Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - COLTS SQUAD SHOW: Biggest THREAT to Colts in AFC, QB Brett Rypien Signs, First Look at L.A. Chargers
Episode Date: October 16, 2025Who are the other threats in the AFC besides just the Colts? The Squad convenes to discuss that, plus Brett Rypien signs following Anthony Richardson's freak injury, they play under and overreactions,... and a first look at the L.A. Chargers! Find and follow Locked On Colts on your favorite podcast platforms: 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-colts/ 📺YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLdpxJspi1hMh5HL7ExpWOQ Give the squad a follow on X/Twitter @Schultz975, @JakeArthurNFL, @ZachHicks2, @allenpinkett, @LockedOnColts, and @ColtsOn_SI, as well on TikTok and Instagram! Follow Jake and Zach's written work on HorseshoeHuddle.com, and give them a follow on Twitter @JakeArthurNFL, @ZachHicks2, @LockedOnColts, and @ColtsOn_SI, as well on TikTok and Instagram!Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Mint MobileReady to say yes to sayingno?Make the switch at https://MintMobile.com/LOCKEDONNFLUpfront payment of $45 required (equivalent to $15/mo). Limited-time new customer offer for first 3 months only. Speeds may slow above 35GB on Unlimited plan. Taxes and fees extra. See Mint Mobile for details.BetterhelpThis episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/lockedon.BILTTurn your rent into rewards and start earning points around your neighborhood by going to https://joinbilt.com/lockedonnfl.Supply HouseJoin the free TradeMaster program today and score serious perks like priority shipping, lower prices, and a dedicated support line. Visit https://SupplyHouse.com to sign up for free and use promo code SHNFL5 for 5% off your first order.PelotonLet yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com.RugietReady to level up your confidence in the bedroom? Head to https://www.rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONNFL for 15% off your first order.PrizePicksDownload the PrizePicks app today and use codeLOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFLGametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFLfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelRight now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
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Welcome into the Colts Squad Show.
I'm your host, Derek Schultz,
and I wasted most of the afternoon watching Old Washington Redskins highlights.
I'll tell you why during the show today.
And I'm Zach Hicks.
I'm from the Washington area, and I always waste my days watching Old Washington highlights.
I'm Jake Arthur, and I hope that we don't have to care if Brett Rippin is good or not.
And I'm Alan Pinkett, former Euler, and second trip to L.A., will it be a trick or a treat?
Colts Nation, rise up.
It's the Colt Squad, everything Indianapolis Colts every week.
Covering all the big hits and game-changing plays from the Circle City,
the way only the Locked-on podcast network can.
It's time to squad up.
The Colt Squajo starts now.
How we do it every day is welcome to the Colts Squad Show here on the Locked on Colts Network.
Today's episode brought you by GameTime.
Download the GameTime app, creating an account and use code Locked on NFL for $20 off your first purchase.
I'm your host, Derek Schultz, long-time sports talker and columnist for the IBJ right here in Indy.
And I'm joined by legendary Notre Dame and Oilers running back Alan Pinkett.
And you guys already know Zach Hicks and Jake Arthur, the dynamic duo from Locked on Colts, your first listen every day.
So the Colts keep on, keep it on, right?
It wasn't as easy as some of the games previously on Sunday
as they had to come from behind to knock off Arizona,
but still a win is a win as a win.
And Indy is the only team in the AFC right now at 5 in 1
as they head back to Los Angeles,
this time to take on Justin Herbert and the Chargers.
Tonight's show on the squad we're going to discuss
who are the threats in the AFC?
And maybe L.A. is on that list.
I can think of a couple of others too,
but it's not a very long list, at least with what we've seen from the first six weeks of the season.
The Colts signing another backup quarterback and just kind of what this means for Anthony Richardson's terrible year.
I understand that he's sort of been a non-topic on this show, which at the end of the day is probably a good thing, right?
But also, you know, we're all human and to just kind of see what he's going through this year, it's been difficult, no doubt.
So we're going to talk about AR a little bit coming up later on the show.
We'll play overreactions and underreactions from week six as we always do.
We always have an overreaction.
We have an underreaction.
And then take our first look at Jim Harbaugh and the bolts who are going to be the next
opponent coming up Sunday at 405.
But guys, let's talk threats in the AFC because I think we would all agree right now
that the Colts look the part of a contender.
And I think we would also all agree right now that this conference, comparatively speaking
to the NFC, especially when you look at kind of the middle, I think the middle of the
NFC is much stronger than what you see right now in the AFC.
But talking about the top of it, Zach, you know, it's been a weird year because Joe
Burroughs injury has basically wiped Cincinnati completely off the map, right?
Lamar Jackson's injury has sort of done that to Baltimore, even though there's less finality
with that injury compared to Burroughs.
But the bills haven't quite looked right.
The chiefs have been a little bit up and down, even though they really turned it on and
were impressive Sunday night against the Lions.
where do you put the rest of the teams around the Colts right now in the AFC
if you're putting together sort of a hierarchy now that we're heading into week seven.
Yeah, it's kind of tough because at least for me,
when it comes to ranking on how serious teams are,
when it comes to playoff potential or just the ability to win in the playoffs.
The big things I usually look for are how much,
how well an offense converts on third down.
I think that's one of the most vital things,
how strong of an offensive line an offense has.
and if the team has a defense
that doesn't have to be top of the league
but can take the football away.
Those are the things I really look for.
And then the fourth one is if you have Pat Mahomes
at quarterback, you're probably going to be in the playoffs
and probably be in the Super Bowl.
So let's start with the Kansas City Chiefs.
They haven't looked right,
but this is probably the best their offense has looked
since the Pat Mahom's MVP seasons.
And they're getting back a big weapon this week
and Rishie Rice.
So the one team you can never count out
is the Kansas City Chiefs
because I say this is the best their offense
has looked in years, and they've been to the Super Bowl every year since their offenses
look this good. So the chiefs are always going to be there. I think we can say the Buffalo
Bills are going to figure something out. They still have a good offensive line. They still have
a top two quarterback in football. They're going to figure it out. Their defense needs a lot
of help right now, but they're just a battle tested team that knows what they're doing.
So even if they are kind of faltering and not looking like their typical selves, they're
going to be there. You know, odds are they're going to be the AFC championship teams because
they have been the last couple years, even if they look a little bit more vulnerable. Then after
that, you kind of get the upstart teams. You get like the Colts who, again, have the offensive
line. They have what the second or third best, third down offense in football. They have one of the
best turnover differentials in football. They kind of check every mark I look for on a, like a legit
playoff caliber team. So I think the Colts are legit. But then I think another team in the division looks
pretty legit right now too and it's actually Jacksonville jaguars because i think their defense is
playing some really good football their offensive line has figured a lot of things out now they did
have a big bit of a step back this past week against the seahawks but the seahawks are another one of those
top tier teams and that's just what happens when you play other top teams so i do like what the jaguars
are doing um i think they're pretty legit uh we have a comment here that's saying the steelers i don't
know if i can fully buy into the steelers because so much of their offense is the short passing game and
Once they play against a better team that just tries to take that away, I'm a little nervous about them.
They'll be in the playoffs for sure because they're the Steelers.
They're in the playoffs every single year.
But I don't know how much of a threat, I would say they are.
But I think the big ones for me really are obviously the chiefs and bills.
Jaguars, I'm keeping my eye on for sure.
Broncos are going to be tough.
I know the Colts beat them earlier in the year, but Broncos with that defense and with that offensive line play,
I think the Broncos are going to be a sneaky team the rest of the year.
but those are the big ones for me.
I would put chargers in there, too, but me and Jake are close to playing offensive line for them.
I mean, again, we tried out for them last week.
It didn't really work out, but my kickslides weren't very effective.
But, yeah, their offensive line plays at a pretty bad spot right now,
so it's hard to really put much faith in them.
But, yeah, I think in the AFC, you have to have to have the bills and the chiefs up top
and then a couple of these upstart teams with good offensive lines, I think, are next up.
Yeah, I think that's about right in terms of the hierarchy.
Again, Cincinnati, you can kind of kiss that one goodbye.
The Ravens, they're four games under 500.
Like, even when Lamar gets back, they almost have to go undefeated the rest of the way
in order to salvage that thing.
You know, so as far as, like, the true contenders, like teams that could get to the Super Bowl goes,
I think Zach pretty much nailed those.
But I look at, you know, kind of the back half of the schedule.
They have the Texans twice in the final month.
And that worries me.
I mean, I don't think the Texans are, like,
a championship contending caliber team or anything but they they're still a team that's going to
mix it up and makes things interesting they and the colts always split or it goes the texans way so
those are definitely not matchups i'm discounting even though they're two and three uh those kind
of give me a little bit of concern later on the year and then the jaguars for sure uh you got your
two jaguars matchups still still to go do like the the colts playoff seat the aFC playoff seating in
general is about to get super interesting right now because the Colts were the number
one scene in the AFC facing the number three seed chargers this week and then in two
weeks they face the number two seed Steelers so we're going to get some real definition
coming up soon I think I mean the Colts are a game well what is that I think a half game
above the Steelers because people are already starting to get buys but yeah I don't think
the Steelers are like a championship contender I wouldn't say that about the Patriots
either they're the fourth seed but yeah like buffalo i would never count the broncos out honestly
the chiefs those are those are the real ones i think well from a player perspective the biggest
threat is always your next opponent you do not look past your next opponent each game is its own
entity each game is a super bowl and you put everything into that particular game but from the
The analyst's point of view, it's fun to speculate.
And it's fun to talk about, you know, what teams could be perceived as a threat.
And I'll tell you, the sweetheart now are the New England Patriots.
I mean, they have found a rhythm under their new coach.
And all the old Patriots are starting to, you know, stick their chest out a little bit
because they remember the Brady-led Patriots.
that team, you know, you're sort of in the dog days in the NFL, you hit like a little lull.
I think that's what's happening in the Buffalo.
You can only ride high so long, and then you're going to get a bump in the road.
And what happens is if you lose and you don't correct what you did in that loss,
everything is on film, that the following team is going to hit you in your weakness until you correct it.
So Buffalo has some correcting to do, they'll be all right.
They're still going to be there.
And like you said, Zach, I expect Kansas City to be there in the end.
They're just too good, and it's a long season.
We're only six games in.
Now, I think it gets serious when you get to game 10, game 11, as far as, okay, who really is a threat then.
But that's also a time when you start thinking about, you know, we've done pretty good.
so far getting into the playoffs that's not the the top of mind thought anymore let's play a
playoff game at home or how about let's win another game so we can have a buy you know how
valuable a buy week is when you get close to the playoffs you know so we can on this side of
the fence go ahead and speculate and talk about the what ifs and if the Colts can sustain this
type of play, which I expect them to as long as no one gets hurt and as long as this new
quarterback that was signed never sees the light of day. Yeah, no, for sure. And one thing I want
to mention about the Patriots too is the Patriots are going to be in the playoffs this year because
they are playing, I think they're on pace to play the easiest strength of schedule in like the
history of the sport. Like it's never been an easier strength of schedule. If you look at pretty
much the only playoff caliber team they're going to play all year is the bills twice. They've already
play the Saints. They've already played the Raiders. They are going to play the Jets and Dolphins twice
each. Like, they're going to play the whole top 10 of this upcoming draft. And it's going to help
them make the playoffs. I do like what they have with Drake May. I think their offensive line is
taking a step forward. And I think they're going to be a tough out. But in terms of like them
being like a legit contending caliber team, I don't think I've seen enough from them yet. I do think
their win over the bills was impressive. But as the bills keep sputtering, maybe it's not as
impressive as we think so we'll see how how much that one holds up as we go but uh patriots are
definitely interesting to watch i just wouldn't put them on the same tier as like the broncos as of right
now who that again that defense is just they held an opposing offense to negative 10 net yards in
the game like i don't care i know it was against justin fields and the jets but that is
insane to do that to an NFL team um so i think that broncos defense is legit i think the chiefs are
going to be there i'm not fully bought in on the patriots yet broncos might go back
to back years with two different NFL defensive players of the year, too.
Pat's their tail last year, Nick Benito is insane. He's so good. He's so good.
It's crazy the Colts have only allowed five sacks through their six games so far when
they've played against that. They played against that team and they played against Gary versus
Rams. And like, to only have five sacks allowed through six games shows me just how
legit the Colts are, that they're great at mitigating those sacks, keeping the ball moving
forward. That's a testament of a team that's going to be a tough out in the playoffs. Like we've seen
with past 49ers teams, with past John McVeigh Rams teams.
It's kind of what their formula has always been,
and I think the Colts are following that pretty well.
Yeah, it's interesting to think about how we'd be evaluating the Colts
had they lost that game because, you know,
a lot of the naysayers have come out and be like, well, who did you beat?
You lost the two best teams that you played,
and you went to Nashville and one, who cares, Miami, the Raiders, who cares?
Even though I think just the analytics and the fact that they've dunked so savagely
on some of the bad teams that they've played have proven that the Colts are a good team.
But really what intrigues me about the Patriots guys and just this year in general is that,
you know, Drake May is one of the few really young quarterbacks that's playing at a very high level,
whereas you look at the rest of the quarterbacks that are playing well this year,
it's all retreads or the guys like Mahomes and Stafford and the guys that were used to being great players.
Yeah, yeah, no, Drake May is going to be there all year.
He's a very good quarterback, very good young quarterback, and he's taking that big step forward.
So, yeah, he's certainly someone to watch.
But I think also with that, I don't know, like, Island, I want to get your opinion on this,
because when it comes to like playoff pedigree, you know, as a player, you have to view your
opponent obviously as good as the opponent deserves to be there. But like, it's almost a different
thing when it's like, oh, just Josh Allen who's been there, done that, where Drake May, it's
the kid's first time here. Like, let's make his first time hell. Like, what are your thoughts
on that, Alan? Well, it's definitely, you know, the game has different speeds and preseason is one
speed and then it ramps up in the regular season, but it really ramps up in the playoffs.
So it's usually your first time in the playoffs.
You are sort of in all of the speed and how fast everything is moving and how much
higher a level players are playing at and what you have to do to get to that level.
And sometimes you just got to take your knocks in the playoffs.
to understand, okay, I need to be at a different level when it comes playoff time because these
other teams that have, you know, championship DNA, they know what level that is. They, they know
how to answer the bell. Josh Allen knows what to do when he gets to the playoffs. Pat Mahomes,
you know, he's built for the playoffs. This is, the regular season is just a dress rehearsal,
you know, where Drake May, he's playing his butt off now to try and get a shot.
at being in a playoffs.
But then, you know, you just, it just makes you grow up real fast.
That's why you want to have as many playoff appearances as possible,
so you can get used to the speed, get used to the atmosphere,
get used to all the different expectations that are around
and you get into the playoffs.
And you want to be in that mindset where you're there to win the playoff game,
not just show up in the playoff game.
Yeah, and the Colts will have a chance if they stay on this.
track to host a playoff game for the first time. It's just hard to believe when you have to say this
out loud. The 2014 season last time that they were able to host, Dave. I've never covered a home
playoff game, Derek, have you? Yes. You did get to cover one? Way back when, yes. Yeah, way back in
the day. I mean, I remember the Chiefs comeback when in 2013. And then I think 14, the only game that they played
was against Cincinnati, but it might have been Andrew Luck's best throw of his career.
He had Dante Moncrief in the corner of the end zone.
It was just an insane, like, alien throw.
But, yeah, then's the good old days.
Now, at least we're talking about the good old days sort of returning
through the first six weeks here for the Colts.
But speaking of quarterbacks, the Colts signed a backup quarterback
to replace the backup quarterback who has had everything go wrong this year.
We're going to talk about both of them when we come back next on the Colts Spot Show.
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And we're back on the Colts Squad show here on the Lockedon Colts Network.
Thanks so much for joining us. I'm Derek Schultz, alongside Alan Pinkett and the Locked-on
Colts duo of Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks. So Brett Rippin is the new.
Colts backup, or I guess one of the Colts backup quarterbacks,
Shane Steichen saying today that Riley Leonard is going to remain the QB2
as Anthony Richardson is nursing an orbital fracture.
Rippin has been around.
This is his seventh NFL season.
This is his eighth different NFL team.
And we were kind of shooting the breeze before the show started here.
And Zach had mentioned he's actually older than Daniel Jones in the same draft class in
2019.
You know, here was a guy that was hugely productive at Boise State.
He threw for over 13,000 yards.
He's the nephew of Super Bowl champion, two-time Super Bowl champion, I should say.
Mark Rippin from the old Washington days, and I know that harkens back to your playing
days, Alan, and I guess your dad's watching days, Zach, if I'm not mistaken.
My VHS tape days when I was a little kid watching back when Washington was good, yes.
Rippin, four career NFL starts, but he's only played in 10 career games, and he has not
thrown a pass since the 2023 season.
But Jake, you kind of pointed this out.
You know, this is the kind of guy that if Brett Rippin is in a game,
throwing a pass for you, then something has gone horribly wrong.
Yeah, it's like, with Riley Leonard, at least, you know, you're maybe filling in for
Daniel Jones briefly, or you're in cleanup time because they've already hit the showers
early a couple times this season.
But yeah, Brent Rippin, if he's in, it almost doesn't matter how good he is because the old
Tom Moore quote, that's not safe for work here that will not fully say.
But yeah, if Brett Rippin is out there.
it doesn't matter you know what i mean uh so it's good to have a qb3 out there that's got some
experience i mean he can add some things to to the room um he has worked with daniel jones
before last year they were in minnesota together so it helps i mean anthony richardson obviously
much more physically gifted uh if he were to have to go into a game that's one thing
versus Riley Leonard versus Brett Rippin.
But now it's, you know, a very smart collective group in the room
that has a lot of experience that they can share and lean on.
And it's, you know, if Riley Leonard is going to remain the QB2
while Anthony Richardson is out,
then he's got two guys that he can bounce ideas off pretty much day and night.
And between those two, they've seen just about everything.
Yeah, it's hard to really have much to say about Brett Rippin at this point.
good college quarterback I remember a lot of people were big fans of him coming out in his draft class
he was an undrafted free agent right Derek is that what we just said there yeah undrafted free agent
much of the chagrin of those those draft fans that were out there for him but yeah look he's
turned out a nice little career for himself being able to jump around to rosters and I always say
with backup quarterbacks you either want to be the guy who can win a couple games or be the best friend of the
starting quarterback and and hearing that Daniel Jones personally recommended him that's probably why he's
here, and probably for no other reason other than just be a soundboard for Daniel Jones.
So, yeah, if he ever gets into a game, it's not a good thing for the Colts.
So let's just keep Daniel Jones upright.
Again, they've only had five sacks allowed through six games.
Let's keep that up going forward.
Can I make a nice little stat?
You know, I'll mention his stats here.
He has more than double the interceptions that he does touchdowns, and he has triple the sacks
that he has touchdowns, just if we're keeping score.
Oh, boy.
Hey, hey, I think Daniel Jones has probably tripled the sacks
That he does touchdowns as well
Hey, he's turned over newly
So there we go, Brett Rippin can be fixed in this system too
We fix everybody here
Stick a nickname though, like if he got into a game and did well
Could a quarterback have a better last name than Rippin?
Like, that's crazy
It sounds a lot better than Tim Boyle, doesn't it?
Yeah, that's true
Well, like I say, the best position in football
is backup quarterback.
You're one play away from being the star to show,
and you don't have to play as good as a star.
You just have to maintain.
I guess the only better position is back up to the backup,
because that way, if you see the field,
then something has terribly gone wrong.
But I would like to take a second and reflect on Anthony Richardson's plight,
because this is a guy who was drafted,
very high, got paid a lot of money and had, you know, just a great future ahead of them.
And look, I say got paid a lot of money because does the money really make a difference right now,
the way he's feeling, you know.
But sometimes playing in the NFL and I guess regular life can really test your faith, you know, high-drafted,
outstanding prospect, gets his job taken away.
Now he busts his eye open.
You don't know when he's going to see the field again.
And you just got to, you know, as a player, say to yourself, you know,
the Lord will give you no more than you can handle.
You know, but damn, isn't that enough now?
But, you know, I just think that this is a time for Anthony Richardson
to really go inside himself.
and figure out what he needs to do to get back on that level.
And I'm not saying that, you know, his play on the field is the reason that contributed to the band snapping.
But it is one of those little detail things, you know, a detailed thing, missing a hot blitz,
a detailed thing, how you're supposed to stretch out the band so it didn't slap you in the eye.
You know, so it's just one of these learning lessons for him.
And then for Riley Leonard, this is a chance now where, you know, he has to become really studious.
He has to be, you know, taking a lot of mental reps just in case, you know, he's going to have to step in.
And it's a little more pressure on Daniel Jones because don't be surprised.
he may be letting the ball go a little quicker than he needs to because he knows that this machine won't roll without him in there.
So he may be, you know, dinking and dunking a little bit more so he doesn't get hurt.
But I don't think that's his mentality.
But I know I've been all over the place with this answer.
But yeah, if ripping gets in, then something very,
really, really bad has happened to the Colts.
And I want to piggyback on that real quick, Alan,
because, you know, you've been in the locker room before.
None of us have.
I know that I always preface everything that I ask you with that,
not that it's already obvious just from watching the show.
Hey, Jake's been in the locker room.
He's just not been on the field.
Like every day.
When you talk about, you know, the mental health aspect of it,
it's not something that was talked about publicly during your day,
but I'm sure you could, you guys notice when a teammate was struggling, right?
It's not something that you went to the press with.
It's not something that you spoke about maybe outside the locker room.
But we knew, you know, the locker room stuff and the camaraderie that you guys kind of keep
inward and you keep those conversations in-house.
His teammates have to see what's happening right now, right?
And know that he needs a shoulder to lean on.
So can you sort of take us through maybe what you would do in this situation?
Because clearly the guy's headspace has to be really messed up with, you know,
he just keeps stepping on the rake, right?
You know, I'm not even trying to be funny, but, you know, you talk about everything going wrong, whereas everything around you for the team is going wonderfully, except for you.
You just have to continue to support him, you know, be his friend, be his brother, love on him a little bit, you know, and just assure him that his day will come.
but the only way that day is going to come is if he puts his nose to the grindstone and continues to work
and just let him know that hard work will be rewarded.
And every guy in that locker room has had some sort of adversity that they've had to overcome
that they can share with him to let him know that it's going to be okay.
but just keep working, keep working.
And sometimes when it all ends up going right,
it might not be with this team.
It might be someplace else.
But that's okay.
Right now, let's take care of today.
Let's support you today and still let you know you're a badass player.
But just what you have to do is get yourself ready for when it's your time.
And when it's your time, you know, you should.
snatch the position and you you play so well that they they can't take you off the field.
Yeah.
And I think a big thing with sports is we always romanticize the underdog stories and the successes
of sports.
That's the beauty of sports, right?
Miracle and ice, we romanticize how awesome it is and all these things here.
But, you know, for every romantic story about football, there's an equally heartbreaking
story with it.
I mean, just with the Colts in recent memory, I mean, Paris Campbell was another guy who just
could not get out of his own way with the injuries.
Look what's happening with A.D. Mitchell, he's another guy who I think would fall into a
similar category, where everything is going great for the team, but he just can't get out of
his own way.
I go back to when I was covering Washington, there was a safety, Kai Sean Jarrett, who
looked like an emerging superstar at the safe position, takes one bad hit on a running back,
messes up something in his neck, never plays football again.
It's such a heartbreaking sport in a lot of ways for guys.
and for as much as this whole situation is on Richardson, on the Colts, all this, right?
It's not like it's only on the nature of the sport that is bringing him down here.
The other aspect of it, though, is just the unluckiness of the injuries, you know, of the way he fell a couple of times, the way he took certain hits, the way it held him back, and it led to other things that have happened to him, and it's just part of the game, you know?
So it's such an unfortunate thing.
Again, like an equipment malfunction.
It's like how we said with A.D. Mitchell, when he dropped the ball at the one,
yard line against the Rams. It's like the perfect amalgamation of what Richardson's
career has been where it's like just this fluky thing that happens to him and it and it knocks
him out for for a time. And it's it's just the most unfortunate thing. But I will say one good thing
for Richardson going forward is unlike any other time period in NFL history, we are in the age
of the reclamation quarterback prospect of projects right now. Every quarterback's getting a second
chance. Every quarterback's getting a third chance to really show that they can make it in this
league and with him only being what 23 years old like he's still a very very young quarterback who
is taken very high so even if it doesn't work out here in indy he's going to have chances to move
on so like alan said the big thing for him is just get right mentally realize that you know
things have gone wrong but you have to take those right steps to to right the ship and he still
has a great chance to be a good player in this league it's just things i mean you can't have a
career start as poorly as it has for him in just terms of play in terms of
of unluckiness in terms of some of the decisions that have been made but it's not over for him
you get some grace when you're taking as high as he was especially around the league so unlike
maybe some other heartbreaking stories like a like again like a paris campbell who didn't really get
those chances anymore after indy richardson's going to get those chances so he still has plenty of
time to write the ship and get to where he needs to be even if it's not with the colts yeah and
the the unfortunate thing here is like this was supposed to
be the time where Anthony just got to be in the background and for no freak things to happen to him
at all while he's the backup quarterback, you know? And some guys are just kind of snake bitten by the
bad luck, but he will be in and out of the facility. Like there's treatment and there's things he's
got to do around the facility. He's still going to be in some meetings when he can. But at the same
time expectedly he does have to like be out seeking treatment for for his his injury and
everything so he'll be around he'll still be around the guys like that's a strong core of leadership
and veterans in that locker room and he's a guy who is you know I think everyone understands
that Daniel Jones is the right quarterback for this team right now but he's still held in very high
regard as a person in that team in that locker room so I do think there's plenty of guys in
there who themselves have faced adversity and will help keep him up.
When we come back on the Colt Squad show, linebackers, who needs them?
We'll talk over and underreactions next when we return.
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And we're back on the lockdown Colt Squad Show.
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I'm Derek Schultz. Alan Pinkett is
here. So is Zach Hicks and
Jake Arthur from Locked on Colts. And guys,
time for us to play under and overreactions.
And I have one that I
I just feel like they keep telling us that maybe, or hinting at the fact that maybe it's
an overreaction, because we talk about this defense schematically and how linebacker doesn't
really matter.
But that said, Joe Botchy was just released today.
I understand there's an injury situation there too.
But Cam McGrone is gone, long gone.
Zach, you've essentially, you know, those guys were their second and third linebackers coming
out of camp.
Segulubi was one of the last guys to make the team most likely.
right and he's one of the lone holdovers from there and zaire franklin didn't play well at all really
against arizona um you know i i just think an under reaction is just where they sit at linebacker
and they the margin for error to me and this is a lot to put on franklin's shoulders but he's a veteran
and a team leader and a captain and all that i i just think he has to consistently not play to
the level that he did on sunday like they need something out of him seemingly every single week
because the cupboard is barren right now at linebacker for them.
Yeah, no, I agree.
I'm kind of mixed on this because I do think,
I think we go too hard on Franklin because the PFF grades are a little too harsh on him.
And I think historically, their grading of linebackers is pretty rough in general.
It doesn't really translate very well, in my opinion.
They put way too much on linebacker's shoulders, especially in the run and the passing game.
That kind of skews the grading a good bit.
and they rely so much on turnovers, I think.
So when you're not getting that turnover luck, they go too hard on it.
All that to say, though, I do think Franklin did have a rough performance this past weekend.
And like you said, Derek, it just can't be that way when you're a former Pro Bowl linebacker
who's getting paid what he's getting paid.
And he's a team captain, you know?
And the biggest thing with him is like, we can live with the coverage, not being great with him.
You know, we're not sitting here saying that he needs to be the greatest cover linebacker in the league.
We're not expecting him to be Fred Warner.
but when you have that kind of deficiency or just that not high level in that area,
the other areas of your game have to be at a higher level to make up for that.
So he has to be counted on to be a really good run stuff or to be a consistent tackler,
to be a guy who can occasionally make the play and the splash play
and get things going for the defense and be that energizer bunny on the defense in a big way.
And we just didn't really see that this past weekend.
We didn't see the defense really step up.
you know, again, you look to your leader when the defense is just getting marched up and down the field to say like, hey, let's change this momentum.
Let's do something here.
Instead, we got a really dumb penalty from him where he hit the tight end over the middle very, very late, which extended a drive for the Cardinals and they were able to continue that scoring route they were on in the second half.
You just can't get that out of your leaders.
You can't have the mistackles that we had from him on that last drive where the Cardinals started with the ball inside their own 10 on that kickoff after that kickoff.
return and marched all the way down the field to the red zone where the Colts got lucky with a couple
of errant throws from Chocolier Brissette. But on that drive, him and Jermaine Pratt were missing a ton of
tackles. So I do agree with you, Derek, in general, that like the linebacker play can't be as
poor as it was against the Arizona Cardinals. I think it will be fine-ish going forward.
I think there will be some ebbs and flows. I think Pratt and Franklin will be good enough for
this scheme. It's just I don't think it's good enough when you have Jonathan Edwards and Mackay
Blackman as you're starting corners and Chris LeMond's in the slot as well.
Like you can have a weakness on your defense.
You can't have weaknesses like that where of your seven guys you're dropping into coverage,
five of them you don't trust in coverage.
You can't have that, you know.
So I think it needs to be better for sure.
But at the end of the day, I think it's going to be okay.
I don't, it's just, it is tough though, Derek, when you see all these guys getting released
where it's like these guys that you trusted enough to go into camp with are now,
I mean, they're good that you're holding them accountable and releasing them when they're not up to snuff.
But, like, maybe the process wasn't great there, you know, especially because I don't think they're very high on Jalen Carly's either when he comes back.
But they need somebody, you know, Jermaine Pratt's not going to solve everything.
So I'll open the floor to Jake because I know this is his passion project talking about linebackers.
I was going to say, Derek, the most hilarious thing about this, you mentioned the negligence at linebacker.
the reason they pretty much neglected linebacker all offseason is because number one it's not really a premium position in this defense but also because they really liked what they had in zire franklin and jalen carlyse carly's who has been out with an ankle injury for two months and every time we ask hey is he getting close to coming back Shane's like i don't know like there's no progress there and it's a guy they invested so much
of their energy and supporting because he was going to be this big part of the defense this
year. And unfortunately, he was also going to be the only linebacker who could cover. It's not
going well, predictably. I really don't know what they do from here. They don't have a guy
on there unless Buddy Johnson can cover a little bit. I don't know, he's very good at special
teams. He was awesome on Sunday. But they just, they don't have anyone. Like, they've kind of
painting themselves into a position where, you know, we talked about if they're going to
trade for someone or pick up someone to really beef up the defense and help you get through
the season, linebacker has kind of become a spot where you might need to do that too.
Even though edge rusher and cornerback are so much more important, well, you've kind of
got this spot at linebacker where teams now know if you're going to go shallows across them
in front of the sticks, if it's Jermain Pratton-Zeyer Franklin out there, you're
probably going to get away with a bit of whatever you want.
I kind of have a thought in my head, and it may be nothing at all, but Lowry, that new guy
they picked up from the Ravens, if he could play dime linebacker, I don't know, he's kind of
he's a safety who's lined up in a ton of different areas, but, you know, Hunter Wooller was
going to be that guy, but he had the Lys Frank injury and he's out for the year.
So maybe this new kid from the Ravens can do that and kind of be a breath of fresh air and not
allow so much crap over the middle of the field.
But, I mean, I just, I, the only thing these guys can do to salvage it is just be really
good against the run, you know, fit the run, don't miss tackles and just be where you're
supposed to be because otherwise, it looks like they're just going to get taken for it
against the pass.
Well, as a former player, it's always interesting to see where the team, you know, it decides
to invest in certain resources, you know, I think the team sees that linebacker is not as important
a position to the people upstairs. And I can say that because Jermaine Pratt comes off the street.
Well, he really wasn't off the street. But his first time wearing a Colts uniform,
he's leading tackler. You know, so what does that say about the guys that they have?
had there before, some that they are releasing or have released, that they didn't have faith in
those guys either. And that Aniruma probably really had to politic to get Jermaine Pratt, you know,
because it's apparent that Zaire Franklin needs a buddy. You need two in there. And I know you talk about
injuries to, you know, some of the other players. But it's just, would have done.
does to a defense is, okay, I've got to be twice as good at my position because of this
weakness we have at the linebacker position. And that's the way it is. And so that's, you know,
if I'm quity pay, I got to get more pressure on the quarterback because we are kind of suspect
at linebacker. You know, if I'm playing in the defensive backfield, you know, yeah, I might
have to cover this big
ass tight in. I wish the
linebacker could cover him, but I
got to cover this big ass tight in, but I
got to make a play because
the area where we
choose not to put
many resources in on
this defense is linebacker.
So that's just the
way it is. That's the way it appears
to me is
it's just not as
important as other positions
on the defense. Yeah. And I think
the issue with that too, though, is it's hard for everyone to kind of have that mindset of
I need to step up for a linebacker when I also got to step up for corner right now because
we have practice squad guys and undrafted free agents at corner. I got to step up for edge
rusher because Sansonabucom still coming back from an Achilles injury and all these other things.
So it's just kind of tough when you have all these guys having to step up for each other
instead of, again, when it's not one week point, when it's multiple week points, it's really
hard to cover and Jacoby Brissette took advantage of that this past weekend. I did want to throw
one more overreaction and one more underreaction at you guys. And I'll, I'll just say them
and throw them out to you guys. One overreaction is I think people are overreacting to how
hard the schedule is down the stretch for the Colts. It is a tough schedule. Like, don't get me wrong,
these are some good teams that they're going to be playing. But I think a lot of people
are saying, like, oh, this is where the Colts are going to prove themselves to be frauds or
the Colts are not on the same level of these teams. These teams are going to be looking
at the Colts saying the Colts are a good team coming in here or when they're going to
the Colts for sure. So I think, you know, you kind of overreact when it's like, oh, we play some
tough teams. We're a tough team. You know, the Colts are a tough team. And then for underreaction,
I feel like I do this every single week, but I think people underreact to greatness when it's
in front of them. And this is why I've said this about Jonathan Taylor the last couple weeks where
we're underreacting to how great Jonathan Taylor has played. Well, Quentin Nelson as well,
we are underreacting to how good he is playing right now. His last two weeks in particular
are some of the most special run-blocking film I've seen from a guard in my time covering the Colts
and covering this Hall of Fame career my entire time covering the Colts.
I've covered this guy from Draft Day to where he is now,
and I'm going to be covering him until he's inducted in the Hall of Fame.
He's just that special of a player.
But what we're seeing from him this year, again, the last two weeks,
the Colts have designed multiple run plays where it's just run behind Quentin Nelson.
Pull Quentin Nelson out in front.
We're going to run behind him.
who's going to stop us and that go get the game winning touchdown on Sunday.
I know he wasn't needed because Michael Pittman Jr. had a great block.
But what do we do on the goal line when we need a game winning touchdown?
We pull Quentin Nelson out in front.
We're going to run behind him.
You know, when we have to ice a game, what are we doing?
We're moving Quentin Nelson in front.
You know, so Quentin Nelson's become their guy in the run game.
He gets all the responsibility in the past game.
I think we're underreacting still to how great this player is.
This is a ring of honor guy, one of the best players in Colts history.
He's going to be a Hall of Famer one day.
I just love to acknowledge greatness.
He's been great every single week.
Yeah, if we go rapid fire, I can just go in one minute.
You know, first on Q, I think we naturally have underreacted to him his entire career
because he's one of the few players, maybe the only player in Colts history, that you could fit
him for the gold jacket on draft night.
But it was just a given.
This is what he was going to be.
And this is what he is.
And this is what he always, at least through the prime of his career is going to be.
So I don't even mean that to be, like, insulting to Quentin Nelson.
Like, I just think that's the expectation.
because the dude's that good.
As far as the schedule,
I think where it's tricky, Zach,
is Seattle is one of the toughest places to play.
And Arrowhead is a really tough place to play.
Like, Nashville is not a tough place to play, right?
Jacksonville, for most teams, is not a tough place to play.
Very tough here.
So I think that that's what gives me pause.
And the fact that, God, they've got to make three West Coast trips.
Like, they're going to L.A. again,
and then they've got to go to Seattle.
You know, I don't think the schedule makers, yeah, in Germany, I just, I don't think the schedule makers did them favors as far as that's concerned. But you're right. Like the actual opponents, you know, the Niners are fine, right? Like, yeah, they'll be tested. But I don't see anybody where I'm like, oh, like a four or five game stretch where the Colts are going to go like one in three or something like that. You know, that's just my reaction. But Jake, you take it away. Well, yeah, the Colts are already halfway to the win total. They kind of need in order to get to the playoffs. And they're like we mentioned earlier,
there's some critical games coming up that could almost put the icing on the cake for them.
Like you got the Chargers and the Steelers and the Chiefs coming up.
You know, the Jaguars are obviously going to be competing.
Maybe the Texans pulled themselves out of this rut.
The Colts stack wins against these teams and they're going to have tiebreakers on tiebreakers.
You know, the bills lost to the Falcons.
If the Colts go into Germany and beat the Falcons, there's another tiebreaker they'll have in their cap.
the Colts every week have an opportunity to kind of build an add onto this resume and I mean I think
Zach's right we've seen enough from this team to know that like the things they're good at carry
over to be actually good traits and Derek you can speak for this too we have seen even the most
cynical Colts fans buy into this team yeah and buy into Daniel Jones and buying to Shane
Stike in and even again, the fans who are always the most doom and gloom, I think all
buy into this team of it. Yeah, my college roommate. He's texting me all the time. He's the most
cynical Colts fan on planet Earth, factual. And he's buying into this team right now at 5'1,
Alan. Well, I think I'm a cynical Colts fan as well. I'm going into this team.
Well, it sounds clicheish, but you just control the controllables. And what the Colts can
do now is control how they play. As far as how the schedule
ratchets up later in the season, they'll deal with that when they get
there. They've got to take care of right now. But this
upcoming game, I tell you one thing, when you're on a team
that wins and you play against another team that has
had success, you know, it's one of those you want to send a
message to that team because you know,
you might see them again in the playoffs,
and you want them to remember that asswop
and you put on them.
So this is one of those measuring stick games for the Colts,
for them to really go out to their house
and put it on them so that if they play them again
in the playoffs, you know, L.A. will think,
ooh, yeah, that team, that Colts team we play,
they're kind of serious.
You know, you want to create just a,
teeny bit of doubt.
And that's why this game is so important.
You want to go smack them now so that when you play them again,
you have just that little mental edge over them.
Yeah, measuring sick is right.
Sunday will be a big test to see where the Colts stack up in the AFC
against an opponent in the Chargers that has historically owned them this century.
We'll take our first look at L.A.
When we return for a final time next, right here on the Colts Squad show.
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L-O-C-E-D, O-N-N-F-L-N-F-L-N-F-L-N-F-L-T-E-L-N-F-L-T-L-E-L-L-N-F-L-T-L-S-W-T-E-L-T-R-T-U-S-K-T-U-S-K-T-U-S-K-T-U-S-K-T-U-S-K-T-T-T-E-S-E. That was when things were
deteriorating rapidly.
That was a bad game.
Yeah, it was a primetime game, and it was one-sided, and it was pretty rough.
But the Chargers really have had the Colts number.
This century, out of any AFC opponent, it's the team that the Colts have defeated the least.
Even fewer wins than the Steelers.
Now, they played the Steelers more.
They're four and ten against the Steelers this century.
They're just three and eight against the Chargers.
And when you look at those eight, and I don't want to dig all these bones up, Jake.
I mean, you remember this.
This is kind of before Zach was on the Colts beat.
They wore the bugaboo just as much as New England was.
I mean, you're talking about the, yeah, the Mike Seifreys and Darren Sproul's game,
Philip Rivers before.
Billy freaking Volick.
Yes.
You know, people always talk about the Stewards game.
To me, the biggest choke in Colts history was the 07 divisional game against San Diego,
where they had Tomlinson was out, Rivers left with an injury.
They didn't have Antonio Gates that game, and Billy Bullock drove them down.
on the field and the Colts were a 10 and a half point favorite and we're running on fumes
when they lost White Friedie. But again, just kind of the history lesson. In the now, Colts are
5 and 1, charges are 4 and 2, both good teams. But as good as the Colts had been, Zach, for their
first six have come at home. And one of the roadies was in Nashville, which is the worst road
atmosphere in the entire league. Sorry to beat on the Titans. I feel like I've been jabbing out
in this entire podcast. But it really is true. Yeah, there you go. I'm sorry, Alan. Apologies
he's there um kind of like the rams game though we saw the colts hold their own um are you interested
to see how they do with this this second test here um against the chargers team that i think
we'd agree is a certainly a playoff caliber team i don't know how how good they are but a postseason
caliber team at the very least yeah for sure i i feel very comfortable and confident with this colts
team at home especially their offense at home because again you control so much in your home
environment you're you have that extra motivation factor to defend your home turf and i think a lot of
the way their offense works, works much better on their home field, but they still haven't really
answered much on the road.
Like, I think they exchanged some good punches with the Rams, but they kind of shot themselves
in the foot like road teams do in those big environments.
And then the Tennessee Road game, like you mentioned, Derek, it's, they've already fired
their head coach.
It's hard to really compare when you're talking about one of the worst teams in football.
So this will be a big measuring stick game for the coach just in terms of can they win
away from home?
because, like, look, you can make the playoffs winning all your home games and winning a couple road games, but how far are you going to go in the playoffs?
Unless you get that one seed, how far are you going in the playoffs if you can't win on the road and win in those hostile environments?
So this will be a big one for the Colts going out to the West Coast against a good Chargers team.
Chargers team that's really banged up.
They are missing every offensive tackle that knows how to play football on their roster.
They're missing a couple key defensive players.
We don't know if Khalil Mack will be back for this game.
he's still practicing in a limited participation.
And usually when guys are coming off IR and they have that first limited practice week,
we don't see them get activated, but we'll see how he progresses this week.
But yeah, I think it's going to be a good test for the Colts because this Chargers team is very different from the Colts
where they are winning games behind their superstar quarterback who's doing a lot of great things for them.
A defense that's really competitive and physical, a run game that's architected by Greg Roman.
Greg Roman and Jim Harbaal, they know what they're doing there to develop run games
and develop ways to run from under center.
I think a big thing for the Colts will be offense, just keep doing what you're doing,
move the ball forward, get points on the board.
In defense, it'll be about those splash plays.
You know, I don't need you to hold Justin Herbert to negative 10 net yards.
I know I keep bringing that up.
I'm just still astounded by that game.
But it doesn't have to be this suffocating defensive performance.
It's all about taking the ball away because that's really where the big difference is
between these two teams, especially in recent weeks.
The Chargers have turned the ball over a lot on offense.
In their losses, it's been a lot of self-inflicted wounds.
We saw on their loss against Washington, multiple big-time turnovers and just mistakes that they made.
They lost to the Giants this year, which is crazy, again, that Colts fans are saying, like,
oh, this Chargers team is going to be impossible to beat.
The Colts are going to lose by more than one score.
It's like, they lost to the Giants.
I mean, look, the Chargers are a good team, but it's not like they're this insurmountable team.
they get into these ruts where they shoot themselves in the foot a lot,
where the Colts this year, outside of that Rams game,
which again was a road game and a tough road game,
the Colts have been really good at avoiding the self-inflicted wounds.
So I think the big thing for the Colts here, again, on offense,
control the ball, move the ball forward, get points on the board,
defense create those splash plays.
The charges will go under center a couple of times,
bring those Nick Cross backside blitzes when they go under center,
really pressure the run, really get after Justin Herbert out of play action,
and don't give him a chance to attack your corner.
winners on the outside, which will be a weak spot for the Colts.
So I think this is going to be a good test for them.
I think it'll be a hard-fought game and a one-score game for sure.
But I like the Colts' chances because I like what they've been doing lately,
and I'm good with them, like, answering the call this week.
I think they can do it.
Yeah, you look at the one loss they've had.
It was the only game that they've really turned the ball over.
I think what they have three turnovers in that one.
It was the game where they allowed the most pressure.
And that was the game they had to play without Matt.
Gonzalez. So that will kind of solve itself this week regardless. But yeah, just not being careless
with the ball and just playing your game. I mean, the defense there in Los Angeles is really,
really good. But at the same time, again, I think, Al, would you say 14 people on the injury report
today? So it's hard to even make judgments about this yet because you just don't even know who's going
to be playing. Like, even some of the guys who will be playing are going to be pretty dang banged.
up. They're down to what their third and fourth running backs. Like Kamani Vidal is fine,
but they don't have Omaran Hampton and Najee Harris. McConkey's banged up a little bit.
Keenan Allen is there. Quentin Johnson, I think it's banged up a little bit too. We'll see.
The Chargers are one of those teams that are capable of beating the Super Bowl champ any week
and losing to a lottery team any week. You have no clue what Chargers team you're getting week.
week and the Colts just kind of have to hope that they can force them into some mistakes
like Zach was talking about like errant Justin Herbert passes over the middle, some fumbles.
The Colts haven't really capitalized on forcing many fumbles this year.
I don't really think, but this could finally be the week for it because they, I mean,
they've been taking the ball away each week, but it's mostly been picks.
This might be the week where they can maybe cause some issues with ball security, but I do think
that'll be the difference.
And it was really the difference in the Rams game, too.
Well, the most important person in the Chargers organization will not run a single play this week.
It's Jim Harbaugh.
He just has a Midas touch wherever he's coached, wherever he's played.
Heck, I remember a championship game he lost when he was quarterback for the Colts against the Steelers.
And, I mean, that came down.
Oh, what are we doing?
Yeah, very last play.
Well, look, just to show you how old I am, he was a senior at Michigan when I was a senior at Notre Dame.
And we went to play Michigan, and he took a boring three-yard and cloud of dust team and, you know, sent him to a winning record.
In fact, they, you know, I don't know how many games they won that year, but they were nationally, they were a top five team.
So it's just his touch, the way he gets his players to believe in themselves, the way he runs an organization, and a lot of times you have success in college.
Hell, he did good at University of San Diego.
Didn't even know they had a football team.
And then he gets to Stanford, and he makes them a powerhouse.
And a lot of times it doesn't translate when you go from college to pro.
But then he gets to San Francisco, takes them to the Super Bowl, you know.
And then, you know, just for kicks, let me go back to my alma mater and win a national championship.
He's just got this touch.
He's got this organization.
He's got just that special juice that brings the best out of the players on his team.
So because of that, I don't worry about how many guys are on the injured list.
He's going to come up with something that.
is going to make the Chargers hard to beat.
I almost said San Diego, you know, but that's showing my age.
And so to me, he's the most important person.
So you are going to have to beat the players, you know, when you go out there.
But it makes it harder because he's the one, Jim Harbaugh is the one in charge.
And it makes them sometimes unbeatable.
But I think this Colts team, because of the systematic way they break a team down, that I don't care who's coaching them.
When the Colts are hot, you can't stop them.
And so I look for the cults to relish this second opportunity to go out to L.A.
Now there's some familiarity.
You know, it's like, okay, we're going to probably stay in the same hotel.
I'm not impressed with the hotel.
Second time in the stadium, okay, now it's real familiar.
You know, I know, you know, where to go, what to do in pregame, you know,
and it's, you got that familiarity.
So now you can hone in on what your job is, and that's to go out there and win.
So second time usually is a charm when you have to go back to the same stadium for a second time.
So, but the way the Colts are built, they're built to be able to play in a game like this
against a team where there might be insurmountable or unsurmountable odds with a Jim Harbaugh,
but I think the Colts can, you know, because of the way they're playing right now,
and they've got that belief themselves, they can pull one out.
I will say another, yeah, sorry, Zach, real quick, just another thing about a Jim Harbaal team,
one of the toughest things about this matchup for the Colts is regardless of how banged up the
Chargers are they do all the little things in terms of effort and all the dirty work that
the Colts do they are tough they 100% motor 100% effort at all times you go and look at
their peripheral players blocking for each other on each and every play and it's really
impressive stuff it's all the stuff that we have lauded
the Colts for. And I can't imagine either team blowing the other one out in this one because
it's such a physical high effort matchup on both sides. It's going to be a good game. It could
even be ugly, but it's going to be a good game. He gets the team, the hardball gets the team to play
to his personality. And I think that's what makes him a great coach. Yeah, last thing I'll say,
though, and this is something I would say for any single week with the Colts, but I think if we get to
the situation where the Colts need to be leading or tied in the second half because if we look at
this Chargers team, they're pretty good against the past. They've struggled against the run,
especially lately with Cleo Mac out. And if you get that Jonathan Taylor treatment in the second
half, I don't care who you are. You could be the best run defense or the worst run defense.
You're going to break down. So the Colts can have a lead in the second half. They can keep it
close in the second half and then they lean on Jonathan Taylor. Chargers better watch out there
for that situation. Thanks for joining us here on the Colts squad show. Hell, this was
show that we brought up the Aaron Bailey game and the Billy Volick game and people are still
here. So that's obviously a good thing. Lock us in for our midweek show every Wednesday night
at 9 p.m. But don't forget, we are your place for live postgame recaps following each and
every Colts game this season. So we'll be back with you on Sunday to recap the game in LA
shortly after Colts and Bolts goes final right here on the Locked On Colts network.
Until then, keep it locked on. Jake and Zach, every day on Locked on Colts. Check out our other
awesome team and squad shows for more NFL insights, including locked on Chargers right here on the
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