Colts struggle in preseason win over Bengals

— In a mixed performance during the Colts' final preseason game against the Bengals, quarterback Anthony Richardson showcased both promise and challenges. Richardson led an impressive 80-yard touchdown drive on his first series, completing 7 of 8 passes for 65 yards, culminating in a 9-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell. However, the remainder of his night was less successful, as he struggled to maintain momentum and faced difficulties in subsequent drives. Richardson's second drive faltered when he missed a crucial third-down pass, and his final series ended poorly with a sack and fumble, leading to his substitution by Sam Ehlinger. Reflecting on his performance, Richardson acknowledged the ups and downs of the game, emphasizing that not everything would go smoothly. He expressed a desire to learn from the experience, noting the contrast between the successful first drive and the mistakes that followed. The Colts' special teams also made an impact, with Spencer Schrader successfully kicking field goals from 56 and 41 yards. Meanwhile, Bengals coach Zac Taylor opted to rest all starters, which limited the effectiveness of the backup players. Despite the lack of starters, Taylor viewed the game as valuable experience for those who will play significant roles during the regular season. Looking ahead, the Colts are set to open their regular season at home against the Houston Texans on September 8, as they aim to build on the lessons learned from this preseason finale.