PHILADELPHIA -- For a preseason finale with little excitement, the Indianapolis Colts provided entertainment by allowing Anthony Richardson and the first-team offense to play the entire first half. Richardson led the Colts to points on three of his six possessions -- including two touchdowns -- as Indianapolis defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-13 to close out its preseason.
Richardson ended the first half 6 of 17 for 78 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions, yet displayed his athleticism on multiple plays in buying extra time and getting his receivers open. He did have a fumble, but it was recovered by the Colts.
Indianapolis scored both its first-half touchdowns on runs, as Dion Jackson and Evan Hull each scored (Jackson from three yards and Hull from one). Richardson actually led the Colts with 38 yards on five carries.
The Eagles got a touchdown run from Trey Sermon (also from a yard out), along with 59- and 52-yard field goals from Jake Elliott (who has three 50-yard kicks this preseason). Marcus Mariota played the opening series before giving way to Tanner McKee, who went 15 of 27 for 139 yards -- most of the snaps against the Colts' first-team defense. Joseph Ngata had a rough first half with a drop and a fumble that resulted in a turnover.
Gardner Minshew relieved Richardson in the second half and threw a touchdown pass to Kenyan Drake for the only touchdown in the final 30 minutes. The Eagles didn't move the ball much in the second half, but Tyreek Maddox-Williams (who signed last week) had a 42-yard interception return.
Below are takeaways from the preseason finale.
Richardson showcases skill set
Going against some players who aren't going to be on the Eagles' 53-man roster next week makes Richardson's performance hard to evaluate. He had three scoring drives in six series, leading to 17 points in the first half. He showcased command of a vanilla offense Shane Steichen was running, not giving away too many secrets. Richardson also knew when to use his legs to move the chains, rushing for 38 yards on five carries.
The overall numbers aren't astonishing, but it's clear Richardson has the raw tools and arm strength to succeed in this league. He does need to work on his accuracy and footwork.
Devon Allen makes his case for Eagles roster spot
If there was anyone who improved their stock to make the 53-man roster in a preseason finale, it was Allen. He started the game getting reps as a kickoff returner and took the opening kickoff 73 yards -- which led to an Eagles touchdown. Later in the game, he made a tackle as a gunner on punt coverage.
Doubling as a returner and gunner on special teams is vital, and Allen proved he could do it. Reminder he's also on a three-year contract. The Eagles haven't given up on Allen, who's proving his value.
Gardner Minshew impresses in limited action
Minshew continued to do Minshew things when he entered the game to start the second half. He finished 9 of 11 for 102 yards and a touchdown pass Kenyan Drake (a wide open Drake) to put the Colts up 24-13 on the opening possession of the third quarter. Minshew picked on Eagles rookie Kelee Ringo several times on that possession to move the chains, showcasing his veteran experience against a rookie that needs significant work before contributing on NFL Sundays.
Minshew isn't QB1, but he's going to be a valuable backup to Richardson.
Deon Cain put on some tape
Cain likely isn't going to make the 53-man roster, but the USFL Championship Game MVP did get some separation on several routes. Cain finished with six catches for 62 yards to lead the Eagles, having several strong catches to move the chains. He has the trust of Tanner McKee and should find his way on the practice squad -- which didn't appear possible at the start of camp (injury).
Tyreek Maddox-Williams gets noticed
For a player who signed with Philadelphia last week as roster filler for the final preseason game, Maddox-Williams finished with seven tackles and had a 42-yard interception return in limited action. He may not make the Eagles 53-man roster, but there's a practice squad spot he played himself in contention for. If not Philadelphia, some other NFL team will be impressed by his performance.