INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner joins us again this week for "Inside the Huddle."
The Colts are facing an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot Saturday night with a win over the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium — and have a chance to win the AFC South as well.
13Sports director Dave Calabro asked Buckner what the message has been in Colts team meetings with the opportunity they have.
"Like you said, it's a 'win and you're in' situation," Buckner said. "We just got to win. Handle our business, you know what I mean? Attention to detail, preparation is everything this weekend. Lay it all on the line on Saturday."
These opportunities don't come along very often. As a veteran, what is Buckner saying to the younger players in the Colts' locker room?
"It's a playoff game, you know, from here on out," Buckner said. "Win or go home. Like you said, these opportunities don't come very often, and when they come, you've got to take advantage of the opportunity and, you know, I think everybody's on the same page."
The Colts haven't made the playoffs since 2020. Indianapolis beat Houston 31-20 in a Week 2 matchup in Houston. But it's a different Texans team the Colts will face on Saturday.
"Their defense is, you know, firing on all cylinders. They've got a great defensive front," Buckner said. "Obviously, (Texans quarterback) C.J. Stroud's been having a hell of a year. They had some injuries and everything, but they're still firing pretty well on all cylinders."
Buckner said it's going to take all three units "taking it one play at a time" and dominating their individual matchups to get the win Saturday night, including stopping Stroud, who has thrown for 3,844 yards and 21 touchdowns in 14 games during his rookie season, including a 384-yard, two touchdown performance in the loss to Indianapolis. The Colts sacked Stroud six times in that meeting.
"His ability to move in the pocket, you know, keep his eyes downfield and make the big play" makes the Texans' rookie signal caller dangerous, Buckner said.
The primetime game is the Colts' first night game of the season, and Buckner had a plea for fans coming downtown to the game.
"Gotta bring the juice to Lucas Oil. It's Saturday night, the first night game of the season, you know, everybody's been waiting for it," he said.
Riley Kid of the Week
Each Wednesday on Inside the Huddle, we'll introduce you to the Riley Kid of the Week.
"Riley Kid of the Week, we got Harper Gray, 2 years old, she's from Indy, and she loves swimming and dancing," 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.