The Indianapolis Colts headed into the 2011 preseason with a match-up against the St. Louis Rams. The Colts typically don’t perform very well when it comes to preseason games, and their Saturday night game vs. the Rams was no exception.

The only positive for Colts fans would be that the 2nd and 3rd team players played almost the whole game. Thankfully, the preseason games don’t count for much. The Colts are projected to be a very good team once again, just as they have been for a decade. So in reality, Colts fans shouldn’t worry too much, as the entire idea behind this game was to get the back-up’s some experience when it comes to in-game situations.

Peyton Manning isn’t expected to play any in the preseason, Curtis Painter will get the starts while Manning is out, but Painter didn’t have his best game vs. the Rams. It was obvious that he doesn’t get much playing time since Manning never misses games. Painter was 3 for 6 for 55 yards and an interception. The Colts 3rd string quarterback Dan Orlovsky didn’t fare much better, finishing 4/10 for 111 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Peyton is definitely missed, but all Colts fans are keeping their hopes up that he will be back for the regular season.

As for the defensive side of the ball, once again most of the starters didn’t play at all, but things weren’t much better. Sam Bradford got off to a hot start for the Rams, accounting for one of the Rams’ touchdowns. AJ Feeley also played very well for the Rams; the backup quarterback was 10/14 for 100 Yards. The Rams offense looked very good and they are hoping for big things in 2011 after barely missing the playoffs in 2010.

The Colts struggled tonight in their first preseason game but as long as Peyton Manning is healthy for week 1 on the regular season, there is really no need to worry. The Colts had an injury plagued 2010 season, with major players missing significant time. Players such as Joseph Addai, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark will all be ready to go for week 1, and the Colts offense should once again be among the best in the NFL. Although the Colts struggle in the preseason, they are annual Super Bowl contenders and step up when the games count the most down the stretch.

The Colts next preseason game will take place on Friday, August 19 against the Washington Redskins.