INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are coming off a divisional win this past Sunday, and another AFC South opponent awaits in the Sunshine State this weekend.
Dominic Miranda is with Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner for this week's Inside the Huddle
First things first, the Colts just got a home win against Tennessee.
“I mean, taking away from the win, I mean, the teams played great complementary football," Buckner said. “The defense stepped up when we needed to, when we needed big stops, and the offense obviously put together some long drives and scored some points for us to get, you know, take the lead and there’s players that ... guys that needed to step up in moments and they did.”
Anthony Richardson was moved to IR this week after an injury during the Tennessee game. Buckner said he’s sending positive thoughts.
“You just gotta keep his spirits high,” he said. “We all know how much he wants to be out there. You just gotta fight that battle to get healthy and ... as quickly as possible, obviously. I just told him we’ll have his back.”
And in Richardson's absence, Gardner Minshew will step in at quarterback. He has shown the ability to close it out for the team.
“Most definitely, the experience that Gardner brings and obviously how calm he is, taking the huddle and everything, the guys believe in him. He’s shown it week in and week out when he’s stepped in that he can handle the pressure and he can step up and make big plays for us,” Buckner said.
Running back Jonathan Taylor has a new contract and played last Sunday.
“It means a lot," Buckner said. “We all knew… all the guys in the locker room love JT. He’s a great teammate, and also, just obviously his talent alone and he’s another weapon on offense that (head coach) Shane (Steichen) can utilize within the scheme.”
The Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014. We asked Buckner about the keys to victory against the Jaguars.
“Honestly, just that same intensity that we had this past week going into the week, knowing it was gonna be a physical game and also just having that competitive edge and that mindset, just taking it down to Jacksonville. And also, the first time we did it, we played them, we got up with a late lead in the fourth and we just need to finish, you know what I mean? We didn’t finish,” Buckner said. “That’s the main thing we’re going to be harping on is really finishing, especially on the defensive side.”
Each Wednesday on Inside the Huddle, we'll have the Riley Kid of the Week.
"Riley Kid of the Week, we’ve got Elise Louden. She was treated by Riley Children’s two years ago and today she’s doing well. She’s starting classes at Butler University!” Buckner said.
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.