Indianapolis Colts vs Cincinnati Bengals

The Indianapolis Colts closed their preseason on a high note with a convincing 41–14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on August 23, 2025, at Paycor Stadium. From the opening whistle, the Colts looked sharper, more physical, and more decisive in all phases of the game. The win not only gave them their first preseason triumph of the summer but also served as a timely confidence boost heading into the regular season, while Cincinnati was left searching for answers after another uneven outing.

Early momentum belonged to the Colts thanks to their defense. Safety Daniel Scott delivered a spark by jumping a route and racing 35 yards for a pick-six, immediately silencing the home crowd. On offense, Indianapolis quarterback Riley Leonard showcased poise well beyond his rookie status, completing 15 of 20 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. His highlight came just before halftime when he linked up with Laquon Treadwell on a 59-yard strike, stretching the lead and putting the Bengals under pressure they never recovered from.

The ground game proved equally effective for the Colts, as Ulysses Bentley IV powered through with two rushing touchdowns, displaying strong vision and finishing ability in the red zone. Nate Noel added another spark with a dazzling 38-yard run, showing the kind of explosiveness that could make him a valuable rotational option. Quarterback Jason Bean also chipped in as a dual-threat weapon, keeping Cincinnati’s defense guessing and underscoring the depth Indianapolis has built in the backfield.

For the Bengals, it was a night of frustration. Starting quarterback Desmond Ridder struggled to establish rhythm, tossing an interception and failing to generate sustained drives. Cincinnati’s lone bright moment came on a 1-yard quarterback sneak for a score, but the offense looked flat overall, mustering only 228 total yards compared to the Colts’ consistent production. Defensively, missed tackles and breakdowns in coverage only added to their struggles, leaving plenty of concerns heading into Week 1.

When the dust settled, the Colts walked away looking like the more prepared team, finding balance between explosive plays, defensive takeaways, and steady contributions across the roster. Daniel Scott’s defensive heroics and Riley Leonard’s composed passing performance stood out as defining moments of the night. Meanwhile, the Bengals were left to regroup, facing questions about offensive efficiency and depth. With the preseason now behind them, Indianapolis carries valuable momentum forward, while Cincinnati enters the regular season under pressure to respond quickly.