Colts Bluezone Podcast

The NFL free agency period is officially open, and with it comes non-stop news. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by discussing the moves Indianapolis made Monday and Tuesday. The duo was then in the middle of commenting on the Jaguars' spending spree (12:45) when news broke of the Colts landing DE Yannick Ngakoue in a trade with the Raiders. Mike and Joe give instant reaction on the trade (16:02) and continue to provide updates throughout the show as details trickle in. The fellas then break down the current QB market as Indy continues to search for its next signal caller (19:31) and discuss the best players still available at the Colts' positions of need (37:33).

After just one season, the Colts have agreed to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to Washington. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffith and Joe Hopkins jump right in by breaking down the trade from all angles and discussing possible replacements. The gang also gives their thoughts on Jack Doyle's retirement (41:13), reports that Eric Fisher will test free agency (46:03) and news regarding recent franchise tags and contract extensions for would-be free agents (50:24).

The NFL Combine is upon us! Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including several coaching hires for Indianapolis. The gang then dives into what Chris Ballard and Frank Reich had to say at the Combine (9:30) and highlights some second round draft prospects to keep an eye on (23:29). The fellas also break down the state of the Colts' defensive backfield and examine which free agent cornerbacks Indy may bring in (54:26).

The Colts have six offensive linemen set to hit free agency, including starting left tackle Eric Fisher and guard Mark Glowinski. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week. The gang then provides an update on next week's NFL Combine (7:28) and breaks down Indy's options along the offensive line (19:20) as the Colts decide between re-signing their guys or addressing the positions externally.

Rumors are swirling that the Colts could move on from Carson Wentz after one season in Indianapolis. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show by giving their thoughts on the Super Bowl. The gang then discusses the ongoing turnover within the Colts' coaching staff (6:22), reacts to Reggie Wayne being passed over for Hall of Fame honors (8:52) and dives deep into the drama regarding Wentz and Indianapolis (16:18), including the Colts' options should they part ways with the quarterback.

Whether at wide receiver or tight end (or both), the Colts need more pass-catching weapons. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with some Super Bowl talk and compare the Rams' and Bengals' team-building process to Indy's. The trio then discusses Gus Bradley and other coaching hires in the AFC South (13:24), makes their picks for NFL Honors (20:19) and examines which WRs and TEs the Colts could target in free agency (32:09).

We begin our offseason positional breakdown series by taking a look at how the Colts can make improvements at defensive end, an area that was lacking in 2021. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins kick off the show with news around the league, including the retirement of longtime Colts rival Tom Brady, Brian Flores' lawsuit against the NFL (8:41) and Washington's new team name (17:32). The gang then highlights prospects to keep tabs on at the Senior Bowl (21:26), discusses Indy's search for a new defensive coordinator (27:46) and examines how the Colts might upgrade defensive end through free agency and/or the draft (37:28).

The Colts have a long list of players with expiring contracts. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including some interesting messages from owner Jim Irsay and the firing of a Colts position coach. The gang then discusses 25 Colts who are set to become free agents (35:38) and debates whether Indianapolis should re-sign them or let them walk.

Before fully shifting into offseason mode, the Blue Zone crew looks back on the wild year that was. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including several members of the Colts' staff interviewing for positions elsewhere. The trio then recaps the 2021 season (16:57) and discusses the strong comments general manager Chris Ballard made during a recent press conference (38:06).

Gather 'round listeners. What happened Sunday in Jacksonville was traumatic, but to move forward we must address the past. Joe Hopkins and Mike Chappell briefly recap the Colts' season-ending loss to the Jaguars before giving their reaction (10:46) to one of the worst losses in franchise history. Bless you for listening.

To make the playoffs, the Colts need a win in Jacksonville, a place where Indianapolis hasn't won since 2014. Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including more COVID updates for the Colts. The fellas then preview Sunday's matchup by discussing injuries (15:16), breaking down this Jaguars team (20:48), detailing keys to the game (44:52) and making predictions (54:56).

With a playoff spot there for the taking, the Colts couldn't get it done against the Raiders. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by recapping the game. The duo then discusses takeaways (18:35) and breaks down the AFC playoff picture (35:08) with just one week left in the season!

The Colts can secure a playoff spot with a win over the Raiders. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with some major news surrounding the NFL's COVID rules and what it means for the players on Indy's ever-evolving COVID list. Chappell then speaks on Ryan Kelly's return to football (16:43). Finally, the gang previews the Colts' matchup with the Raiders by discussing injuries (22:00), breaking down this Las Vegas team (26:31), detailing keys to the game (39:51) and making predictions (45:54).

With COVID-19 cases piling up, the Colts overcame a shorthanded roster to defeat the Cardinals in Arizona. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including the latest on the Colts' COVID situation and how it will impact the team moving forward. The duo then recaps the game (9:32), discusses takeaways (25:35) and breaks down the AFC playoff picture (31:43) with just two weeks remaining.

Can the Colts stay hot in Arizona on Christmas Day? Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including a couple Colts receiving some recognition. The trio then previews the game by discussing injuries (13:43), breaking down this Cardinals team (21:09), detailing keys to the game (47:18) and making predictions (53:17). [NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Colts placed CB Rock Ya-Sin and DE Kemoko Turay on the reserve/COVID list.]

The Colts took down the New England Patriots Saturday in their biggest win of the season thus far. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins recap the game (3:48), discuss takeaways (27:39) and break down the AFC playoff picture (47:41) with just three weeks to go.

The Colts come out of their bye to take on the top-seed Patriots on Saturday night. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases around the NFL. The gang then breaks down the AFC Playoff picture (13:39), where a lot of movement has taken place. The fellas then preview the game by discussing injuries (20:32), breaking down this Patriots team (26:16), detailing keys to the game (38:48) and making predictions (47:39).

The Colts remain in the thick of the AFC playoff race after obliterating the Texans. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by recapping the game before discussing takeaways (12:32) and breaking down the AFC playoff picture (28:16).

The Colts are looking to put the Buccaneers loss behind them with a bounce-back win in Houston. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins start the show with news of the week and a reaction to Wednesday's Hard Knocks episode. The crew then provides an injury update (19:13), breaks down this Texans team (29:52), details keys to the game (42:27) and makes predictions (52:52)!

The Colts couldn't hold onto a 10-point second-half lead Sunday as the Buccaneers handed Indy their sixth loss of the season. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by recapping the wild game. The duo then discusses takeaways (29:54), including what to make of the Colts' second half offense, and breaks down the AFC playoff picture (42:09) as we enter the final stretch.