Breaking down the Indianapolis Colts: A look back at the preseason opener and a quick look ahead

Indianapolis Colts RB Donald Brown (AP Photo)

Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser takes a final look at the Indianapolis Colts' 13-3, preseason-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings Friday and takes an early look ahead to Thursday night's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lucas Oil Stadium . . .

OFFENSE

Looking back: Overall, the tone was set by a three-sacks-in-six-plays opening drive, but veteran OG Ryan Lilja returned after missing last season with a knee injury and said he felt fine. That's a good sign. The unit also should improve as they gain cohesion and health. RB Donald Brown showed why the Colts selected him in the first round. Looking ahead: None of the offensive starters were happy after Friday's game, and the Colts obviously will want more than three points Thursday against Philadelphia. The main area to watch is offensive line. If they get cohesion there, no one's worried about the skill players.

DEFENSE

Looking back: The Colts were without their starting secondary – yes, their entire starting secondary, plus safety Melvin Bullitt -- and DT Antonio Johnson was out. Plus, they were playing the Vikings, who have one of the NFL's best running attacks. Still, Head Coach Jim Caldwell left no doubt that he didn't like how Indianapolis got controlled at the line of scrimmage at times. Looking ahead: The defense certainly will focus on controlling the line against Philadelphia Friday. The entire preseason will be spent trying to figure the new wrinkles in defensive coordinator Larry Coyer's defense, but those may not be seen until the season opener.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Looking back: With K Adam Vinatieri out, the focus was on P Pat McAfee. He wasn't thrilled with every punt, but he showed a big leg early and could be capable of punting the Colts out of trouble deep in their own territory. RB Chad Simpson worked as the top kickoff returner and rookie CB Jerraud Powers worked as the top punt returner. Neither had huge games, but give that area a few games to get some cohesion. Looking ahead: The preseason will be spent working on new coordinator Ray Rychleski's coverage schemes and trying to find a kick and punt returner.

QUARTERBACKS

Looking back: Starter Peyton Manning played just six plays and was sacked three times, so it's hard to really assess. But, really, is anyone worried about Manning? With QB Jim Sorgi out, third-teamer Curtis Painter played nearly three quarters and showed some poise for his first NFL start. Looking ahead: Manning almost certainly will play more Thursday, and with Sorgi out at least another week, Painter -- a rookie sixth-rounder from Purdue -- will get another huge dose of time.

RUNNING BACKS

Looking back: Joseph Addai or Donald Brown? Donald Brown or Joseph Addai? You get the feeling that the preseason opener was a first glimpse of what the Colts have been saying throughout the preseason and offseason – that the duo is going to complement each other. If they're healthy, these are two very good backs. Looking ahead: The main storyline of the preseason at this position will continue to be at third running back, where Mike Hart missed Friday with an ankle injury and neither Chad Simpson or Lance Ball dazzled this past week.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Looking back: With WR Anthony Gonzalez out and TE Dallas Clark out, rookie Austin Collie and second-year veteran Pierre Garcon got the starts. Garcon had an early drop that a lot of fans criticized, but that's what preseason is for – getting those out of the way. Collie had a solid effort in his first game, and appears to be just what many expected – a tough, physical guy who can play in the slot. Looking ahead: The rest of the preseason likely will be about getting Garcon and Collie ready for the regular season. One drop for Garcon isn't a big deal, but the Colts certainly want to get him going at a high level entering the season.

TIGHT ENDS

Looking back: Not much point in even going there, not with Dallas Clark, Tom Santi and Jacob Tamme out. Looking ahead: Clark obviously doesn't need much preseason time to be ready, but Santi and Tamme played sparingly last season and could use a few preseason games to prepare.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Looking back: These guys were frustrated and furious during the game and remained so afterward. Never mind that two of the first-drive sacks were given up by little-used OT Corey Hilliard and the other was very close to a coverage sack. The line talked all offseason about improving from last year's performance, and even though the starters played just six plays, they were upset they didn't get that done. Look for this area to improve when starters Ryan Diem (RT) and Charlie Johnson (LT) return. One interesting note was that Tony Ugoh started at his old left tackle position, but moved around and even played right guard. Looking ahead: This will be the major storyline of the week and the major area to watch offensively Thursday. One interesting wrinkle that developed Saturday was Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell praising Ugoh's play against the Vikings. The Colts would love for him to compete for and win the left tackle position again. Was Friday the first step back?

DEFENSIVE LINE

Looking back: The Colts allowed some early runs to the Vikings, but a lot of teams are going to do that against Minnesota. The Vikings may have the best 1-2 running back combination in the NFL with Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor. Still, Caldwell didn't like the way the Colts couldn't control the line of scrimmage and the area needs to improve. It will be interesting to see how the are performs in coming weeks, when Antonio Johnson – listed as the starter – returns. Still waiting to see how the playing time shakes out here. Looking ahead: DE Raheem Brock perhaps will be out with a hand injury, but the main focus here the rest of the preseason will be the interior of the line. Minnesota ran effectively in the middle at times and Caldwell will want to see improvement there.

LINEBACKERS

Looking back: One of the few areas where everyone played, and in his starting debut, SLB Philip Wheeler seemed to make some solid plays. He also blitzed at times, and with his size, that could be a serious weapon. Looking ahead: What everyone wants to see is just how much this unit will blitz in Coyer's new scheme. The preseason may provide hints, but we won't get the full picture until September 13 against Jacksonville.

SECONDARY

Looking back: Like tight end, how do you judge when no starters play? CBs Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson were out, as was S Bob Sanders and S Antoine Bethea. So was backup S Melvin Bullitt. Backup S Matt Giordano again showed why he's a valuable backup and second-year S Jamie Silva seems capable as a reserve. At CB, third corner Tim Jennings made a nice break on the ball to defend a first-half pass and rookie Jerraud Powers got his first NFL start. Looking ahead: The Colts will want this area healthier as the season approaches, but honestly, it was hard to know Friday how serious many of the Colts' injuries were and how may were precautions. That was true at secondary as well, but no matter how much the defensive backs play in preseason they're an experienced, deep talented bunch and this area just doesn't seem to be a huge concern.

TRAINING CAMP NEWS

K Adam Vinatieri says he'll be ready for regular season

Colts becoming Head Coach Jim Caldwell's team

WR Reggie Wayne continues to be team leader

Magnificent Seven I: Seven training camp thoughts and observations

On Colts RB Joseph Addai

Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer says no Blitzburgh necessary for Colts

Moore, Mudd together just one more year

Magnificent Seven II: On the Colts' defensive tackle position and WR Reggie Wayne

Indianapolis Colts offensive line moving forward with lineup few expected

Colts Uncertain when Bob Sanders will return

Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell no Tony Dungy clone