Colts Blue Zone Podcast

Wide receiver is the Colts' biggest area of need as we approach the NFL Draft. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including a significant free agent coming to Indianapolis. The gang then discusses the Colts' interest in drafting a quarterback as the team will reportedly visit with two of the top QB prospects this week (13:37). The fellas then debate...

Have the Colts gotten better this offseason, and if so, how much better? Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news of the week, including a couple significant retirements and more former Colts leaving for new teams. The duo then grades the Colts' offseason thus far (14:42) and explores how Indianapolis should address remaining issues. The fellas kick around the idea of trading for a v...

Colts owner Jim Irsay had some telling comments this week at the annual NFL owners' meeting. Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including some rule changes and a Colts great being added to the Ring of Honor. The fellas then dive into Irsay's comments (15:24), which centered around Carson Wentz, team chemistry and more. Next the trio discusses Indy's approach to...

The Colts have their quarterback. Mike Chappell and Joe Hopkins begin the show by breaking down the Matt Ryan trade and what to expect from the veteran quarterback. The duo then gives their thoughts on the Deshaun Watson trade (20:28), which in turn sparks another tangent on Ryan (26:01). The fellas also discuss the Colts' salary cap situation (35:07) and where Indianapolis goes from here with sev...

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 tr...

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...

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 backfie...

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 ad...

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 regard...

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 an...

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...

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 conferen...

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 injurie...

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 remai...

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...

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 thi...

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.

Can the Colts keep it rolling with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers coming to town? Mike Chappell, Dave Griffiths and Joe Hopkins begin the show with news, including two Colts advancing in their journey to make the Hall of Fame. The crew then discusses injuries (26:50), breaks down this Buccaneers team (36:42), details keys to the game (50:45) and makes predictions (1:00:10).