Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Colts receive high-marks in ESPN's offseason grades

Published

1 year ago

June 19, 2024

Indianapolis Colts receive high-marks in ESPN's offseason grades

The Colts didn’t make any “headline-grabbing moves” this offseason, according to ESPN’s Seth Walder, but he thought highly of the work done by GM Chris Ballard.

Walder recently put together his offseason grades for each NFL team with free agency and the draft in the rearview mirror. The Colts would receive a B+, the same as the Bears, Jets, and Browns.

The focus this offseason for the Colts was on retaining their own players. The only outside additions made in free agency included signing Joe Flacco and Raekwon Davis.

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However, that doesn’t mean money wasn’t spent. According to ESPN’s Stephen Holder, the Colts spent over $200 million on contracts that retained their own players.

This included extending Michael Pittman, DeForest Buckner, and Zaire Franklin, along with re-signing Grover Stewart, Julian Blackmon, and Kenny Moore, among several others.

This carryover in continuity in Shane Steichen’s second season at the helm, not only on the roster but with the coaching staff as well, has given the Colts a massive headstart in comparison to where they were this time last year.

“Well, I think you can see the communication and the chemistry with the guys,” said Steichen during minicamp. We signed a lot of our guys back, which I think that’s a bonus and I think that’s a plus for us.

“Sometimes, you get so many new faces here and then you got to recreate the communication piece of it. Guys know the standard. Guys know how to operate and I think that’s going to pay dividends come September and in the fall.”

In the draft, the Colts would address two of their biggest needs immediately, bolstering their pass rush depth with Laiatu Latu and adding more playmaking on offense in Round 2 by selecting Adonai Mitchell.

Latu comes to the NFL as a “polished” pass rusher, as Ballard described him after the draft, and is someone the Colts expect to make an impact right away. Mitchell has “bonafide No. 1” wideout potential, bringing a different element to the Colts offense, along with already flashing his big-play potential.

“You bring in AD and he’s very talented,” said Pittman. “Everything he does is so natural. I think he brings something extra that we didn’t have before. I’m learning stuff from him that I didn’t know before. Just the way he moves and the way he sets up moves. I think he’s elevating everybody.

“He’s all about football. We are always talking about concepts, routes, releases, set up moves. He’s all ball 24/7.”

One perceived need that the Colts didn’t address this offseason was in the secondary. The only outside additions made to the cornerback position came on Day 3 of the draft. At safety, no outside additions were made.

Internally, the Colts seem to be quite bullish about their defensive backs, with improved health and the experience gained over the last year being two key catalysts towards what is expected to be improved play this season.

Overall, the Colts’ offseason grade from Walder was tied for the sixth-best mark that any team received and the highest out of any team in the AFC South, with only five teams ahead of them earning an A- or higher.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis-area restaurants where you can make Thanksgiving Day reservations

Published

17 hours ago

November 12, 2025

Press Room

Indianapolis-area restaurants where you can make Thanksgiving Day reservations

For all the joy a Thanksgiving meal can bring, there are plenty of reasons why you personally may not want to host one. Fortunately, several restaurants in the Indianapolis area are open Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, serving traditional turkey day fare.

Below are several Indy-area chains that still have open reservations for Thanksgiving feasts or accept walk-in guests.But first here’s one local spot to try:

Rick’s Café Boatyard

4050 Dandy Trail, (317) 290-9300, ricksboatyard.com. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The waterside eatery will serve a Thanksgiving dinner that includes turkey breast with gravy, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, green beans, dressing, cranberry sauce, bread and butter and pumpkin pie. Adults dine for $33 while kids 10 and under eat for $16. Parties can also add sides that serve four, including collard greens ($12), sweet potato purée ($14) and macaroni and cheese ($14). Call (317) 290-9300 to make your reservation.

Chain restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner

Bob Evans

Multiple Central Indiana locations, bobevans.com. Hours vary by location

The farmhouse-inspired breakfast chain will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Thanksgiving, serving its typical breakfast menu as well as holiday offerings like turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes.

Buca di Beppo

35 N. Illinois St., (317) 632-2822 and 659 US 31 S. Greenwood, (317) 884-2822, dineatbuca.com. Both open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Minneapolis-based chain will serve Thanksgiving meals that include turkey, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, spicy Italian sausage stuffing, seasonal vegetables and desserts. Reservations can be made at dineatbuca.com/reservations/.

The Capital Grille

40 W. Washington St., (317) 423-8790, thecapitalgrille.com. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to its standard dinner menu, Capital Grille will serve a Thanksgiving spread that includes turkey, brioche stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, French green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberry and pear chutney, rolls and pumpkin cheesecake. Place your reservation at thecapitalgrille.com/events/thanksgiving-dinner-menu or over the phone.

Cracker Barrel

Multiple Central Indiana locations, crackerbarrel.com. Normal hours, which vary by location.

Cracker Barrel locations will operate on normal hours Thanksgiving, serving their standard menus as well as holiday favorites like turkey, mashed potatoes and dressing.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant

3815 E. 96^th St., (317) 574-9463 and 8696 E. U.S. Hwy 36, Avon, (317) 806-1234, chwinery.com. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to its regular menu, this Illinois-based winery will offer a Thanksgiving menu at its restaurants that includes turkey, stuffing, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots, cranberry sauce and pumpkin praline cheesecake. Adults dine for $37 each, while children 12 and under eat for $16. You can reserve your spot at chwinery.com/thanksgiving-2025.

Eddie Merlot’s

3645 E. 96^th St., (317) 846-8303 eddiemerlots.com. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The seafood and steak chain will offer a mix of traditional Thanksgiving dishes and steakhouse fare Thanksgiving Day. Dine-in meals ($50 per adult, $25 per child) include a choice of salad or soup, turkey with stuffing, gravy and cranberry relish, a choice of two starchy sides or vegetables and a choice of one dessert. Reservations can be made over the phone or at eddiemerlots.com/promotions/thanksgiving/.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

3550 E. 86^th St., (317) 814-0700, maggianos.com. Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

An upscale take on the classic Thanksgiving feast will be available for dine-in guests at Maggiano’s. The family-style menu includes two salads, two entrees (choice of roasted turkey with gravy and stuffing, smoked ham with whipped sweet potatoes or grilled salmon with sautéed spinach), choice of two pastas and two traditional sides and a choice of dessert (pumpkin praline cheesecake, apple crostada or chocolate layered cake). Place your reservation by phone or at maggianos.com/reservations/.

McCormick and Schmick’s

110 N. Illinois St., (317) 631-9500, mccormickandschmicks.com. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On top of its regular dinner menu, McCormick and Schmick’s will serve a classic Thanksgiving meal with a choice of mixed greens salad or butternut squash soup, turkey with cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce and vegetables, with the option to add pumpkin pie for $5. Adults dine for $39, children for $15. You can find more information and make reservations at mccormickandschmicks.com/event/thanksgiving/.

The Oceanaire Seafood Room

30 S. Meridian St., (317) 955-2277, theoceanaire.com. Open noon to 8 p.m.

This upscale seafood spot’s basic Thanksgiving meal is $59 per guest and includes a 12-ounce turkey breast with gravy, stuffing, cranberry chutney, green beans almondine, creamed corn and mashed potatoes. You can make your reservation over the phone or at theoceanaire.com/event/thanksgiving-2025/.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

45 S. Illinois St., (317) 633-1313 and 2727 E. 86th St., (317) 844-1155, ruthschris.com. Both open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This steakhouse’s Thanksgiving spread includes a choice of soup or salad, turkey with sausage stuffing, turkey and cranberry relish, a choice of side (garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, creamed spinach, green beans) and pumpkin cheesecake with vanilla ice cream. Adult meals start at $48 per diner; children’s meals start at $20. You can reserve your table over the phone or at ruthschris.com/promotions/thanksgiving.

Seasons 52

8650 Keystone Crossing, (317) 846-5252, seasons52.com, open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Seasons 52’s dine-in Thanksgiving menu ($40 per adult, $19 per child) includes turkey, gravy, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, brioche stuffing, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish and a miniature layered pumpkin dessert. Place your reservation over the phone or at seasons52.com/events/traditional-thanksgiving-dinner.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

3316 E. 86th St., (317) 580-1280, sullivanssteakhouse.com, open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sullivan’s will serve a traditional three-course dinner including a choice of soup or salad, roasted turkey with stuffing and cranberry relish, a choice of two classic sides and a choice of dessert. Adults dine for $52, kids for $25. See the full menu and place your reservation at sullivanssteakhouse.com/promotions/thanksgiving/.

Weber Grill

10 N. Illinois St., (317) 636-7600, webergrillrestaurant.com, open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Weber’s three-course spread includes a choice of salad or butternut squash soup, smoked turkey with grilled sausage stuffing, gravy, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce and a choice of whipped sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes and pumpkin Bundt cake for dessert. Each adult meal costs $42.95, while children 12 and under eat for $19.95 each. Reservations are encouraged by phone or at webergrillrestaurant.com/reservations/.

Contact dining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Twitter/X @BradleyHohulin and stay up to date with Indy dining news by signing up for the Indylicious newsletter.

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Indianapolis, IN

NFL power rankings after Week 10: Indianapolis Colts have NFL’s best record, but are they the best team?

Published

2 days ago

November 11, 2025

Press Room

NFL power rankings after Week 10: Indianapolis Colts have NFL’s best record, but are they the best team?

The Indianapolis Colts (8-2) head into their bye week tied with five teams with the fewest losses in the NFL: the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots (both 8-2) in the AFC, and Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams (all 7-2) in the NFC.

The Colts hold the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture, but that doesn’t translate to No. 1 in the NFL power rankings. The Eagles, Rams, Seahawks and Broncos are getting those votes. Among this group, the Colts have an average ranking of about 4.6.

NFL power rankings Week 11: Indianapolis Colts rise after overtime win

“Give the ball to Jonathan Taylor. They got back to what they should always be doing, and it paid off big against the Falcons.”

“Jonathan Taylor is this year’s Saquon Barkley — and he didn’t even have to change teams.”

“Only eight running backs last season had more than 1,139 yards. Only six had 15 or more rushing touchdowns last season. That’s Jonathan Taylor’s stat line after just 10 games. He’s the favorite to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year, but Taylor should be considered for a higher award than that.”

“While teams are getting at Daniel Jones and certainly flustering him more frequently, it won’t be until an opponent matches the Colts’ offensive efficiency and forces Jonathan Taylor into a full-time pass protecting role that this train will start to leave the tracks. Jones — aided by a beautiful fourth-down catch from Tyler Warren — showed that the team has guts to back up special personnel and elite playcalling.”

“Indianapolis has been having a party over the first few months of the season, speeding past inferior opponents and playing up to (and exceeding) the contenders it has faced so far.

“Teams seem to be adjusting to this offense, though, and quarterback Daniel Jones’s bad habits are creeping up as a result. With Kansas City, Houston, and Seattle making up three of Indy’s next four games, we’ll see whether the Colts can be taken seriously — or whether they’re just a fun story for the regular season.”

“Sunday’s win should give the Colts confidence for a couple of reasons. They head into their bye week knowing they can win when not everything is perfect. They also know last week’s trade for Sauce Gardner is going to have a substantial and early impact.”

“If it seems like it’s been forever since a team rode a sensational running back and a strong defense to a Super Bowl − taking whatever a sometimes inconsistent quarterback provided − well, it’s actually only been nine months.”

“It wasn’t easy, and they needed overtime, but they did put up an amazing 519 yards on the Falcons. And Indiana Jones is back on track.”

“(Daniel Jones) was supposed to be riding out the end of a disappointing career in Indianapolis. Instead, he has the best passer rating of his career and is ninth in the league in EPA per dropback (0.18). Jones’ 265.9 passing yards per game and 8.3 passing yards per attempt are both career highs, and his 15 touchdowns tie for his second-best season. He’s the league’s best bargain, on a one-year, $14 million deal.”

NFL playoff picture

AFC through Week 10

Seed	Team	Record
1.	Colts	8-2
2.	Broncos	8-2
3.	Patriots	8-2
4.	Steelers	5-4
5.	Chargers	7-3
6.	Bills	6-3
7.	Jaguars	5-4

NFC through Week 10

Seed	Team	Record
1.	Eagles	7-2
2.	Seahawks	7-2
3.	Lions	6-3
4.	Buccaneers	6-3
5.	Rams	7-2
6.	Bears	6-3
7.	Packers	5-3-1

Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.

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Indianapolis, IN

Here’s how much snow fell on central Indiana in the season’s first winter storm

Published

2 days ago

November 10, 2025

Press Room

Here’s how much snow fell on central Indiana in the season’s first winter storm

It’s not winter yet, but Indianapolis has already seen nearly 2 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Snow blew in late on the afternoon of Nov. 9, bringing with it a winter weather advisory, and stopped falling midday on Nov. 10, dropping 1.8 inches on the capital city. Areas north of Indianapolis saw slightly more precipitation, with Frankfort topping out at 3.4 inches.

The cold front isn’t over quite yet. Scattered flurries are possible before 4 p.m. Nov. 11.

But temperatures will warm back up to a sunny 55 degrees by Nov. 12, the National Weather Service predicts.

When does winter actually begin? According to meteorologists, Dec. 1 starts the season, though most people push that back to Dec. 21 and the winter solstice.

Here’s how much snow was reported to the NWS on the morning of Nov. 10. Snow continued to fall in some parts of Indiana into the early afternoon, so a finalized report expected tomorrow will likely show slightly higher totals, an agency spokesperson explained.