Here is what everyone (especially Luck himself) wanted to see: Luck did scramble once on 3^rd down, and was tackled by a helmet hitting directly on the reconstructed throwing shoulder without any issue. He also took a sack, so he was hit a few times while on the field and by all accounts suffered no ill after-effects. The only bad decision he made was once trying to force one to Hilton in double coverage, but to me this was a sign that he was not tentative so I was okay with that today. Luck was really and truly having fun on the field, and that was a pleasure to see.

He was out there without both of his likely starting tackles and uncertainty at right guard since projected starter OL Jack Mewhort suddenly retired at the age of 26 a few weeks back. The overall line because of the slower backup tackles was okay, but not stellar, but it is early and a positive sign for this work in progress. The interior protection was very good; having a pair of young first round picks healthy and together in rookie OG Quentin Nelson and second year OC Ryan Kelly was evident. I like what I saw from them.

As far as other fantasy players, The one with the most news was RB Marlon Mack. He looked ineffective as a runner, inside and out, but solid as fast as a pass catcher. He also limped out of the game in the first series with an apparent hamstring injury. RB Robert Turbin on the other hand was very effective as a runner and as a receiver. Once he gets back from his PED suspension, then any struggle by Mack could put him in play as a potential flex or bye-week back you can get off your waiver wire. Rookie RB Nyheim Hines is fast but looked a bit overwhelmed in his first action as a returner and as a runner. As to the receivers, WR Ryan Grant did start as the #2 but was not targeted on the day. Rookie camp phenom and dynasty-league watch WR Deon Cain left the game with a knee injury and no update has yet been given on his status. WR Chester Rogers appeared to have dropped to 4^th on the depth chart due to "inconsistent camp performance" according to the coaches earlier this week. I don’t think Grant is draftable yet, but if you are in a larger league and looking for the #2, he is your man.

That is all for now from the Crossroads of America. I will be back in a few weeks after the next two preseason games to look at the state of the Colts. Aside from Luck, the biggest question mark remains to be the defense and I don’t think we saw enough yesterday in a vanilla preseason opener to make any determinations. Until then folks…happy drafting!!

End.