RSS Colts Team Notes

[Indianapolis Colts]

Forget about the cost because Ballard made the Indianapolis Colts a lot better

What has gotten into Chris Ballard? Did he have an epiphany or…? The GM for the Indianapolis Colts doesn’t make mid-season trades. Ballard doesn’t give up two first round picks for anyone. Heck, he doesn’t make many moves at all. Ballard moves around the game board in a systematic way and almost never deviates. Getting Sauce Gardner from the Jets was a big boy move. It was so big it might even get the Colts to the Super Bowl.

Fans begged Ballard to do something at the trade deadline. We witnessed him finally pull the trigger in free agency and when healthy, his main prizes in the secondary look good. Now, he addressed a weakness on the defense by shoring up the backfield with a lockdown corner. Everyone else has covered the statistics, so let’s cover the feel because this one feels good. Was it a lot to give up? Sure. Two first rounders is steep along with Adonai Mitchell, but can you be sure either first rounder would pan out? Do most at the level of Gardner? The Colts know what they are getting in Gardner. He has real life NFL experience and has been top-notch. Getting high level production out of two first rounders is no guarantee.

Some fans complain about the contract and what that means for the future. Forget the future for a minute and focus on the here and now. Championship windows are short, but one just opened. The AFC is wide open and the Colts are breaking down the door. A 7-2 team just got better. It is a fact that some players will have to be let go. Finances become tight with big moves like this. Ok, but what is the alternative? Never go for it? I would rather see a team roll the dice and risk it all for a legitimate shot at a championship than never take the plunge. Look no further than the Pacers who traded for Pascal Siakam. They got within one half of winning a title. The Colts are capturing lightning in a bottle, and I’m here for it.

Too expensive. Too restrictive on the future. Chris Ballard needed to do more. Some fans will never be satisfied. I am not team Ballard, but this is the type of aggressiveness most have wanted for years. This is as close as the Colts have come to contention in a long time. The window has been opened. Ballard is taking full advantage now because it won’t be open forever.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analys...lard-made-the-indianapolis-colts-a-lot-better

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts Injury Report: DT Deforest Buckner already ruled out; New star CB cleared

The Indianapolis Colts released their Thursday injury report today ahead of Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in Germany on Sunday.

thursday’s practice report for #ATLvsIND. pic.twitter.com/32XgRcFe7s

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 6, 2025

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner missed practice today for the second day today. With the team set to travel to Germany today Buckner was subsequently ruled OUT and left out of the traveling squad. With Buckner out, he leaves behind a huge void to fill. Expect Adetomiwa Adebawore to have an increased role in pass rushing situations and also Neville Gallimore in run-stopping too.

Defensive end Samson Ebukam continues to miss practice with an ongoing knee injury. Expect him to be ruled out of another game this week. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis also missed another practice today with a groin injury and looks to be joining Ebukam in missing another game too. The Colts defensive line is looking very thin as injury begin to pile up.

Guard Matt Goncalves (personal), cornerback Kenny Moore (Achilles) and wide receiver Michael Pittman (glute) were all full participants today after missing practice yesterday. All three look in line to be available Sunday in Germany.

New star cornerback Sauce Gardner was a full participant today at practice after being in the concussion protocol previously as a member of the New York Jets. It was announced today that he had passed through the protocol and is therefore in line to make his Colts debut this Sunday overseas against the Falcons. It would appear that he and Jaylon Jones will man the starting outside corner spots for Indianapolis.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...buckner-already-ruled-out-new-star-cb-cleared

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

How Colts’ Carlie Irsay-Gordon played key role in closing deal for star corner Sauce Gardner

According to SI.com’s Albert Breer, Indianapolis Colts team owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon played a key role in adding input to close the deal for newly acquired star cornerback Sauce Gardner:

“. . . Three weeks later, on Monday, with the sides close to a deal and the trade deadline looming, Ballard was talking with Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon about the potential trade as the GM prepared to make an offer, and she asked, ‘Do you want to Band-Aid it or fix it for the long term?’

Ballard fixed it. Sauce Gardner would be a Colt.”

Of course, the Colts ultimately made national headlines, acquiring the former New York Jets’ 2x NFL First-Team All-Pro cornerback for their 2026, 2027 first round picks, as well as wideout AD Mitchell.

Per ESPN NFL analyst Pete Schrager, many of those in league circles didn’t even know that Gardner was realistically available:

“I will tell you, Sauce had no idea he was being traded,” Schrager said via Clutchpoints.com. “Other teams around the league were texting me like, ‘Did you know he was up for sale?’ I’m like, ‘He wasn’t up for sale unless you offer two picks and a wide receiver that they could use on their team today.’”

By Breer’s account, the Colts didn’t know initially either, until new New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey indicated to Indianapolis assistant general manager Ed Dodds that anyone was available on their defense, and while they weren’t looking to necessarily deal Gardner, even their young All-Pro cornerback.

With Irsay-Gordon’s nudge, the Colts looked to fill the position not just with key cornerback competition or a potential stopgap, but with one of the best young cornerbacks in the league—albeit at a steep price.

Irsay-Gordon providing last minute words of wisdom ahead of a franchise-altering trade is not all that different from when her father, late team owner Jim Irsay, in the draft war room, urged Ballard and his football ops team to trade up and select star Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor with the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Colts’ top brass had all been consistently discussing Taylor and remained enthralled with him as a top running back prospect throughout that year’s pre-draft evaluation process.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ayed-key-role-in-closing-deal-for-star-corner

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

The OTHER MVP Cases (Besides Jonathan Taylor)

Dear Stampede Blue Reader,

As you might have noticed both on our dear SB Nation site and elsewhere on the internet, the conversation around Jonathan Taylor has changed dramatically as of late. From becoming the Offensive Player of the Year favorite a few weeks ago, to now being discussed as a legitimate MVP Candidate (if not favorite for a lot of analysts) after yet another 3 Touchdown game ignited MVP chants in Lucas Oil Stadium 2 weeks ago, despite Taylor being *gasp* not a Quarterback.

Insert Jonathan Taylor into the MVP conversation.

I said it.

pic.twitter.com/Bt7unryjsk

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 26, 2025

The Colts Running Back is chasing history with his production, and in the process trying to end the 12 year streak of QBs winning the NFL’s most prestigious individual award. Many great RB seasons have tried in those 12 years to dethrone the QBs’ reign, with only 2017 Todd Gurley and 2016 Ezekiel Elliott able to get more than 2 votes (Gurley with 8, Elliott with 6) in the 50 member voting panel from the Associated Press.

But with Taylor potentially being the biggest threat to LaDainian Tomlinson’s Single-Season 31 Rushing and Receiving Touchdowns record with 14 TDs through 9 games (a 26 TD pace through 17 games), his 2025 campaign might dwarf all other RBs’ since Tomlinson’s dominant 2006 year.

Still the precedent is what the precedent is. Despite Taylor’s incredible season thus far, he is not the betting favorite of MVP candidates. Per VegasInsider, which uses the combined odds of 5 leading sportsbooks, Jonathan Taylor has the 11th best odds to win MVP behind 10 Quarterbacks! Taylor’s odds stand between +2500 to +3500 to win it, but 4 QBs have odds better that +600 to win MVP. So let’s play devil’s advocate. What is the case for each of the top QBs in the NFL? Do they have a strong enough season to fend off the pesky Colts back nipping at their heels?

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills​

The new favorite for the MVP award, Josh Allen surpassed Patrick Mahomes (more on him later) according to oddsmakers after a Week 9 victory over his AFC foe. Allen is no stranger to the award, netting a 1st place MVP vote in 4 of the last 5 seasons and finally winning it last year. If he wins again in 2025, Josh Allen would become the 12th multi-time MVP in NFL history, a feat shared exclusively by NFL Hall of Famers among eligible retired players. Allen would be tied with Mahomes and Lamar Jackson for 2nd most MVPs among active players behind only Aaron Rodgers. A 2nd straight MVP isn’t just about recognition for Allen, it’s about legacy.

Allen’s stats in 2025 and his end of season pace are among the best in the NFL.

• 157/223 (70.4% Comp%) Passing | 334/474 Passing Pace
• 1,833 Passing Yards | 3,895 Passing Yard Pace
• 13 Passing TDs | 28 Passing TD Pace
• 4 INTs | 8-9 INT Pace
• 107 Passer Rating | 106.82-107.7 Passer Rating Pace
• 55 Carries | 117 Carry Pace
• 280 Rushing Yards | 595 Rushing Yard Pace
• 7 Rushing TDs | 15 Rushing TD Pace
• 4 Fumbles | 8-9 Fumble Pace

During Week 9's Chiefs-Bills matchup, Josh Allen recorded the highest completion percentage of his career, while Patrick Mahomes recorded the lowest of his career. pic.twitter.com/kvOOKKusvp

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) November 3, 2025

Josh Allen’s Expected Points Added per Dropback ranks 5th in the NFL with +0.2 as well. He also gets a boost from his clutchness, orchestrating 2 game winning drives already in the season. Overall his TD total would rank Tied 20th in NFL history for a QB, tied with 2020 Tom Brady, 2019 Lamar Jackson, and 2014 Andrew Luck. The former 2 won the MVP award.

Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs​

The current betting runner up to win MVP, Mahomes is no stranger to the award buzz. The Chiefs QB won the award in 2018 in his first season as a starter throwing 50 TDs (and Rushing for another 2), the 2nd most TDs in a Season ever behind only Peyton Manning in 2013; and won his 2nd MVP in 2022 after throwing the 4th most Yards in NFL history (5,250) and 41 TDs (rushing for another 4 TDs). Mahomes is one of just 11 NFL players with multiple MVPs, and if he gets another he joins Tom Brady, Brett Favre, Jim Brown, and Johnny Unitas in a 5 way tie for 3rd most MVPs in NFL history behind only Aaron Rodgers (4), and Peyton Manning (5).

Mahomes has been arguably the NFL’s biggest star since 2018, and with 3 Super Bowl Championships, 5 Super Bowl Appearances, and the Chiefs making to ever AFC Championship Game since being named their starting QB the media spotlight has never left him and the team. Even during down years statistically in 2023-2024, there were still some talking heads of the media who wanted to push Mahomes MVP talk despite more dominant players (namely Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson) putting up better numbers.

Patrick Mahomes is winning MVP. pic.twitter.com/4ZXwtM2lYn

— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) October 21, 2025

2025 has been a return to the Chiefs’ passing ways, with the run game sputtering compared to recent years. Mahomes has had to step up once again, and has had a strong season. Despite missing several of his best weapons, Mahomes is still Mahomes. His 2025 stats in 9 games so far and his end of season pace are certainly impressive, especially when considering the absences of Wide Receivers Xavier Worthy at the start of the season and Rashee Rice until the last few games.

• 204/316 Passing (64.6% Completion Percentage) | 385/597 Passing Pace
• 2,349 Passing Yards | 4,437 Passing Yard Pace
• 17 Passing TDs | 32 Passing TD Pace
• 5 INTs | 9 INT Pace
• 98.19 Passer Rating | 98.38 Passer Rating Pace
• 47 Carries | 89 Carry Pace
• 285 Rushing Yards | 538 Rushing Yard Pace
• 4 Rushing TDs | 8 Rushing TD Pace
• 3 Fumbles | 6 Fumble Pace

Mahomes’ case is also strengthened by his advanced stats, as he is 2nd in Expected Points Added (+71.7) and 6th in EPA per Dropback (+0.19). He is also 1st in EPA per dropback against pressure in 2025, continuing to show his trademark elite improvisational skills and calm in the face of pressure.

Patrick Mahomes day is done. First game with his full supporting cast:

74.3% CMP
286 YDS
3 TDS
126.6 RTG

MVP. pic.twitter.com/6REVrrL5Md

— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) October 19, 2025

The biggest thing holding Mahomes back is a lack of team success. The Chiefs are just 5-4 in 2025 so far and are currently on the outside looking in of the AFC Playoffs. If Joe Burrow’s 2024 MVP candidacy was dismissed for not leading the Bengals to the playoffs last year, Mahomes’ 2025 campaign could be as well.

While Mahomes’ stats aren’t at a historic level, his high touchdown numbers, low turnover numbers, and elite play when things break down make him a top contender for the MVP.

Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots​

The young up and comer, 2nd year QB Drake Maye took a big leap so far this season. With better weapons (Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in Free Agency, Kyle Williams in the Draft), much better protection (Will Campbell and Jared Wilson Rounds 1 and 3 of the Draft), and potentially better coaching (Jarod Mayo to Mike Vrabel) a more supported Maye is enjoying 2025 and putting up strong numbers. As of now he has guided the Patriots to a 7-2 record, tied with the Colts and the Broncos for the top of the AFC (currently the 2 seed based off of tiebreakers).

His 2025 Stats paint a story of an emerging elite passer, and could be the successor to Tom Brady the Patriots have waited for in the last half decade.

• 189/255 Passing (74.1% Comp%, 1st in NFL) | 357/482 Passing Pace
• 2,285 Passing Yards | 4,316 Passing Yard Pace
• 17 Passing TDs | 32 Passing TD Pace
• 4 INTs | 8 INT Pace
• 116.9 Passer Rating | 116.33 Passer Rating Pace
• 59 Carries | 111 Carry Pace
• 270 Rushing Yards | 510 Rushing Yard Pace
• 2 Rushing TDs | 4 Rushing TD Pace
• 6 Fumbles | 11 Fumble Pace

Maye ranks 3rd in EPA/dropback, 1st in total EPA, and 1st in Completion Percentage Over Expected this season, showing that advanced stats favor him to win the MVP. He isn’t dinking and dunking his way to success, he is the best deep passer in the NFL this season.

Drake Maye has posted a 100+ passer rating in 8 straight games pic.twitter.com/SWLsysS3aL

— PFF (@PFF) November 6, 2025

Still there are some factors that hold him below Allen and Mahomes in the MVP odds.

Maye has also had some issues in the turnover department compared to the other NFL MVP candidates. While his INTs are even or close to the aforementioned Mahomes and Allen, Maye has put the ball on the field too often with 6 Fumbles. His 4 Fumbles Lost lead the NFL, a blemish on an otherwise outstanding statistical profile.

The Patriots Strength of Schedule has been (and will be for the rest of the season) the easiest in the NFL. The only 2 teams he has faced this season so far that could be playoff teams are the Steelers (who he lost to in Week 3) and the Bills (who he beat in Week 5). As good as his stats are, the lack of games against top competition can put an asterisk on his numbers if other QB MVP candidates are close statistically. With games against the Buccaneers, the Bills again, and the Ravens providing the biggest remaining challenges on the schedule, perhaps big performances in those games could move Maye to the top of the MVP odds.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams​

Veteran Matthew Stafford has had a long career filled with strong stats, gritty tough clutch play, trying to overcome a lack of support around him early on, and eventually culminating in a Super Bowl win in 2021. The one thing missing in his career? A (non-Super Bowl) MVP. While bringing a Super Bowl to Los Angeles might be enough to cement Stafford as a Hall of Fame QB, an MVP award could truly solidify it and potentially start the conversation for first ballot.

The 37 year old passer is one of the last remnants of the era of pure pocket passers, the 3rd oldest starting QB in the NFL younger only to Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco. But despite his age, Stafford can still sling it with one of the strongest arms in the NFL.

• 184/274 Passing (67.2% Comp%) | 391/582 Passing Pace
• 2,174 Passing Yards | 4,620 Passing Yard Pace
• 21 Pass TDs | 45 Passing TD Pace
• 2 INTs | 4 INT Pace
• 113.2 Passer Rating | 114.05 Passer Rating Pace
• 21 Carries | 45 Carry Pace
• -6 Rushing Yards | -13 Rushing Yard Pace
• 0 Rushing TDs
• 5 Fumbles | 11 Fumbles

Not enough people are talking about Matthew Stafford as the MVP this year

16-0 TD/INT ratio his last 5 games

2nd in PFF passing grade
6th in Yards
T-9th with 7.8 YPA
21-2 TD/INT Ration
T-1 in Big Time Throws with 21
2.2% TWP rate (8th best)
6th in Passer rating pic.twitter.com/XRVLTynNj5

— Corey Buschlen (@FootballStock) November 7, 2025

Stafford’s passing numbers are very strong, with 45 Passing TD pace tied for 9th (with 2024 Lamar Jackson) in Total TDs and tied for 8th (with 2011 Aaron Rodgers) in Passing TDs in a single season. Combine that with a very low 4 INT pace, and Stafford’s base stats have a good shot for MVP.

What is holding him back from higher MVP consideration is his EPA/Drop back is only tied 7th in the NFL and is tied 11th when under pressure. Stafford has had the benefit of a pair of elite Wide Receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to throw to, as well as a solid pass blocking line (ranked 4th in Pass Pro Win % per ESPN). The help that Stafford long sought for early on in his career might be holding him back from the top award in the NFL in an ironic twist of fate, not that Stafford is complaining. The veteran would much rather win games than win awards, and after the Rams close Divisional Round loss to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Eagles, Stafford is prioritizing winning his 2nd ring over his first MVP.

What Does Taylor Need To Win MVP?​

Each of these 4 QBs might not have historic level seasons of box score production, but they are all having strong seasons that have MVP cases. What can the Colts talented back do to stand out among this crowded MVP race?

• Taylor needs HISTORIC production.

If Jonathan Taylor can get to 30+ Total TDs, perhaps even breaking LaDainian Tomlinson’s record, that should be enough to win serious MVP votes. If he can’t get to that high of scoring and is in the mid 20s of TDs, he would need to get to over 2,000 Rushing Yards and potentially threaten the single season rushing Yard record. Taylor unfortunately is far from those yardage marks at this point and would need a monster 2nd half performance to catch up to Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 Rushing Yard record (average 151 Rushing Yards per game in the final 8 games of the season instead of his current 99.4 Rushing Yard per game), so the Touchdown record is much more attainable at this point.

Johnathan Taylor would be the leading MVP candidate if this were the early 2000s. Sadly it’s a QB award now so only OPOY is in play but man does he look good. pic.twitter.com/TkDmev1ra1

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) October 19, 2025

Perhaps an increase in workload early on in games to get the Colts their leads rather than just later to maintain the lead and secure the win would strengthen this aspect of his MVP candidacy?

• Taylor needs to Lead the Colts to a Top Spot in the AFC

A big reason for Adrian Peterson’s most recent Running back MVP wasn’t just his impressive stats, it was because he carried a Vikings team without a good passer at QB to the playoffs. While Daniel Jones has been very efficient and is even 12th in MVP odds behind Taylor, there could still be a stigma among Associated Press voters regarding his prior play in New York. If Taylor can shoulder the load of being the best offensive player on the best offense in the NFL that gets the Colts to potentially as high as the 1 seed in the NFL, that storyline could compel some voters to his MVP case.

Barring Taylor achieving both of those factors, his MVP candidacy sadly might come down to how his competitors do in the 2nd half of the season. Peterson got his MVP during a down QB year in 2012, and unfortunately the adage of it being a QB award has more than a few kernels of truth to it. Even if he doesn’t win MVP, there is always the Offensive Player of the Year Award to add to Taylor’s trophy case.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nflgeneral/116786/the-other-mvp-cases-besides-jonathan-taylor

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: Defensive Line Missing Three

The Indianapolis Colts released their Friday injury report today for Week 10 of the NFL season against the Atlanta Falcons in Germany.

we did not practice on friday. friday's practice report is only an estimation of a player's participation if there was a practice #ATLvsIND. pic.twitter.com/UafPbs1zwL

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 7, 2025

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has been ruled OUT for Sundays game against the Falcons with a neck injury. Buckner was ruled out earlier in the week due to travel but was placed on injured reserve today. He will be out due a minimum of four weeks with the neck injury. Buckner being out leaves a huge hole in the middle of the defensive line which will have to be filled by Adetomiwa Adebawore and Neville Gallimore moving forward.

Defensive ends Tyquan Lewis (groin) and Samson Ebukam (knee) have both been ruled OUT for Sundays game against the Falcons. Both have now missed multiple games with their respective injuries. Expect a larger role for rookie defensive end JT Tuimoloau and a practice squad enervation to help at defensive end Sunday.

Colts wide receiver (and special teams returnman) Anthony Gould has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sunday’ss game against the Falcons. Gould is a big part of the return game in special teams and was surely missed last week which was evident in the mistake that came on special teams.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ts-injury-report-defensive-line-missing-three

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts hope they found the secret “sauce” to a championship run

No, that isn’t Josh Downs out there. A new number one has joined the Indianapolis Colts and is slated to be the number one starting cornerback for years to come. A position that is essential in football is now locked down and will look to lock down the game’s top receivers. Sauce Gardner came at a serious price, but if he delivers, no one will care. His debut will come immediately as he made the trek to Germany to join the Colts as they attempt to take down the Falcons in Berlin.

Opinions are divided with some seeing this as an overpay while others claiming Gardner is the missing piece on a championship run. When he makes his debut on Sunday, it is essential to understand one game’s work won’t tell the whole tale. As reported, Chris Ballard was given the choice from Carlie Irsay-Gordon to either band-aid it or fix it permanently. He chose the permanent route by making a home run swing. This is exactly the type of move serious contenders should make. The Colts showed fortitude with this move and truly believe it will pay off.

With all the success this team has had, there are certainly areas for improvement. The pass rush and back of the defense needed work. The defensive front has been hit by the injury bug so having Gardner available is even more important. They will need him to be extremely solid in coverage if they can’t create consistent pressure up front. DeForest Buckner is out for a bit, but the bye week should help others get healthy.

In the meantime, Gardner will need to prove his worth, and why wouldn’t he? He has been one of the best in the game and moving from a 1-7 team to 7-2 would be a shot in the arm for any player. Expect any slowdowns in his game, if there are any, to be rejuvenated as the excitement to play for a contender kicks in. The Colts are hoping for the player they saw in New York. If they get a more focused and even better version, they will be blown away, and it will justify everything they gave to obtain him.

Chris Ballard has used band-aids in the past to address areas of need. Not this time. Sauce Gardner is a long term solution and potential cornerstone of this franchise. A cornerback with his talent can change the game. Take away or severely limit the best receiver on any team and things get a lot harder. On a 53 man roster, it is hard to move the needle. Gardner won’t move it as much as a quarterback could, but he can make a huge difference. Even a small one could be enough to bring a championship to Indianapolis.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analys...-found-the-secret-sauce-to-a-championship-run

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Where to Watch: Colts host Falcons in Berlin

The traveling Indianapolis Colts (7-2)(-6.5) will host the road Atlanta Falcons (3-5) in Berlin, Germany, hoping to start their latest winning streak.

It’s the fifth NFL game that’s been held in Germany, but the first time that a league game will be hosted in historic Berlin—and at Olympic Stadium.

The newest member of the Colts, Sauce Gardner, is expected to make his debut against the Falcons and should significantly aid a depleted secondary and help an Indianapolis pass rush that is missing some key members.

The Colts come in ranking 1st in points for (32.2 avg. ppg) and allowing the 7th fewest (20.1 avg. ppg), while the Falcons rank 28th in points scored (17.9 avg. ppg.) and 13th in points surrendered (22.3 avg. ppg.) respectively.

Colts fans can tune into the game on FOX59 (local), NFL Network, or NFL+. Adam Amin (play-by-play), Kurt Warner (color analyst), and Stacy Dales and Kristina Pink (sidelines) will provide the TV coverage.

The Week 10 TV map can be found here.

Meanwhile, for those Colts fans hoping to listen in, this international game can be listed to on 93.5 and 107.5 The Fan, as well as 97.1 HANK FM. Matt Taylor will be handling play-by-play, Joe Reitz as color analyst, and Larra Overton as the sideline reporter. National radio coverage will be on Westwood One with Oliver Wilson
(play-by-play) and Charles Arbuckle (color analyst). SiriusXM subscribers can listen in on Channel 227.

Clete Blakeman will be the lead official with his crew.

In Berlin, it’s expected to be around 49 degrees with overcast at or near kickoff.

The Colts lead the all-time series against the Falcons 15-3, but Indianapolis lost the most recent time these two teams last met, 29-10, in Atlanta on Christmas Eve of 2023.

Colts Injury Report:

DT DeForest Buckner (neck)- Out; DE Samson Ebukam (knee)- Out; WR Anthony Gould (knee)- Out; and DE Tyquan Lewis (groin)- Out.

Falcons Injury Report:

CB Mike Hughes (neck)- Questionable; Edge Leonard Floyd (hamstring)- Out; OL Matthew Bergeron (ankle)- Out; and OL Storm Norton (foot)- Out.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...1/where-to-watch-colts-host-falcons-in-berlin

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

AFC Playoff Picture: Colts keeps pace with Broncos in Week 10

The Denver Broncos won on Thursday night to set the bar in the AFC early in Week 10. On Sunday morning, the Indianapolis Colts found a way to win in overtime to pull even with the Broncos and retake first place in the conference on a tiebreaker. The New England Patriots won to solidify the three-way tie at 8-2 but Indy comes out on top with their conference record.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers play each other on Sunday night, so there are lots of things that can change here.

The Buffalo Bills lost to fall behind the Chargers for now. The Jacksonville Jaguars also lost, but they stay ahead of the Chiefs in an aptly named wild Wild Card race

AFC playoff standings during Week 10​

The Kansas City Chiefs are on a bye. The Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals are both on a bye this week, too, but far down the list.

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-2, 6-1 AFC)
2. Denver Broncos (8-2, 5-2 AFC)
3. New England Patriots (8-2, 4-2 AFC)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (6-3, 5-1 AFC)
6. Buffalo Bills (6-3, 4-2 AFC)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4, win over KC)
8. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4, loss to JAX)
9. Houston Texans (4-5, win over BAL)
10. Baltimore Ravens (4-5, loss to HOU)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
12. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
13. New York Jets (2-7)
14. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
15. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
16. Tennessee Titans (1-8)

AFC South standings after Week 10​

The Jaguars lost to the Texans, giving Indianapolis even more breathing room. The Titans are on a bye and will stay in last place.

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
3. Houston Texans (4-5)
4. Tennessee Titans (1-8)

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...ture-colts-keeps-pace-with-broncos-in-week-10

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts rookie TE Tyler Warren comes up clutch in Berlin

The 2025-26 Indianapolis Colts offense has been a shell of itself in recent weeks. After virtually never turning the ball over through the team’s first eight weeks, the turnover bug has struck Indy’s offense in a bad way. Not only that, but the unit’s otherwise seamless operation from the first half of the season has also since disappeared in the form of untimely penalties and a breakdown in pass protection. Despite these newfound kinks in their immortal armor, the Colts’ offense continues to produce yardage-wise.

The Colts have put up 887 total yards of offense in the past two weeks, but have also turned the ball over eight times. Regardless, Indianapolis is 1-1 during said stretch, with both being one-score games. So, while the sky is falling in regard to the offense’s efficiency, QB Daniel Jones and Co. are refusing to give up, and rookie TE Tyler Warren remains a massive factor in the solution.

Tyler Warren has showcased himself as a day-one NFL player since his debut. Few and far between are the prospects who are NFL-ready as soon as their name is called on draft night, and Warren has quickly proven to be no different.

Against the Falcons in Berlin, Germany, marked the third time this season that Tyler Warren has been the Colts’ leading receiver; the first coming in his second career game versus the Broncos, and his second versus the Cardinals a month later. Against Atlanta, Warren led the way with 8 receptions on 10 targets for 99 receiving yards (long of 24).

Of his 99 receiving yards, 69% (nice) came after the catch, which goes to show just how much of an inherent creator Warren is. Whether it’s his routine quick-hitters that he turns into first downs or the strategic screen calls that get him in space to allow him to go to work, head coach Shane Steichen is aware of what makes him so special, and we’re seeing that play out weekly.

Even though Tyler Warren is elite after the catch, no two receptions better represent his potential than his last receptions of the day against the Falcons: a gotta-have-it 4th and 2 call late in the 4th quarter that saw Daniel Jones find Warren on a quick out in the flats and a gutsy pitch-and-catch from Jones to Warren on 2nd and 9 during overtime.

Tyler Warren singlehandedly kept the game alive with a gnarly, contested grab on the aforementioned 4th and 2, where he imposed his will on the smaller defender to net the first down gain. Then, of course, in overtime, Warren gave us one of the most beautiful over-the-shoulder grabs in stride that put the Colts in field goal range, an attempt that was not needed thanks to Jonathan Taylor’s heroics on the ground.

Jonathan Taylor’s game-sealing TD rush capped off his fourth game this season, where he’s rushed for 3 touchdowns. In a moment that is and should be all about Taylor, I find myself marveling at Tyler Warren.

Lined up at fullback, Warren motions left pre-snap before crossing the pocket post-snap to seal the kickout block. Perhaps aided by a swift cut that only the likes of Taylor could make, but Warren’s ability as a blocker, paired with his selfless mindset, makes for a fun highlight reel no matter the week. It’s not solely his blocking between the tackles, either. Warren’s ability as a downfield blocker opens up potential elsewhere. So much for all of those analysts who swore up and down that his blocking wouldn’t translate.

The discourse surrounding Tyler Warren should not warrant additional questions, but answers. This is a rookie who showcases more veteran tendencies on a weekly basis than a lot of actual veterans with multiple years of professional experience under their belts. General manager Chris Ballard said after drafting Warren that, “The last time I felt that good about pulling a pick was Quenton [Nelson]. It was easy. There wasn’t a lot of discussion,” and so far through ten games, his gut feeling couldn’t ring more true.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analysis/117621/colts-rookie-te-tyler-warren-comes-up-clutch-in-berlin

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

I traveled to Berlin to watch the Colts play and witnessed history in the process

When the schedule came out months ago, the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons’ game immediately caught my eye. Berlin is a city many travelers dream about visiting and for one who appreciates history and the Colts, it was a no brainer. With plenty of time to arrange finances and develop an itinerary, the trip was set. I knew I would experience history in Berlin, I just didn’t expect to see it on the field from Jonathan Taylor.

Give Taylor his flowers. No one is playing better than he is now. The Colts hold the best record in football, and Daniel Jones has a lot to do with that; Taylor has more though. Where would this team be without him? 286-yards from scrimmage, three touchdowns, and history made as Taylor surpassed Edgerrin James for most rushing touchdowns in franchise history.

In a city in which the Brandenburg Gate, Memorial to the Murdered Jews, the Reichstag, and the Berlin Wall call home, more history was added to the lore. Of course, Berlin’s monuments and memorials hold much more worldly meaning, but to a Colts fan, Sunday’s game was special. It almost didn’t happen, though, as a fateful summer saw Taylor growling on the sidelines holding out for his true worth. Jim Irsay and Chris Ballard recognized his importance and paid the man. Luckily, that too is history because Taylor has earned every penny this year.

A united Germany rose as one in Olympic Stadium, historic in its own right, to wave flags of yellow, black, red, blue, and white to display the American and German flag. Berlin is a city with scars. There is no denying that. The Colts have scars and flaws as well. 8-2 is great, but this team showed there is room for improvement. It is a far cry from the wondering years when this franchise had no direction, however. A vision is starting to take shape.

When the wall between East and West Berlin fell, a vision also had a chance to take shape. That shape is now a beautiful and vibrant city; one that knows its history and where it has been but is using those lessons to move forward. So too can the Colts. Heading into the bye, the offensive line needs to provide better protection and Jones must protect the ball. Learn from the lessons of history to be better.

Currently, Jonathan Taylor is the past, present, and future of this franchise. One day he will end his career for the Colts and will be relegated to history. History is just that; history. Some good, some bad, but mostly benign. It simply was what it was. That is not the case for the city of Berlin or Taylor. One is working to create history to be proud of and move forward from a complicated past. The other has already cemented his place. This cement is still wet, however. Taylor has a chance to harden his legacy into a piece of history that will remain forever.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analys...lts-play-and-witnessed-history-in-the-process

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Jonathan Taylor became an International Superstar

German audiences have gotten to witness in-person 3 different generations of American athletes perform at the highest level and make history:

• Jesse Owens winning 4 Gold Medals in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, contradicting Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany’s racist ideology.
• Mark Spitz winning 7 Gold Medals in the 1972 Olympics in Munich, setting an Olympic record that stood for 36 years until Michael Phelps won 8 Gold Medals in 2008.
• Jonathan Taylor recording more Yards From Scrimmage and Total Touchdowns than any NFL player in an International Series NFL Game.

GREATEST INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NFL HISTORY?

32 CARRIES
224 YARDS
3 TDs including the OT game-winner

JONATHAN. TAYLOR. pic.twitter.com/4BLLIXbX6I

— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025

The legends of Owens and Spitz have had decades to cultivate into worldwide impact from the stage in Germany. Now Jonathan Taylor’s dominant performance this past Saturday has a chance to broaden the scope of the NFL fanbase to new heights and markets. With a German record of 72,203 fans in attendance, in the same stadium as Jesse Owens’ iconic Olympics, Taylor delivered a game for the ages.

YOU CAN'T STOP JONATHAN TAYLOR. 83-YARD TD.

ATLvsIND on @NFLNetwork
Also streaming on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/XiL55trl4d

— NFL (@NFL) November 9, 2025

There have been a total of 55 International Series NFL Games, but none had a skill player get as many Yards or Touchdowns as Jonathan Taylor just did. His final run being a walk-off Touchdown in Overtime was cherry on top of his incredible game.

What a scene at the Olympiastadion on the anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.#NFLBerlinGame pic.twitter.com/q9JsLK6eeB

— Michael McQuaid (@McQuaidNFL) November 9, 2025

In the age of the internet, clicks are king. Google searches of Jonathan Taylor, jumped by 20 times from Saturday to Sunday, and over doubled the previous high for Jonathan Taylor search results this season (during Week 8 vs the Titans on October 27th).

This trend isn’t just the rabid NFL fanbase of the United States driving web traffic… its world wide.

• Canada: Jonathan Taylor searches over doubled from prior high October 27th to November 9th
• Mexico: Jonathan Taylor searches rose by 46% from prior high October 19th to November 9th
• United Kingdom: Jonathan Taylor searches rose by 78% from prior high October 4th to November 9th
• Germany: Jonathan Taylor searches over tripled from prior high September 7th to November 9th
• Spain: Jonathan Taylor searches over doubled from prior high October 27th to November 9th

There’s an NFL Shop pop up at this mall in Berlin and the line to get in is longer than most TSA lines in the States right now It stretches the entire length of this massive corridor and wraps around too pic.twitter.com/EHaYTWMVeZ

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 8, 2025

While viewership numbers are still pending, it’s clear that Jonathan Taylor has become much more of a household name abroad after his dominant International game. With the Colts having former 1st Round pick Bjoern Werner as the voice of the NFL in Germany as well, expect the Colts to experience a rise in popularity in the 2nd biggest European country.

Country Roads at the NFL in Berlin.

ICONIC#NFLBerlinGame pic.twitter.com/PW7ZszlqHy

— Michael McQuaid (@McQuaidNFL) November 9, 2025

As the NFL continues to expand its reach with International Series Games in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Australia, Mexico, Brazil (as well as discussions for games in Canada and China), the importance of putting together entertaining and compelling performances on the International stage becomes paramount for the NFL’s growth.

With long-rumored interest in moving a team to the UK and Flag Football added to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, the rise of the NFL’s popularity internationally is likely to continue to build. And with it, so should the stardom of the Colts Running Back.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nflgeneral/117691/jonathan-taylor-became-an-international-superstar

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Bye Week Rooting Guide

Buckle in Colts fans.

We have our first Colts Football-Free Weekend since August. After an 8-2 start to the season, many-a-Colts fan has grown addicted to watching the 2025 squad every Sunday. To sate your cravings for NFL Football during the Bye Week blues, we here at Stampede Blue offer you this handy Guide to your first Weekend in months without the Colts on your screen.

football is fun. pic.twitter.com/BiPpkew5KC

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 30, 2025

Who should you root for to help the Colts quest for the 1 seed?

Should you hope AFC South Divisional rivals continue to fall behind, or win a game to worsen their 2026 Draft slot?

Is there a team Colts fans should hope loses to help increase the odds one of their best players leaves in Free Agency?

Find out who you should (probably) root for this week!

New York Jets vs New England Patriots​

The first game on the docket should be an easy one for Colts fans to instinctually have a rooting interest in: Anyone against the New England Patriots.

On Thursday Night Football the 8-2 Patriots host their 2-7 AFC East Divisional Rival Jets in a game most to be a rout for the home team in Foxborough. Jets doubters beware however, as they are on a two game winning streak! Albeit it was against the lowly Ohio teams: the Bengals and Browns…

Drake Maye on the #Patriots being in Super Bowl talks:

“We gotta worry about the Jets on Thursday night. It’s any given week in this league… They just played well on Sunday… We know it’s one week at a time in this league and things can change quickly.”

(@WEEIAfternoons) pic.twitter.com/KJMlWP58BI

— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) November 11, 2025

Despite the odds, Colts fans want the Jets to endure. A loss drops the Patriots out of the tiebreakers with the Colts for the 1 seed in the AFC, as well as hurts the Most Valuable Player campaign of starting QB Drake Maye. A historic rival losing playoff seeding and potentially missing out on the biggest individual player award? Sounds like Colts fans have reason to break out the Adonai Mitchell jerseys if the Jets win.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals​

This one could have some conflicting views on who to root for. On the one hand, the 5-4 Steelers losing would increase the Colts odds of a good playoff seeding with Pittsburgh owning the head to head tiebreaker over the Colts. On the other hand, the Bengals losing could increase the likelihood star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson opts to leave Cincinnati in the 2026 offseason, potentially trying to reunite with former Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo in Indianapolis.

The Ravens overtake 1st place in the AFC North next week if:

– Ravens beat Browns.

– Bengals beat Steelers. pic.twitter.com/YqOt402ORP

— Ravens Realest (@Ravens_Realest) November 10, 2025

This game also has a sneaky impact on the Ravens, who could jump all the way from 10th in the AFC to the 4 seed with the Bengals upsetting the Steelers and if the Ravens take care of the Browns. While the Colts did fall to the Steelers this regular season, I doubt any Colts fan likes the idea of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry re-entering the playoff field.

It is up to each fan, but I lean rooting for the Steelers to lose in this case. Trey Hendrickson to the Colts is an idea that can only come to fruition in 2026 at the earliest and the Steelers losing has tangible benefits for the Colts in 2025. Live for the here and now!

Houston Texans vs Tennessee Titans​

An AFC South grudge match between the two teams at the bottom of the division. The Texans are at 4-5 after a dramatic upset win over the Jaguars, clawing to keep their playoff hopes alive despite a tough schedule and with starting QB CJ Stroud out with his 2nd concussion of his career. Over in Tennessee, the Titans are coming off their bye suddenly in the driver’s seat for the 1st overall pick. They would be the 6th team in the Super Bowl era to pick 1st overall in back to back years.

If you are looking for good scoring entertainment value, likely look elsewhere. As the first matchup against these two AFC South rivals showed earlier in the season, offense likely isn’t on the menu in this matchup.

Texans vs Titans:

Passing Yds: 89 – 83
Yards/Play: 4.1 – 4.6
3rd Down Conversions: 3/10 – 1/6
Punts: 2-3
Kicking: 2/3 – 0/2
Score: 6-0

And the 3rd quarter just started…

This is an abomination deserving of relegation for the teams & institutionalization for their fans watching pic.twitter.com/5WhUroYy7d

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) September 28, 2025

Colts fans can have a rare rooting interest in the Tennessee Titans, as a win would simultaneously worsen their division rival’s draft slot and decrease the odds of them getting an impact player, and inch the Texans towards out of the playoff race entirely. While the Titans certainly aren’t favored, every team can have their day in the NFL. Might as well root for the underdog! Just try not to look directly at this game. Put it in Picture-in-Picture or check it out on RedZone (if it shows up at all).

Los Angeles Chargers vs Jacksonville Jaguars​

Despite falling to the aforementioned Texans with backup QB Davis Mills in the lineup last week, the Jaguars are still the Colts primary challengers for the AFC South at 5-4. The Chargers meanwhile are the 4th best team in the AFC record wise (5th Seed with Broncos ahead of them in the AFC West). Jim Harbaugh’s squad doesn’t have the head to head tiebreaker over the Colts, but could still pose a challenge for the Colts playoff seeding toward the end of the season if they win, being only 1 game back from the Colts in the playoff race.

Incredible angle of final play from epic comeback by #Texans to beat Jaguars, courtesy of @KHOUSergioSoto. pic.twitter.com/XkyC4fRl2K

— Jason Bristol (@JBristolKHOU) November 10, 2025

This one could be a tough one for Colts fans to decide on who to root for. Is it better for the Colts to have more of a guarantee at making the playoffs? Or should the Colts set their sights higher for some help to a potential 1 seed? Either way, Chargers vs Jaguars is one showdown that could have a big impact on the AFC playoff race.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Denver Broncos​

The only 4:25 game on this list, deciding to tune into this game should be an easy choice.

The perennial AFC Champion Chiefs are trying to fight their way back into the playoffs, while the Denver Broncos are trying to keep pace with the Colts and Patriots for the 1 seed in the AFC. Throw in that this is the last opponent the Chiefs take on before they face the Colts coming off of their Bye week, and this is a slam dunk MUST watch for Colts fans this Sunday.

Nov. 16, 1997: The AFC West leading Denver Broncos visit the Kansas City Chiefs for a pivotal divisional matchup.

The game culminates in one of the most dramatic endings in the history of the series.

Nov. 16, 2025 arrives Sunday. pic.twitter.com/SYFkcFO3FH

— Red Tribe Cinema (@ClayWendler) November 11, 2025

As for who to root for, this game between AFC West powerhouses naturally will have a big impact in the AFC playoff race. According to the New York Times’ Playoff Simulator, each result would have a big swing in either team’s playoff chances.

If the Chiefs Lose VS If the Chiefs Win:

• Make the Playoffs Odds: 61% VS 85%
• Win AFC West Odds: 6% VS 31%
• 1 Seed Odds: <1%—> 7%

If the Broncos Lose VS If the Broncos Win:

• Make the Playoffs Odds: 88% VS 98%
• Win AFC West Odds: 26% VS 42%
• 1 Seed Odds: 8% VS 26%

Colts fans have another choice in who to root for, either to help thin out the playoff field or increase their chances at the 1 seed. Personally, I’d love for the rare tie to occur.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/humor/117719/bye-week-rooting-guide

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Some may have gripes but the Colts have positioned themselves well heading into the bye

The Colts have a fatal flaw.

Daniel Jones is turning the ball over too much and is turning back into the pumpkin we knew he was in New York.

What happened to the offensive line? They are giving up way too much pressure and too many sacks.

This defense struggles to get off the field on third down and can’t generate enough pressure.

That has been the sentiment across message boards and group chats of Indianapolis Colts’ fans the last few weeks. Not all fans are expressing these frustrations, but to say they don’t exist would be a lie. To say those things are not real or areas of concerns would be blatantly ignorant as well. The Colts sit at 8-2 and are far from perfect. Who is though? Which team has it all together and has had it all together the entire season? No one, and that is why fans need to focus on the position the Colts find themselves in heading into their bye week.

Spoiler alert…it’s pretty good…

There is literally no one better from a record perspective. Literally no one. One could look at power rankings and on the field of play to say that a win-loss record doesn’t tell the whole story, and that would be fair. Other teams are playing very well. Pesky teams like the Broncos and Patriots won’t seem to go away, but the Colts are holding their own. The Pittsburgh game had troubling signs, but the best teams have dud games. Do you really believe the Dolphins are better than the Bills? Yes, the Bills are struggling, but come on. The Colts are undefeated as the home team and have split their road contests with one being up for grabs and the other in range if not for a billion turnovers.

The Colts have dropped a couple. That is true. It is also true that they have the best running back in the league. They found a legitimate top talent at the tight end position who completely turned that unit around single handedly. They found a deep threat who is emerging as an all around receiver and setting himself up for a contract that wasn’t on the table two months ago. The Colts just acquired one of the best cornerbacks, if not the best, in the game. Their much maligned secondary has been revamped and should be fully healthy after the break. They found a quarterback after ten years who can run the offense and seems like more than a one year rental.

These are all wild positives that have positioned the Colts on the inside track for the number one seed in the AFC. Will they get it? Not sure because the schedule gets tough and the Patriots’ turns soft. That won’t be the ultimate reflection on this season, however. Disappointing, yes, but not the ultimate reflection. The Colts are finally building something and moving in a direction after years of floating along. They are finally establishing some sense of identity, and that identity has brought them to the top of the standings. So, yes, they have flaws, but they are also one of the best teams in the NFL. Two things can be true at once, so let’s focus on the positive and be satisfied with where the Colts are after ten weeks.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analys...sitioned-themselves-well-heading-into-the-bye

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts’ Week 10 QB Analysis: Better, not great

Thanks to the nflFastR project, Pro Football Focus and NFL NextGen Stats for the timely sources of data.

For those of you new to this, I will publish key QB stats each week judging how well the Colts’ QB performed. Yes, O-Line, receivers, and play-calling impact these numbers but they are primarily QB measures. I will probably modify the charts throughout the season. Commentary will be brief but feel free to let me know in the comments that stats aren’t everything. (click charts for larger view)

---

HOW WELL?​

I guess Week 10 can be considered a bounce-back for Daniel Jones, primarily because he didn’t turn the ball over five times. It wasn’t for lack of trying, though — he still turned it over twice, fumbled out of bounds once, and recovered his own fumble once.

His 17th-ranked EPA efficiency is much lower than his 5th-ranked success rate, mostly because of the strip-sack fumble — a highly negative play. Interestingly, the interception wasn’t all that costly, as it came on 3rd-and-11 with just eight seconds left in the half.

Basically, he had a lot of consistently good plays when he was able to get rid of the ball, but sacks limited his overall value.

His 1st-down conversion rate took a dive, and his yardage efficiency was below average, illustrating his struggles to sustain drives and move the chains.

---

HOW FAR?​

His 73.1% completion rate shows he was consistently connecting on passes — they just weren’t turning into first downs as often as in previous weeks.

Target and completion depth dropped but was still about league average.

He relies on passing depth more than most QBs — a stark contrast to his New York days, when he leaned heavily on YAC-driven plays.

---

TO WHO?​

Tyler Warren edged out Pierce in total yards, but as you would expect, the vertical targets primarily went to Pierce.

It’s nice to have three different receivers all vying for the team lead in receiving yards, but so far, Warren holds the edge.

The majority of targets generated positive value relative to league average — even the shorter routes.

Similar view at the season level.

---

HOW ACCURATE?​

Jones rebounded from his Week 9 accuracy issues, posting an above-average CPOE.

---

HOW FAST?​

He was again forced to throw quickly, but even so, he took 7 sacks.

---

TO WHERE?​

He had moderate success in most areas of the field.

The last two weeks have brought his efficiency back down to earth a bit — but it’s still solid overall.

---

DASHBOARD​

mouseover definitions: epa/d, median EPA gain in similar game situation (down, distance, etc.)”>arsr, 3 yards to gain in game-neutral situations”>edp, opd, pr%, tip, ttt, adot, ay/c, yac, yacoe, yd/c, ac%, cpoe, aypa, scr%, ta%, sck%, aa%, aay, ny/d, ny/p, 1st%, td%, to%, 0″>qbsr epa/p, adj/p

Here’s what happened in week 10:

• Jonathan Taylor was beyond phenomenal, and for the first time this year, the Colts leaned into the run game (2nd in ARSR, 18th in EDP). However, those early-down runs made it harder to create manageable 3rd downs, as the Colts averaged 8.2 yards to gain on 3rd down — the 5th-highest mark of the week.
• The pressure stats show about an average pressure rate for Jones, but as I’ve said many times, that can be misleading. Jones also had the 9th-quickest time to throw yet still faced roughly average pressure — which suggests that he had to get rid of the ball early to avoid pressure.
• Even with the quick throws, he was able to get decent depth on both his targets and completions (21st in ADOT, 16th in AY/C).
• Add to that the strong YAC from his receivers — even after adjusting for pass depth — and it resulted in solid yardage per completion (9th in YAC, 6th in YACOE, 7th in YD/C).
• Part of that extra YAC was due to good accuracy, which also boosted completion rate and translated into top-5 yardage efficiency on pass attempts (10th in CPOE, 6th AC%, 5th in AY/A).
• Unfortunately, he had to bail on a lot of plays, posting the highest scramble rate and the 2nd-highest sack rate in the league (1st in AA%). Those abandoned attempts acted as an anchor on his yardage efficiency, dropping him from 5th on pass attempts all the way to 16th on total dropbacks.
• That made it tough to move the ball. And with a mediocre conversion rate, low touchdown efficiency, and elevated turnover rate, finishing 17th in EPA per play is almost miraculous (15th 1st%, 24th TD%, 9t TO%).

Basically, when he had time, he was very effective — but he was pressured on a large share of plays, and the longer-developing ones often ended with drive-killing sacks.

mouseover definitions: ay<, dp%, ay/c, yac, yd/c, ac%, aypa, drp%, aypa, ta%, ypa, sck%, ny/a, scr%, ny/d, car%, ny/p, 1st%, any/p, td%, any/p, to%, any/p, epa/p, opd, adj/p

On the season, I have him ranked 10th in efficiency, but after adjusting for opponent strength, that improves to 6th overall.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/nfl-an...48/colts-week-10-qb-analysis-better-not-great

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren earn weekly PFF honors after BIG Berlin outings

According to PFF, both Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and rookie tight end Tyler Warren were named to their ‘Week 10 Team of the Week’:

Offense​

• QB: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
• RB: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
• WR: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
• WR: Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
• TE: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
• Flex: TE Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
• LT: Andrew Thomas, New York Giants
• LG: Steve Avila, Los Angeles Rams
• C: Coleman Shelton, Los Angeles Rams
• RG: Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons
• RT: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

In particular, Taylor was named ‘PFF Offensive Player of the Week,’ which seems incredibly hard to disagree with given his insane outing overseas:

Offensive Player of the Week: RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts​

Taylor earned a 90.1 PFF rushing grade after a dominant performance on the ground in Berlin. His 205 yards after contact were more than any other running back’s total rushing yards this week, as he forced seven missed tackles and scored three touchdowns.

It only seems fitting, as the Colts star workhorse, who’s a bonafide NFL MVP candidate at running back, had a monstrous day in Berlin, Germany, against the Atlanta Falcons.

Specifically, Taylor ran for 244 total rushing yards on 32 carries with 3 rushing touchdowns—including an improbable career long touchdown run of 83-yards.

Entering Week 10, Jonathan Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards after contact with 663. He proceeded to gain 228 yards after contact against the Falcons, the most in any game since 2017.

He is now nearly 300 yards clear of any other player in the league.@JayT23 | #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/wm4AWh2FOo

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 10, 2025

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 228 yards after contact in Berlin, the only game since at least 2017 with more than 200.

Taylor forced 11 missed tackles and gained 165 extra yards, the most by any player this season.

Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/si8lNU2PKV

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 9, 2025

Meanwhile, Warren led the Colts with a team-high 8 receptions for 99 total receiving yards.

While the Colts have a number of good weapons offensively, Taylor is the undisputed best player at his position this year, while Warren has arguably already become one at his, being well beyond his years—even as a rookie.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...rn-weekly-pff-honors-after-big-berlin-outings

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Vote: are the Colts on the rise?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Colts fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 11, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/general/117783/vote-are-the-colts-on-the-rise

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

What’s not to love about Colts’ Tyler Warren?

Shh…Don’t tell anyone, but Tyler Warren might be my favorite Colts player.

Yes, Jonathan Taylor is stealing the headlines right now. Stealing…? Ok, not stealing, but you get the idea. All the talk is about Taylor and well deserved. He is ripping off huge runs, breaking franchise records, and carrying this team at times. The present is all about Taylor. The future, well, that has Taylor in it too, but if things continue like they are, a large chunk of it will be all about Warren. What fans of the Indianapolis Colts have seen on the field to start his career has been more than anyone could have hoped.

The stats show the big man has 50 receptions for 617-yards and three touchdowns. Those are incredibly impactful numbers for any rookie but especially strong considering how bad this tight end unit was last year. He has beaten the tar out of last year’s numbers all on his own. Those are the stats, but just like with most players, the stats don’t tell the whole tale.

Stampede Blue’s own, Jay Robins, has gone as far as throwing Warren’s name into the ring as an All-Pro fullback. It may be a bit tongue in cheek, but then again, not really.

But then he can line up at H Tight End and embrace the Fullback side. From this spot Warren combines the devastating power of the 3 yards and a cloud of dust mentality that the pre NFL and AFL-merger era of football was known for…

Did you expect this from Warren? Maybe you did. Maybe you consumed his game at a high level and witnessed how Penn State utilized him all over the field. I imagine the casual and even more involved fans of the Colts didn’t, however. Even if you tout yourself as one who did, did you think he would have so much success at the next level so quickly? Come on now, don’t lie…The Chicago Bears didn’t. Neither did the other teams that picked before the Colts. Everyone knew he had talent. Not everyone knew he could come in so pro-ready and able to elevate this offense to such extremes.

Regardless, Warren can do it all. Whether he is blowing people up from the fullback position or running over people and dragging defenders down the field, Warren appears to be in his tenth year. Look no further for an example of his poise than last week in Berlin. With time ticking down and the Colts needing a first down to stay alive, Warren plucked a contested ball out of the air and rumbled for big yardage. Daniel Jones and the Colts’ coaching staff are demonstrating they have the ultimate confidence in him. That is big time.

Tyler Warren was the best pick the Colts could have possibly made. Some have referred to him as “Gronk-like”. There is a ways to go towards that front, but the big frame makes for an easy target and a hard one to take down. Hopefully, we won’t see Warren wearing the same type of robo-arm out there, but the comparison is welcomed. This is but a taste of things to come. Could there be a sophomore slump? Sure. Could this be the launching pad for an unbelievable career that only takes off from here? Yeah…that is where my money is for Warren.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analysis/117869/whats-not-to-love-about-colts-tyler-warren

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

AFC Playoff Picture: Colts lose top spot on their bye week

The Indianapolis Colts are on the bye in Week 11, and while they entered it in first place in the AFC, they have already lost their position after one game. The New England Patriots became the first nine-win team in the NFL on Thursday night, defeating the New York Jets, and taking sole possession of first place in the AFC as a result.

The Denver Broncos currently share an 8-2 record with Indianapolis. They play the Chiefs this weekend in a game with huge AFC playoff implications.

The Patriots’ bye isn’t until Week 14 and between now and then they play two of the worst teams in the NFL in the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants. Meanwhile the Colts play the Kansas City Chiefs next week coming off the bye.

AFC standings during Week 11​

1. New England Patriots (9-2)
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-2, win over DEN)
3. Denver Broncos (8-2, loss to IND)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)
6. Buffalo Bills (6-3)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4, win over KC)
8. Kansas City Chiefs (5-4, loss to JAX)
9. Houston Texans (4-5, win over BAL)
10. Baltimore Ravens (4-5, loss to HOU)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
12. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
13. New York Jets (2-7)
14. Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
15. Cleveland Browns (2-7)
16. Tennessee Titans (1-8)

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AFC South standings after Week 10​

The Jaguars face the Chargers this week in another big AFC contest while the Texans and Titans play each other Sunday.

1. Indianapolis Colts (8-2)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
3. Houston Texans (4-5)
4. Tennessee Titans (1-8)

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/indian...picture-colts-lose-top-spot-on-their-bye-week

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Tyler Warren: All Pro Fullback?

When the Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Colts drafting Tyler Warren 15th overall in the 2025 draft, he did so with the usual customary addition of “insert position, insert university” that he does with all picks. The words “Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State” caused a thunderous roar of approval from both Colts fans watching the draft, and from inside the Colts War Room itself.

However the 2nd part, “Tight End” is just a gross oversimplification of what Tyler Warren can do. Tyler Warren is like Cassian Andor’s friends in Andor or Roy Kent from Ted Lasso, he’s everywhere.

Major Partagaz with that Roy Kent chant in Andor

“He’s here. He’s there. He’s everywhere.” pic.twitter.com/G2esaLT1lE

— Star Wars Holocron (@sw_holocron) April 27, 2025

Versatility is lifeblood of the NFL. The more jobs, assignments, and roles you can do at a wider variety of spots, the more likely you are to get on the field. You can create more uncertainty in opposing coordinators and players, cause hesitation, and make a wider range of impact in a game.

Tyler Warren is the embodiment of this ideal in the NFL.

The era of Fullback dominance has long since passed, becoming a relic from a pair of bygone eras of black and white TV and the NES. Sure there are still a handful of designated full time fullbacks left in the NFL who rotate into their offense at times, most notably All Pros Patrick Ricard of the Baltimore Ravens and Kyle Juszczyk of the San Francisco 49ers. But beyond them the position is a role reserved for other players from other positions to wander into occasionally. It ain’t much, but it’s honest living.

This is the best fullback clip of all-time. pic.twitter.com/ujoO7KMo2f

— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) August 15, 2025

Sure you can line Warren up as a traditional in-line Tight End next to a Tackle. From there he can perform strong blocks from the line on Edge defenders and linebackers, even come across as a puller to wham some poor defender into the turf. He can still work the middle of the field as well as a receiver from there with ease.

You can absolutely put him out wide/in the slot in the new age Flex role that modern Tight Ends have popularized. From there he can bully a nickel corner, a safety, or a linebacker playing away from the front, beat press or exploit off coverage, and execute devastating outside blocks in space.

Interesting pic.twitter.com/Xpygs2O0Qm

— Chris Ballard is my daddy (@VeveJones007) November 13, 2025

But then he can line up at H Tight End and embrace the Fullback side. From this spot Warren combines the devastating power of the 3 yards and a cloud of dust mentality that the pre NFL and AFL-merger era of football was known for, as well as the 1980’s Bill Walsh led 49ers West Coast style that emphasized a Fullback who can be a route running weapon in the pass game.

Tyler Warren as a FB blocker has helped spring some great runs, but that’s not all

As a FB Runner:
– 4 Carries
– 2 1st Downs
– 1 TD

As a FB Receiver (ranks among players w/ 7+ Routes in backfield):
– 0.222 Separation Score (1st)
– 5 Yards Per Route Run (1st)
– 11.1% Win% (1st) https://t.co/g9Bxt1CoPo pic.twitter.com/QrCgdw7kMA

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) November 13, 2025

As Zach Hicks and Jake Arthur of Locked On Colts note, Tyler Warren has been able to put the Colts already potent rushing attack into overdrive when he lines up in the backfield.

START THE TRAIN: Indianapolis Colts' Tyler Warren for All-Pro Fullback AND Tight End! pic.twitter.com/jXk8yGfAoC

— Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) November 12, 2025

When you are generating nearly 7 yards per carry by blocking, picking up key short yardage yourself for conversions/TDs on nearly every one of your attempts, and winning as a receiver better than anyone else at that spot? Sounds like you are All Pro caliber.

“But wait! You can’t be an All Pro at two positions at the same time! Shouldn’t we be advocating for Tyler Warren to be an All Pro at his primary position Tight End instead?!” A reader might counter. Well Debbie-Downer, don’t ruin the fun, because it IS possible for Tyler Warren to be an All Pro at BOTH Tight End and Fullback. It just has only happened 3 times in the last decade and hasn’t happened in the 2020s… yet.

And being All Pro at two positions at the same time isn’t unprecedented.

Christian McCaffrey: RB & Flex in 2019
Khalil Mack: DE & OLB in 2015
JJ Watt: DE & DT in 2014

— Jay Robins (@TheJayRobins) November 12, 2025

So to the Associated Press members who will be voting for the All Pro teams at the end of the season… you don’t have to vote for Tyler Warren as an All Pro Fullback as well.

But it would be cooler if you did.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/analysis/117827/tyler-warren-all-pro-fullback

 

[Indianapolis Colts]

Week 10 Colts Film Breakdown: Big Time Win in Berlin

International games can be the best or the worst—depending on the outcome of the game. If you win, there’s nothing like that flight back home. If you lose? It is MISERABLE. Luckily, the Colts under Shane Steichen have not had to experience that.

I’ve said it before, but the NFL is a week to week league. It doesn’t matter what the media thinks, Vegas thinks, or your co-worker at the watercooler. Records do not matter. Unless you have a crystal ball, nobody has any clue what will happen in a game. You may be more talented than the player across from you, but if you do not show up every Sunday, you will get beat.

The Colts learned this last week vs. Pittsburgh, and clearly came in motivated to head into the bye with a win.

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This Center Fold RPO is great because it creates so much horizontal stress on the key read player.

The pull moves the gap 55 is fitting, so he either gives Tyler Warren tons of space to work with, or is incredibly late to fit his gap (which he is here). pic.twitter.com/U5SfelNZxK

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) November 12, 2025

Shane Steichen isn’t as RPO heavy as he’s been in the past, but man I love this RPO. First let’s break down what’s happening here. An RPO is Run-Pass Option where we’re reading a certain defender that will dictate whether we hand the ball off or we throw it.

RPO’s are challenging on a defense because it puts players in conflict. It’s impossible for one player to properly fit a gap and execute their pass responsibility at the same time. Offenses take advantage of this. Certain coverages are better vs. the RPOs than others, but this particular RPO the Colts are running is very tough to stop.

The Colts are pulling the center on a “Fold” block. What is a Fold block? A fold is an another way to execute a combination block, but with better angles in the run game.

On this play Bortolini and Goncalves are “comboing” up to that linebacker on a Wide Zone play. Well, from the shotgun, the angles are very tough on the OL. The center has to fully reach block that DT in a hurry and it can be very tough. So the Colts “fold” it by pinning down that DT and “pulling the Center” like it’s a gap scheme run. These are much better angles.

pic.twitter.com/kvybNRHtmz

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) November 12, 2025

What the fold does here is also move the gap that the Mike LB has to cover. He is in a complete bind here, because he either has to move with the Center pull to play the run, or he has to give Tyler Warren tons of space in between the hashes. I love this RPO vs. teams that play Wide 9’s because they’re asking linebackers to fit interior gaps fast that you can manipulate.

You don't draft Tyler Warren just to draw up gimmicky plays. You draft him because when things aren't perfect for the QB, he'll make you right anyway.

This is dropped and/or short of the line to gain for a lot of TEs. pic.twitter.com/xSZO84R0mZ

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) November 10, 2025

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If you have followed my account for a long time, you would know I love Tyler Warren.

The Colts could pick anywhere in the first round next year but I'll be all over the Tyler Warren to IND train.

It probably won't happen with Chris Ballard, but the in-line Y is all the way back and this offense could skyrocket with a guy like Warren.

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) October 13, 2024

He came up clutch in some big time moments in this game and deserves his flowers. He’s already gotten plenty of love because of his box scores, but this is the type of winning football that some doubted he had in him.

This is a funky 3×1 check from the defense designed to take away #3 to the flat. Billy Bowman is all over this route from Tyler Warren, but it doesn’t matter. He is not big or strong enough to make this type of tackle. He just slides right off of 84.

Shane calls a 7 step drop from UC vs. weak rotated C3 with the game on the line. Pretty Aggressive.

This is great pass pro, a great throw, and a great job tracking this ball + securing the catch knowing you're going to take a hit. pic.twitter.com/YwFEG0Myuo

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) November 10, 2025

This play was even better. This is as gutsy as it gets in overtime. A seven step dropback pass is very aggressive. That’s a lot of time for the OL to protect without much help schematically to keep the DL from teeing off on the QB. Daniel Jones could just take the flare from Jonathan Taylor, but he makes a beautiful throw on this sail concept. Watch Tyler Warren track this ball knowing he’s going to take a hit on the boundary.

Just two special plays with the game on the line.

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These are the plays that Steichen has done a pretty good job coaching out of Daniel Jones and I expect to get cleaned up after the bye.

I know it's 3rd & long down 4, but if the screen isn't there, don't make a bad play worse. pic.twitter.com/A7K95KIA11

— Colts Film Room (@ColtsFilmRoom) November 10, 2025

There’s been a LOT made of Daniel Jones turnovers the past two weeks. In my opinion, we are likely to see some positive regression in this area, especially with the bye week coming up.

Ball security needs to be a bigger priority for Daniel Jones—it’s been his kryptonite for years. There’s too many times where he doesn’t have two hands on the ball in the pocket. That’s why we’ve seen too many strip sacks and fumbles.

Some of the INT’s have been out of his control, in my opinion. Some have been unlucky, some have been poor play design and execution from the overall offense, and some are just pressing it. But the fumbles and strip sacks have to get cleaned up, because those are almost always preventable.

This is a screen pass and the Falcons are all over it. That happens. But what we can’t do is make a bad play worse. Offenses I’ve learned tell the QB to throw the ball at the feet of the RB. If it’s 4th down and you kick the FG, then it’s 4th down and you kick the FG. I think there’s better things to call than a 3rd&long screen, but nonetheless, you can’t turn it over on a screen like this.

It’s a bad mistake, but easily correctable.

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Overall, I think the Colts are getting the bye week a the perfect time. They just made a trade for Sauce Gardner and they hopefully should get Mooney Ward back to finalize their elite secondary. Over the past two weeks, it felt like Pittsburgh and Atlanta both had some answers for some of the tendencies Indy has, so using this week to self-scout will be important.

The final stretch of the season will be very important for this team, obviously. Four division games, two NFC south playoff teams, and the Chiefs. It won’t be easy by any means, but the Colts should feel very confident.

Source: https://www.stampedeblue.com/colts-...0-colts-film-breakdown-big-time-win-in-berlin