The Indianapolis Colts are 4-5 heading into a daunting defense of Lucas Oil Stadium against the 7-2 Buffalo Bills. With a lot at stake for Indy in this game and pressure mounting for a win against a red-hot Bills team, here are the five keys to getting it done on Sunday afternoon for the Colts.

Force Josh Allen into Mistakes

Bills superstar signal-caller Josh Allen has shown a propensity to throw incompletions and interceptions throughout his illustrious seven-year, two-time Pro Bowl career. However, 2024 hasn’t been the case for Allen. This year he’s playing on a Herculean level of efficiency with 168/262 completions for 2,001 passing yards, 17 touchdown tosses to 2 interceptions. He’s also tacked on 47 carries for 211 rushing yards, 22 first downs and 3 rushing touchdowns. In short, Allen is incredible as a quarterback.

What this means is the Colts have to provide consistent pressure in the trenches and eyes on the QB given his abilities running. While Allen may not have Stefon Diggs anymore, Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, and Keon Coleman make up more than enough for the MVP candidate to distribute the football effectively. The Colts will have their hands full in forcing Allen into mistakes, but it’s documented that it can happen, giving Gus Bradley added motivation to continue his recent hot streak as Indy’s defensive coordinator.

Bounce Back Game for Jonathan Taylor

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has provided the most consistent offense for Shane Steichen outside of wide receiver Josh Downs. However, in week nine’s debacle loss against the Minnesota Vikings, Taylor fell flat as a runner, arguably being the biggest reason Joe Flacco and Co. couldn’t move the football with gusto. The former Wisconsin Badger concluded poorly with 13 carries for 48 rushing yards (3.7 average), and no scores.

Now that Anthony Richardson is benched, Steichen will need to get more creative with his run schemes to jar Taylor loose, putting him into more 1-on-1 situations to take advantage of. Taylor’s X-Factor is one-cut, unrelenting speed and power, so the play calls, blocking, and Flacco must improve to help the former All-Pro. It can’t be stressed enough that Taylor’s 2024 has a lower ceiling with a pocket-passing QB under center rather than an athletic field general who makes defenses questions their every read, regardless of prep. We’ll see what Steichen can do against the Bills’ defense.

What happens next for the Colts? Don’t miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Interior Pressure

If the Colts want any chance at stopping Allen, they’ll need a big performance from Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. However, it won’t be easy, as Allen hasn’t been put on the turf often, sustaining just 11 sacks through 9 games started. Luckily, Stewart and Buckner are healthy and coming off a strong performance against the Vikings. Buckner finished with 6 tackles and a sack while Stewart erupted, concluding with 2.0 sacks, 4 tackles (1 for loss), and a fumble forced for a Kenny Moore defensive TD.

Allen is the toughest QB test so far for this Colts’ defense, so it won’t be on Stewart and Buckner solely to produce. Defensive ends Kwity Paye, Laiatu Latu, and Dayo Odeyingbo will be integral in keeping Allen as contained as possible. However, there’s something to be said about defensive pressure in the face of any QB. If the Colts can get the best out of Stewart and Buckner against Allen, there’s a chance they can shock the Bills and limit their offensive charge.

Contain Shakir and Kincaid

While the Bills did recently acquire Cooper, he’s only been in Buffalo for a very short time. However, he’s already found the endzone and has snagged 5 catches for 69 receiving yards. But, so far in 2024 it’s been the duo of wide receiver Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid that have led the receiving charge for the Bills. Starting with Shakir, the third-year pro leads Buffalo with 42 catches for 471 receiving yards (11.2 average), and 2 touchdowns.

Tight end Kincaid is not far behind Shakir with 32 catches for 332 receiving yards (10.4 average), and 2 receiving touchdowns. While the Bills also have the deep threat Coleman, it’s Shakir and Kincaid that the Colts’ coverage must worry about most. Players like Zaire Franklin, E.J. Speed, Kenny Moore II, and Sam Womack III will be paramount in sticking with these two Bills playmakers.

Joe Flacco Must Be Better

The Colts benched Richardson for Flacco because it gave them ‘the best chance to win now.’ While Steichen took a lot of blame for the recent primetime loss, it’s Flacco that was under center, not Indy’s frontman. Flacco looked aged, immobile, and behind the adjustments from the defense when he faced the Vikings. After looking solid in previous starts, Flacco had a big setback performance, finishing 16/27 for 179 passing yards, 0 touchdowns and an interception.

Flacco was also sacked 3 times and appeared rushed into bad throws that are otherwise routine for an NFL QB. The differences between a Richardson and Flacco-led offense are night and day, but Flacco is more efficient, calculated, and experienced. If weapons like Downs, AD Mitchell, and Alec Pierce can make plays and help get Flacco into rhythm, it will open up the rest of Steichen’s offense to compete with Allen on the other sideline.

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

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.

(WISH) — Tourism organizations serving Indianapolis and Hamilton County have come together to create the Holiday Adventure Pass.

The pass sadly won’t provide discounts to holiday attractions, but will issue credits for checking in at holiday attractions on their phones. Those credits can be redeemed for prizes. The no-cost pass is available now through Dec. 24; just sign up online.

To earn points, phone users must enable “location services” to check in via GPS or PIN at participating locations, said a news release from the government-supported tourism groups’ Visit Indy and Visit Hamilton County. Some of the venues are ticketed attractions, and although the Holiday Adventure Pass does not cover admission costs, “simply visiting a participating venue allows users to accumulate points,” the release said.

One check-in equals one credit, which qualifies for one of 2,000 “special edition” stickers featuring festive local art.

Three check-ins qualify for a one of 500 limited-edition ornaments.

Five check-ins can be turned into a holiday green beanie with the Holiday Adventure Pass logo.

Prizes can be redeemed only at The INDEX, a downtown Indianapolis visitor center and gift shop, and at the Carmel Christkindmarkt on Carter Green in Carmel.

Following is a list of attractions in Indianapolis and Hamilton County where credits can be collected, with links to find out more information.

• A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie, Nov. 29-Dec. 22 in Fishers.
• Athenæum Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 29-Dec. 22, in Indianapolis.
• Carmel Christkindmarkt, Nov. 23-Dec. 24.
• Circle of Lights, Soliders & Sailors Monument on Monument Circle in Indianapolis.
• Civic Theatre, in Carmel, which will feature “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Nov. 29-Dec. 24.
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s Jingle Rails, a model-sized “locomotive wonderland,” Nov. 16-Jan. 20 in Indianapolis.
• Indiana Historical Society’s Festival of Trees, more than 80 decorated trees, Nov. 15-Jan. 4 in Indianapolis.
• Indiana State Museum’s Celebration Crossing, an event for children and their families, Nov. 29-Jan. 5 in Indianapolis. Other Celebration Crossing events include an adult-exclusive one and another for Kwanzaa.
• Indiana Repertory Theatre “A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 16-Dec. 24 in Indianapolis.
• Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, which has “Elf in Concert” Nov 16-17, a playing of the movie “Elf” with music played live; and Yuletide Celebration Dec. 6-23.
• Indianapolis Zoo’s Christmas at the Zoo Nov. 23-Jan. 5.
• Newfield’s Winterlights Nov. 23-Jan. 5 in Indianapolis.
• Nickel Plate Express Reindeer Express, a train ride from Noblesville to Arcadia with holiday specialties.
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Whimsical WinterFaire for young children on Dec. 3.
• The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, which will have “A Motown Christmas” on Nov. 14; the Indiana Ballet Conservatory’s “The Nutcracker” on Nov. 30-Dec. 1; “Cherry Poppin’ Daddies: WWII Tiki Xmas Canteen” on Dec. 5; “The Four Phantoms: Holiday Show” on Dec. 6; “Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas” on Dec. 7; Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s “Family Pops: A Viennese Christmas” on Dec. 15; Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s “Handel’s Messiah”: and Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s “Festival of Carols” Dec. 20-22.

Visit Indy gets support from the Indianapolis city government and Indianapolis Convention Center.

The Hamilton County Tourism Board oversees Visit Hamilton County.

Statements

“The Holiday Adventure Pass provides visitors with an engaging way to explore a wide range of holiday attractions in both counties while earning prizes to commemorate their visit. This initiative is timely and will help drive additional visitors into Central Indiana, ultimately driving additional spending to support the hospitality industry.”

Chris Gahl, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Visit Indy

“This partnership allows both destinations to create an enriching holiday experience for residents and visitors. From beloved annual traditions to fresh new highlights, each stop celebrates our communities’ unique charm and spirit, creating memories that will last well after the holiday season.”

Ashley Ledford, marketing and promotions director of Hamilton County Tourism

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Winter is on its way, and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is preparing to keep city streets safe during the colder months.

Indianapolis Public Works Director Brandon Herget spoke to Daybreak anchor Jeremy Jenkins about their winter readiness plan. News 8 first reported about the plan on Wednesday, noting that the city has hired 170 drivers of snowplows and bought 18,000 tons of salt.

“We work on this plan year-round,” Herget said, explaining that preparations have been in motion since the budget introduction in August. “We’ve been able to invest in our workforce this year with significant salary increases for our AFSCME union workers and ensure we have a full team of CDL-trained drivers.”

With these efforts, Indianapolis Public Works is fully staffed and prepared to deploy when necessary.

Ready for action: Snowplow teams and route familiarization

Public Works operates on an A-shift/B-shift rotation during winter, with 12-hour cycles to ensure continuous coverage when snowstorms hit.

“You may see snowplows out on the streets before any actual inclement weather,” Herget said.

He said this proactive approach allows new drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicles and routes, helping them feel confident and ready. He also urged residents to give plows extra space on the road to keep everyone safe.

Pre-winter road maintenance

In the months leading up to winter, Public Works teams are busy with final maintenance efforts, including strip patching and pothole repairs.

“We’re getting in as much routine maintenance as possible before the freeze-thaw cycle begins,” Herget said, adding that they’re also focusing on brush cutbacks to improve sight lines along roads.

Advice for residents: Preparing for winter safety

While Public Works is working hard to keep the roads clear, Herget reminded residents to take their own winter safety precautions.

“Be vigilant, especially with more pedestrians and cyclists around the city,” Herget said.

He recommended keeping a winter safety kit in the car, including blankets, bottled water, and an ice scraper, in case of an emergency.

“It’s time to start getting those essentials ready,” Jenkins added, as both he and Herget agreed that winter is just around the corner.

Residents can follow the Indianapolis Department of Public Works on Facebook to stay informed on winter weather updates.