Tag: Colts

Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht talks Chiefs tight end legends Tony Gonzalez, Travis Kelce 

Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht talks #Chiefs tight end legends Tony Gonzalez and Travis Kelce w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Super Bowl XLI champion Ben Utecht.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Utecht discussed his collaboration with his alma mater, the University of Minnesota, on developing the Shower Sock and his thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce revolutionizing the tight end position. 

“I grew up in Minnesota and chose to stay home and play for the Gophers,” Utecht explained. “I had a great career there, built many relationships, and was not just in the athletic department. When I came up with this idea, my first instinct was to return to the Bakken Medical Device Center at the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Medical Center is one of the top four in the country, and I knew they would be able to direct and guide me through this process. They were just absolutely amazing.”

Utecht partnered with global med-tech executives Mario Nozzarella and Heinrich Von Solms to develop the product further. They secured US and international patents and trademarks and developed the manufacturing and chemical application process for what has now become the Shower Sockᵀᴹ.

The former First-team All-Big Ten tight end has appreciated the position’s growth since retiring in 2009. He acknowledged the greatness of two Chiefs legends at the position and how it’s evolved over the years. 

“When you think about the progression over the last 15 years, when I came out, Tony Gonzalez was the pinnacle,” Utecht said. “He was, at his all-time greatest, not an overly fast tight end but an amazing position receiver, somebody who was knowledgeable about the game and could incorporate that to put himself in positions on the field where he knew the gaps in the defense.

“Then, we progressed to Jeremy Shockey, and then we progressed to Rob Gronkowski. And now you’ve got this combination of players who have speed, know how to put themselves in the right positions, and have the courage to put their bodies into the block on the line of scrimmage. I think (Travis) Kelce is an excellent example of all the above.”

Utecht also credits the coaches’ game plans, including Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, with affecting today’s tight ends. 

“Something that goes a little undervalued or doesn’t get discussed is the coaching side; You must have an offensive staff and philosophy built toward the tight end,” Utecht explained. “You have to have a scheme that allows somebody with Travis Kelce’s talent to know how to take advantage of it, and they do that very well. The 49ers did that very well, and the Patriots, with Rob Gronkowski, did that very well. The Colts, with Dallas Clark and myself, did that very well.

“So when you have the suitable scheme and the right coaching strategy on top of the physical ability to do every aspect of the tight end position, which is second to the quarterback, has the greatest responsibility because you have to be in the backfield, you have to be in the slot, you have to be out wide, you’ve got to be on the line of scrimmage, you’ve got to pass protect, you’ve got to run block. So there’s nothing that the tight end doesn’t do, and so, yeah, hats off to what the Chiefs have done with his career, and he’s a great talent, and it’s no surprise that he’s going to go down in history as one of the greatest tight ends to play the game.”

For more information on the Shower Sock, log on to ShowerSock.com & follow on X, Instagram and Facebook

Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht reveals lessons learned from Tony Dungy

Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht reveals lessons learned from Tony Dungy w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Super Bowl XLI champion Ben Utecht.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Utecht discussed his work as a mentor at the University of Minnesota, his development of the Shower Sockᵀᴹ, and the lessons he learned from former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy.

“When you enter, especially now in college, with what NIL has done and how it’s changed the financial support system for college athletes, now more than ever, your business,” said Utecht. “Your body is your business. The physical wellness of your body is monumental to your sustainability as an athlete in college and a profession, and it’s our job to do whatever we can to care for those athletes and to put them in the best position to be healthy.”

In 2019, Utecht created a Shower Sock prototype alongside University of Minnesota engineering students, leading Medical School clinicians, and the Bakken Medical Device Center industry experts.

“We know, according to multiple platforms, that 20 to 25% of the world’s population at any given time is suffering from bacterial or fungal infection. The National Institute of Health says that 15% of the world’s population suffers from athletes’ foot,” Utecht explained. “The American Academy of Pediatrics says 10 to 15% of college athletes miss performance time due to bacterial or fungal infections. These infections cannot only impact performance because of pain but also can remove you from the game itself, which has a huge impact on the team, the university, or the professional sports organization you’re playing for. So the ultimate goal for sports is to do whatever we can to care for the physical wellness of our players.”

The Colts starter played under Dungy for several years, including the Super XLI season. During this time, he learned about leadership culture and continues to use the teachings in his life after football.

“Tony Dungy was the first to win a Super Bowl, built on servant leadership. He believed that if you build better men, you get better football players,” said Utecht. “The first team meeting we had, he entered the room, quoted his head coach from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and said, ‘Man, if you’re sitting in this room and your entire identity is wrapped up in a sport, you’ve completely missed the purpose of your life.’ Whoa, that’s a different way to start a team meeting in the NFL.”

The Colts finished with a 12–4 regular-season record and earned their first Super Bowl appearance since 1970. Utecht had his best season as a pro, finishing with 37 catches for 377 yards.

“Tony taught me that culture does not have to be subjective; it can be objective. It can be the strategy that guides every decision an organization makes, and it’s all built on the practice of a shared belief system that drives organizational values,” said Utecht. “Do your behaviors reflect what you value based on what you believe? That was a radical experience for me, and I decided to build a career around that. My degree was in public speaking, and the question was, what’s my story? And I said, Gosh, this is my story. I have to tell the world what I experienced on that Super Bowl championship team, so it’s been really exciting.”

For more information on the Shower Sock, log on to ShowerSock.com & follow on X, Instagram and Facebook

Retired NFL TE Ben Utecht discusses ‘Shower Sock,’ Chiefs offense under Patrick Mahomes

Retired NFL TE Ben Utecht discusses ‘Shower Sock,’ #Chiefs offense under Patrick Mahomes w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Indianapolis Colts tight end Ben Utecht.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Utecht discussed his inspiration for developing the Shower Sockᵀᴹ after dealing with a painful condition and his thoughts on Patrick Mahomes’ unique success in the Kansas City Chiefs offense. 

“When I was playing in Cincinnati with the Bengals, I contracted a pretty severe foot fungus injury that took three to four months to diagnose and cure, and it was the first time that had ever happened to that level,” said Utecht. “I mean, an athlete’s foot is pretty rampant across the world, but I got a different type of infection, which was very painful.

“It caused scarring in between my toes because of the skin cracking. And it was painful. I could practice and play through it, but it was definitely on my mind, which you never want as an athlete. You want to be able to focus completely on what your job is.”

After experiencing a terrible foot infection, Utecht was inspired to create the Shower Sockᵀᴹ so that others would not have to endure the same experience.

“So when I retired and entered civilian fitness life, I was at a leading national fitness brand, in their locker room, sitting in their steam room, and just couldn’t believe it,” Utecht explained. “What the floors look like. I remember sitting there thinking Man, I’ve never been a flip-flop wearer. I’ve never enjoyed wearing sandals in the shower. Because you’re just taking those sandals and throwing them back in your gym bag, and you don’t clean them. You never disinfect them.

“I thought, man, has anybody ever made a disposable antibacterial and fungal shower sock I can put on to wash my foot with preventative applications that shield me from bacteria and fungus? Then I can throw it away, and it’s highly affordable, so I can protect my foot cheaply every time I step onto a tile floor. To my surprise, it has never been created.”

Utecht has shifted his focus from football to leading the charge to save millions of athletes’ feet. He expressed his appreciation for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s work with his feet on the field as part of his fantastic skillset. 

“You’ve got somebody like Patrick (Mahomes), who is very dangerous outside the pocket. That enhances your ability as an offense to put the defense in compromising situations, and it also changes your attitude as an offensive skill player, right?” said Utecht. “Because when you have a pocket passer, you know you’re significantly dependent upon the routes in their current physical expectation, but when you have an outside, when you have someone that can get outside and is incredibly mobile.

“Now you have to be ready on every single play to adjust that route, to adapt to his mobility, to make plays and to get open. So there’s a whole other level to the route that gets incorporated into a Patrick Mahomes offense. That’s systematized, and those receivers on the Chiefs do it very well Because of the hours upon hours of practice that make that offensive scheme perfect.”

For more information on the Shower Sock, log on to ShowerSock.com & follow on X, Instagram and Facebook

Bills’ Josh Allen says teammates ‘stepped up’ vs. Colts

Bills’ Josh Allen says teammates ‘stepped up’ vs. Colts

A win is a win.

It wasn’t pretty, but the Bills won in all three phases 30-20 on the road against the Colts in Indianapolis.

Buffalo got the job done despite turning the ball over multiple times, which left much to improve upon.

Few knew that better than quarterback Josh Allen.

“We’ve got to have a faster start. We didn’t play our best today, but we’ll take the win,” the QB said. “Four forced turnovers — we’ve got to hold onto the ball a little bit better. We’ll take them how we can get them, and we’ll turn the page tomorrow.”

Allen would go 23 of 37 for 280 yards in the air with 50 yards on the ground.

He also threw a pair of interceptions, putting him at four in the span of the last three games after a stellar start to the year in which he didn’t throw any at all in his first seven contests.

“Guys stepping up, knowing they’re knowing their job, knowing their assignment, and going out there and executing can be cleaner,” he added. “That’s that’s me. So again, just making sure we’re communicating well, and just try again, just trying to hold on to the football. And, you know, we got to play better on offense.”

Playing in front of so many Bills fans in attendance it was practically a home game in the stands, Buffalo was missing receivers Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. Their scoring got done by way of kicker Tyler Bass’s field goals, along with rushing touchdowns by Allen and starting running back James Cook, and a pick-six interception by corner Taron Johnson.

 

“Just all hands on deck,” head coach Sean McDermott said to the press postgame. “I mean, what else can you say? I would say (offensive coordinator) Joe (Brady), the (offensive coaching) staff, they didn’t flinch. They just kept dialing it up, trying to adjust. I thought the communication at halftime was great by the entire staff.”

This ahead of one of their biggest tests of the season next Sunday, a home game hosting the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Orchard Park.

For four-straight games and in seven of their 10 games this season, the Bills have scored 30 points or more, which could matter next week against a Kansas City team that’s only scored that much once this season.

The win against the Colts was the Bills’ first in Indianapolis since 1998, their fifth consecutive win, and they improved to 8-2 overall, their best start since 1993.

And they might possibly have been at 9-1 if not for clock management and playcalling near the end of the club’s matchup against the Houston Texans.

Nonetheless, things remain in perspective for Allen.

“It’s awesome to get eight wins through 10 games. Still got a lot of season left, so we’re not really looking at it as that. It’s just really on to the next one.”

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Bills’ Taron Johnson credits studies for pick six: ‘I’ve seen that play before’

Bills’ Taron Johnson credits studies for pick six: ‘I’ve seen that play before’

The Bills beat the Colts 30-20 on Sunday, thanks in part to an early defensive takeaway by nickel Taron Johnson.

Buffalo had a strong day on defense, and the effort was highlighted by an early pick-six by the corner.

 

Johnson helped to set the tone for the game on the defensive side of the ball with the big play, but also in his overall performance.

He had three tackles, a sack, one tackle for loss, and two pass deflections as well.

“I’m not sure what he was seeing,” Johnson said of opposing QB Joe Flacco’s read on the pick. “But I’ve seen that play before . . . against a different team, and I played it differently. I mean, we [were] in a different call too. In the game I’ve seen it, I played it differently, and I feel like they were expecting me to play it a different way. And, I took the ball. After that, I scanned the field and took it to the house.

I’ve seen that play before… I feel like they were expecting me to play it a different way and took the ball.”

They were also without receivers Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper on offense, so the defense stepped up.

“I know we’re banged up on offense, but the defense came out, and especially in that second half, made a lot of plays, and I feel like that helped us win,” Johnson added.

On the day, the Bills offense had three interceptions total, along with four sacks and two forced fumbles.

Much to the approval of head coach Sean McDermott.

“I thought that the defense and the takeaways was a big time difference in the game, and then also getting momentum back after our turnovers with some key stops and fourth down stops”, McDermott said. “We were able to make them (Colts) one-dimensional, which was important for us. It was a resilient win overall. Very resilient win.”

With Tyler Bass going a perfect six for six, special teams and defense held up their end.

“I think they’re just a very competitive group,” McDermott added. “They take a lot of pride in not letting each other down.”

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Colts in Week 10

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Colts in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in Week 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Bills (7-2) and Colts (4-5) have been trending in different directions as of late. The Bills have won four in a row while the Colts have lost their last two.

The Bills haven’t won in Indianapolis since 1999. This week, they are four-point favorites to win against a solid Colts team. Even though the Bills will be picked to win by many, there are always a few things that make winning difficult each week. The Bills will need to be wary of them.

Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 10:

Joe Flacco can still sling it

USA Today Sports

In his 17th year in the NFL, Joe Flacco still has a more-than-capable throwing arm. Thrust into the starting lineup for a struggling Anthony Richardson, Flacco has the numbers to back that he is a threat through the air at 39 years old.

In four games played this year, he has posted seven touchdowns with just two interceptions and a 94.5 passer rating. In games that Richardson played this year, the Colts averaged 18.8 points per game, and with Flacco, they are averaging 23.5 ppg.

The Bills passing defense, which ranks 15th in the NFL in DVOA, will be tested in Week 10.

Jonathan Taylor on the ground

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With running back Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, and now Flacco under center, the Colts offer a balanced attack on offense. Taylor is coming off of an unproductive Week 9 when he had 48 rushing yards and just 3.7 yards per carry against a stout Minnesota Vikings defense.

He’ll be looking to bounce back, and he has a history of gashing the Bills. In 2021, Taylor had 185 yards and five rushing touchdowns in a Colts blowout win over the Bills.

The Bills will have to gameplan to try to limit what he can do. Last week, the Bills gave up over five yards per carry to both Miami Dolphins’ running backs. While they have gotten gashed a few times on the ground this year, their run defense still ranks sixth in DVOA. Facing Taylor will be a good measuring stick to see what the Bills’ front seven can handle.

Colts keep it close

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Every game for the Colts this year has been a one-score game. They haven’t lost by more than eight and haven’t won by more than six. They’ve been in all nine games to this point. Despite being 4-5 and making a recent quarterback switch, they’re a better team than many think. They very well could be above .500 had Flacco been the starter all year.

At home, the Colts are 3-1 this year, including a 27-24 win with Flacco under center over a good Pittsburgh Steelers team. If Bills fans have a strong showing like they did in Seattle two weeks ago, it would be a big boost for the team.

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Colts in Week 10

3 keys to a Bills victory vs. the Colts in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills will play the Indianapolis Colts on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 10.

The Bills (7-2) are looking to build on a four-game win streak, the latest being a nail-biter against the Miami Dolphins. The Colts (4-5) are on a two-game losing streak, dropping close games to the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings.

Buffalo is favored by four points in this one but recent history suggests otherwise. The team hasn’t won in Indianapolis since 1999 when Doug Flutie was under center. They have lost in their last six tries.

When the Bills try to end that streak on Sunday, they’ll be going against a very competitive ball club. All nine of the Colts’ games this year have been decided by one score or less.

The Bills will need to execute their game plan to pick up their eighth win of the year.

With that, here are three keys to a Bills win in Week 10:

Limit big runs from Jonathan Taylor

USA Today Sports

Many are now doubting the Bills’ ability to stop the run after they were gashed by Dolphins runners De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. But, even though both averaged over five yards per carry in the game, the Buffalo didn’t allow them to have big runs.

After allowing a run of 20 yards in four of their first six games this year, the Bills haven’t allowed one in their last three games.

Enter Jonathan Taylor. In his one career game vs. the Bills in 2021, he ran for 185 yards and five touchdowns in a Colts blowout win.

After Taylor had a rough outing last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, you know he is looking to get back on track. He will most likely get chunks of yards at times, but if the Bills can make sure none slip away for big gains, it will help their chances on the road.

A balanced attack

Imagn Images

The best teams in the NFL are labeled that way because they can attack you in different ways. The Bills are no exception. They have leaned into a balanced approach under offensive coordinator Joe Brady and they have reaped the benefits.

It is no longer quarterback Josh Allen dropping back and trying to create something for the majority of the time. According to FTN Fantasy, the Bills rank seventh in the NFL in rushing DVOA while ranking third in passing. They are elite in both categories.

The Colts’ defense, on the other hand, is lacking in both categories. They rank 28th in passing DVOA and 17th in rushing. The Bills will have opportunities on offense, but tipping your hand and neglecting either the pass or run would make things more difficult than necessary.

Stay close to Josh Downs

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Joe Flacco loves to throw it to slot receiver Josh Downs. In he four games with Flacco under center, here are Downs’ numbers per game:

  • 9.75 targets
  • 7.5 catches
  • 69.25 receiving yards
  • 0.5 touchdowns

In a run-heavy offense for Indy, Downs has been the most targeted wide receiver on a per-game basis, and he has the most receiving yards per game. He also adds an average of 5.0 yards after the catch, per Fantasy Pros.

It would be a big boost if the Bills’ defense could hold Downs to minimal gains after the catch.

He likes to sit underneath in the holes of defenses, with an average depth of target of 6.6 yards. He’ll be a focal point of the Bills coverage in Week 10, and he draws a tough matchup with Taron Johnson in the slot.

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Bills vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10

Bills vs. Colts: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 10

The Buffalo Bills (7-2) will face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) on the road in their upcoming Week 10 matchup.

The games within the game will make all the difference for the Bills as they try to win in Indianapolis for the first time since 1999.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Colts contest:

Bills front seven vs. Jonathan Taylor

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The Bills’ front seven has been inconsistent this year in defending the ground game, and they have been under the microscope this week after allowing the Miami Dolphins to run all over them. Running backs De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert each averaged over five yards per carry and combined for 119 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Now, they have Jonathan Taylor to worry about.

Taylor has been one of the best backs in the NFL when healthy since he entered the league. This year he is averaging an impressive 4.8 yards per carry and is 19th in the NFL in rushing yards (502), just ahead of James Cook (496).

The Bills will need execution and effort from their front seven throughout the game to keep Taylor in check. Guys like DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, and Greg Rousseau will be counted on to make an impact at the line of scrimmage.

CB Taron Johnson vs. WR Josh Downs

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Slot cornerback Taron Johnson, a second-team All-Pro last year, will be tested by a young up-and-comer in Week 10. Second-year wide receiver Josh Downs operates out of the slot and has quickly gained rapport with quarterback Joe Flacco.

In four games together this year, Downs has averaged 9.75 targets, 7.5 receptions, and 69.25 receiving yards per contest. He has the most catches from Flacco by a decent margin and has been the most-targeted receiver in all four games.

Johnson has a tough task with keeping tabs on Downs and also being ready to head downhill to tackle Taylor in the running game. It’s a tall task but that’s nothing new for one of the best nickel corners in the game.

QB Joe Flacco vs. Bills pass coverage

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We could more widely talk about the playcalling duel between Shane Steichen and Bobby Babich, but let’s zoom in a bit. Flacco vs the Bills’ coverage will be a chess match to watch.

Flacco has been around the block. In his 17th year, he is still proving he can be effective. He has seven touchdowns and two interceptions through four games played, and his 94.5 passer rating ranks 14th in the NFL.

The Bills passing defense struggled against the Dolphins last week as Tua Tagovailoa completed 89% of his passes. The Bills currently rank middle-of-the-pack in passing defense DVOA (15th).

The defense might have a little bit of an easier day if WR Michael Pittman Jr. can’t play due to injury, but what would really help them is having more of a pass rush.

Colts will be without key offensive starter vs. Bills

Colts will be without key offensive starter vs. Bills

The Indianapolis Colts’ offensive line won’t be at full strength when they host the Buffalo Bills in Week 10. They’ll be missing a major piece to their puzzle up front.

On Tuesday, the team placed veteran center Ryan Kelly on injured reserve, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Kelly, a Pro Bowler in four of the past five years, will miss at least the next four games for the Colts after suffering a knee injury.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will be looking to get back on track on the ground this week despite the loss of their team captain at center. In last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, he was held to 3.7 yards per carry and totaled just 48 yards.

Taylor will attempt to right the ship while running behind rookie center Tanor Bortolini on Sunday. But, even with a fourth-round rookie handling the snaps, the Bills defensive line will still be tested.

Bortolini, a former Wisconsin Badger, will start at center for Kelly for the third time this year. He has fared well while at center so far. In 160 total snaps, his 66.3 Pro Football Focus grade ranks 18th among 57 qualifying centers. Bortolini has given up zero sacks on just one pressure allowed and has committed just one penalty.

The Bills’ defensive line has seen its struggles as of late and they recently lost defensive linemen DeWayne Carter and Dawuane Smoot to IR. They did bring back free-agent defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson on Wednesday, but they are a unit on the team that has left a lot to be desired.

How the Bills’ front, particularly Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, perform going up against the rookie is now a key matchup to watch in Week 10.

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Chargers vs. Bengals flexed into Sunday Night Football

The Chargers will have three primetime games in a span of four weeks.

The Chargers will be playing in primetime in Week 11.

The NFL announced that Los Angeles’ matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Nov. 17, will now be Sunday Night Football on NBC. The game will kick off at 5:20 pm PT.

Originally, L.A. and Cincinnati were scheduled to play at 1:25 pm, with the game set to be televised on CBS. Now, it replaces the contest between the Jets and Colts.

With the Chargers slated for Sunday night, they will play three primetime games in four weeks, with the other two being against the Ravens (Monday night in Week 12) and the Chiefs (Sunday night in Week 14).

The last time the Bolts and Bengals met was in 2021. Los Angeles won, 41-22.