Colts Struggle in 34-6 Loss to Falcons

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts lost 34-6 to the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday night, finishing with 164 yards and converting one of 11 third-down attempts.

“Obviously, disappointed with the performance, all three phases,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “We got to be better on every phase of the game. That wasn’t us. That wasn’t up to our standard.”

Riley Leonard started at quarterback and completed 7 of 14 passes for 62 yards. Anthony Richardson played the second half and went 3 of 9 for 24 yards with two sacks.

“Up and down,” Steichen said of Leonard’s performance. “Did some good things at times, but I think overall, as an offense, the whole game, just third downs, I think we were 1-of-11.”

The competition to back up Daniel Jones remains open.

The kicking competition also continues. Spencer Shrader made field goals of 48 and 53 yards, while Blake Grupe missed from 38 yards.

“It’s still ongoing,” Steichen said. “We’ve got a lot of belief and faith in both of those guys.”

Atlanta finished with 461 yards, including 164 rushing.

“We can’t give up explosive plays,” Steichen said. “I think we gave up a few of those in the run game and in the pass game, and obviously that leads to points.”

Steichen said he was pleased with running backs Seth McGowan and Anderson Castle.

The linebacker competition also remains open.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that are capable and they’re still competing,” Steichen said. “We’ve got another week.”

The Colts host Detroit next Saturday in the preseason finale.