Colts use the NFL draft to fill two needs: Improve defense, help QB Anthony Richardson
8 months, 1 week ago

Colts use the NFL draft to fill two needs: Improve defense, help QB Anthony Richardson

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard started NFL draft weekend with two goals. He’s a high motor guy, he’s got nothing else but football and he loves it and that’s what he wants here.” The Colts didn’t pull off the splashy first-day move Indy fans were hoping for and he didn’t follow the conventional wisdom by using early selections to add even more cornerbacks to an already young secondary. “To add that speed, we know Anthony can throw it, it’s going to help all those guys.” HOLDING THE LINE Indy wasn’t projected to have much need on an offensive line that returns all five starters and three key backups. “I think guys get better when there’s great competition.” SECONDARY FOCUS The Colts addressed their secondary needs Saturday by shoring up the depth chart at safety. “You’re really looking for guys with upside that you think you can hit on,” Ballard said.

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History of this topic

Colts returning to Anthony Richardson as QB1 vs. Jets, Shane Steichen says
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Colts returning to Anthony Richardson as QB1 vs. Jets, Shane Steichen says

New York Times  

The Indianapolis Colts are going back to Anthony Richardson. 4 pick will regain his spot as the team’s starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets and for the rest of the season, coach Shane Steichen said Wednesday. “Over the last two weeks, he’s made strides in those areas.” The decision comes on the heels of arguably quarterback …

Colts predictions at NFL midseason: Anthony Richardson won’t start again this year
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Colts predictions at NFL midseason: Anthony Richardson won’t start again this year

New York Times  

The Indianapolis Colts are just past the halfway mark in a 2024 campaign that has already featured a few fireworks, most notably a stunning QB change. Anthony Richardson won’t start again this season When Colts coach Shane Steichen benched Richardson in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco, that was the nail in the coffin of Richardson’s reign as QB1 this season. …

Colts Make Major Quarterback Switch as They Aim for Championship
2 months ago

Colts Make Major Quarterback Switch as They Aim for Championship

Associated Press  

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen has made a quarterback switch, benching Anthony Richardson in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco. Steichen cited the need to win games as the primary reason for the decision, despite Richardson's recent struggles with performance and health. He expressed confidence in Flacco's ability to contribute to the team's success and believes he can develop into a …

Anthony Richardson’s benching goes far beyond his play: ‘A fascinating management dilemma’
2 months, 1 week ago

Anthony Richardson’s benching goes far beyond his play: ‘A fascinating management dilemma’

New York Times  

The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to replace young franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson with 39-year-old Joe Flacco offers a window into a poorly understood NFL world. GO DEEPER No tapping out: Colts QB Anthony Richardson has hard lesson to learn from the bench “I can’t even wrap my mind around the fact that you are asking out of a game,” former 12-year …

Colts can’t improve until Shane Steichen, Anthony Richardson accept reality
2 months, 1 week ago

Colts can’t improve until Shane Steichen, Anthony Richardson accept reality

New York Times  

HOUSTON — It was an unprecedented leap of faith. Instead of owning up to his troubling day, there was Richardson himself claiming to be a “great passer,” as if he hadn’t only completed 10-of-32 passes, including just two in the first half. “If I make the plays that I should’ve made, then maybe this game turns out different,” said Pittman, …

Colts overcome rash of injuries by plugging holes with reliable stable of replacements
3 months ago

Colts overcome rash of injuries by plugging holes with reliable stable of replacements

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Joe Flacco jumped into action when he was needed on Sunday, and he got the job done for the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts finished the game without quarterback Anthony Richardson, All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, center Ryan Kelly, four defensive starters and another key defensive lineman because of injuries. “Anytime you have a backup that’s played at a …

Laiatu Latu making splash plays for Colts D that needs them: ‘They drafted me for this’
3 months, 1 week ago

Laiatu Latu making splash plays for Colts D that needs them: ‘They drafted me for this’

New York Times  

INDIANAPOLIS — The preparation was done. “So that was to see the young bull get activated.” GO DEEPER Passion propelled Laiatu Latu from medical retirement to NFL first-round pick Latu’s strip-sack was the crowning moment for a Colts defense that hopes to have turned a corner following two embarrassing performances against the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers to open …

Colts GM sees different version of Anthony Richardson with his 2nd season about to begin
4 months, 1 week ago

Colts GM sees different version of Anthony Richardson with his 2nd season about to begin

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard sees the changes in Anthony Richardson. Plus, Indy’s entire starting offensive line returns intact, Ballard used the draft to help beef up the Colts’ receiving group and 2021 NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor’s presence in the backfield should help keep defenses off guard. “It’s holding guys accountable, using snap counts, changing protections, …

Colts counting on Richardson-Taylor pairing to help change the conversation with a playoff return
4 months, 1 week ago

Colts counting on Richardson-Taylor pairing to help change the conversation with a playoff return

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS EXPECTATIONS: The Colts have heard all about the streaks. To do that, second-year coach Shane Steichen needs second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson to deliver in two key areas — staying healthy and throwing consistently well enough to win. Richardson should have more help this season with all five starting offensive linemen back, 2021 NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor happy …

Anthony Richardson trying to show progression in 2nd training camp as Colts quarterback
5 months ago

Anthony Richardson trying to show progression in 2nd training camp as Colts quarterback

Associated Press  

— Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson looks like a natural this year at training camp. Yet, Richardson insists midway through camp, he’s in a much stronger position to lead the Colts than he was in 2023. He’ll be playing behind the same five offensive linemen who started last season, and this time he’ll be paired in the backfield with 2021 NFL …

Colts’ Samson Ebukam expected to miss season after suffering torn Achilles tendon in training camp
5 months ago

Colts’ Samson Ebukam expected to miss season after suffering torn Achilles tendon in training camp

Associated Press  

— Indianapolis Colts defensive end Samson Ebukam is expected to miss the entire 2024 season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday’s training camp practice. Coach Shane Steichen confirmed Ebukam’s status after Tuesday’s workout, Indy’s first in full pads. Latu suffered a career-threatening neck injury at Washington then transferred to UCLA for his final two college seasons and produced …

Colts snap record streak of 14 straight offensive players taken in NFL draft with UCLA DE Latu
8 months, 1 week ago

Colts snap record streak of 14 straight offensive players taken in NFL draft with UCLA DE Latu

Associated Press  

UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player selected in the NFL draft Thursday night, going No. 15 overall to Indianapolis to snap a record streak of 14 straight offensive players selected. Not only were the 14 straight offensive players to start the draft a record, it was the first time 14 straight offensive players were taken at …

Colts take first defensive player of NFL draft, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15
8 months, 1 week ago

Colts take first defensive player of NFL draft, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Laiatu Latu kept believing he would play in the NFL one day, even after team doctors at Washington told him a neck injury had ended his football career. On Thursday, nearly two years after being cleared to play again by doctors at UCLA, the star edge rusher got his dream call — from a team he didn’t even …

Colts draft Laiatu Latu: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
8 months, 1 week ago

Colts draft Laiatu Latu: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel

New York Times  

The Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu with the No. Draft pick grades: Nick Baumgardner, Scott Dochterman rate the selections Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections “The Athletic Football Show”: Watch live reaction to the draft ‘The Beast’ breakdown Latu ranked No. Here’s what Brugler had to say about him in his annual NFL Draft …

With Anthony Richardson on board, Colts will look beyond quarterback in NFL draft
8 months, 2 weeks ago

With Anthony Richardson on board, Colts will look beyond quarterback in NFL draft

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — For Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, this was a different kind of offseason. Instead of searching for a new starting quarterback or deciphering how free agents might conform to a new coach’s offensive philosophy, he remained focused on improving the supporting cast around second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. So now, for the first time since Andrew Luck’s surprise …

Colts’ loss to Jaguars highlights need for Anthony Richardson, but Indy can’t rush rookie
1 year, 2 months ago

Colts’ loss to Jaguars highlights need for Anthony Richardson, but Indy can’t rush rookie

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Jaguars vs Bengals on Monday Night Football. “It’s definitely something I think about,” Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said of the losing streak. So, I’m really going to look at those, hold myself accountable.” The QB committed four turnovers in a game for the second time in his career and the first time …

Newfound depth is helping fuel the Colts’ ride into AFC South lead
1 year, 2 months ago

Newfound depth is helping fuel the Colts’ ride into AFC South lead

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen tailored his offense around rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and 2021 NFL rushing champ Jonathan Taylor. With Richardson suffering his third injury in four games Sunday and being ruled out of next weekend’s matchup at Jacksonville with an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder, and Taylor still working his way into game condition …

Colts uncertain about the severity of right shoulder injury to rookie QB Anthony Richardson
1 year, 2 months ago

Colts uncertain about the severity of right shoulder injury to rookie QB Anthony Richardson

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts aren’t sure how much time, if any, rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson might miss after leaving in the first half of Sunday’s 23-16 victory with a right shoulder injury. “I think when you have a dynamic player like him, and, obviously, one of his skill sets is as a runner, that’s what makes him really good,” Steichen …

Anthony Richardson provides hope, but restoring Colts to glory will take time
1 year, 3 months ago

Anthony Richardson provides hope, but restoring Colts to glory will take time

New York Times  

INDIANAPOLIS — It was always going to look something like this, the early days of this new era in Indianapolis: tantalizing in moments but tortuous in others, a long, grueling test of patience for a Colts franchise that was tired of the starts and stops of a QB carousel that dragged on far too long. That’s part of life.” It …

Colts are content playing waiting game with Richardson’s progression at quarterback
1 year, 5 months ago

Colts are content playing waiting game with Richardson’s progression at quarterback

Associated Press  

— Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard knows rookie quarterbacks learn best from playing. “You don’t want to put him out there and he’s not ready to handle everything that requires him playing the position,” Ballard said. Then, eventually, he’ll play.” Ballard didn’t say whether Richardson must hit certain milestones or could make his debut in small, specialized packages. “When …

Indianapolis Colts begin training camp with another new quarterback in mix
1 year, 5 months ago

Indianapolis Colts begin training camp with another new quarterback in mix

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS CAMP SITE: Westfield, Indiana KEY ADDITIONS: Head coach Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, QB Anthony Richardson, QB Gardner Minshew, K Matt Gay, DE Samson Ebukam, DT Taven Bryan, CB JuJu Brents, WR Josh Downs. KEY LOSSES: QB Matt Ryan, QB Nick Foles, LB Bobby Okereke, DE Yannick Ngakoue, WR Parris Campbell, S Rodney McLeod, CB Isaiah …

NFL Draft 2023: Execs unfiltered on all 32 classes — Eagles overrated? Did Jets crush it or rush it?
1 year, 8 months ago

NFL Draft 2023: Execs unfiltered on all 32 classes — Eagles overrated? Did Jets crush it or rush it?

New York Times  

Did the Philadelphia Eagles really hit a home run by landing Jalen Carter? “They could have two top-five picks, their own and Houston’s.” Round Overall Player Position School 1 8 Bijan Robinson RB Texas 2 38 Matthew Bergeron OT/G Syracuse 3 75 Zach Harrison Edge Ohio State 4 113 Clark Phillips III CB Utah 7 224 DeMarcco Hellams S Alabama …

Colts chart new QB path with 1st-round pick Richardson
1 year, 8 months ago

Colts chart new QB path with 1st-round pick Richardson

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts faced a crossroads in their approach to the quarterback position during this year’s NFL draft. Despite the offseason signing of Gardner Minshew, who’s made 32 NFL starts, Irsay said it was important for Richardson to see plenty of playing time as a rookie. “I feel good playing both,” said Freeland, a 6-8, 302-pounder who played …

Colts select QB Anthony Richardson at No. 4 in NFL draft
1 year, 8 months ago

Colts select QB Anthony Richardson at No. 4 in NFL draft

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Anthony Richardson dazzled scouts in his first, brief action at Lucas Oil Stadium. General manager Chris Ballard bet big on the athletic, one-year starting quarterback from Florida by selecting Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night. Stroud go second overall to Houston, Ballard phoned Richardson to say he’d be the Colts’ new franchise …

Colts draft 2023: The case for selecting Florida’s Anthony Richardson
1 year, 8 months ago

Colts draft 2023: The case for selecting Florida’s Anthony Richardson

New York Times  

It’s easy to talk yourself into Anthony Richardson, easy to see that size and speed and strength and weigh the undeniable singularity of his physical abilities and not get intoxicated at what could be. From Mahomes’ NFL.com draft profile: ” … brings a variety of physical tools to the party, but he’s developed some bad habits and doesn’t have a …

Colts hoping to find new franchise quarterback in NFL draft
1 year, 8 months ago

Colts hoping to find new franchise quarterback in NFL draft

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — Shane Steichen understands his first draft as an NFL head coach could define his entire tenure. “Then, going back and watching the tape over and over again because again, there’s not a crystal ball to like, ‘Hey, this guy is a guarantee, right?” Many believe Bryce Young and C.J. Steichen spent the past two seasons in Philadelphia helping …

Analyzing ‘The Beast’: 15 players the Colts should consider drafting
1 year, 8 months ago

Analyzing ‘The Beast’: 15 players the Colts should consider drafting

New York Times  

“The Beast” is here, and, after countless hours of research, perhaps The Athletic’s draft analyst Dane Brugler can finally get some sleep. GO DEEPER Will Levis' pro day gives Colts, rest of NFL a window into debate about him Hendon Hooker, Tennessee | Brugler’s position rank: No. 80 Brugler’s analysis: “Reed will have a tougher time overcoming his slight size …

Colts QB questions continue to swirl as free agency looms
1 year, 9 months ago

Colts QB questions continue to swirl as free agency looms

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Yannick Ngakoue, LB Bobby Okereke, WR Parris Campbell, S Rodney McLeod II, DT Tyquan Lewis, LB E.J. Speed, CB Brandon Facyson, WR Ashton Dulin, DE Ben Banogu, OL Dennis Kelly, K Chase McLaughlin, OL Matt Pryor, S Armani Watts, CB Tony Brown, DT Byron Cowart, P Matt Haack RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE Khalid Kareem. …

Colts 2023 mock draft 2.0: Staying put and taking a chance on Anthony Richardson
1 year, 9 months ago

Colts 2023 mock draft 2.0: Staying put and taking a chance on Anthony Richardson

New York Times  

It’s been just over two weeks since my first Colts mock draft. 4 and 35 picks, a fifth-round pick via Buffalo and their 2024 first-round pick to get “their guy.” However, after Young didn’t participate in the NFL Scouting Combine — the only projected first-round quarterback to opt out — it gave the Colts the chance to take a deeper …

Colts’ worn-down, short-handed defense adding to late swoon
2 years ago

Colts’ worn-down, short-handed defense adding to late swoon

Associated Press  

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts’ offense has sputtered all season. Despite losing three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard for all but 10 quarters because of injuries, the Colts’ defense was the team’s strength for much of the year. And the last four losses have come in embarrassing fashion — allowing 33 fourth-quarter points at Dallas, watching Minnesota rally from a 33-point …

Is the Colts’ lack of dynamic receiver talent making them easier to defend?
3 years, 1 month ago

Is the Colts’ lack of dynamic receiver talent making them easier to defend?

New York Times  

The Buccaneers likely knew exactly what their defensive game plan would be the minute they saw film of the Colts’ offense. So, throughout Sunday’s game in Indianapolis, the Buccaneers loaded their defensive front, often with five defensive linemen, in a determined effort to shut down the Colts’ productive running game. The Colts’ leading receiver against the Buccaneers was tight end …

Colts’ 2021 draft takeaways: Best picks, left tackle questions, biggest needs left and more
3 years, 8 months ago

Colts’ 2021 draft takeaways: Best picks, left tackle questions, biggest needs left and more

New York Times  

Seven picks, and not a single sure-bet offensive tackle among them? Here’s a rundown of what stands out about the Colts’ 2021 draft class: The picks • Kwity Paye, defensive end, Michigan, first round, 29th • Dayo Odeyingbo, defensive lineman, Vanderbilt, second round, 54th • Kylen Granson, tight end, SMU, fourth round, 127th • Shawn Davis, safety, Florida, fifth round, …

What we learned from the Colts’ bold offseason
4 years, 6 months ago

What we learned from the Colts’ bold offseason

New York Times  

New quarterback, new offensive playmakers, new defensive cornerstone. That’s gonna allow the linebackers to run free and make more plays.” Hilton wants to finish career in Indy “I wanna be a Colt for life,” the 30-year-old wide receiver said last month. “When it’s time to get back out there, everybody’s going to feel me.” Colts receiver T.Y. “I’m 100 percent,” …

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