yet, was wearing cleats, was doing some rehab work off to the side with a trainer. So I guess that is a positive step in the right

Starting point is 00:05:10 direction. So with all of that background being said, let's go ahead and get to what actually transpired on the field in New England on Tuesday. So Daniel Jones ended up finishing 15 of 22 passing. It sounds like he was kind of shaky early on. New England was really solid in coverage, even without Christian Gonzalez. Really solid in coverage early on. Now, when you get to near the end of practice, both sides started incorporating like a two-minute drill into it. And at that point, Jones really started to settle in and become kind of the surgical version of himself that we've seen for much of this summer. So again, 15 or 22 in finality.

Starting point is 00:05:53 but in the final segment found Tyler Warren three times and then finish the whole thing off in the red zone with a touchdown to Josh Downs. So the connection from Jones to Warren and Downs really seems like it's going well, which is obviously a huge thing considering Alec Pierce has not returned yet. There's been so many injuries with the receiver court in and out that if Pierce isn't going to be there,

Starting point is 00:06:19 you at least want to be comfortable knowing that Daniel Jones is forming this, you know, even further bond with downs and, uh, and Warren. So it seems like that is going well. Uh, as far as Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson, sounds like both of them had a pretty solid day overall. Leonard was even described as being like great and I think he carried, uh, I don't think he had missed a pass for like the first few sessions, at least of team drills, uh, did old.

Starting point is 00:06:52 throw an interception at the end of his segment during the two minute drill, which kind of, of course, brings down the overall vibes of the day for him down a little bit. But I do think that is kind of a nice cherry on top as we go into the first preseason game of the progress we've seen from both players in the last few practice sessions. Both of them just, it was not inspiring football that they were playing. Like you would watch Daniel Jones go out there. There'd be rhythm. as accuracy. The timing was great. The offense moved well, and then Richardson would get out there,

Starting point is 00:07:27 or then Leonard would get out there with the twos, and it just put everything to a halt. He'd get some big plays. But overall, both of them were holding the ball too long. Leonard seemed apprehensive to push the ball whatsoever. Richardson's accuracy was just kind of all over the place. But in the last, again, in the last few practices, I think they both have settled down a bit, and have kind of found their stride. And they're kind of smoothing. out those rough edges a little bit. There's not such variance in their highs and lows. They're finding a little bit of the consistency that Shane Steichen is looking for.

Starting point is 00:08:02 All told, all three Colts quarterbacks during seven on sevens in the red zone combined for six touchdown throws. It's a really productive day. Now seven on sevens, you should be able to score, but that's good to see that there was at least productivity against the defense that got to the Super Bowl last year. So it's one thing if you're going up against the Colts defense constantly. it's your own defense. What's good for the offense is bad for the defense.

Starting point is 00:08:26 It's not, you know, it's kind of a toss-up of which way you want to look at it. But having success against the different team's defense is certainly a sign of good things. And then Shane Steichen, after practice, did divulge his plan for what he wants to do with the quarterbacks in the preseason, at least these first two games. So they have the Patriots this Thursday. And then the following two Saturdays, they have the Atlanta, Falcons in the Detroit line. So three preseason games. Anthony Richardson is going to start on Thursday against the Patriots. He'll play the whole first half. And then Riley Leonard will take over and play the whole second half. Next Saturday against the Falcons, it will be the reverse.

Starting point is 00:09:09 Riley Leonard will start and play the whole first half. And then Anthony will play throughout the second half. We'll see what they do in the third game. If Easton's did get any work whatsoever, if they will determine the winner of the QB2 competition after two games, maybe, we'll see. But all that to say, you'll notice I left out Daniel Jones in that. Daniel Jones will not play at all in the preseason, which is something that we kind of expect. They're going to play it smart with him. The entire season hinges on him, so you don't need to go out there and risk him to the preseason at all. So coming up next, guys, we're going to talk more specifically about some of the guys who stood out

Starting point is 00:09:48 on offense outside of just the quarterbacks. Matt Derry here from the Lockdown Lions podcast. You know, life insurance is one of those things. You don't really think about until you have a reason to. For me, it really hit home when my father passed away over 20 years ago. You started thinking less about yourself and more about the people who depend on you, making sure they're taking care of no matter what. That's why I like ethos.

Starting point is 00:10:13 They make getting life insurance simple. It's 100% online, no doctor visits, no needles, none of that. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in just a few minutes, and even get same-day coverage. And honestly, that's huge because life gets busy. You can get up to $3 million in coverage, and some plans are as low as just $30 a month. It's just one of those things that gives you peace of mind, knowing your family is protected. Take 10 minutes to get covered today with life insurance through ethos. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash lockdown NFL.

Starting point is 00:10:42 That is, eththos.com slash lockdown NFL. Applications may vary. rates may vary. There are more live events than ever worth seeing right now, especially in Indies, Central Indiana. We've always got stuff going on this time of year, especially as we get later into summer, and it's maybe not quite so blistering hot.

Starting point is 00:11:03 There's always some really good stuff to go out and see games, concerts, comedy shows, festivals, whatever. The hard part is usually not deciding what you want to attend. It's actually getting the tickets in the first place. Between long wait times, confusing checkout processes, and surprise fees at the end, buying tickets can sometimes feel harder than it needs to be.

Starting point is 00:11:23 But that's why so many fans are turning on to game time. It's the app that's built to make buying the whole process simple with upfront pricing, seat views before you buy, and an exclusive savings opportunity that helps you get to the events that you want without all the usual hassle. When it comes to buying tickets, one of my biggest pet peeves is when you think you found a great deal, and then you get all the way to the end at the checkout,

Starting point is 00:11:47 and then suddenly the final price is nothing compared to what you thought you were going to be paying. So take the guesswork out of buying tickets to every type of event with GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account and use code locked on for $20 off of your first purchase. Terms apply. Again, create an accountant use code L-O-C-E-D-O-N for $20 off. Download the GameTime app today. All right, welcome back, everybody. We are talking about the Colts and Patriots Joint Practice on two.

Starting point is 00:12:18 Tuesday, practice number 10 for Colts training camp. Before we move on to talk about the rest of the offense, though, don't forget to check out the Every Dare Club for ad-free episodes and access to a group chat with other listeners of the show, as well as Zach and myself. Just tap the link in the show notes or go to LockdownColts.com to join today. All right, so we talked about the quarterbacks. Let's move on to the rest of the cast of characters here. So Jonathan Taylor, it sounds like early on the Patriots Front Seven was really kind of staunch. and kind of built things up to stop Jonathan a little bit.

Starting point is 00:12:52 But as the day wore on, and they especially got into the red zone, I saw like some highlights from Colts Social. Jonathan had some good creases and was able to pick up some yardage. But also Jonathan Taylor, Seth McGowan, and Ulysses Bentley, all scored touchdowns in the red zone, which is really something we've seen a lot of lately. I think we all expect the Colts to be very, very good in the red zone. There was very little turnover on the offensive line.

Starting point is 00:13:18 You could almost consider it no turnover on the offensive line because Jalen Travis is your new starting right tackle. And although he replaces Braden Smith wholly, he also started the last four games of the year. So it's kind of just picking up where they left off over the last month of the season. So that offensive line should kind of power the colds to at least have a strong run game or be affected in the red zone. Looking beyond the running backs, Josh Downs, Again, I noticed some clips in one-on-ones, his route running just kind of leaving defenders in the dust. Now, one-on-ones are always going to be skewed towards the offense. They just always have the upper hand there.

Starting point is 00:14:00 The defense's back is always against the wall. So I kind of look for separation in the way that defenders react to offensive players' cuts and, like, how physical they're able to get. And it looked like Downs was legitimately creating pretty significant space in the routes that he was running. And then of course, as we saw, he scored that red zone touchdown late in the two minute drive. And I think that might kind of be indicative of a role we're going to see for him as we go on into the regular season. So a lot of the times it's big body guys in the passing game that get kind of the attention or the projection when it comes to red zone, especially

Starting point is 00:14:40 when you get down closer to the goal line, you know, throw it up to the big body guys and let them win 50-50 opportunities. That's, I mean, that's not always realistic. I mean, obviously everything down in the red zone compresses. So every little inch of space you can get matters. And so when you've got a smaller guy like Josh Downs, who's under 510 and he's quick, really good at the option routes and like he finds those little soft spots, I think Jones being able to find him in those little creases in the nooks and crannies of

Starting point is 00:15:13 coverage down near the goal line. I think that's going to be huge. He's probably scored like five or six red zone touchdowns ever since like OTAs in mini camp that I can think of. So I think downs in the red zone, especially in the low red zone close to the goal line, is going to be kind of an important thing this year. Something I think very good to hear is Tyler Warren

Starting point is 00:15:37 continuing his really good summer. From what I've seen, he has routinely been used, probably even more so than you would expect. I mean, considering how many other guys you have to kind of start ushering in now that Michael Pittman Jr. is out. Alec Pierce hasn't been practicing. So you kind of have to get other guys involved. But I think Tyler Warren's involvement in the offense looks a lot like it did in the first

Starting point is 00:16:03 half of last year before his production kind of fell off. You're seeing a ton of those bootleg, you know, the rollouts where you dump it off to Warren and let him pick up extra yards. Been very involved in the red zone. Those corner routes are huge. I think he's always going to be able to pick up those like 20, 30 yard gains on those. We've seen that routinely throughout the summer. And it sounds like he was very, very involved catching several passes.

Starting point is 00:16:31 I think I heard as at least five or so during team drills. I know we caught a couple, like two or three during that two-minute drill with Daniel Jones down the stretch that set them up to have that Josh Downs touchdown. So, like, not having Alec Pierce for the Colts, I do think is a big issue because you're your top outside weapon. But if you're looking for a silver lining, I think it's the fact that you've got a slot receiver as quick, shifty, and sure-handed as Josh Downs is. And Downs is very, very smart.

Starting point is 00:17:06 And then you have one of the best tight ends in the entire league. So if you're on shaky ground with Pierce or you're just waiting for him to get back, I think the Colts are in a decent spot there that they have two guys that you know they can kind of rely on to get those quick strike things. I think the issue is where does your downfield, where do your downfield opportunities come? Because neither of them are by design like a staple of the downfield offense. It's not that they can't be involved occasionally, but Ashton Doolin is probably going to have to step up be that then be that guy in the meantime this summer until Alec Pierce comes back. And when

Starting point is 00:17:43 Pierce comes back, hopefully he gets to 100% pretty quickly. So again, I think you're short to intermediate stuff is going to be really, really good with Downs and Warren. You're just kind of wondering, where is the downfield action going to come from until Pierce gets back? And then I'm going to lump field goals into here as well. Blake Groupie and Spencer Schrader both had four field goal attempts against the Patriots. Both of them went three of four. I know Joel Erickson wrote that it was really windy back there where they were kicking by Gillette Stadium, so that affected them a little bit.

Starting point is 00:18:19 That now brings, again, you guys know I've been keeping track of practices the media has seen, like every opportunity the media has seen for guys to kick since mandatory minicamp in June. Groupie is now 35 of 39, which is 89.7 percent. and Spencer Schrader is 26 of 39, which is 66.7%. So a rather large discrepancy of more than 20 points, percentage points. It is not close. Again, we'll see when the Colts finally kind of pull the plug on this competition,

Starting point is 00:18:57 but it would blow my mind to pieces if Blake Groupie is not named the starting kicker coming up here really any time. because I don't know what Schrader would have to do to make up the ground that groupie has established at this point. So coming up, guys, we've got some defense to talk about next before we wrap this whole thing out. Support for today's episode comes from IndeedSponsored Jobs. When workplace chaos hits and you need the right hire, Indeed sponsor jobs helps connect employers with candidates who match specific needs like skills, certifications, and location.

Starting point is 00:19:34 So less time gets spent searching for people and more time gets spent. spent finding the right fits. People are finding quality hires on Indeed right now. In the minute that I've been talking to you about this, companies like yours have made 27 hires on Indeed, according to Indeed data worldwide. Usually the biggest difference isn't someone doing more work. It's having somebody who knows exactly what needs to happen, and it helps everything run smoother. It's okay if you have a delegator as long as they're able to lead people properly, or they are a good example for others to see and you know hey that's what that person's doing that's what i need to be doing let's ride you know so spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check

Starting point is 00:20:15 all your boxes less stress less time more results when you need the right person to cut through the chaos this is a job for indeed sponsored jobs and listeners of the show will get a seventy five sponsored job credit to help get your job the premium status that it deserves at indeed dot com slash podcast Just go to Indeed.com slash podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Indeed.com slash podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Need to hire. This is a job for Indeed sponsored jobs. And before the season even kicks off, everybody's making predictions. Who wins the division? Who makes the playoffs? Who's lifting the trophy at the end of the season? On Calci, America's number one prediction market platform, you could trade those predictions in a live market. will the Colts qualify for the playoffs this season? That is what everyone is wondering, because heads might just roll if they don't.

Starting point is 00:21:08 Right now, Indy is trading at 40%, meaning a $100 trade would pay out over $250 if they clinch a playoff spot. On CalShe, you're trading against peers in a live market, meaning there's no house, and as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on CalShe. Download the CalShe app and use code locked on to get $10. when you trade $10. K-A-L-S-H-I-CAL-H-I, CalShee, trade on anything.

Starting point is 00:21:36 18-plus only, restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Cali products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see calshy.com slash regulatory. All right, welcome back to the show party people. We are talking Colts and Patriots Joint Practice that they had, on Tuesday.

Starting point is 00:22:03 We have seen now that. So at the beginning of this practice, it was already very skewed publicly towards the Patriots, because it's like the very first clip we saw this thing was A.J. Brown versus Sauce Gardner on a one-on-one route. It was like a 10-yard dig or something, and Brown got the separation as Sauce Gardner slipped and got the catch, whatever. It's a one-on-one.

Starting point is 00:22:31 And like we mentioned it kind of earlier, it's pretty skewed towards the offense. And so everyone sees that clip. They run wild with it. There's already like a lot of detractors of Sauce Gardner nationally. And when a guy was traded for that much capital, I think a lot of people are just waiting for the downfall. You know, so people always love to kind of hate on a big time player, especially when they're in a matchup with another one. So everyone dogged on Sauce Gardner and said. said he sucks and this and that. But as I continue to pay attention to people's reports throughout

Starting point is 00:23:07 practice, I noticed that Sauce Garner was kind of locking people down and he was getting some past breakups and just looking really good in coverage. And that's the kind of stuff you don't see. Well, number one, you can't really film like 11 on 11 drills and stuff, at least with most teams you can't. But after the first part of the story's already been established, it's really hard to get the rest of it out there. So if all you saw was the clip of it, of Sauce Gardner versus A.J. Brown, you probably thought that Gardner didn't have a good day, but that's really just not the case. You can't, you can really hardly include one-on-ones in how you performed in a day. But even if you wanted to count that, overall sauce apparently had a very good day.

Starting point is 00:23:48 He had that slip-up literally against Brown in one-on-ones, but overall, sauce very much held his own and looked like a good player in the joint practice against the Patriots. some other guys who had past breakups Justin Wally was seen having one Bryce Betcher, Trey Washington so Trey Washington's very very interesting he's not a guy that like the most common fan I think even has paid attention to the fact is on the roster

Starting point is 00:24:17 but this is year two for Washington with the Colts was mostly on the practice squad last year and kind of bounced up and down from being elevated on game days played a little bit for them but if the Colts But if the Colts keep five safeties, I think Washington might be the guy over Daniel Scott, over Juanier Thomas. I think the Colts really like him. And he can play special teams.

Starting point is 00:24:40 He is physical. So he can kind of hold up against the run. And he's pretty rangy and can do well at free safety too, I believe. So Wally, Betcher and Washington, a few other guys getting some past breakups. Now some reports I read about guys who overall didn't do so hot in coverage. Betcher did have the past breakup, but apparently he got lost a couple times when it came to, I think, Red Zone stuff in coverage, allowing some guys to kind of get behind him and get the upper hand. Cam Taylor Britt as well and Mackay Blackman, who were both filling in for Mooney Ward,

Starting point is 00:25:16 who again stayed home back in Indy, tended to his little back injury. So maybe not great, because I think Cam Taylor Britt and Mackay Blackman have both had pretty solid summers for the Colts against the Colts receivers. So you kind of want to hope that it's not fools gold when you see them up against another group of players with the Patriots. So this was just one performance, but we'll see what it looks like on Thursday night in a live game setting. I'm not going to completely bury those guys yet now that they've gone against a different team.

Starting point is 00:25:47 But I overall like what I've seen from Cam Taylor Britt and Mackay Blackman this summer, just maybe not their best day on Tuesday against the Patriots receivers. Michael Clemens had a sack. West Weeks had a sack. Clemens is interesting. I think he's been heating up a little bit as well. I've noted him with a couple of run stuffs throughout the last several practices. A few sacks as well. He's not a guy that's been a productive pass rusher really at any point in his career with the Jets

Starting point is 00:26:17 and now leading into his first season with the Colts. But he's capable of kicking inside and playing three tech while also kind of playing the run-stuffing edge. So he's basically filling the Taekwon Lewis void since Lewis left the Colts in free agency this year. So Clement's kind of heating up a little bit, been a pleasant surprise. I didn't respect a whole lot or expect a whole lot. I was hopeful because I liked him coming out of Texas A&M several years ago. But again, he just had not really been productive for the Jets to this point in his career. West Weeks getting a sack also, I think, a pretty good sign because linebackers in general,

Starting point is 00:26:56 have been very effective at getting home on blitzes for the Colts lately. I can remember I've noted Betcher with like three sacks recently. Akeem Davis Gaither had one recently, now West Weeks. So there's several guys, both safeties and linebackers, who are getting home on blitzes. So you obviously want to see that, especially with how much man coverage the Colts are going to be running. Grover Stewart and Akeem Davis Gaither with some run stuffs against the Patriots.

Starting point is 00:27:26 its first team offense. And then at the end of the day, in red zone drills, Drake May goes over the middle, and Cam Bynum is right there to leap up and snatch the ball to end the day for the Colts first team defense. So although Drake May had a pretty solid day overall,

Starting point is 00:27:43 from what I read, may had a good performance, but ends it with a Cambineum interception. That is actually how things ended with the Colts and Ravens joint practices last year. Lamar Jackson, through an interception to Hunter Wooller, and then his backup, Cooper Rush, also through an interception with the second team to Hunter Wooler. So the Colts taken care of some joint practices each of the last

Starting point is 00:28:06 couple years with ending things on interceptions. So you love to see that. That's all we got for you right now. We've got more stuff, a lot more stuff coming for you guys over the next several days. And then, of course, the Colts preseason kickoff tomorrow night at 730 Eastern. Thank you guys for making Lockdown Colts your first listen of the day. Now for your next listen, check out the Lockdown NFL scouting podcast. As training camps get closer and moves are being made, hosts Kyle Crabs and Joe Marino will make you the most informed NFL fan this offseason. Find Lockdown NFL scouting on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you don't already, follow at Lockdown Colts at Jake Arthur, NFL, and at Zach

Starting point is 00:28:47 X2 on social media. Remember, if you never miss an episode, then the Everdare Club is built specifically for you. Get us ad-free, plus members only did. Discord access and more. Just head to locked on colds.supercast.com to join the club. And with that, thanks again for joining us today, guys, and we will catch you later.

Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - INDIANAPOLIS COLTS CAMP, DAY 10: Daniel Jones, Cam Bynum Deliver Late vs. New England Patriots

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.