In the Indianapolis Colts' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, the final score may have been insignificant, but the performance of the Colts' first-team units certainly caught the attention of fans. Despite facing the Bengals' second and third-stringers, there were still valuable takeaways from the game that showcased the strengths of the Colts.

One player who stood out was Laiatu Latu, whose presence on the field posed a threat to opposing tackles. Combining forces with Deforest Buckner on the defensive line, Latu's disruptive skills are sure to cause headaches for offensive lines throughout the season.

The game started on a positive note for the Colts' offense under the helm of quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson displayed great composure, delivering a perfect throw to Alec Pierce, who executed a flawless crossing route. The pass not only showcased Richardson's accuracy, but also his ability to protect his receiver from a potential big hit.

Richardson continued to shine, completing his first six passes, until a drop from Drew Ogletree disrupted the drive. Although the pass could have been better, it was still catchable, adding an element of shared responsibility between the two players.

However, it was another play that ultimately halted the drive. Richardson fell victim to a miscommunication with tight end Kylan Granson, resulting in a pick-six for the Bengals. Despite Kirk Herbstreit's mistaken analysis labeling it as an accuracy issue, it was clear that miscommunication was the culprit. Herbstreit's commentary throughout the game received criticism for attempting to create a quarterback controversy between Richardson and Joe Flacco.

Amidst the ups and downs, Richardson's performance still had its redeeming moments. One such instance was a throw in the middle of the field, which, according to football principles, should be aimed low to minimize the risk of interceptions. Although limited by the TV angle, Richardson made a good decision to target a spot where only his intended receiver, Pitt, could make a play.

However, Richardson did have a notable miss when he failed to connect with AD Mitchell, who was wide open. This misfire was the only glaring error in Richardson's performance, highlighting an otherwise impressive display by the young quarterback.

While the Colts may have ultimately suffered a loss in their preseason opener, the game provided glimpses of the team's potential. The performance of their first-team units against the Bengals' backups showed promise for the upcoming season. As the preseason progresses, Indianapolis fans hope to see continued growth from Richardson and the rest of the Colts' roster.

It should be noted that preseason games are not always indicative of regular-season success, and the true test for the Colts will come when they face gauntlet of NFL opponents. Nonetheless, this game served as a valuable evaluation opportunity for the team and offered fans a taste of what's in store for the upcoming season.