Week three of the NFL Preseason 2023 has begun. The Colts open with a win over the Eagles, while the Falcons lose to the Steelers.

The Indianapolis Colts have won their preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles 27-13, winning two of three preseason games before the start of the regular season.

Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson completed six of 17 passes for 78 yards and also rushed for 38 yards on five carries. However, the fourth pick of the 2023 draft also committed a fumble. Substitute Gardner Minshew put up better numbers with 102 passing yards on nine completions and one touchdown. Kenyon Drake, Deon Jackson and Evan Hull were responsible for the touchdowns.

The Philadelphia Eagles continued to rest much of their core personnel. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was replaced for long stretches of the game by Tanner McKee (19/34, 158 passing yards). Star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, like Hurts, did not see action, but Deon Cain made an impact with six receptions on nine targets for 62 yards.

NFL Preseason: Falcons lose to Steelers by a wide margin

In the second game of the night, the Atlanta Falcons took on the Pittsburgh Steelers and fell 24-0. Desmond Ridder, the Falcons’ starting quarterback, did not get any time on the field. Instead, Logan Woodside (24/31, 196 passing yards), who was sacked four times by the Steelers defence, got to show off.

Especially on the ground Atlanta did not get through at all and scored only 40 yards on 19 run attempts. Pittsburgh looked better, gaining 175 yards on 40 rushes. Star running back Najee Harris racked up 18 yards and a touchdown on four attempts, Anthony McFarland Jr. reached 55 yards on ten carries and ran into the end zone once.

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett was only on the field briefly, but completed all four of his passes for 86 yards. Top receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson each had one reception for 35 and 33 yards respectively.