* There will be those who criticize backup quarterback Curtis Painter this week, and he may even be among them. But it still may be too early to accurately judge Painter’s potential. The interception return for a touchdown early bounced off wide receiver Sam Giguere’s hands, and while he was intercepted twice later, Painter also had a few nice throws seemed to be willing to throw the ball down field, something not all young backups are willing to do early in their careers. Was Painter great? No, but the Colts gave him an extended look Sunday and that’s not likely to change this preseason. “It was tough,” Caldwell said. “I think obviously he didn’t play as well as he’d like to. Overall he needs a little help too. I think there were a couple of situations where often times you look at a quarterback and see their production and the things that are hidden, like dropped passes, opportunities to extend drives… It’s a tough league. It’s not easy. So you need everyone operating at their best. We certainly did not.” Caldwell said he’s not worried about Painter mentally: “He’s a tough guy. You certainly have to have tough skin, and without question he has that.”
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