Indianapolis, IN

‘Treading water’: Colts remain below average in many NFL power rankings for Week 8

Published

1 year ago

October 22, 2024

‘Treading water’: Colts remain below average in many NFL power rankings for Week 8

(Updated with more information)

The Indianapolis Colts (4-3) would be in the NFL playoffs if they started today. They’re one of seven AFC teams above .500.

Their first two wins came against teams that currently have just two losses (Bears, Steelers), and their recent victories came in sloppy performances against struggling teams (Titans, Dolphins).

So are the Colts true playoff contenders?

They will find out soon. Four of the Colts’ next five opponents are at least tied for a division lead.

Who wins NFL Week 8 game?: Colts vs Texans betting odds

When Joe Flacco felt his age: ‘I could barely call a play in the huddle’

NFL Week 8 power rankings: Do the Colts pass the eye test?

Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated: 15th, up 1 place from last week

“I have a good deal of respect for Shane Steichen for shouldering the blame on Anthony Richardson’s recent performance but I think it’s clear to gauge his proficiency when removing Richardson from the equation. This year, Joe Flacco is fourth in EPA and CPOE composite among quarterbacks with a minimum of 125 snaps. Last year, Gardner Minshew had one of the worst completion percentage over expectation ratings (an average of -3.3 per game) and the Colts still outscored the Texans on the season and finished within a game of the playoffs.”

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: 18th, up 3

“They are 4-3, but they haven’t looked that good in getting there. Yet here they are one game behind the Texans in the division as they face them this week in Houston.”

Frank Schwab, Yahoo: 19th, up 2

Most people would probably be surprised to see the Colts are over .500. They haven’t been impressive. The story of their season is Anthony Richardson’s struggles throwing the football. But they’re staying in the hunt, and presumably will get star players like Jonathan Taylor and DeForest Buckner back soon.

Josh Kendall, The Athletic: 20th, unchanged

“Indianapolis is only one game out of the AFC South lead, which is impressive considering the play it has gotten from Anthony Richardson. The second-year quarterback entered the season with a lot of hype but is 32nd in the league in completion percentage (48.5), 29th in EPA per dropback (minus-.11) and has thrown twice as many interceptions (six) as touchdown passes (three). Richardson had a 59.2 passer rating Sunday but did add 56 rushing yards to help get Indianapolis past hapless Miami.”

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 20th, unchanged

“The Colts are treading water with a backup running game, as Anthony Richardson isn’t doing anything special, but the defense is now giving them more of a fighting chance.”

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: 18th, up 2

“As Anthony Richardson gets more reps, he’ll keep getting better.”

Nate Davis, USA TODAY: 21st, down 8

“They’re 4-3 and have moved into wild-card position in the AFC. But Indy simply isn’t passing the eyeball test with sophomore Anthony Richardson, the league’s least accurate (48.5%) and efficient (60.0 rating) quarterback among those with at least 100 passes. (Though apparently the NFL likes what it sees, flexing the Colts into a Sunday night date at Minnesota in Week 9.)”

Stephen Holder, ESPN: 20th, unchanged

“Jaylon Jones was drafted to compete as a depth player, but he has been elevated out of necessity to the Colts’ top outside cornerback situation. The 22-year old, who was drafted in the seventh round in 2023, ranks fifth in the league with eight passes defensed this season. Jones has also created a “tight window” on 33% of throws on which he has been targeted, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. That’s a respectable number for a long-shot player who has been asked to play a huge role in his second season.”

Dane Arlauckas, AS: 15th, up 3

“The Colts are the most under the radar team in the NFL. Their quarterback situation gives us the impression that this team isn’t a real contender in the AFC South, but they are just a game back of the Texans despite the questions surrounding Anthony Richardson. Richardson got the start, and completed just 10-of-24 passes as the Colts scraped by the Dolphins. It’s clear the Colts want their young QB to take the keys to the car, but Joe Flacco puts them in a better position to win now.”

NFL Week 8 schedule

All times ET

Thursday, Oct. 24

Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)

Sunday, Oct. 27

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

New York Jets at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)

Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)

Buffalo Bills at Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)

Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock/Universo)

Monday, Oct. 28

New York Giants at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN Deportes)

Colts 2024 schedule

all times ET

Sept. 8: Texans 29, Colts 27

Sept. 15: Packers 16, Colts 10

Sept. 22: Colts 21, Bears 16

Sept. 29: Colts 27, Steelers 24

Oct. 6: Jaguars 37, Colts 34

Oct. 13: Colts 20, Titans 17

Oct. 20: Colts 16, Dolphins 10

Oct. 27: at Houston, 1 p.m., CBS

Nov. 3: at Minnesota, 8:20 p.m., NBC

Nov. 10: vs. Buffalo, 1 p.m., CBS

Nov. 17: at N.Y. Jets, 8:20 p.m., NBC, Peacock

Nov. 24: vs. Detroit, 1 p.m., Fox

Dec. 1: at New England, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 15: at Denver, 4:25 p.m., CBS

Dec. 22: vs. Tennessee, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 29: at N.Y. Giants, TBD

Jan. 5: vs. Jacksonville, TBD

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Indianapolis, IN

Mt. Vernon boys basketball wins program’s first state title

Published

6 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Mt. Vernon boys basketball wins program’s first state title

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Mt. Vernon High School boys basketball team has accomplished something it hasn’t done before – win a state championship.

The Marauders beat Crown Point 52-50 on Saturday night in the IHSAA 4A State Championship Game inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It’s the program’s first-ever state title.

Mt. Vernon senior guard Luke Ertel, the favorite to win Indiana Mr. Basketball, finished with a game-high 26 points. He also finished with 10 rebounds.

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Indianapolis, IN

Love & fouls: How Ex-Pacers Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson were greeted in Indy

Published

18 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Love & fouls: How Ex-Pacers Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson were greeted in Indy

Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson received a warm welcome and a tribute video in their first return to Indiana.
Mathurin engaged in friendly trash talk with his former teammates, particularly Andrew Nembhard.
The Pacers traded the players due to roster needs and future contract and luxury tax considerations.

INDIANAPOLIS — Before they were traded together to the Clippers in February along with draft picks for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown, Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson had both spent their entire NBA careers in Indiana.

The Pacers took Jackson in the first round of the 2021 draft and Mathurin in 2022. Jackson, who spent just one year at Kentucky before entering the draft, made his NBA debut at 19. Mathurin, who spent two years at Arizona was 20. Both of them viewed Indianapolis as the place where they became men and professionals.

So it meant a lot to them that they were warmly received in their first game back after the trade. The Pacers put together a tribute video combining their highlights and played it during the first timeout of Friday’s game, which the Clippers eventually won 114-113. Mathurin and Jackson got a big ovation then each got one again when they checked in the game off the bench.

“It meant the world,” Mathurin said. “It meant the world. Indy is my first home. I was able to get drafted over here and just being loved by the fans and most of the organization was great. I love the fans.”

There was clearly love from his teammates too, though it looked a lot different than the appreciation he got from the fanbase.

Mathurin was famous during his time at Indiana for his competitive nature and trash talk. He’s supremely confident in his game and driven by a desire to beat everyone at every competitive endeavor all the time. He talked trash with teammates who were guarding him in practice, telling anyone who tried that they couldn’t guard him, so naturally he did the same when they were taking him on in an actual game. It wasn’t clear exactly what words were being exchanged between Mathurin and his former teammates, but it was clear there were a lot of them.

“Always talk trash with Benn,” Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith said with a smile. “There was nothing that we hadn’t done before.”

The back-and-forth was particularly fiery between Mathurin and Pacers point guard Andrew Nembhard, Mathurin’s classmate from the 2022 NBA draft. Nembhard took on the assignment of guarding Mathurin whenever the two were in the game and he made a point to be physical with Mathurin, so much so that he seemed more willing to foul Mathurin than allow him to shoot. Nembhard picked up five fouls in 32 minutes — most of them on Mathurin — while Mathurin made 0 of 3 field goals in the first half and 2 of 8 for the game but also made 12 of 15 free throws for 17 points.

“It was fun, man,” Mathurin said. “He was talking a lot of crap. I did pretty well for an off night. He called it an off night. I don’t know. He couldn’t guard me. How many fouls did he have? Stop fouling me, you know what I’m saying? That’s the only way to stop me. But that’s my guy, man. That guy has a really, really bright future ahead of him. I consider him my brother. He’s got a lot of great things coming to his way. I’m super-blessed to compete against him. … He’s one of the best defenders in the league.”

The Pacers drafted Mathurin because they believed he could be one of the league’s best young scorers and he was during his time in Indiana. In 2022-23, he scored the third-most points of any rookie in Pacers history and became the first Pacers player since Rik Smits in 1989 to be named first-team All-Rookie. He averaged 16.1 points per game in his 3 1/2 seasons and is the third-leading scorer in the 2022 draft class behind only Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams.

Mathurin was averaging 17.8 points per game for the Pacers when he was traded and he’s averaging 19.9 points per game since he was acquired by the Clippers on 14.4 field goal attempts per game, a career high. He’s had some issues with efficiency and is shooting just 19.7% from 3-point range (13 of 66), but he’s given the Clippers a potent scoring wing off the bench and he’s averaging 2.4 assists per game. That’s more than he ever averaged in a season for the Pacers.

“He’s been great at getting to the free-throw line and drawing fouls,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “But also, last game I think he had a career high in assists. Making the right play when guys are open. Making the right play, hitting the first open guy. I think last game he had seven assists, so just understanding what we need from him every single night.”

Jackson has also filled a needed role for the Clippers. He wasn’t getting much action as of the Pacers’ meeting with the Clippers in Los Angeles on March 4. At that point, he’d played in just three of 10 games with the Clippers and hadn’t played more than six minutes in any of them.

However in that game, promising young center Yanic Konan Niederhauser suffered a Lisfranc injury in his right foot which will keep him out for the rest of the season. Jackson stepped in and scored 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting and ever since he’s been starter Brook Lopez’s backup at center. Jackson scored in double figures in five of the last seven games. With four points on 2 of 2 shooting in Friday’s game, he’s made 15 consecutive field goal attempts over the last four games. He’s averaging 7.5 points and 4.6 rebounds on a remarkable 76.4% shooting in 17 games with the Clippers.

“He’s been very helpful,” Lue said. “I think his athleticism, being able to run the floor, get behind the defense on pick-and-rolls. And then, what’s huge for us is defensively, being able to switch 1 through 5 and being able to give teams different looks outside of Brook who is always in a deep drop. You come in with Isaiah who can switch 1 through 5 at times. And what’s surprised me the most is I didn’t know he could post up smaller guys. If you throw him the ball around the basket, he’s been finishing really well.”

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has been pleased to see both find success in Los Angeles. They were ultimately willing to part with them, he said, because they believe in Zubac as their answer at center and because Mathurin was headed toward restricted free agency in the offseason and the Pacers weren’t sure they’d be able to keep him and a reasonable luxury tax figure. However, they did realize they were giving up good players.

“They’re guys we loved,” Carlisle said. “But it’s good players to get good players and then there’s economic issues involved too. We just weren’t going to be able to make it work with Benn contractually. The Clippers have found a guy that is a terrific young scorer.”

Dustin Dopirak covers the Pacers all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Pacers Insider newsletter.

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Indianapolis, IN

Saints open with road victory in Indianapolis

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Saints open with road victory in Indianapolis

A three-run first inning propelled the St. Paul Saints to a 4-2 opening night victory in Indianapolis Friday night.

An Alan Roden single drove home Gabriel Gonzalez and Kaelen Culpepper before Eric Wagaman’s base knock plated Emmanuel Rodriguez to stake the visitors to a quick 3-0 edge three outs into the game.

The Indians scored a lone run in the bottom of the first, and St. Paul’s 3-1 advantage held until the fifth, when a Culpepper single scored Walker Jenkins with the Saints’ final tally of the night.

Indianapolis logged one more run in the bottom of the sixth. However, starting pitcher Connor Prielipp and five relievers held the hosts to four total hits. Raul Brito claimed the win with 2 2/3 innings of relief of Prielipp, who tossed four innings of one-hit, one-run ball with five strikeouts and two walks. Brito struck out four, while allowing three hits, one run and one walk. Matt Bowman tossed a clean ninth with one strikeout to earn the save.

The Saints and Indians face one another twice more this weekend: at 3:05 p.m. Saturday and 12:35 p.m. Sunday.

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