Former Lions football star quarterback Bryan Bennett made his National Football League debut this month, playing for the Indianapolis Colts against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Bennett signed with the Colts on May 5, 2015 after going undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. The former Oregon Duck joins a stacked quarterback group containing pro-bowler Andrew Luck and seasoned veteran Matt Hasselbeck.
Eventual Heisman award winner Marcus Mariota beat out Bennett during his rookie season to capture the starting quarterback job in Oregon. Bennett left the program in hopes of a starting spot elsewhere. That is when Bennett took his talents south to Hammond, Louisiana prior to the 2013 season and joined the Lions. Bennett set multiple records during his time with the Lions, including leading the team to their first ever appearance in the Football Championship Series Playoffs.
Bennett started under center to start the second half during the Colt’s first preseason game against the Eagles. The former Lion was able to complete his first ever pass as a pro after completing a pass over the middle for 11 yards. Bennett then reminded fans how dangerous he was on the ground when he ran the ball for 11 yards during the very next play. Bennett’s first drive down the field was capped off by a nine-yard run for a touchdown by fellow rookie Josh Robinson.
The following drives were not as successful, however. Bennett finished his first career game as a pro by throwing 4/16 and giving away two interceptions.
“There were some things that I did well that I was happy to get out there and get my feet wet,” said Bennett in a postgame interview. “There’s obviously some things you go back on film that you’d like to correct.”
Last Saturday was the Colts’ second preseason game as Indianapolis hosted the Chicago Bears. With both Luck and Hasselbeck seeking larger roles throughout the first three quarters, Bennett would not enter the game until two minutes left in the third quarter. Bennett would not complete a pass until the fourth quarter, finishing the game 1/7 with 17 yards passing.
“I just want to make sure I go out there and stick to what we’re working on in practice,” said Bennett on what he hopes to accomplish his next time on the field.
The Colts’ next preseason game is this Saturday against the St. Louis Rams. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.