Eagles Trail Colts at Halftime as Rookie QBs Battle

Here's everything you need to know from the first half of the Indianapolis Colts vs. Philadelphia Eagles preseason tilt on Thursday night.

Sometimes as a coach, you have to manufacture the results that you want. Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni seemingly did that in the first half of the team's preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night at Lincoln Financial Field, but it was the Colts who led 17-13 headed into the locker room.

More specifically, Sirianni saw enough from backup quarterback Marcus Mariota after one series, that the veteran didn't see any additional time after a scoring drive. It was hardly an earth-shattering drive for Mariota, as receiver Devon Allen -- who also happens to be a world-class hurdler -- returned the opening kickoff for 73 yards. Mariota completed one of two pass attempts, connecting with Deon Cain for a 21-yard gain. Third-year running back Trey Sermon then received three consecutive carries, capping off the drive with a five-yard touchdown run. 

And that was it on the night for Mariota. He completed one of two passes for 21 yards, and then was replaced by rookie Tanner McKee. This likely wasn't a sign that McKee has a legitimate opportunity to beat Mariota out for the backup quarterback job. Rather, the plan all along was for Mariota to see limited action in the preseason finale, which is typical for backups in the final preseason game. Given the struggles Mariota has had this preseason, it made sense to get him out on a relative high note. 

But while McKee saw a bulk of the time at quarterback for the Eagles in the first half, it was the rookie on the opposite sideline that commanded the most attention in the game's first 30 minutes. 

Oh snap. Anthony Richardson went ‘Fly Eagles Fly’ on the Eagles in Philly after leading a TD drive. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ovRTV75r5l

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 25, 2023

Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, was recently named the Week 1 starting quarterback for the Colts. That didn't stop new Colts coach Shane Steichen -- the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia the last two seasons -- from playing Richardson for the entirety of the first half. 

And Richardson flashed some of the elite traits that made him such an interesting prospect coming out of Florida, while also reminding you about how much room he has to grow as a passer. In total, he completed six of 17 pass attempts, while rushing for 38 yards on five carries. Running backs Evan Hull and Deon Jackson each rushed for touchdowns.

Meanwhile, McKee continued to look impressive, completing 15 of 27 pass attempts for 139 yards. Kicker Jake Elliott connected on two lengthy field goals, one from 59 yards and the other from 52. Elliott will kick off to the Colts to open the second half. 

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