Indianapolis, IN
Keys to a Win Over Bills for Colts
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.
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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.
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Indianapolis, IN
Abandoned vehicles along Indianapolis interstates will be towed during winter storm
How drivers can prepare for bad winter weather
This video offers tips from the Indianapolis Department of Transportation to help drivers navigate bad winter weather conditions.
Don’t leave your vehicle along the highway during this looming winter storm, unless you want it towed.
Indiana State Police is warning drivers that vehicles left along interstates specific to the Indianapolis area will be hauled away. With the winter weather right around the corner, troopers will be removing abandoned motor vehicles regardless of how long they’ve been there.
“Now, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of gas and you’re stuck on the road we’ll take it,” Sgt. John Perrine told IndyStar. “If you call us and let us know the situation then we can work with you. We can also help if you need help with a ride or a tow truck.”
While people normally have 24 hours to remove their vehicles from the side of highways, during winter weather, vehicles are quickly towed.
Perrine said these abandoned vehicles pose a hazard for other drivers and impede emergency response and the Indiana Department of Transportation’s ability to push snow out of the road. Stalled vehicles also can be a hazard for other cars if the roads are slick and icy, and plows need the shoulders of the road to pile up the snow.
Indianapolis has over 200 miles of interstate roads including I-74, I-69, I-465, I-70 and I-465.
What to do if your vehicle gets towed because of the storm
Indiana State Police uses different towing companies around the city.
You’re encouraged to reach out with information about the vehicle including the make, model and year and where it was potentially picked up from by calling the agency’s main number and pressing the option for commercial vehicle enforcement division.
Indiana State Police posts in Indianapolis contact info
Indianapolis District 52 – 8620 E. 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46219 | Main phone: (800) 582-8440
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — One person is dead and another is being held for questioning after a fatal Friday morning shooting on the city’s near north side, Indianapolis police said.
Just after 4:10 a.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a shooting on Capitol Avenue off of 29th Street.
Upon arrival, officers found a man who had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene, IMPD says.
A person of interest was detained, but police did not say if they are a suspect.
Southbound Capitol Avenue from 30th to 28th Street is closed for investigation.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With temperatures in the teens and lower quickly approaching Indianapolis, it’s time to think about the safety of our furry friends.
Temperatures are set to drop below 20 degrees starting Saturday, and experts say it’s crucial to bring pets inside to avoid life-threatening conditions.
Patty Spitler, host of “Pet Pals TV,” and Darcie Kurtz, executive director of Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside (FIDO), stopped by News 8 “Midday” on Thursday to talk about what pet owners need to know during colder temperatures.
Spitler said about pet owners who don’t take responsible actions, “We’re doing what we can to correct it. There are ordinances we need to talk about, and, if you see something, you can do something. Don’t handle it yourself, but make sure you call the right people.”
Kurtz laid out some important facts. An ordinance in Indianapolis prohibits leaving dogs outside when the temperature hits 20 degrees or below, and it’s not just a suggestion — it’s a matter of safety. Dogs need to be brought into a temperature-controlled space kept between 40 and 80 degrees.
“Cold weather is coming fast, and pet owners need to be proactive,” Kurtz said. “If dogs are left out in these conditions, the outcome can be deadly.”
Short-haired breeds like pit bulls are particularly vulnerable to the cold. FIDO has helped countless dogs in dire situations, including some who tragically froze to death. But, it’s not just the extreme cases. Even less severe exposure to cold weather can cause harm.
Spitler also pointed out that while some breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs are more tolerant of the cold, they still need to come inside eventually.
For people who can’t bring their pets indoors, Kurtz recommends providing insulated doghouses with straw bedding and a cover over the entrance if the temperature is between 20 and 40 degrees.
For anyone who sees a dog left outside in dangerous cold conditions, Kurtz shared a few tips on how to help: “Wait about 30 minutes to see if the situation persists. Look for signs that the dog is living outside — food bowls, water bowls, a doghouse. If it’s clear the dog is being neglected, report it.”
Indianapolis Animal Care Services is responsible for enforcement. You can submit an online report or call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622.
FIDO also offers assistance. Reach them at 317-221-1314. FIDO is open from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday for dog owners in need of assistance.
Kurtz shared that FIDO has been doing this important work for almost 20 years. It provides resources to help pet owners bring their dogs inside, avoiding the need for the ordinance’s enforcement.
Also on Thursday’s “Daybreak” segment, Spitler surprised Kurtz with one of her books, with all proceeds going to rescues and shelters.
“Pet Pals TV” every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with more tips on how to care for your pets.
Below is the seven-day forecast for Indianapolis, issued on Jan. 2, 2025.
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