Colts Impress in 41-14 Victory Over Bengals in Preseason Finale

The Indianapolis Colts closed out their 2025 preseason with a dominating 41-14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, showcasing both their depth and readiness for the upcoming regular season. Despite missing key starters, the Colts’ roster filled with backups and newcomers delivered an impressive performance, leaving fans excited about what lies ahead.

Leonard Shines with Impressive Performance

Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard had a standout performance, completing 15 of 20 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. His 59-yard completion to Laquon Treadwell highlighted his strong arm and precision. Leonard, a Duke product, has shown significant growth since being drafted, and his poise in this preseason finale proved he's ready for the challenge of the NFL.

What stood out most was Leonard’s ability to stay calm under pressure. Even with less-than-ideal weather conditions, Leonard handled the elements, especially the wind, with ease. His confident play helped guide the Colts to a resounding victory, and it’s clear he’s one of the bright spots in the Colts’ future.

Treadwell and Bentley Stand Out

It wasn’t just Leonard who impressed; wide receiver Laquon Treadwell also had a standout performance, catching six passes for 116 yards. Treadwell’s ability to make plays and establish chemistry with Leonard in a critical game only strengthened his case for a more prominent role in the regular season.

Running back Ulysses Bentley IV also showcased his talents, scoring two touchdowns and helping the Colts maintain their momentum throughout the game. Bentley’s quickness and vision in the open field were on full display, proving that the Colts’ running back depth could be a major asset going forward.

Defense Stands Tall

The defense also delivered a solid performance, with safety Daniel Scott making a huge impact. His 35-yard touchdown off an interception was a game-changer, adding a defensive touchdown to the Colts’ growing lead. The defense as a whole played aggressively, not allowing the Bengals’ offense to find a rhythm.

Despite some offensive pressure from the Bengals, the Colts' defense remained composed and executed their game plan to perfection. The defensive unit, which has been a source of strength for the team in previous seasons, continued to show they’re ready to compete at a high level when the regular season begins.

Wrapping Up the Preseason: Colts Are Ready for the Regular Season

With this decisive win, the Colts finished their preseason with a 1-2 record, but the result felt secondary to the overall performance. There were flashes of brilliance from the rookies and backups, and the team showed signs of being ready for the challenges of the 2025 season.

As the Colts transition to the regular season, they’ll have more clarity on their roster, especially with players like Leonard, Treadwell, and Bentley stepping up. While preseason victories don’t always carry over into the regular season, the Colts have plenty to be excited about moving forward. The coaching staff, led by Shane Steichen, will undoubtedly take a lot of positives from this final preseason outing as they prepare for Week 1.

Fans have reason to be optimistic, with the Colts looking like a team with solid depth, dynamic playmakers, and the potential to make a run in the AFC South. The real test begins in just a few weeks, but after this dominant victory, the Colts are set to make a statement in the 2025 NFL season.