The Indianapolis Colts are hoping to construct the muse of the offense round quarterback Anthony Richardson. After choosing him at No. 4 total within the 2023 NFL draft, the way forward for the franchise is within the palms of the previous Florida Gator.
However a number of rounds later, the Colts gave Richardson a brand new weapon with the choice of North Carolina huge receiver Josh Downs.
The receiver slid somewhat bit within the draft, falling to No. 79 total within the third spherical. Nevertheless, one analyst believes the choice of Downs was one of the best decide the Colts made within the draft.
Right here is why CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso loves the Downs’ decide:
Finest pure beneath, possession slot WR within the class. Tremendous-nimble. Flashes superior ball-tracking expertise in tight quarterbacks. Regardless of his route-running chops and sudden ft, he’s not a YAC weapon. Will likely be Anthony Richardson’s greatest good friend early. (Chris Trapasso)
Downs had a improbable three-year profession at North Carolina, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons. He got here six receptions away from back-to-back 100-reception seasons and was the go-to man for each Sam Howell and Drake Maye.
Now, the Colts hope he’s the go-to man for Richardson for years to come back.
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Pat McAfee played for the Indianapolis Colts, broadcasts his popular ESPN show from Indianapolis and has field-level seats for Colts games.
He’s beloved, right? Not lately.
“This current Colts team … I do believe I’m part of enemy camp. They hate me,” he said on NFL Network’s pregame show.
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McAfee has openly talked about the Colts’ up-and-down season − including quarterback Anthony Richardson tapping out of a game for one play, and other locker room issues − and some Colts players have responded.
“I don’t think anybody on this Colts team is a fan of old Pat McAfee, and that’s OK, as long as they keep winning,” he said.
NFL Network’s Rich Eisen urged McAfee to pursue a truce with the Colts players, but he wasn’t having it. Of course, McAfee could be channeling his WWE persona here.
“If this war with the Colts players continues, there’s no way I’m spending any more time or money in that thing when I got a baby girl at my house that I can go hang out with,” McAfee said. “It’s quite a situation. It’s very much brewing. It’s very real.
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“I’m not that type of guy. That’s not my M.O. I love Indianapolis. I love this city. If they gotta rally around hating me, so be it.”
The Indianapolis Colts host the Detroit Lions in NFL Week 12 action.
The game will be shown on Fox in four NFL markets: Indianapolis Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati. The vast majority of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio will get the broadcast, as well as slivers of Illinois and Kentucky.
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When do the Colts play the Lions in NFL Week 12?
1 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
How to watch Colts vs Lions in NFL Week 12
Fox, with Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (analysis) and Megan Olivi (sideline reporting).
How to stream, watch Lions-Colts game for NFL Week 12
The Colts-Lions matchup will stream on Fox Sports app at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. The app is available in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. Fans can also download NFL+ in the Apple App Store or on Google Play.
How to listen to NFL Week 12 Lions-Colts game on radio, streaming
Radio: 93.5, 97.1, 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with Matt Taylor (play-by-play), Rick Venturi (analysis) and Larra Overton (sideline reporting)
Streaming: SiriusXM Channels 228, 813
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What a deal!: Watch Colts-Lions on Fubo (free trial)
The Indianapolis Colts (5-6) have arguably their toughest test of the 2024 season this Sunday as they host the Detroit Lions (9-1) at 1:00 p.m. E.T. at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Lions are revered as one of the best teams in the NFL, but it’s important to find out more about them ahead of time beyond what’s commonly known nationally. Are there areas the Colts can take advantage of to provide fans some hope, or are the Lions the giants they are perceived to be?
This week, Horseshoe Huddle exchanged questions with John Maakaron of Detroit Lions On SI to uncover more. Check out HH‘s answers for Lions On SI here!
HH: Jared Goff is playing out of his mind this year. What do you think is the biggest thing that Ben Johnson and Goff are leaning into to reach that level of efficiency?
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JM: The Lions have placed an emphasis on taking care of the ball, and outside of the game against Houston, Goff has been very good at that. That’s not to say that he only makes safe throws, as the veteran quarterback has pushed the ball downfield as well. He also has several talented route runners around him, as they are able to beat coverages and get open on what seems like every play. All of this adds up to Goff being able to put the ball wherever he wants it, whenever he wants it.
HH: Given the short distance and indoor playing facility, this probably won’t feel like a typical road game for the Lions, but how differently do they play on the road versus at home?
JM: The Lions’ fans have traveled very well over the last several seasons, and with Indianapolis being a relatively short distance away, it’s likely that many fans make the trip. The team feeds off the energy that its fan base provides, and the fans take pride in making road stadiums feel like Ford Field. As a result, the Lions have played with a little extra edge in their road games.
HH: Is there a weak link on that Lions offensive line?
JM: When everyone is healthy, the Lions’ offensive line is one of the best units in the league. There have been some struggles at points this season, but overall, the unit has been solid and has lived up to expectations. Taylor Decker had some struggles for a stretch but looked better after returning from injury last week. As a whole, there are few issues with the group, but pass protection can always be improved upon.
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HH: How is the Lions defense at defending the pass over the middle of the field?
JM: This is an area that the Colts can test on Sunday, as veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone will be out for the first of what is expected to be between six-to-eight weeks. Jack Campbell fits the physical profile of an ideal middle linebacker with his size, but has room to grow in coverage. Still, the safety tandem of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph has been elite this season and will make throwing the ball difficult, particularly over the middle of the field where both often lurk.
HH: Who wins and why?
JM: The Lions are hoping to get their ninth consecutive win. The Colts present a unique challenge with Anthony Richardson’s rushing abilities, as well as the threat he presents with his arm. However, he has been mistake-prone, and Branch and Joseph feed off mistakes. On offense, Detroit has been able to run the ball effectively for most of the season regardless of opponent, and this opens up the passing game. Indianapolis challenges early, but the Lions make enough plays to win comfortably: Lions 35, Colts 17
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