Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 14/03/2025News: The Colts have signed free-agent cornerback Corey Ballentine to a contract. Ballentine is a six-year veteran and has been a backup in Green Bay the past three seasons. Adds some critical depth to the Colts’ secondary. That’s now three defensive-back signings this week for Indianapolis. 1260
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 14/03/2025New Colts CB Charvarius Ward had a dropoff in his production last season amid the passing of his young daughter. But he said he’s refocused now and looking forward to a bounce-back year with a new start. Appreciate his honesty here. 2331
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 12/03/2025NEW: Colts QBs Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones have reached a crossroads in their respective careers. Now, the next few months will largely determine where they go from here. Breaking down one of the NFL’s most unique QB situations: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...espn.comAnthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones: Plenty at stake in Colts' QB battleNeither has lived up to the expectations associated with being a high draft pick, but now one has a shot at redemption. 3844
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 11/03/2025As for whether the Colts could have done better, the answer is no. This was easy to predict. Said it two weeks ago. They were not getting anything close to a proven starter because they have a former first-round pick and returning starter already in place. It is what it is. 2170
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 11/03/2025I messed up the sequence of the thread, but let's get back on track... Daniel Jones getting $14 million for one year with the Colts resulted in some consternation on the other app. it's not complicated: He had choices (at least MIN + IND) and he's still young (27). The cost of doing business. 2160
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Daniel Jones and the Colts are still very engaged. No idea when a decision will come. It’s down to the Vikings and Colts right now. 130
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 11/03/2025Did not expect $88 million for five years for Will Fries, but great deal for him. Minnesota snatched up two of Indy’s OL starters (Ryan Kelly yesterday). 220
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Colts center Ryan Kelly is Minnesota-bound. It’s an end of an era for the Colts’ longest tenured player. Lots of injuries in recent years, but I still think some fans undersold his performance last season. When on the field, he was quite good. 2170
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025The three-year, $60 million contract agreed to by the Colts and 49ers CB Charvarius Ward likely represents the biggest single commitment the team has made to a DB under GM Chris Ballard. That’s pretty remarkable. 21086
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Will Fries status update, per source: As expected, the Colts are allowing him to feel out the market and see where things go from there. That'll presumably help clarify what his price tag is. Colts aren't out of it. 2244
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Bynum is experienced and a solid player. An upgrade, for sure. But here's a key fact to know: He's incredibly durable. Hasn't missed a single game in the past three seasons. Injuries have been a recurring major issue for the Colts' secondary. 3352
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Vikings safety Cam Bynum will be signing with the Colts, reports colleague Dan Graziano. That was a high priority position for Indy... 4366
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Dayo Odeyingbo is about to be SO rich bsky.app/profile/raps... 2160
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025I would argue he didn’t even do THAT last year. Important distinction. We kept asking about DBs and he just didn’t act. I just don’t see him being a guy who jumps out on Day 1, but time will tell. 120
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Not a prediction/report etc, but something to think about: I know many are looking for more aggressiveness from Chris Ballard this go-round. BUT... it's important to remember some of his best signings have come late: Stephon Gilmore, Justin Houston, etc. I'm not sure he'll abandon that completely... 6201
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Also, turns out firing everyone is a bad idea for your organization (i.e. Twitter). There's a lesson in there somewhere, I think. lol 61314
Reposted by Stephen HolderMina Kimes @minakimes.bsky.social · 10/03/2025While things are getting sorted over on the other app… Smash that subscribe button on my NFL starter pack for free agency reactions 👇 go.bsky.app/8RH6KbH 2403878628
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025And to be clear on Fries, my understanding is that he is still not 100% after his serious leg injury, but the Colts believe the prognosis is very good and it is not expected to have any impact on his market value -- which is pretty significant.... 2270
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025That had sidelined him late last season. The reasons remain undisclosed, but he's past them, from what I am told. That solidifies a key spot on the OL. The status of RG Will Fries remains up in the air. Possible the Colts are letting the market dictate the price and will react accordingly. TBD ... 2240
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025So...Let's do a Colts free agency thread and see how this works. The latest: Right tackle Braden Smith has revised his contract and will remain w Indy. Was going to count $19M plus against the salary cap. That's been lowered significantly. Related: he's now beyond his non-football issues... 101057
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/03/2025Sup, everyone. Twitter is falling apart because a) the world is burning or 2) it's NFL free agency or 3) a little of both. Maybe it's the universe telling me it's a good day to lean into this here app... 1943110
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 02/03/20254) Lots of Colts fans in love w Penn State TE Tyler Warren. No surprise here, but indications are the Colts are high on him, too. But the question I came away with is whether he'll get to pick 14. His camp thinks there are multiple landing spots before Indy. Will he actually fall to them? (END) 260
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 02/03/2025questions on the status of Chris Ballard. Lots of folks surprised he was retained. It solidifies the idea that he is seen as being on the hot seat in 2025. Very hot, perhaps. In a couple weeks, we'll see if that translates into a more active approach to free agency. My sense is it will. (cont'd) 250
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 02/03/2025will want to go someplace where there isn't an incumbent starter. Sure, the Colts are calling it an open competition. But let's be serious: It's in everyone's best interest for Richardson to win the job. 3) I had an incalculable number of interactions during the Combine that included (cont'd) 130
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 02/03/2025making a bit of a spectacle by describing this as an open competition? It only serves to further undermine Anthony Richardson, which the Colts arguably already did at times last season. So strange. 2) Still not convinced the Colts are going to land a truly impactful QB. Most w options (cont'd) 130
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 02/03/2025A few post Combine thoughts on the Colts: 1) I'm struggling to understand the rationale behind making a public issue of the whole "QB competition" approach by Ballard and the Colts. Certainly, they were expected to sign a QB. But what was gained by publicly, in the final week of February, (cont'd) 10200
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 20/02/2025NEW: The upcoming season is massive for Colts QB Anthony Richardson. But there are important aspects of his supporting cast that also need to be scrutinized in the weeks and months ahead. Here’s a closer look at Indy’s potential changes on offense: t.co/FFhk3zIImxt.cohttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43845960/nfl-colts-anthony-richardson-jonathan-taylor 0151
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 12/02/2025NEW: A closer look at the various paths the Colts might take to adding "competition" at quarterback this offseason, as they have said they intend to do: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...espn.comJustin Fields? Jameis Winston? Who might the Colts add to their QB room?Given Anthony Richardson's inexperience and injury history, the Colts will look at available QB options. 082
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/02/2025But overall, I'd say the Colts just lack the sheer number of high-end players the Eagles boast and that's hard to overcome. 5) The Eagles' pass rush is what the Colts thought they'd have. If they can get that going, it'd be a game changer. But the jury is still out on that. That's it! Thoughts? 290
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/02/20254) Obviously the QB situations are very different. BUT, I do not consider Hurts to be one of the NFL's truly elite QBs. He's not in that highest tier. If the Colts can get more out of Richardson (very much TBD), combined with an already elite run game, that's a model similar to Philly's. 160
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/02/20253) In fairness to the Colts, money is a factor here. The Eagles led the league in *cash* spending in 2024 and their status as a premier franchise in a big market helps a lot. The Colts have neither of those advantages but they were still 12th in cash spending (these numbers exclude dead money) 130
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/02/20252) Both teams have drafted well. Difference is the Eagles bolstered those good picks with aggressiveness in trades and free agency. That IMO allows young players to grow and means their inevitable mistakes are not fatal for your team. 130
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 10/02/2025Watched the Super Bowl last night w friends, and the topic of the Colts eventually came up. Contrasting them w Philly, here were my thoughts: 1) Both teams believe strongly in building from the trenches, which is correct. BUT the Eagles didn't stop there and added star power everywhere else too 🧵 2130
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 03/02/2025Spent last few days at the Pro Bowl working on some future (non-Colts) coverage. But a takeaway from a conversation w Colts LB Zaire Franklin is there’s excitement about DC Lou Anarumo’s ability to put players in position to succeed. He singled out Kenny Moore II, saying “Kenny’s going to the moon.” 0160
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 31/01/2025Make sure and keep the guys here at the Pro Bowl Games in your prayers. They are really roughing it. 050
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 29/01/2025It’s all we have to go by so far. It isn’t much, but the change to Anarumo definitely represents significant change. We’ll see what the rest of the offseason brings. TBD. 020
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 29/01/2025NEW story: The Colts have suggested philosophical changes are coming this offseason. The addition of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his fundamentally different style is certainly a start: t.co/WpjU1G1YwDt.cohttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43602490/indianapolis-colts-defensive-shift-lou-anarumo 2172
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 21/01/2025And here’s today’s news on the Colts hiring former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. This is a big philosophical change from the past. A few details: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...espn.comColts hiring Anarumo as new DC, sources sayThe Colts are hiring Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday. 4101
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 21/01/2025In case you missed this earlier, here’s my story on Anthony Richardson’s offseason plans, including the status of his back issues and his intent to work with an expert who helped transform Josh Allen’s mechanics early in his career: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...espn.com'There's been some potholes': Anthony Richardson entering a proving ground with ColtsThe former No. 4 pick will need to stay healthy and stave off competition this offseason to prove he's QB1. 3232
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 17/01/2025Haha. Yeah, I think disguising coverages is something they have to at least try from time to time. And bringing pressure actually worked a fair amount in the rare times Gus did it. 010
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 17/01/2025So far they've interviewed candidates who would run a very different scheme than Bradley. I asked Ballard if there's value in playing a more aggressive style during his presser. He said: "I definitely think there is value. You've got to be able to affect the quarterback." So, we'll see. 110
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 17/01/2025Two minority candidates are required for coordinators as well (one for QB coaches). Banda counts. But remember Steve Wilks also interviewed. So that’s two. Unclear whether the list will grow beyond the current candidates. 100
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 17/01/2025Quick thought on the Colts' defensive coordinator spot: Not a prediction, but my expectation is they'll need to let the dust settle a bit before hiring. Just one HC job has been filled, and those hires will result in more dominoes falling. There also are three other DC spots open (ATL, SF, CIN). 4170
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 14/01/2025New story: Frostbite, frigid temps and playoff football. Even though we romanticize football in extreme weather, it’s not all fun and games: “It feels like you’re getting burned from the inside-out.” “Are y’all gonna cut my fingers off?” www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...espn.comFootball, frostbite and the inside story of a 'borderline inhumane' NFL playoff nightThe wind chill reached minus 27 and a fan nearly lost his fingers on a frigid night a year ago in Kansas City. 183
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 12/01/2025I am not saying HE is the answer. I’m merely saying he has a different style of defense that the Colts have not embraced under Ballard. Could be someone else. Just using him as an example. Though, I will say he was really good before the last couple seasons. He’s intriguing. 020
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 12/01/2025Yes, he said Shane Steichen will ultimately make the hire. But Ballard has heavily influenced previous decisions at DC, including keeping Gus Bradley after Irsay fired Frank Reich. That was Chris. If the Colts hire Anarumo or someone with that style, that’s a very strong indicator of real change. 5462
Stephen Holder @stephenholder-nfl.bsky.social · 12/01/2025Ok, since I’m here, let’s talk: Regarding whether Colts GM Chris Ballard is actually willing to change, the first indicator will be who they hire as defensive coordinator. Why? Because Ballard is VERY partial to heavy zone coverages w limited blitzes. He’s a Lovie Smith disciple. (More) 5550
