INDIANAPOLIS — It's Week 8 in the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts are on the road Sunday against the Texans.
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin joins us for Inside the Huddle.
"You had a great game last week, congratulations. A win is a win, right?" 13Sports director Dave Calabro said. "It doesn't matter how ugly it is."
"There's no such thing an ugly win," Franklin said. "A win is a win. They all count the same."
"Now you go to Houston. If you win this thing, you guys are locked back up in the AFC South for first place," Calabro said. "How big a deal is that to you guys? I know it's only Week 8."
"I mean, honestly, we know the ramifications, but it's all about us, you know, just got to focus on us being the best version of ourselves on Sunday. We got an opportunity to play a talented Houston team in Houston on Sunday, so just got to come out with a good performance," said Franklin.
Of course, they beat you guys in Week 1. Why is this team different now?
"I think every team grows and changes throughout the season," Franklin said. "I would say the same thing about us. I wouldn't say we're the same team from Week 1, same way I wouldn't say they're the same team for Week 1. Every team in the league has to take on the challenge and the journey of climbing this mountain which is the NFL season, and when you get to the end, you get to find out who you really was the whole time."
Stroud is dangerous. Joe Mixon had a great game. Who do you worry about most?
"I mean, they got their weapons, we got our weapons, so we'll be OK" Franklin said.
Deforest Buckner is back. How big of a deal is that for you?
"It's huge," said Franklin. "It's a monster. I mean, he's a game wrecker, he's a game changer. I'm looking forward to having 99 in front of me."
Riley Kid of the Week
Every week we recognize the Riley Kid of the Week.
"The Kid of the Week is Max Stachel from McCordsville," Franklin said. "They say he loves sports, competes in wheelchair basketball and track, so shout out to Max Stachell, shout out to McCordsville. Go Colts!"