Cooper Rush and Jack Strand pick apart Colts' defense as Falcons roll to 34-6 preseason win

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Cooper Rush and Jack Strand picked apart the Colts' pass defense, and the Atlanta Falcons cruised to a 34-6 preseason win over Indianapolis on Saturday.

Rush, who was signed last month , and the undrafted rookie Strand completed 16 of their first 17 throws while leading the Falcons to scores on five of their first six drives. Rush was 10 of 11 for 86 yards. Strand relieved him and finished 12 of 17 for 212 yards and a touchdown.

Atlanta — which struggled in joint practices against the Colts this week with starter Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback — outgained Indianapolis 464 yards to 161 while rushing for 164 yards.

Meanwhile, the Colts still have questions at backup quarterback.

Riley Leonard played the first half and went 7 of 14 with 62 yards while facing heavy pressure, though he did lead the Colts to their only points — two field goals.

“I thought he did some good things, definitely some things we can improve on,” coach Shane Steichen said at halftime. “We've got be better on third down, got to be better on first and second down.”

Anthony Richardson, Indy's first-round pick in 2023, played the second half and was 3 of 9 for 24 yards while taking two sacks. He started Indy's preseason opener and threw an interception and lost a fumble in the first half.

Indianapolis also had eight penalties for 70 yards.

Starting quarterback Daniel Jones is one of many Colts who have not yet played in the preseason. Jones is coming back from a broken bone in his lower left leg and a torn right Achilles tendon. Steichen has said he expects to play his starters in next week's preseason finale.

The Falcons also rested most of their starters, including Tagovailoa.

Tyler Goodson, a former Colts running back, ran for a 49-yard touchdown to make it 10-3. After Spencer Shrader's second field goal for Indy, Nathan Carter ran for a 1-yard touchdown and Strand connected with Cash for a 13-yard score to put Atlanta on top 24-6 at the half.

Strand scrambled for a 16-yard TD on the opening possession to the second half and the Falcons closed out the scoring with Nick Folk's 50-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Goodson finished with six carries for 59 yards.

Falcons: Close out the preseason Friday night at Miami.

Colts: Host Detroit next Saturday in their preseason finale.

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