PHILADELPHIA-- Sunday was about putting on a new jersey after years of playing in one place for several new Colts.
What did Trent Cole and Todd Herremans think of their return to Philadelphia and what were Andre Johnson's thoughts on wearing a different jersey for the first time in his 12-year career?
Here's a notebook look at the Colts preseason opener on Sunday:Cole, Herremans Return To Philly, As Colts
From pre-game mingling with former teammates, to hugs with security guards and the eventual standing ovation from those gathered at Lincoln Financial Field, the gratitude was evident.
The Eagles wanted to say thank-you to two Colts, who for the previous 10 years had dressed in the home locker room at "The Link".
Cole and Herremans were appreciative of the reception they received on Sunday.
"When you spend so much time with them you build up relationships, and that doesn't go away just because you're on a different team," Herremans said after the game.
"It was good to see everybody and it was good to see everyone doing so well."
Herremans got the start at right guard on Sunday and played two series.
Cole also saw two drives of action, starting at the RUSH linebacker position with his new team.
Dressing in the visiting locker room on Sunday was definitely a bit weird for the former Eagles. Cole said he had never been in the visiting locker room during his time in Philadelphian.
Both were honored by a jumbotron tribute that played for the duo following the game's first timeout in the opening quarter.
With fans standing to thank the former Eagles, Cole acknowledged them.
"It was great," Cole said. "The Philly fans, they stick behind their former players."
"It was just great to see everybody, but like I said, I'm a Colt now and I wouldn't change anything for it. I'm with a great team and I would change anything for it. I love being here."
Andre Johnson Makes Colts Debut
The catch left him wanting more, but Andre Johnson knew.
After 12 NFL seasons, Johnson knows how veterans operate in the preseason, particularly in Week One.
Johnson's debut with the Colts lasted just 11 snaps on Sunday, ending after a nine-yard grab to move the chains on a third-and-nine.
The lone reception from Johnson was a carbon copy of what he's shown in Anderson.
With Eagles cornerback Nolan Carroll behind Johnson and unable to get his arms around the 6-3, 230-pound wideout, Johnson gave Andrew Luck a clear throwing lane to hit him in stride.
"I was just anxious to get my first catch and to actually get out there in a game atmosphere," Johnson said following his Colts debut.
"When you get that first catch, you want to keep playing but they snatched us right out (smiles). That's part of it, part of the process."* *
Photos from the first preseason game of the 2015 season
"Healthy" Colts Ready For Week Two
The Colts left Philadelphia on Sunday evening without any significant injuries.
That was the first order of business in the preseason opener.
Following the 36-10 loss, Chuck Pagano ran down the four minor injuries the Colts had on Sunday.
- DT-Kelcy Quarles (cramps)
- CB-Jalil Brown (cramps)
- OLB-Cody Galea (hamstring)
- CB-D'Joun Smith (concussion)
Heading into Week Two of the preseason, the Colts appear to have a pretty healthy roster with the Bears coming to town for joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday.
Preseason Opening Snap Counts
-Seventh-round pick OT-Denzelle Good played 61 of the team's 81 offensive snaps (75 percent). The next closest was OG-Hugh Thornton with 44 snaps and WR-Phillip Dorsett with 41 snaps.
-Of any normal Colts starter on offense, TE-Coby Fleener saw the most playing time with 23 snaps (28 percent).
-QB-Andrew Luck, WR-Andre Johnson and OT-Anthony Castonzo were the first Colts starters to exit Sunday, after playing 11 snaps (14 percent).
-Defensively, CB-Deveron Carr played the most snaps, 50 (of 80 possible). Rookies S-Clayton Geathers (47) and LB-Amarlo Herrera (47) followed Carr.
-Former rugby star Daniel Adongo saw his first ever NFL defensive action on Sunday, playing 28 snaps. Adongo had one tackle during his defensive reps.
-Of any normal Colts starter on defense, DT-Arthur Jones saw the most playing time (16 snaps).
-Rookie cornerback D'Joun Smith played eight snaps, before exiting with a concussion.
