Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Good News About the Colts' Defense

The headlines in Cincinnati this morning read Colts-in-preseason-finale: Bengals beat Colts.

Which is the truth. Last night the Cincinnati Bengals eked out a win against the Colts backups 30-28 in the preseason finale.

But, there was some pretty good news for the Colts.

In the first place, backup quarterback Tom Brandstater looked really good (10 of 18 for 178 yards and three touchdowns). Granted, it was a preseason game.

And with Blair White's 132 yards receiving (on just seven catches) the Colts receiving corps is even deeper than advertised.

But the real depth might be on defense.

Of course the Colts finally get Bob Sanders back (who knows for how long)—which immediately bolsters the secondary (and the run defense).

A lot of experts say that this year the Colts defense will be better than ever.

But the real gem for Indy this year looks like rookie linebacker Pat Angerer.

Last night, he led the team in tackles (nine tackles with three assists).

He's actually been pretty good all preseason. Which is good because even though all reports from Indy are that MLB Gary Brackett will be ready for the season opener, you have to take those assurances with a grain of salt.