INDIANAPOLIS — We're back Inside the Huddle on Channel 13 and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner joins us here each week.
We asked Buckner what makes the team assured they're ready to go and what fans should expect this season.
"You should expect us to go out there and compete each and every week," he said. "We've got the right pieces in the right places and we're going in with the mindset each and every week that we're gonna win the game."
The season opener is at home with the Houston Texans, and we all remember what happened in January. The Colts were on the cusp of making the playoffs before coming up just short in the season finale. Does that play into Sunday's game?
"I mean, you've still got a little bit of that, you know, sour taste in your mouth and obviously we've got a great opportunity with the season opener to start off with the Texans. Everybody's looking forward to that opportunity come Sunday," Buckner said.
You had 81 tackles and eight sacks last year, your defense really brought it last year early on. What should we expect with the defensive unit?
"Just relentless, you know what I mean? Everybody, all 11 guys flying around to the ball. Relying on each other, you know. When big plays are happening, we're celebrating each other and we're getting off the field," said Buckner.
"You've watched Anthony Richardson grow," 13Sports director Dave Calabro said. "I call him a kid, he's 22 years of age. What should we expect from him?
"Obviously, him taking care of his body, you know what I mean? In moments, not taking those big hits. You're going to see his big arm again. That was one of the big things last year with the little snippets that we got. Being able to stretch the field and we've got some guys to run the field and, you know, catch it and everything, so it's going to be fun to watch, he's going to be like a human highlight," Buckner said.
We've got the Riley Kid of the Week, tell us about her.
"Yeah, our kid of the week is Daphney Alderin. She's from New Pal. She loves basketball, building Legos and spending time outside and obviously, your Indianapolis Colts."
Inside the Huddle is brought to you by Republic Airways Lift Academy. Each week, Republic makes a donation to Riley Hospital for Children in honor of DeForest Buckner.