INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have a big game this weekend with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team's leading tackler, linebacker E.J. Speed, joins us this week for Inside the Huddle.
The Colts improved their record to 2-2 last Sunday with that win over Pittsburgh at Lucas Oil Stadium, but now it's five straight away games. We asked Speed what it's like getting ready to hit the road for the next five.
"The morale is up," Speed said. "You know, we're going into a road game, a divisional road game coming off a two-game win streak. Just looking to make it through."
The defense been playing beat up with a lot of key pieces missing last week.
"It's just next man up," said Speed. "You own a 53 man roster in the NFL, so you're highly capable. It's just time to prove it between the lines on Sunday."
We asked Speed what the win over the Steelers - and all the Pittsburgh fans in the stands here - did for the team.
"Most importantly, we hung on down the stretch. The game got a little close down the stretch. We proved to ourselves that we can close out a game. For the first time this season we had to close out that close one versus a great offense and defense and the 3-0 Steelers. We'll take this into Jacksonville and just go win," he said.
Speaking of Jacksonville, it seems like it's been forever since Indianapolis won there. What is it about playing in Jacksonville?
"I don't know, but it's a different year. That was last year's work. We're getting a new chance, new shot at it. We'll go ahead first and get this W and bring it home," said Speed.
The Jags are so beat up right now, this would be an easy one to overlook. Does this feel like a trap game to you guys?
"I don't think no win in the NFL is easy, but definitely worthwhile of going down there and showing that we can get it done easily though," Speed said.
Riley Kid of the Week
Each week we shout out to a Riley Hospital Kid of the Week.
"Owen Lower from Noblesville, man. Happy birthday. You're celebrating your first birthday. That's special and I know that you love playing with your big sister. I wish you everything, I wish you the best and all love from the Colts!" said Speed.
