The Indianapolis Colts are heading into the 2019 NFL season as a contender in the AFC. After a big season last year, the Colts are now thought of as one of the top teams in the league. While that may be the case with the starters, the preseason did not open up well for the franchise.
Obviously, preseason doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but the Colts ended up losing to the Buffalo Bills by a final score of 24-16 last week. It was a boring game for the most part and Indianapolis did not play most of their main talents.
Despite that fact, there are still some intriguing players to keep an eye on for the team. Frank Reich and the Colts' coaching staff will need to develop their young talent in order to overtake teams like the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs. That will be their main focus in the team's second preseason game at home against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night this week.
There were a few bright spots for the Colts last week. In Week 2 preseason action, there are going to be even more opportunities for a few young players in particular.
Let's dive in and take a look at the three players that fans should keep a close eye on this week.
3. Daurice Fountain, Wide Receiver
One of the main bright spots for the Colts last week was second-year wide receiver Daurice Fountain. He is a big-time talent that is determined to earn a role within the offense. Fountain caught five passes for 63 yards in the Colts' first preseason game.
Standing in at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Fountain has good size for the wide receiver position. He has good speed, great athleticism, and has been a solid route runner as well. Another big game would help his case for not just making the roster, but possibly earning some playing time behind T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, and Parris Campbell.
2. Khari Willis, Safety
Khari Willis was taken by the Colts with the No. 109 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He had a great collegiate career at Michigan State and has a chance to beef up a secondary that desperately needed help over the past few years.
Last week, Willis made his presence known on the defensive side of the football. He ended up recording five tackles, with four of those being solo. Willis is looking to earn a role and his play in preseason could determine how much time he plays in the regular season.
1. Chad Kelly, Quarterback
Of course, this list could not be complete without the addition of Chad Kelly. He was the most exciting player on either team in the first preseason game. Frank Reich gave him another chance, which may very well be his last after off-the-field issues derailed his career.
Kelly ended up completing 13 of his 19 pass attempts for 121 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. His biggest contribution came on the ground with 53 yards and a touchdown, including a 31-yard touchdown run. It is obvious that he is making the most of this opportunity and could very well push third-string quarterback Phillip Walker for a roster spot.
