Falcons Crush Colts 34-6 in Preseason Rout as Atlanta Backups Dominate

Q: With starters resting, which backup quarterback will seize the spotlight and secure their roster spot in the Colts' preseason clash?

Anthony Richardson appears better positioned to seize the spotlight, but the Colts’ backup job is still unsettled entering the Falcons game. The clearest evidence is the preseason opener against New England. Richardson was sharper and more explosive, completing 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards while adding 53 rushing yards and a touchdown. Riley Leonard, by contrast, went 10 of 21 for 89 yards with an interception. That gave Richardson an early edge in a competition Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter have repeatedly described as close. Still, Saturday gives Leonard a major opportunity because he is scheduled to start and play the entire first half against Atlanta, with Richardson taking the second half. Leonard has openly said he wants to bounce back after a “sloppy” first outing, and coaches have been looking for him to trust his reads and “let it rip” rather than hold the ball. If he can move the offense efficiently, avoid turnovers and show better command, he can regain ground quickly. Richardson’s case is stronger right now because of his game experience and higher ceiling as a runner and playmaker. But his own inconsistency — errant throws, ball-security issues and uneven command — means he has not locked up QB2. So the spotlight may begin on Leonard because he gets the start, but Richardson remains the likelier candidate to strengthen his grip on a roster spot unless Leonard delivers a clear, decisive response against Atlanta.

3 articles · Updated · The Falcoholic · Aug 22

Atlanta rolled to a 34-6 preseason win over Indianapolis, turning a 10-6 first quarter edge into a lopsided result with 24 unanswered points.
Cooper Rush and Jack Strand kept the offense moving through the air, while Tyler Goodson broke a 49-yard touchdown run and Nate Carter added a short rushing score.
Atlanta's defense repeatedly stalled Riley Leonard and later pressured Anthony Richardson, with Cam Sample recording a sack as the Colts managed only two field goals.
Nick Folk added three field goals, including a 49-yarder in the fourth, and strong special-teams work helped Atlanta control field position throughout.
The performance gives Falcons coaches a deeper look at roster battles after backups across the offense, defense and special teams stood out in the teams' second preseason game.