Bedard: What to know about the Colts heading into the joint practice, and other Patriots thoughts

Key Points:

• The Colts finished 8-9 last season after a strong 7-1 start, relying on veteran QB Philip Rivers due to injuries, while still missing key players like WR Alec Pierce and MLB CJ Allen due to injuries.
• The Colts' receiving corps is depleted without Pierce and Josh Downs, leaving Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as the primary threat, and their defense has struggled under coordinator Lou Anarumo, ranking 21st in points allowed last season.
• Colts head coach Shane Steichen, in his first year after success as Eagles' offensive coordinator, leads a team that ranked 8th in points and 9th in yards last season, with Jim Bob Cooter managing the offense.
• Notable connections include Patriots LB Chad Muma, previously with the Colts, and Colts QB Riley Leonard, who has a history with Patriots TE Eli Raridon from their college days; former Vrabel Titans Arden Key and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also feature on the Colts roster.
• Key matchups to watch in the joint practice include Colts CB Sauce Gardner versus Patriots WR A.J. Brown, and Colts TE Tyler Warren against Patriots defenders LB Christian Elliss and S Craig Woodson, highlighting critical battles on both sides of the ball.