The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Mike Strachan has had an impressive showing early in training camp and showed flashes of brilliance in his NFL preseason debut with the Indianapolis Colts.

The rookie wide receiver finished with three receptions for 57 yards in the Colts’ 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Strachan caught a 10-yard pass from Jacob Eason on the Colts’ second possession of the game. The nine-play drive resulted in a field goal that tied the game 3-3.

Trailing 15-3, Strachan helped mount the Colts comeback when he opened the possession with a 32-yard reception from Eason. The drive resulted in a touchdown and trimmed the Panthers’ deficit to five, 15-10. The Colts eventually completed the comeback with a 30-yard field goal in the final seconds.

Strachan immediately noted his apparent chemistry with Eason, who got the start in place of the injured Carson Wentz.

“Jacob is a really good quarterback,” Strachan said. “He and I have a really good connection.”

He also noted the thrill of playing in front of an NFL crowd for the first time after playing collegiately in NCAA Division II for the University of Charleston.

Sunday’s crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium was reported at 6,296. In contrast, the final home game of Strachan’s collegiate career at Charleston was attended by 2,567 fans.

“We don’t get the crazy crowds (in college) but I love our crowd, we came out and they were so excited for us and we played hard for them,” Strachan said. “… This is not possible without our fans. They are what brings the fire in us. We give it back to them.”

The Colts continue their preseason schedule on August 21 with a matchup on the road against the Minnesota Vikings and conclude the preseason on the road against the Detroit Lions on August 27.

At his pro day, Strachan measured 6’5” 228 pounds with 85” wingspan and 10” hands. He ran a 4.46 second 40-yard dash, put up 20 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds and posted a 35” vertical leap.

The Colts selected the Grand Bahama native with the first pick of the seventh round (229th overall).

His training camp performance has local pundits suggesting Strachan’s move up the depth chart.

“I know it’s a higher level. I just basically wanted to come out and show how well I’m able to compete and do my job. Coach talks about it all the time, just coming out and doing your job each play, that’s the role I want to play,” Strachan said.

“Nothing really surprised me [in camp]. I’ve had talks with Michael Irvin and he told me what it would be like. I just came out here and expected what it was. It’s just a mental thing.

“Coming out and having that dog mentality. My coach talks about it all the time, coming out and playing like a big guy. It’s just wanting the ball and making plays for your team.”

In his appearance on the “Locked On Colts” podcast, Colts beat writer Stephen Reed said Strachan has been ahead of the anticipated learning curve.

The Colts’ competitive wide receiver group is expected to have six available spots for the upcoming 2021 season.

“Each day I’m getting better and better, it’s my job to come out here to get better and take the coaching. I’m learning the plays really well. I’m adjusting and my coach has been helping me along the way so I’m feeling a lot more comfortable. The more comfortable I feel, the faster I play. I set up a lot of extra meetings, just going deeper into the game and seeing where i fit well. It’s a blessing to take coaching from coach Reich and from coach [Mike] Groh, my receivers coach. I take in everything they say, I take my notes because I know they are going to bring out the best in me,” Strachan said, “I’m just all in. It’s a lot more detailed here, the route running, the alignment, the assignments, everything is a lot more detailed. I believe in myself, I have a big heart and I’m always ready to compete.”

Colts iconic wide receiver Reggie Wayne also lauded Strachan’s efforts after Sunday’s game.

“Okay. I’ve seen the practice highlights and was like ok ok. Now my antennas are up for [Mike Strachan],” he tweeted.