News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Sports

Discussion

Welcome to our online comments feature. We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable as well as posts that are attacking other users. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
comments powered by Disqus
November 10, 2012

Turnaround Colts hearing some playoff talk

Win over Jaguars puts Indy at 6-3

Tom James Tribune-Star Correspondent

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.”

I I I

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.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Sports
  • Hulman Classic on Friday at Action Track

    With rainouts having postponed his only two Terre Haute Action Track cards so far in 2013, promoter Bob Sargent remains optimistic about the rescheduled Tony Hulman Classic for U.S. Auto Club sprint cars taking place Friday night.

    June 20, 2013

  • Finding best talent the key to all sports, including auto racing

    The success of any sporting franchise often rests with the ability of owners to find and mold talent into a winning combination.

    June 20, 2013

  • Rex regain first place with 8-2 win at Springfield

    Two former Vigo County high school baseball players played big roles Wednesday night as the Terre Haute Rex regained first place in the West Division of Prospect League baseball with an 8-2 win over the Springfield Sliders.

    June 20, 2013

  • Northview's Taylor Carter to play in state all-star softball game

    Recent Northview High School graduate Taylor Carter will compete Saturday in the annual North-South All-Star softball doubleheader at the Cherry Tree Complex at Carmel.

    June 20, 2013

  • SPT 061813 BROWN DRIVE.jpg Hughes, News & Views: Terre Haute ‘hacker' accomplishes Mark’s Par Three first

    It’s no secret that Mark’s Par Three is not the most difficult golf course in Vigo County.
    But it’s enjoyable for beginners and golfers of modest skill levels and it doesn’t lack for activity during warm-weather months.
    Open since 1964, it’s had its fair share of players test their skills, probably several better than 43-year-old Brian Brown of Terre Haute.

    June 19, 2013 2 Photos

  • Prettyman getting comfortable as boss

    At first glance, it would be easy to look at first-year Terre Haute Rex manager Ronnie Prettyman and expect him to have a difficult journey during his maiden voyage as a baseball manager.
    Managing in the Prospect League isn’t the easiest job in the world.
    Rosters change constantly, especially early in the season when players are still reporting from their college teams. The travel is arduous — a night game in far-off Quincy, Ill., could be followed by a home game, followed by a game at equally far-off Hannibal, Mo. The players have to acclimate themselves to playing every day after having played a maximum of five games a week at the college level.

    June 19, 2013

  • Metro roundup: ISU’s Gant to go to Africa with Athletes in Action

    Indiana State junior Justin Gant has been invited to travel to the Ivory Coast this summer as part of an Athletes In Action basketball tour.
    “I am extremely honored to be given this opportunity to not only play basketball with and against some great players during this tour, but to also share my Christian faith with those in the Ivory Coast,” Gant commented. “I’m looking forward to growing as a person by delivering aid to those in Africa and by sharing my faith with those we come in contact with. This will also be a great chance to continue to improve on the basketball court just before we start our workouts at Indiana State in the fall.”

    June 19, 2013

  • SPT 061713 KURT KUDRECKI 2.jpg Loss drops Rex into first-place tie

    In a battle for first place in the West Division of the Prospect League baseball standings, the Terre Haute Rex fell just short Monday night at Bob Warn Field.

    June 18, 2013 4 Photos

  • Seven players from Terre Haute Rex taken in Major League draft

    Seven players who are alumni of the Terre Haute Rex in the past four years achieved their dream of becoming professional baseball players when taken in the Major League Baseball draft earlier this month.

    June 18, 2013

  • RAMBLIN’ RECK: Catching up on some things

    Catching up — on all-state softball honors and a new basketball coach in Illinois.

    June 18, 2013

Local Interest
SPT 061613 JACOB JOHNSON.jpg

Score: Post 346 runner #6 Jacob Johnson scores after a collision with the Pate catcher in the fourth inning Sunday afternoon.

High School
College
CWS Indiana Louisvil.jpg

Indiana starting pitcher Joey DeNato (23) celebrates throwing out Louisville's Coco Johnson (20) at first for the second out in the bottom of the ninth inning in an NCAA College World Series game in Omaha, Neb., Saturday, June 15, 2013 (AP Photo/The World-Herald, Ryan Soderlin) MAGS OUT; ALL NEBRASKA LOCAL BROADCAST TV OUT

  • DeNato proves IU can pitch too

    Joey DeNato dispelled the notion that College World Series newcomer Indiana is all about offense.
    The junior left-hander threw a four-hitter and the Hoosiers looked mighty comfortable at TD Ameritrade Park while beating Louisville 2-0 on Saturday night.

    June 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Etherington, Moore happy to be with ISU basketball

    Not even two weeks into their college experience, Indiana State freshmen men’s basketball players Alex Etherington and Demetrius Moore stood sentinel as 115 kids ran around them collecting basketballs and getting autographs at the Greg Lansing Basketball Camp on Thursday.

    June 14, 2013

  • ISU's Johnson invited to World University Games

    Indiana State senior Felisha Johnson will be traveling the world this summer after being named to represent the United States in the women’s shot put at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia.

    June 12, 2013

  • McNichols and Swift 1.jpg FROM THE PRESS BOX: Close, but no cigar, theme for ISU sports in 2012-13

    When I covered my first event of Indiana State’s 2012-13 season — ISU’s opening football game at Indiana — I was the first one in the press box at IU’s Memorial Stadium. I’m never the first one in the press box.
    Maybe the prospect of ISU’s season had me so pumped that I decided to get it started close to three hours early? (Or more truthfully, maybe I was over-vigilent about predicted traffic horrors on the Indiana 46 bypass that never came to pass.)

    June 9, 2013 4 Photos

  • Q&A: ISU football coach Mike Sanford ready for fall

    It’s hard to believe, but Mike Sanford has already been Indiana State’s football coach for six months.
    Time flies, but Sanford’s task of preparing for his first season in charge of the Sycamores comes with few breaks.

    June 9, 2013

Sports Columns
Pro Sports
Terre Haute Rex
Colts
Auto Racing
Latest News
Multimedia

Like us on Facebook!
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
Front page
AP Video
LeBron: Best game I've ever been a part of Wimbledon Women's Preview Raw: Heat, Spurs Back on Court Ahead of Game 7 Police at Patriots Tight End's Home for 2nd Day Selecao fever hits Brazilian city of Fortaleza Allen: Lucky to hit my spot Recap: Miami's Game 6 victory Ginobili: We let go Spoelstra: 'Game 7' the best two words in sports Pop: Get on the bus for Game 7 Parker: We must bounce back Duncan falters in second half of Game 6 Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity Police Question Aaron Hernandez In North Attleboro Death Julien talks Stanley Cup Final Quenneville: Game 4 is must-win Fantasy Preview: Top 5 quarterbacks Madden 25 looks better than ever NBA Live is back in '14 Rask, Seidenberg talk Game 3 win
NDN Video
James Gandolfini Dies at Age 51 Paula Deen Admits to Using N Word Rihanna Hits Fan With Microphone Men's Wearhouse Founder Fired Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions Miss Utah Explains Rambling Response Exclusive: Locklear & Seymour Lock Lips Miami Heat Wins in Overtime Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl Journalist Michael Hastings Dies in Fiery Hollywood Crash Hairy Leg Stockings Aim to Deflect Male Attention Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity