Tag: Shane Steichen

Instant analysis of Colts’ 30-13 win over Steelers

Here’s how instant analysis of the Colts’ 30-13 win over the Steelers.

The Indianapolis Colts (8-6) got back into the win column with a dominating 30-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

It was ugly early as the Colts were down 13-0 a few minutes into the second quarter, but Shane Steichen continued to prove why he should be the favorite for the Coach of the Year award.

The Colts stormed back to score 30 unanswered points after Diontae Johnson’s touchdown reception early in the second quarter. Despite injuries to Michael Pittman Jr. and Zack Moss, the Colts bullied the Steelers in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

This was a must-win for the Colts considering the playoff implications of the outcome.

Here’s our instant analysis of the huge 30-13 win over the Steelers:

Colts vs. Steelers: 5 things to watch in Week 15

Here are five things to watch for in Week 15.

The Indianapolis Colts will be looking to shake off their disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals as they are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Saturday matchup in Week 15.

This series hasn’t been favorable for the Colts. They have lost eight straight games to the Steelers with their last win in the series coming back in 2008.

The last time Indianapolis beat Pittsburgh at home came in 2005. This is another crucial AFC contest for the Colts with both teams currently in the playoffs and a win on Saturday can help create separation heading into the final three weeks of the season.

Here are five things to watch for when this game kicks off on Saturday afternoon:

What Colts are saying about Titans ahead of Week 13

What the Colts are saying about the Titans ahead of their Week 13 matchup.

The Indianapolis Colts will have a golden opportunity in Week 13 against the Tennessee Titans, as not only can they sweep the season series with their division rival, they can effectively put Tennessee away for good.

Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner is well aware of the opportunity at hand but is expecting a “dog fight” against the Titans on Sunday.

“Yeah, we know it’s going to be a dog fight. They’ve been playing really well at home all year obviously,” Buckner said. “Yeah, any division game is always going to be a dog fight.

“Shoot, personally I haven’t swept the Titans since I’ve been here. So, it’s a great opportunity to do that and also stack another win in the win column and make this playoff push. They are the next obstacle in the way and we’ve got to continue to be at our best in all three phases.”

Now, a look at what else the Colts are saying ahead of Sunday’s rematch.

5 takeaways from Colts’ 27-20 win over the Bucs

Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ 27-20 win over the Buccaneers.

The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) are now on a three-game winning streak after beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) in a game that came down to the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Indy never gave up the lead once they scored their first touchdown of the game. Despite having control of this contest, a second-quarter Gardner Minshew interception got the Bucs back in this game and they were within arm’s distance heading into the fourth quarter.

The crucial play of the game came on a fourth-and-inches call by Shane Steichen in the fourth quarter. With Zaire Franklin in at fullback, the Colts sold a run to Jonathan Taylor which allowed Mo-Alie Cox to slip open for a 30-yard completion.

Indianapolis would end up scoring a touchdown to make it a 27-17 game with 7:3- left in the game. Tampa did fight back and had a chance to tie it in the final two minutes but Samson Ebukam was able to get his hands on a strip-sack to help close out this win for the Colts.

Here are five takeaways from Indy’s victory:

Should Eagles have an interest in adding Shaquille Leonard after he’s waived by Colts?

The Colts waived linebacker Shaquille Leonard and the Eagles should have an interest in signing the veteran defender

Philadelphia has two of the highest-graded linebackers in the NFL, but you can never have enough good talent heading into the playoffs.

Indianapolis just shocked the NFL, waiving former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

The NFL waiver wire order is based on the reverse order of the current NFL standings, meaning the Panthers are 1, the Cardinals are 2, and the Eagles would be 32nd on the list.

Zach Cunningham has 61 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended, and is the 37th highest graded linebacker in the NFL per PFF.

Nicholas Morrow has 36 tackles, 3 sacks, and 8 tackles for loss, while landing as the 12th highest graded linebacker in the NFL.

Leonard is owed $6.1M for the rest of this season, and if a team claimed him, they’d also be on the hook for $6.5M, which is guaranteed for injury.

A 2018 second-round pick of the Colts, Leonard won Defensive Rookie of the Year while being named a first-team All-Pro. He developed into one of the top linebackers in the NFL, earning All-Pro honors three times in his first four seasons.

Back injuries limited him to three games last year, and he has seen a sharp cut to his playing time throughout this season.

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Colts vs. Patriots: 5 things to watch in Week 10

What to watch for in Week 10.

The NFL will be wrapping up its International Series this week, featuring a matchup between the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) and New England Patriots (2-7) in Frankfurt, Germany.

This will be the third meeting between the franchises since Tom Brady left New England. The Colts beat the Pats for the first time since 2009 in 2021 but lost 26-3 in their 2022 matchup. This is a pivotal game for Indy. They have a chance to get to a .500 record heading into their bye week and can get some momentum going for a potential playoff push in their final seven games.

Here are five things to watch for when both teams kickoff Sunday football:

Colts’ Shane Steichen on Jelani Woods returning: ‘We’ll see’

Will Jelani Woods return this season?

Indianapolis Colts tight end Jelani Woods has yet to make his season debut and the thought of whether it will happen is beginning to come into doubt.

Woods has been on the injured reserve list all season due to a hamstring injury he suffered during the first week of training camp. He missed the entire preseason and has been on the reserve list since the start of the 2023 campaign.

When asked whether he thinks Woods will be ready at all this season, head coach Shane Steichen stuck to his typical non-answer.

“We’ll see.”

That has been Steichen’s typical answer for injuries throughout the season. He rarely gives updates and most of the time it’s a choice between “We’ll see” and “He’s progressing well.”

“He keeps working through his rehab process,” Steichen said. “When the time’s ready, he’ll be ready.”

Coaches rarely dive deep into injuries unless it’s a serious ailment and even then, the majority of coaches don’t like to comment on a prognosis.

With Woods, though, it has been a major mystery. It was reported that the second-year tight end tore his hamstring, the same one he dealt with during the spring, which also forced him to miss some time.

The tight end room certainly could use his skills as a receiver. While Andrew Ogletree has been a promising development in that area and Kylen Granson has proven to be a decent safety valve, Woods brings a different element of explosiveness.

Considering the lack of information we have, Woods could return to practice next week or we may not see him until 2024.

Regardless, the anticipation to see him work in Steichen’s offense is high.

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Jonathan Taylor: ‘I’m proud to be an Indianapolis Colt’

Here’s what Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ brass said about the RB’s new deal.

The Indianapolis Colts and running back Jonathan Taylor were able to put their differences aside, coming to an agreement on a three-year contract extension Saturday.

With Taylor officially being activated from the PUP list, he will make his season debut against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.

In a statement released by the team, Taylor was grateful the two sides were able to get a deal done.

“I want to thank Jim Irsay and his family, Chris Ballard, and Coach Steichen for the opportunity to be part of this organization’s future,” Taylor said. “I greatly appreciate the support of my teammates and Colts fans. I can’t wait to get back on the field and do everything I can to help bring this city the championship it deserves. I’m proud to be an Indianapolis Colt.”

Taylor wasn’t the only one to give a statement following the announcement of the signing. Owner Jim Irsay offered some encouraging words about Taylor and his future with the team.

“Jonathan is a special player and signing him to this extension is important knowing the impact he’ll make as the team develops under Shane Steichen,” Irsay said. “I have no doubt he’ll continue to create highlight plays and memories for Colts fans as he’s done in his three seasons thus far. Jonathan deserves this deal and I’m happy for him.”

Head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard also chimed in.

“I’m thrilled we were able to reach an agreement with Jonathan,” Ballard said. “At the end of August, I spoke about the importance of relationships and being able to move forward. We were able to reach that point. We know what Jonathan means to this team and this city. He is an exceptional playmaker, and he has given a tremendous amount to our organization. This is the result we all wanted.”

As for Steichen, the first-year head coach has been envisioning a backfield featuring Taylor and rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson since he took the job this offseason.

“Part of the reason I took this job was to work with a player like Jonathan Taylor,” Steichen said. “He adds an explosive element to our offense and his success on the field over the last three seasons is undeniable. I’m excited for the role he’ll play on this team as we continue to build.”

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Colts vs. Titans: Keys to victory in Week 5

Here’s how the Colts can beat the Titans in Week 5.

The Indianapolis Colts continue their homestand in Week 5 with an AFC South rivalry game against the Tennessee Titans.

The division is currently a very contested race. All four teams hold the same record entering this week and need a win to continue their push for the South’s best. The Colts, in particular, are looking to right the wrongs of several games past and break a five-game losing streak against Tennessee.

Here are the keys to victory for overcoming the prowess of the Titans:

 

Eagles have 4 assistants make a list of 2024 head coaching candidates to watch

The Philadelphia #Eagles have four assistant coaches make a list of 2024 head coaching candidates to watch

The 3-0 Eagles are one the hottest teams in the NFL right now, and with success comes poachers from the opposition looking to lure your best coaches away.

When hiring Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia assembled one of the NFL’s youngest coaching staff, and that dynamic group has already been broken up thanks to their versatility and vast talents.

Shane Steichen took his talents to Indianapolis, and he’s doing wonders with Anthony Richardson.

The much-maligned Jonathan Gannon is in Arizona, and his Cardinals just upset the top-ranked Dallas Cowboys.

Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr listed the top 65 potential NFL head coaching candidates for 2024. The Eagles had four assistant coaches on the list, with their offensive coordinator as a two-time nominee.