Joel A. Erickson
@joelaerickson.bsky.social
Colts insider for @IndyStar. FOX59/CBS4 analyst. Husband, father, goldendoodle owner, Mizzou & SJI alum. Psalms 73:26
Feels like a no-brainer to use a guy with Alec Pierce's skill set as a defender on Hail Marys.
For Lou Anarumo, it certainly seems like the obvious move. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
For Lou Anarumo, it certainly seems like the obvious move. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
How Colts WR Alec Pierce ended up playing safety against Texans
Pierce broke up Houston's Hail Mary to end the first half, leaping above everybody to knock it down.
www.indystar.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Feels like a no-brainer to use a guy with Alec Pierce's skill set as a defender on Hail Marys.
For Lou Anarumo, it certainly seems like the obvious move. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
For Lou Anarumo, it certainly seems like the obvious move. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
He was only asked about the Hail Mary
Does this apply to all 4th down passes? I've seen a lot of interceptions in situations where batting the ball down would produce better field positions.
December 2, 2025 at 6:22 PM
He was only asked about the Hail Mary
Brian Mason's thoughts on what the Colts are trying to find in an imperfect kicking pool this late in the season.
My understanding, per sources, is that today's group of kickers does not include a few of the names who tried out when Shrader went down www.indystar.com/story/sports...
My understanding, per sources, is that today's group of kickers does not include a few of the names who tried out when Shrader went down www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Source: Colts are trying out kickers Tuesday
Colts coach Shane Steichen has acknowledged concerns about kicker Michael Badgley; the team is trying out kickers
www.indystar.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Brian Mason's thoughts on what the Colts are trying to find in an imperfect kicking pool this late in the season.
My understanding, per sources, is that today's group of kickers does not include a few of the names who tried out when Shrader went down www.indystar.com/story/sports...
My understanding, per sources, is that today's group of kickers does not include a few of the names who tried out when Shrader went down www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Brian Mason says the kicking evaluation is different in Week 14 than the thinking that led to Spencer Shrader.
In the offseason, Colts look for a big leg/mental makeup to develop.
In Week 14, Colts need experience, reliability.
In the offseason, Colts look for a big leg/mental makeup to develop.
In Week 14, Colts need experience, reliability.
December 2, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Brian Mason says the kicking evaluation is different in Week 14 than the thinking that led to Spencer Shrader.
In the offseason, Colts look for a big leg/mental makeup to develop.
In Week 14, Colts need experience, reliability.
In the offseason, Colts look for a big leg/mental makeup to develop.
In Week 14, Colts need experience, reliability.
Brian Mason says he'll defer to Chris Ballard and the front office on any potential moves, but does say they're evaluating all kicking options.
December 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Brian Mason says he'll defer to Chris Ballard and the front office on any potential moves, but does say they're evaluating all kicking options.
Lou Anarumo says the conventional wisdom over the years on a Hail Mary has changed. Used to be "don't try to catch it, bat it down," but now, they want a DB (or Alec Pierce) to catch it if he can, because too many deflections have turned into TDs over the years.
December 2, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Lou Anarumo says the conventional wisdom over the years on a Hail Mary has changed. Used to be "don't try to catch it, bat it down," but now, they want a DB (or Alec Pierce) to catch it if he can, because too many deflections have turned into TDs over the years.
Josh Downs on his reduced role, after taking responsibility for the two drops on Sunday:
“You want the ball, but you’ve got to be patient, and when it does come your way, you’ve got to make them.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
“You want the ball, but you’ve got to be patient, and when it does come your way, you’ve got to make them.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts WR Josh Downs on drops vs Texans, dip in playing time this season
Colts receiver Josh Downs took responsibility for his last-drive drop, admitted he wants the ball more but understands his role
www.indystar.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Josh Downs on his reduced role, after taking responsibility for the two drops on Sunday:
“You want the ball, but you’ve got to be patient, and when it does come your way, you’ve got to make them.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
“You want the ball, but you’ve got to be patient, and when it does come your way, you’ve got to make them.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
The Colts are working out kickers today.
Former Saints kicker Blake Grupe is one of the kickers in Indy.
Former Saints kicker Blake Grupe is one of the kickers in Indy.
December 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
The Colts are working out kickers today.
Former Saints kicker Blake Grupe is one of the kickers in Indy.
Former Saints kicker Blake Grupe is one of the kickers in Indy.
Josh Downs pretty frustrated with himself after the two drops on Sunday, especially the third down on the final drive.
December 1, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Josh Downs pretty frustrated with himself after the two drops on Sunday, especially the third down on the final drive.
Steichen: "He's going to miss some time. How much, I don't know." Does say the Colts expect Gardner back before the end of the season.
December 1, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Steichen: "He's going to miss some time. How much, I don't know." Does say the Colts expect Gardner back before the end of the season.
Shane Steichen reiterates that Sauce Gardner's Achilles is "good to go," it's his calf, but he doesn't have a timetable for return yet.
December 1, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Shane Steichen reiterates that Sauce Gardner's Achilles is "good to go," it's his calf, but he doesn't have a timetable for return yet.
The Colts went with Michael Badgley in an emergency because they believed he'd be reliable inside 50 yards.
Badgley hasn't been. Indianapolis has a decision to make.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Badgley hasn't been. Indianapolis has a decision to make.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Do Colts need to make a change at kicker after Michael Badgley misses PAT?
Michael Badgley's missed PAT left the Colts needing a touchdown instead of a field goal in Sunday's 20-16
www.indystar.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:01 AM
The Colts went with Michael Badgley in an emergency because they believed he'd be reliable inside 50 yards.
Badgley hasn't been. Indianapolis has a decision to make.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Badgley hasn't been. Indianapolis has a decision to make.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
The referee answers on the delay of game, Moore call and the extra point
November 30, 2025 at 10:22 PM
The referee answers on the delay of game, Moore call and the extra point
Gardner left the locker room using crutches but he was putting weight on his leg
November 30, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Gardner left the locker room using crutches but he was putting weight on his leg
Sauce Gardner says he felt pain high in his calf, so he doesn’t think it’s the worst-case scenario.
“I don’t think that’s what it is” on a question about if it’s the Achilles
“I don’t think that’s what it is” on a question about if it’s the Achilles
November 30, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Sauce Gardner says he felt pain high in his calf, so he doesn’t think it’s the worst-case scenario.
“I don’t think that’s what it is” on a question about if it’s the Achilles
“I don’t think that’s what it is” on a question about if it’s the Achilles
No further details from the Colts on Sauce Gardner’s calf injury
November 30, 2025 at 9:16 PM
No further details from the Colts on Sauce Gardner’s calf injury
That's back-to-back catches on third and fourth down that it feels like Downs and Pittman had to have.
November 30, 2025 at 8:54 PM
That's back-to-back catches on third and fourth down that it feels like Downs and Pittman had to have.
Enormous stop by the Indianapolis defense.
Colts have a chance here. Offense has to take advantage.
Colts have a chance here. Offense has to take advantage.
November 30, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Enormous stop by the Indianapolis defense.
Colts have a chance here. Offense has to take advantage.
Colts have a chance here. Offense has to take advantage.
Very loud, clear "Ref, you suck!" chant from Lucas Oil Stadium.
The booing is loud, sustained and at every opportunity.
The booing is loud, sustained and at every opportunity.
November 30, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Very loud, clear "Ref, you suck!" chant from Lucas Oil Stadium.
The booing is loud, sustained and at every opportunity.
The booing is loud, sustained and at every opportunity.
That's an awful call on Kenny Moore II. Awful.
November 30, 2025 at 8:16 PM
That's an awful call on Kenny Moore II. Awful.
End of the third quarter: Colts 13, Texans 13.
Houston driving again.
Houston driving again.
November 30, 2025 at 8:10 PM
End of the third quarter: Colts 13, Texans 13.
Houston driving again.
Houston driving again.
Even the blitzes aren't getting anywhere for the Colts defense today.
November 30, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Even the blitzes aren't getting anywhere for the Colts defense today.
Colts 13, Texans 13.
Daniel Jones has been pretty darn good today. And motioning Warren to an offset I, then slipping him out for the TD, was a lot of fun.
Daniel Jones has been pretty darn good today. And motioning Warren to an offset I, then slipping him out for the TD, was a lot of fun.
November 30, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Colts 13, Texans 13.
Daniel Jones has been pretty darn good today. And motioning Warren to an offset I, then slipping him out for the TD, was a lot of fun.
Daniel Jones has been pretty darn good today. And motioning Warren to an offset I, then slipping him out for the TD, was a lot of fun.
A holding penalty on Bernhard Raimann erases an absolutely gorgeous throw and catch from Jones to Downs.
November 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
A holding penalty on Bernhard Raimann erases an absolutely gorgeous throw and catch from Jones to Downs.