Joel A. Erickson
@joelaerickson.bsky.social
Colts insider for @IndyStar. FOX59/CBS4 analyst. Husband, father, goldendoodle owner, Mizzou & SJI alum. Psalms 73:26
Been beating this drum for a while: Jonathan Taylor is underrated.
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts Jonathan Taylor is best RB in NFL & on a Hall of Fame track; why haven't people seen it?
Jonathan Taylor has rushed for more than 7,000 yards and 70 touchdowns by age 27; guess who else has done that
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Been beating this drum for a while: Jonathan Taylor is underrated.
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
By the national types for sure.
And I’m starting to think even by us www.indystar.com/story/sports...
It was only one play.
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
There was a slip. A drop. But Sauce Gardner left no doubt why the Colts traded for him
Sauce Gardner was cursing himself on the sideline. There was a drop. But there was no doubt why the Colts traded for him
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:05 PM
It was only one play.
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
But it was a big play, and on that play Sauce Gardner showed what he can bring to this Colts defense www.indystar.com/story/sports...
With the game on the line and the receivers blanketed, the Colts needed Tyler Warren to carry the passing offense on Sunday in Berlin...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts rookie TE Tyler Warren makes big plays in less than perfect situations to beat Falcons
Colts turn to rookie TE Tyler Warren to help close out overtime win vs Falcons in Berlin
indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:25 PM
With the game on the line and the receivers blanketed, the Colts needed Tyler Warren to carry the passing offense on Sunday in Berlin...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
And the rookie made the two biggest catches of the day, capping off an 8-catch, 99-yard day indystar.com/story/sports...
First Zaire Franklin thought he'd given the ball to Jonathan Taylor with the coin toss.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
Zaire Franklin was determined to get Colts offense the ball, even after 'some shenanigans' on coin toss
Jonthan Taylor was cooking in Germany, and Zaire Franklin ensured Taylor could finish serving a three-course meal with a defensive stop in overtime.
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
First Zaire Franklin thought he'd given the ball to Jonathan Taylor with the coin toss.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
Then he realized he had to take matters into his own hands, making the two biggest plays of the day to get Taylor the ball the old-fashioned way.
I'm fully convinced the Falcons front 7 can't see Jonathan Taylor. Like, physically can't see him.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
November 9, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I'm fully convinced the Falcons front 7 can't see Jonathan Taylor. Like, physically can't see him.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
32 carries, 244 yards, 3 TDs. MVP talk.
Colts 31, Falcons 25.
I've been told it works on IndyStar mobile, but not the app. I've passed that along to those in charge of it.
I can’t get in. I see the “ask Joel join the conversation below” and then below no link to ask questions, only ads
November 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM
I've been told it works on IndyStar mobile, but not the app. I've passed that along to those in charge of it.
I'm assuming in good faith that you know my job's the Colts, and I'm not in charge of any of that.
And for the inevitable conversation about ads and revenue, unfortunately, this topic has its own Wikipedia page for a reason. Until the industry finds a way to protect me, as somebody who deals with IT security daily, I won't put my security at risk to ad networks.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvert...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvert...
Malvertising - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
November 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
I'm assuming in good faith that you know my job's the Colts, and I'm not in charge of any of that.
Being completely honest here: For me, the goal was to expand #AskJoel and find a way I could be available to you guys all game. That was the entire genesis of the idea.
Some feedback on new system:
1. I understand why & don't disagree with the reasons
2. It's pull vs push for social media users. Find ways to push "teasers" per Q to social media for repeat engagement.
3. Ad block blockers are friction for engagement and repeat consumption. Disable them on that page
1. I understand why & don't disagree with the reasons
2. It's pull vs push for social media users. Find ways to push "teasers" per Q to social media for repeat engagement.
3. Ad block blockers are friction for engagement and repeat consumption. Disable them on that page
November 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Being completely honest here: For me, the goal was to expand #AskJoel and find a way I could be available to you guys all game. That was the entire genesis of the idea.
Remember, #AskJoel is live all game long at this link. I'll answer anything you guys have throughout the game.
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
From the Sauce Gardner trade to the game with the Falcons, ask IndyStar's Joel A. Erickson anything
Join Joel A. Erickson for a live Q&A to talk all things Colts, from the Sauce Gardner trade to playing the Falcons in Berlin, Germany
www.indystar.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Remember, #AskJoel is live all game long at this link. I'll answer anything you guys have throughout the game.
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Submit your question, then make sure to hit done to send to me here in Berlin.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
HUGE cheer for Sauce Gardner in pregame intros in Berlin.
November 9, 2025 at 2:25 PM
HUGE cheer for Sauce Gardner in pregame intros in Berlin.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon & Kalen Jackson talking to Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Morris interviewed for the Colts job when Steichen was hired
November 9, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Carlie Irsay-Gordon & Kalen Jackson talking to Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Morris interviewed for the Colts job when Steichen was hired
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on the sideline
November 9, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Carlie Irsay-Gordon on the sideline
Bjoern Werner thought he’d play for 10 years.
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Bjoern Werner failed as a Colts first-round pick; how he became the NFL's voice in Germany
Bjoern Werner planned on a 10-year NFL career. He was a bust. Now his distinctive, loose style has made him a star in Germany as the voice of the NFL
www.indystar.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Bjoern Werner thought he’d play for 10 years.
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
When it didn’t happen, Werner found new life as the voice of football in Germany, both Pat McAfee and Peyton Manning to a nation with 20 million NFL fans. www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why have the Colts pursued CB so aggressively, culminating with the Sauce Gardner trade?
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
How CB Sauce Gardner will change the Colts defense
Sauce Gardner will let the Colts matchup Jaylon Jones with tight ends and blitz more
www.indystar.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Why have the Colts pursued CB so aggressively, culminating with the Sauce Gardner trade?
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
“We want to play man… There’s times for you to play zone, but when it comes down to it, when you want to get off the field, you’ve got to play man.”
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Tyquan Lewis is still out today
November 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Tyquan Lewis is still out today
Sauce Gardner on the 48 hours since the trade: "I've barely slept, so I'm looking forward to this flight"
November 6, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Sauce Gardner on the 48 hours since the trade: "I've barely slept, so I'm looking forward to this flight"
Gardner: "They've got access to the tape, so they know what I'm capable of doing."
November 6, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Gardner: "They've got access to the tape, so they know what I'm capable of doing."
Sauce Gardner says when he saw the call from Jets GM Darren Mougey, his first thought was: "Please let me go to an ideal situation"
November 6, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Sauce Gardner says when he saw the call from Jets GM Darren Mougey, his first thought was: "Please let me go to an ideal situation"
The Colts defense had a little more energy on Wednesday after trading for Sauce Gardner.
Even players who might see their role diminished with him in the fold.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Even players who might see their role diminished with him in the fold.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts defense energized by Sauce Gardner trade: 'Oh my God, you guys are getting Sauce?'
Even cornerbacks who might lose playing time because of the move were excited about the blockbuster trade the Colts swung for Gardner.
www.indystar.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
The Colts defense had a little more energy on Wednesday after trading for Sauce Gardner.
Even players who might see their role diminished with him in the fold.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Even players who might see their role diminished with him in the fold.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Charvarius Ward was doing work on the field with a trainer today
November 5, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Charvarius Ward was doing work on the field with a trainer today
The Colts are playing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at practice today. If you remember, that song was huge in Germany two years ago
November 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM
The Colts are playing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at practice today. If you remember, that song was huge in Germany two years ago
Sauce Gardner remains in the concussion protocol, but he will practice today, and if he clears the protocol, he will likely play against Atlanta in Berlin on Sunday.
November 5, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Sauce Gardner remains in the concussion protocol, but he will practice today, and if he clears the protocol, he will likely play against Atlanta in Berlin on Sunday.
Anthony Gould, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis won't practice today.
"We'll see how the week goes" with them, Shane Steichen says.
"We'll see how the week goes" with them, Shane Steichen says.
November 5, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Anthony Gould, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis won't practice today.
"We'll see how the week goes" with them, Shane Steichen says.
"We'll see how the week goes" with them, Shane Steichen says.
Reposted by Joel A. Erickson
Two first-round picks for Jets CB Sauce Gardner?
Colts GM Chris Ballard was notoriously cautious – cheap – but his talent-acquisition philosophy changed at the same time Carlie Irsay-Gordon assumed power.
There are no coincidences.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts GM Chris Ballard was notoriously cautious – cheap – but his talent-acquisition philosophy changed at the same time Carlie Irsay-Gordon assumed power.
There are no coincidences.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Doyel: Colts paid two No. 1 picks for Sauce Gardner? Chris Ballard getting jiggy with it!
The Colts just sent two first-round draft picks to the NY Jets for All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner? This is GM Chris Ballard getting jiggy with it!
www.indystar.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Two first-round picks for Jets CB Sauce Gardner?
Colts GM Chris Ballard was notoriously cautious – cheap – but his talent-acquisition philosophy changed at the same time Carlie Irsay-Gordon assumed power.
There are no coincidences.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Colts GM Chris Ballard was notoriously cautious – cheap – but his talent-acquisition philosophy changed at the same time Carlie Irsay-Gordon assumed power.
There are no coincidences.
www.indystar.com/story/sports...
In a vacuum, you want the elite edge rusher over the elite corner.
But the Colts weren’t operating in a vacuum, and it’s clear there wasn’t a transcendent edge available at this deadline. Not when you consider what Indy was willing to pay www.indystar.com/story/sports...
But the Colts weren’t operating in a vacuum, and it’s clear there wasn’t a transcendent edge available at this deadline. Not when you consider what Indy was willing to pay www.indystar.com/story/sports...
Why the Colts traded two first-round picks for CB Sauce Gardner instead of a pass rusher
IndyStar Colts Insider Joel A. Erickson has a simple explanation why the team didn't trade for a pass rusher
www.indystar.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:20 PM
In a vacuum, you want the elite edge rusher over the elite corner.
But the Colts weren’t operating in a vacuum, and it’s clear there wasn’t a transcendent edge available at this deadline. Not when you consider what Indy was willing to pay www.indystar.com/story/sports...
But the Colts weren’t operating in a vacuum, and it’s clear there wasn’t a transcendent edge available at this deadline. Not when you consider what Indy was willing to pay www.indystar.com/story/sports...