What’s up, Colts fans!
It’s James Boyd, Indianapolis Colts beat writer for The Athletics. I’m entering my third season covering the team, and I couldn’t be more grateful to live my dream every day I go to work. Whether it’s writing stories, providing video updates, photos, or engaging with you all on social media – everything challenges me to be a better reporter and overall person. I always love to hear thoughts on what you want to read next, so if you see me at a game or around town, please introduce yourself and shoot away!
As for the 2024 season, the biggest storyline I will be tracking is the development of quarterback Anthony Richardson. Can he stay healthy enough to grow into the superstar his talent suggests he can be? Beyond Richardson, can this defense take a step forward in Year 3 under Gus Bradley? Will GM Chris Ballard be on the hot seat if the Colts fail to make the playoffs again? I’ll be checking all these things and more during a season in which expectations are high in the Round City.
When you want to go past the Colts, The Athletics will still have you covered. Get The Pulse delivered to your inbox for a quick, fun read on the biggest stories in the NFL and all of sports. Check the app daily — available on iOS and Google — to get personalized news about the teams that matter most to you. And deep into the NFL with Scoop City as insider Dianna Russini and our NFL reporters bring you the inside scoop.
Week 1: vs. Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Here are some stories to get you ready for the season:
Colts must-reads:
What I see: Anthony Richardson’s quiet leadership, other observations
Contrary to what some may think, Richardson is actually quite reserved for a starting QB. His teammates respect his relaxed nature.
Colts have been stuck on a hamster wheel of mediocrity under Chris Ballard
Ballard is one of the NFL’s longest tenured GMs, but his accomplishments pale in comparison to his compatriots.
Kylen Granson to wear Guardian Cap in regular season
Granson: “Once upon a time people thought seat belts were stupid.”
More pressure. More responsibility. Richardson embracing it all as a new dad
“(He has to) grow up fast. (He’s got a kid to take care of … a whole team that relies on him and counts on him (every week).”
Roster cut withdrawals: TE Jelani Woods out for season; did indy pick the wrong QB3?
Did the Colts make the right call keeping Sam Ehlinger over Jason Bean?
Lucas Oil Stadium Guide
(Chris Unger, Ryan Kang, Kevin C. Cox, Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
NFL rankings and insights:
Week 1 Power Rankings
It’s time for a vibration check for every team entering the season.
Quarterback Tiers 2024: Only 2 join Mahomes in Tier 1
Aaron Rodgers missed Tier 1 for the first time in the 11th annual survey of 50 NFL coaches and executives. His successor in Green Bay increased.
Like NFL GMs, coaches really feel about the new kickoff rule
More comebacks? Fewer injuries? The NFL thinks so, but, even after seeing it in the preseason, some coaches and GMs still aren’t sold.
NFL agents dish on best (and worst) franchise, Mahomes’ worth and Dak’s upcoming deal
In our sixth annual agent survey, reps offered thoughts on everything from QB contracts to top talent evaluators to ways to improve the NFL.
Intel on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talk and more
Dozens of NFL executives and coaches are thinking about how the 2024 season will unfold for each team.
Ten bold predictions: Packers win NFC North, but Caleb Williams for MVP?
Plus: Kyler Murray explodes, the 49ers suffer a Super Bowl hangover and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs make history (again).
Hope-O-Meter results: fan rating optimism for all 32 teams
Optimism in the NFL tends to be closely tied to a team’s starting quarterback. So which fanbases are most optimistic in 2024?
Win total projections | Week 1 schedule
(Photo by Anthony Richardson: Katie Stratman / USA Today)
