Breaking down Riley Leonard’s performance vs the Falcons

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 22: Riley Leonard #15 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass during the first quarter of the preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Carter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It was Riley Leonard's chance to play with the 2's and it was nothing to write home about. Below are many of throws and plays from his performance against the Falcons.

Scramble 1

Leonard picks up the first but this one is coming back due to a hold on Dalton Tucker#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/nYUbUCoy76

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

This is a nice scramble and run from Leonard. His receivers were clearly covered throughout the entire play and he picked up the first down with his legs and smartly went out of bounds.

Throw 1

Big completion to Coleman Owen.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/YF66Jhtz9F

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

This is a longer developing route with a post/corner pick down the field. The protection was nice here, giving Leonard enough time in the pocket to scan and make a nice throw to Owen who was wide open after the nice play design.

Throw 2

Deon Burks with a catch short of the sticks.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/R2a3PVXYii

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

The protection can be partially blamed on this one. It appeared that a dig route was going to open up perfectly over the middle but Leonard had to rush the throw underneath to Burks who was stopped short of the sticks. It's not a bad decision or throw considering the circumstances surrounding the play.

Throw 3

PI for a first down. Raylen Sharpe the target. #Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/w6vLQzClUI

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

The out underneath was probably the better decision but Leonard wanted to throw one up for the 1on1 and he was rewarded with a pass interference that got them that yardage. I believe if both scenarios (throw the out or take the 1on1 shot) were played out 10 times, the throw to the out is likely the more successful one, but the 1on1 shot was the better one on this play.

Throw 4

Big completion for Deon Burks for a first down. Coming back due to an illegal hands to the face on Josh Kreutz.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/fhljWVpBsW

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

This is a very nice throw in the pocket and especially impressive as it came on 3rd down. He threaded the needle beautifully on it.

Throw 5

Leonard dirts this ball on 3rd down.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/NTfwDoU4jc

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

This is a flat out miss that simply can't happen. He doesn't step into his throw properly and it could be because he was thrown off by the timing. Nevertheless, a bad miss that leads to a punt deep in their own zone.

Throw 6

Nice catch from 80#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/IqiStxEeUu

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

While the throw was a slight floater, it was very well placed and well timed. He threw that in a spot where only Burks can make the catch.

Throw 7

Another grab for Burks.#Colts#ForTheShoe#Falcons#ATLvsINDpic.twitter.com/H0QcL8kKtB

- Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) August 22, 2026

This was the right read and a bit unfortunate that Burks just got caught before the sideline. Not much Leonard could do... holding on to it longer makes the throw more difficult, especially to a receiver moving away from him. Throwing it too early and the defense has more time to adjust, react and make a play on Burks before he gets out of bounds.

Overall Recap

While this breakdown is somewhat incomplete due to the lack of available clips from Leonard's game, I came away thinking there were more positives than negatives and plenty to be encouraged about. This QB2 battle is nowhere near over. Richardson had two fantastic drives last week against the Patriots with the 2s, and Leonard had several positive plays and throws with the 2s this week.

People will want to crown Richardson as the QB2 after his strong couple of drives last week, but objective fans and analysts know this battle is far from over. While Richardson moved the ball well on drives that led to points, Leonard made some big throws on third down and did not turn the ball over.

The Richardson situation over the past few years has made many fans overly emotional, and once you take off the Florida Gators-colored glasses, you see a very tight race that is not close to over. Next week's game will be the final battle before the team is forced to make a decision.

While both quarterbacks showed some positive signs in their games with the 2s, the harsh reality is that neither looks ready for regular-season NFL action. If the Colts were forced to play either backup right now, they would be in serious trouble.