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Broncos a Possible Legacy Clash for Colts’ Richardson, Steichen

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Broncos a Possible Legacy Clash for Colts’ Richardson, Steichen


The Indianapolis Colts are approaching a must-win scenario against the 8-5 Denver Broncos to keep playoff hopes afloat. While head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson are in year two with a handful of games together, this would be the biggest victory of either’s career if a road win can be achieved at Mile High.

Given the implications surrounding this AFC tilt and how far Indy’s chances fall if they lose, winning at a place like Mile High with so much pressure mounting would be considered an incredible feat. However, the Broncos will make life difficult for Steichen and Richardson to obtain the biggest victory of their tenure.

Since Sean Payton took over as the head coach, Denver has built and acquired a lot of vibrant talent. Names like rookie quarterback Bo Nix, veteran wide receiver Courtland Sutton, linebacker Nik Bonitto, and cornerback Pat Surtain II surface prominently. These players will likely test Indy the most whether it’s against Steichen or defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Also, the altitude and atmosphere at Mile High is likely something neither Steichen nor Richardson have experienced in their respective NFL positions/careers, putting a new, and arguably the biggest challenge before both. While Indy is an understandable underdog heading into this clash, they have the players to win on Sunday afternoon.

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Richardson is starting to take shape as a weapon for Steichen, which opens up opportunities for the rest of Indy’s playmakers. Richardson has 102/215 completions (47.4%) for 1,511 passing yards, seven touchdown tosses, and nine interceptions. These numbers aren’t pretty but don’t tell the entire story of Richardson’s issues getting consistent support from his offense.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (all-white uniform) takes the ball and looks for additional space to run.

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images / Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The good news is Denver must account for Richardson’s legs, which can ruin any NFL defensive game plan. The second-year signal-caller has 70 carries for 383 rushing yards (5.5 average) and four rushing scores and will need to be a factor against Denver’s top-level run defense to gather offensive momentum. Also, it will help jar loose running back Jonathan Taylor if two players are an issue to defend.

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Steichen will likely want to implement the quick-passing attack to rival Vance Joseph’s tough defense. If the Colts’ leading receiver Josh Downs can return, it’s a huge addition given Denver won’t have cornerback Riley Moss on the field. Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce must also provide Richardson with opportunities in the passing game, both intermediate and deep.

However, none of Steichen’s firepower matters for Indy if the offensive line doesn’t show up against Denver. While there was a bounce-back performance from the protection against the lowly New England Patriots, Indy can’t use that as much motivation given the lack of resistance. Denver will be much stronger up front, meaning winning in the trenches is paramount.

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Look for Tony Sparano Jr. to have Bernhard Raimann, Quenton Nelson, and the rest of Indy’s offensive line polished against defenders like Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, and Malcolm Roach. If Indy’s offensive trenches can get the better of Denver, it will make life far easier on Richardson, Taylor, and the rest of Steichen’s game plan.

The Bottom Line

Colts' head coach Shane Steichen (black jacket) looks on as his team plays against the New England Patriots.

Dec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen looks on during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Steichen has had an up-and-down tenure as Indy’s coach, but things are starting to align with how he envisioned when taking the position in 2023. Richardson is making positive strides as the field general while the rest of the offense works through the kinks to find the potential.

The Colts can’t afford miscues against a team as sound and surgical on both sides of the ball as Denver. The Colts are staring their playoff dreams in the face and don’t want to see those depart from Mile High. Winning in the NFL cures all; this victory can help solidify the Steichen-Richardson era in Indianapolis as the postseason approaches.

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

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Indianapolis, IN

New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections

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New bridge over 96th Street adds to Nickel Plate Trail connections


FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — The Nickel Plate Trail pedestrian bridge over 96th Street is officially open.

It was being touted Friday as a major milestone for central Indiana’s growing trail system. The street is the Fishers-Indianapolis border.

Leaders called the project a critical connection point for the Nickel Plate Trail. The new bridge helps move the nearly 17-mile trail closer to its goal of connecting multiple counties through one continuous path.

The bridge also came with a 1.3-mile trail extension. A $4.5 million grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources made the bridge possible.

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Dale Brier, deputy director of Indiana Department of Natural Resources, talked about the state’s Next Level Trails grant program. “Currently, we have 89 trail projects that that were funded with that money. Fifty-nine of those are complete. We’ve got 12 under construction. As of this opening, we have 167 miles of trail that have now been opened with that grant money.”

People who frequently take the trail for their daily exercises say they’re excited the bridge is finally open.

Alan Errichiello of the Fishers Running Club said, “Extending this down south into Indianapolis is a big game changer for us. It’ll add a lot of miles that we can easily get into.”

Resident Tracy Mundell said, “Trying to get to the other side was nearly impossible, so I think most people didn’t even attempt it. It’s going to be great, we can get over to the other side, and I’m anxious to see what’s over there.”

The final portion of the project, called the Clear Path project, remains under construction.

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Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, a Republican, said, “We need to double-down on that investment, and we know time and time again here in the city of Fishers that trail systems, the ability to get up and get out and get active, is such an important part in our culture of health, that an investment like this is critical.”

Once complete, local leaders say the goal is to provide a more safe and connected routes between Noblesville, Fishers, Indianapolis and other surrounding cities.

Resident Steve Mundell said, “It’s lovely. It’ll be real convenient to get across too.”



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Good and bad from Colts’ 2026 NFLPA report card grades

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Good and bad from Colts’ 2026 NFLPA report card grades



What grades did the Indianapolis Colts earn on the 2026 NFLPA report cards?

The NFLPA is no longer able to make their annual report cards public. However, ESPN’s Kayln Kahler was able to obtain a copy of the reports following the 2025 NFL season, and the Indianapolis Colts were again around the middle of the pack.

In these report cards, players rate numerous aspects of the organizations they play for, from ownership to the training facilities and everything in between. According to Kahler, 1,759 players contributed to these grades.

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So, where did the Colts end up this year relative to the rest of the NFL this year?

Overall, the Colts ranked 17th. Below is a breakdown of each individual grade they received.

  • Treatment of Families: B
  • Home Game Field: D
  • Food/Dining Area: B
  • Nutritionist/Dietician: A-
  • Locker Room: C+
  • Training Room: B
  • Training Staff: B+
  • Weight Room: B
  • Strength Coaches: A
  • Position Coaches: B
  • Offensive Coordinator: B
  • Defensive Coordinator: B+
  • Special Teams Coordinator: B+
  • Team Travel: B-
  • Head Coach: A-
  • General Manager: A
  • Team Ownership: A

Of note, although the Colts haven’t been to the postseason in five years, Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard both received high marks.

Carlie Irsay Gordon, Kalen Jackson, and Casey Foyt earned an A in their first year as the primary owners.

The field at Lucas Oil Stadium received a very low mark, earning a D, while the locker room was given a C+. Those were the two lowest grades the Colts received.

Compared to the 2025 rankings, the Colts moved up two spots this year, after coming in at 19th last year.

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The biggest jumps the Colts experienced came in the Food/Dining grade, which went from a C to a B. The Team travel grade also jumped from a D+ to a B-.



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Indianapolis police search for 3 people after shooting, stolen vehicle crash

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Indianapolis police search for 3 people after shooting, stolen vehicle crash


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After a shooting, Indianapolis police were searching for three people who fled on foot following the pursuit of a stolen vehicle and its crash on Thursday afternoon.

No information was provided in the notification about the three people being sought. News 8 reached out to IMPD by email to find out details about the three people. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the people who fled the crash was asked to contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

The stolen vehicle was linked to a Thursday shooting, prompting the lockdown of a nearby child care center, IMPD said in a media notification. No information was provided about where the shooting happened, what may have led to it, or whether anyone was hurt.

IMPD, however, said the stolen vehicle and crash were not related to a shooting reported at 12:35 p.m. Thursday at a gas station and restaurant at West 38th and Meridian streets.

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IMPD officers found the stolen vehicle around 12:45 p.m. Thursday near East 38th Street and Post Road. When a detective attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled westbound before crashing a short time later near Whenner Drive, the notification said. It did not say what type of vehicle was abandoned in the crash.

Three people from the crashed vehicle fled southwest on foot. IMPD established a perimeter with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Lawrence Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office — using specialized resources, including a state police helicopter, a special weapons and tactics team, and the IMPD’s police dogs — but did not find the three people.

IMPD said a firearm was found in the crashed vehicle, and a man detained at the crash scene was later released once investigators determined he was not directly involved in the incident.

Police have since lifted the lockdown on the child care center.

IMPD’s public information office can be reached at 317-327-3424.

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