INDIANAPOLIS —
The Indianapolis Colts continue to impress.
A year ago, the Colts were mired in a season-long losing streak and ended the year with a 2-14 record. This season, with a re-made roster and a new coaching staff, Indianapolis finds itself with a 6-3 mark and in contention for a return to the postseason after a one-year absence.
Few would have envisioned such a quick turnaround for the Colts, but Indianapolis finds itself solidly in second place in the AFC South and as the No. 5 seed in a potential AFC playoff format.
Interim coach/offensive coordinator Bruce Arians came away from Thursday night’s nationally televised 27-10 road win over Jacksonville liking what he saw.
“After watching the [game] tape, I was really pleased with the effort we put forth in all three phases. Really, the defensive line I thought dominated the game. The offensive line, we ran the ball pretty effectively. If our wide receivers block a little more, we’ll get some more chunks in our running game,” Arians said Friday afternoon.
“Overall, [I] can’t say enough about our young guys preparing on a short week and the veteran leadership that got them there. We made errors. We made some stupid plays in the fourth quarter, both offensively and defensively. But at that point and time, it didn’t cost us the game, but it will cost us the game down the road. We have a lot of things to clean up, but a lot of good things to build on.”
Arians, though, likes how Indianapolis has positioned itself. Up next on the schedule is a trip to Foxboro on Nov. 18 to face longtime nemesis New England.
“We’ve got a big game [coming up]. We’ll take a little rest and try to get some guys healthy. We should get some guys back now, so we’ll got see what we can do on a big stage,” Arians said. “It’s just about next week. We’ll add it all up at the end.”
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n On the road again — After beginning the season with road losses to Chicago and the New York Jets, Indianapolis has posted victories at Tennessee and Jacksonville.
Finding wins on the road will be crucial to the Colts’ playoff chances over the next month. Indianapolis has four more games away from Lucas Oil Stadium, including next weekend’s matchup with the Patriots.
“[Of] the remainder of the schedule, the majority is on the road. Unless something crazy would happen, if we got into the playoffs, it would probably be on the road. Just learning to win on the road, this will be a huge challenge next week,” Arians said.
“[New England is] the perennial contender, at their house, a lot of our veteran guys have been in that battle many, many times and can tell the young guys what to expect. But we’ve got half our roster that will experience it for the first time. I’m really looking forward to it.”
n Luck looking ahead — While rookie quarterback Andrew Luck appreciated the road win over Jacksonville, he knows next weekend’s trip to Foxboro won’t be easy.
“[The win over the Jaguars] was the biggest game to date by far and to win was great. Obviously, it’s nice to be 6-3. But we realize it’s just one step in the journey,” he said.
“We know it only gets harder from here, so we’re going to have to buckle down and put in twice as much effort and twice as much work.”
n Butler impressive — Cornerback Darius Butler made his first start at right cornerback a good one Thursday night.
Butler registered four tackles, a pair of interceptions, two passes broken up and a recovered fumble. He was filling in for injured Jerraud Powers.
His first interception came off starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert and was returned 11 yards for a touchdown. Butler then picked off backup QB Chad Henne in the fourth quarter.
Arians said that the former Patriots draft pick deserves a second start. Powers (toe) and Vontae Davis (knee) missed the Jacksonville game.
“He gets to be a starter. That’s the main thing. You get an opportunity, Wally Pipp, you forget about whoever’s hurt. That’s the whole beauty of the mantra ‘next man up.’ Don’t give it up, once you get it,” the Colts’ assistant said.
“[General manager] Ryan [Grigson] gave [Butler] an opportunity to reclaim a career and he’s making the best of it.”
Arians didn’t say who Butler would replace next week. He wants to wait and see how Powers and Davis are, health-wise, before making a final call.
“We’ll see how long they’re out. If he’s getting two picks, I bet he’s still starting,” he said, adding that Butler could end up at either left or right cornerback if need be.
“Yeah, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”
n Luck as a tackler — Luck showed his tenacity Thursday when he attempted to tackle Jacksonville safety Dawan Landry after throwing an interception late in the second quarter.
Landry returned the pick 21 yards before lateraling the ball off to safety Chris Prosinski for an additional 2 yards. Wide receiver Reggie Wayne finally knocked Prosinski down.
The idea of Indianapolis’ starting quarterback trying to make a tackle is commendable, but not recommended.
“As long as it’s his left shoulder [take the brunt of the tackle]. No right shoulders tackles and don’t get in a reason to have to tackle,” Arians stressed Monday.
n Injuries — Defensive tackle Drake Nevis left the Jacksonville game in the second quarter with an apparent hand injury. He did not return.
Sitting out the game with previous injuries were Powers, Davis, tight end Coby Fleener (shoulder), outside linebacker Robert Mathis (back), center Samson Satele (back) and offensive tackle Winston Justice (knee). Running back Donald Brown (knee) was active but did not start. He rotated with Vick Ballard and Delone Carter.
Arians said he doesn’t know yet if any of the team’s injured players will be available to go against New England.
“Obviously, we gave the team time off until Monday. We’ll reconvene and catch up. Hopefully, get four guys back and be almost at full strength, and see how it goes Monday and especially Wednesday.” he mentioned.
n Luck wins FedEx passing award — Luck was awarded the FedEx NFL Air Player of the Week after he completed 30 of 48 passes for 433 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 23-20 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Junior Achievement in Indianapolis will be awarded a $2,000 donation in Luck’s name.
Colts
Turnaround Colts hearing some playoff talk
Win over Jaguars puts Indy at 6-3
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Colts not standing pat in looking toward 2013 season
Indianapolis Colts second-year general manager Ryan Grigson has quickly earned a reputation as someone who isn’t afraid to shake things up a bit.
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Landry believes he'll acclimate to Colts system
Many Indianapolis fans have questioned why strong safety Laron Landry decided to skip the Colts' OTA workouts, especially since he was joining a new team with a somewhat different defensive system than what he was used to playing with the Jets.
He understands their concerns, but isn’t worried about learning the intricacies Colts’ 3-4 hybrid package.
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Colts in harmony with new coordinator Hamilton
With new Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton now running the show, the Colts are in the middle of a metamorphosis from the downfield, big-play system that was utilized by former coordinator Bruce Arians to more of a West Coast scheme that will look to make more use of the short, controlled passing game.
According to Andrew Luck, so far so good.
- Pagano amazed by collection of veterans
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Opening Day: Terre Haute Rex host Quincy
In his first season at the helm, first-year Terre Haute Rex manager Ronnie Prettyman is going to be surrounded by men he knows and trusts.
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Luck having fun with his first OTAs
A year ago, quarterback Andrew Luck was unable to attend the Indianapolis Colts’ organized team activity practices due to school commitments at Stanford.
Luck, though, went on to have a stellar year for the Colts despite the lack of summer work with the team. Still, in a sense, he is a rookie during this year’s OTA workouts.
“These are my first OTAs. I missed these last year, so I think it’s great. It’s great to get on the field with the defense and trouble-shoot some stuff. Obviously, some of us ran some of this stuff [offense] at Stanford [under new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton]. But to get out there with the defense and trouble-shoot some stuff is good,” Luck said Wednesday as the team wrapped up its first week of on-field voluntary practice sessions. -
Colts' coordinators enjoying getting rookies acclimated
While the Indianapolis Colts put their rookies and a handful of second-year players through workouts this weekend at the team’s Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, a pair of first-year coordinators are getting a chance to do some valuable on-field work as well.
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Werner, 36 others open Colts’ mini camp
The Indianapolis Colts welcomed 37 players to the start of the team’s rookie mini camp Friday at the West 56th Street headquarters.
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Colts hoping for more high marks on draft picks
A year ago, the Indianapolis Colts received high marks for the impact players the team added through the NFL draft.
Of the 10 players selected, five ended up either starting or seeing extensive playing time (quarterback Andrew Luck, tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and running back Vick Ballard) during the Colts’ 11-5 season.
While this year’s class may not rival that group in terms of name recognition and flash, it may produce just as many major contributors once the 2013 season gets underway. -
Werner at top of game
Bjoern Werner was a late comer to football. But after being selected in the first round of the 2013 National Football League draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Werner realizes that he has reached the pinnacle of the sport in a relatively short amount of time.
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Colts select pass rusher Werner in first round
The Indianapolis Colts selected Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner. The 6-foot-3, 266-pound defensive lineman can also play left outside linebacker.
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Colts in wait-and-see mode for tonight’s NFL draft
As the 2013 NFL draft gets underway tonight at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the Indianapolis Colts are continuing their wait-and-see stance in regard to the first-round pick.
The draft begins at 8 p.m. — televised by the NFL Network and ESPN — with the Kansas City Chiefs making the night’s first selection. Teams will have 10 minutes to make their decisions during the first round. Indianapolis will have the 24th overall pick in the first round.
There will be only one round tonight. The second and third rounds are scheduled for Friday, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with seven minutes allotted per pick in the second round and five minutes allowed in the third. The final four rounds are slated to begin at noon Saturday with four minutes between selections.
As it stands now, Indianapolis does not have a second-round pick. It was traded to Miami last fall in exchange for veteran cornerback Vontae Davis. But second-year general manager Ryan Grigson has nut ruled out the possibility of trading down from the first round if the Colts aren’t satisfied with the players available. -
Direction clear for Colts in 2013 draft
The Indianapolis Colts head into the 2013 NFL Draft with some definite plans.
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Colts veteran among those excited to see Luck's growth in 2013-14
Veteran defensive end Cory Redding is a big fan — literally and figuratively — of Indianapolis Colts second-year quarterback Andrew Luck.
Redding, who has become one of the Colts’ lockerroom leaders after just one season with the team, thinks he has some reasonable expectations of Indianapolis’ former No. 1 draft pick. -
Heyward-Bey feeling fortunate to hook up with Luck
Add one more player to the list of veteran free agents signed by the Indianapolis Colts this offseason.
Former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey agreed to a a deal with the Colts late Monday evening. Bey, who played collegiately at Maryland, was the seventh player selected in the first round of the 2009 National Football League draft. -
Colts sign nose tackle
Another day, more player signings for the Indianapolis Colts.
Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin agreed to terms with the Colts on Tuesday evening and officially signed with the team Wednesday. Franklin (6-1, 315) is a 10-year NFL veteran with stops in Baltimore (2003-06), San Francisco (2007-10), New Orleans (2011) and San Diego (2012). -
Colts sign Matt Hasselbeck to back up Luck
The Indianapolis Colts’ roster moves just keep coming.
While the Colts haven’t yet added that big-name wide receiver that team owner Jim Irsay hinted at in tweets over the weekend, Indianapolis has addressed one area on offense.
Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had agreed Monday night to be the Colts’ primary back-up to second-year starter Andrew Luck. He officially signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the team Tuesday morning.
“We are very pleased to announce the signing of Matt Hasselbeck,” general manager Ryan Grigson said in a prepared statement. “His body of work, intangibles, and extensive league experience speak for themselves. Those factors, plus his familiarity with our offensive scheme, will make him a great asset to our team and its vision as we move forward.” -
Colts likely done signing free agents, for now
With the possible exception of adding a few lesser-priced players, the Indianapolis Colts’ big-time foray into the veteran free-agent marketplace is pretty much done.
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Landry, Jean Francois join Colts defensive unit
After adding five veteran free agent players to the Indianapolis Colts roster on Tuesday, general manager Ryan Grigson plucked two more plums late Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon.
New York Jets safety LaRon Landry and San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois both signed contracts with the Colts. Landry, a strong safety who appears to be a bigger version of former Indianapolis Pro Bowler Bob Sanders, and the versatile Jean-Francois are expected to make immediate impacts on the Colts’ defensive unit. -
Colts introduce free-agent signees
What the Indianapolis Colts accomplished last season — posting an 11-5 record and earning an AFC wild-card berth with a young team plus having that kind of success without its head coach on the sidelines for 12 games — didn’t go unnoticed by players around the NFL.
That was especially true for the five veteran free agents who were added to the Colts’ roster Tuesday. Offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (Detroit), cornerback Greg Toler (Arizona), outside linebacker Erik Walden (Green Bay), offensive guard Donald Thomas (New England) and linebacker Lawrence Sidbury (Atlanta) admitted as much Wednesday.
“I felt like this would be the best fit for me at this point in my career. I really liked what I saw was happening with the program here and the way things have taken shape. I feel like we have a really great team here and it’s on the rise. I really wanted to be a part of that,” Thomas said during a teleconference interview with the Colts’ media. -
Colts sign five free agents, filling needs at offensive line, cornerback
The Indianapolis Colts were a busy team on the opening day of the National Football League’s veteran free agent market, which got underway at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
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Jeff Saturday retires as a Colt
An Indianapolis Colt for life. Pencil in Jeff Saturday for that honor.
The 14-year veteran center in the NFL put an official stamp on a career Thursday that began in Baltimore in 1998 and ended in Green Bay in 2012. But it was those 13 seasons in between — from 1999 to 2011 in which he played for Indianapolis — when Saturday earned his greatest rewards. -
Saturday thrilled to retire as a Colt
The 14-year veteran center in the National Football League put an official stamp on a career Thursday that began in Baltimore in 1998 and ended in Green Bay in 2012. But it was those 13 seasons in-between — from 1999 to 2011 in which he played for Indianapolis — that Saturday earned his greatest rewards.
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Saturday to retire as Colt on Thursday
Former Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday will make his retirement from the National Football League official on Thursday.
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Indianapolis franchises punter McAfee
A week ago, Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano said it was a priority that the team retain the services of punter Pat McAfee.
McAfee, an unrestricted free agent who’s contract is due to expire March 12, was designated as the Colts’ franchise player Friday. The move allows Indianapolis extra time to work out a long-term deal for the team’s special-teams ace.
“He’s huge. He’s a major priority in free agency. Obviously, we’ve reached out and are working to get Pat re-signed,” Pagano said during the National Football Scouting Combine. “We saw what he did for us last year. He’s a great weapon, not only kickoffs and touchbacks. -
Colts GM enjoying time at combine
Indianapolis Colts second-year general manager Ryan Grigson makes no bones about it. He enjoys watching prospective football players strut their stuff.
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Colts keeping eye on large crop of talented linemen in NFL Draft
According to most National Football League draft observers, this year’s crop of prospects is deep with quality offensive and defensive linemen.
Among the offensive line candidates who have been showcasing their talents at the National Football Scouting Combine, which began in earnest Thursday and wraps up on Tuesday, the spotlight has been on the offensive tackles. Offensive left tackles in particular. -
Colts' Pagano back to full work schedule at combine
Back and ready to go.
That’s the attitude Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano is taking during the National Football Scouting Combine, which completed its second day of operations Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium. During a wide-ranging press conference at the combine, Pagano confirmed that he is back to a full work regimen after missing 12 games last fall as he battled a rare form of leukemia.
After undergoing cancer treatments that featured heavy doses of chemotherapy, the second-year head coach was able to return to the sidelines for Indianapolis’ final regular-season home game against Houston and for the team’s AFC wild-card matchup with eventual Super Bowl champion Baltimore. -
Colts looking forward to different approach to draft in 2013
A year ago, the Indianapolis Colts had the first overall pick in the 2012 National Football League draft.
It was a foregone conclusion that the Colts would select former Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the selection. While Indianapolis front office and player personnel officials certainly had to do their due diligence in preparing for the draft, the Colts find themselves this year in a bit different situation.
The team will have the 24th overall pick in the first round, which is a double-edged sword. Indianapolis picks lower in the round due to a successful season. But the pool of available can’t-miss talent isn’t quite as plentiful as drafting earlier in the round. -
Former Pro Bowl selection Freeney won't return to Colts
The news coming out of the Indianapolis Colts headquarters Friday afternoon was not totally unexpected. Team officials have confirmed that two veteran players – former Pro Bowl defensive end/outside linebacker Dwight Freeney and wide receiver Austin Collie — will not be returning for the 2013 season.
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