DeForest Buckner Declares Colts Are No Longer Just 'Close'—They’re Ready to Dominate the NFL,
"We’ve been knocking on the door for years, but this year, we’re breaking it down. We’ve got the pieces in place, and it’s time to prove we’re more than just a team — we’re a force to be reckoned with." — DeForest Buckner
The Indianapolis Colts have stunned the NFL in 2025, now sitting at an impressive 6-1 record after a dominant 38-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. With each passing week, they’re proving they’re no longer just on the edge of greatness—they're living it. And
DeForest Buckner, one of the Colts' key defensive leaders, is at the forefront of this shift.
Speaking with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, Buckner opened up about the transformation that’s taken place in Indianapolis.
“We’ve been knocking on the door for years, but this year, we’re breaking it down,” he said, expressing the confidence that's now fueling the team. “We’ve got the pieces in place, and it’s time to prove we’re more than just a team — we’re a force to be reckoned with."
Buckner believes that the key to the Colts' success lies in the acquisition of Daniel Jones, who was brought in on a one-year ‘prove-it’ deal during the offseason. His leadership at quarterback has been a turning point for the team.
“We needed a guy who could take the pressure off our defense and give us consistency,” Buckner explained. "Daniel has given us that, and it’s showing on the field." Jones proved Buckner’s confidence right by throwing for
288 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers, solidifying his position among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. With ESPN reporting Jones ranking second in QBR and fifth in passing yards, it’s clear that his addition has made a massive impact.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Taylor, the league’s leading rusher with 697 yards and 10 touchdowns, continues to deliver at an elite level, carrying the Colts' offense on his back. But what sets this team apart this season is their defensive effort, with
Buckner leading the charge. His 12-yard sack in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Chargers was a crucial moment that helped seal the victory.
For Buckner, the transformation began with head coach
Shane Steichen’s revamped training camp. “We made it tougher,” Buckner said. "We wanted to outlast teams in the fourth quarter, and it’s working.” The Colts' resilience has paid off, and with their sights now firmly set on the playoffs, they’re proving to be one of the league’s most dangerous teams.
Next up for the Colts is a October 26 showdown with the Tennessee Titans (1-6), a game that many expect them to win, with ESPN BET giving Indianapolis a 14.5-point spread
. However, Buckner remains focused. “We know the dangers of trap games,” he warned. "We have to stay sharp, stay focused, and keep pushing forward."
With the Colts’ defense firing on all cylinders, Jones commanding the offense, and Taylor racking up yards, this could be the year Indianapolis finally takes their seat at the NFL’s top table. As Buckner said,
"We’re not just knocking on the door anymore—we’re breaking it down."
Kellen Moore Stands by Spencer Rattler Despite Turnovers: "It's a Week-to-Week Decision"
"We just need to improve our ability to protect the ball. Spencer had a tough game with the turnovers, but he's played well overall. This is a week-to-week decision, and we’ll continue to evaluate both Spencer and Tyler as the season goes on." — Kellen Moore, Head Coach, New Orleans Saints
Despite the New Orleans Saints’ 1-6 record this season and a tough loss to the Chicago Bears where Spencer Rattler threw four interceptions, head coach Kellen Moore has made it clear: there will be no immediate changes at quarterback. Rattler, who earned the starting role after a fierce competition in the offseason, has had his share of ups and downs, but
Moore is standing by his decision to stick with the young quarterback.
In an interview following the loss to the Bears, Moore emphasized the importance of protecting the ball, which has been a major issue for the team.
"We just need to improve our ability to protect the ball," Moore said. "Spencer had a tough game with the turnovers, but he's played well overall. This is a week-to-week decision, and we’ll continue to evaluate both Spencer and Tyler as the season goes on."
The Saints have struggled this season, and while Rattler
's performance has been inconsistent, he’s had strong moments that keep him in the conversation. Prior to the Week 7 loss, Rattler had shown glimpses of his potential with a couple of standout performances. But with his recent turnovers, especially against the
Bears, the question of whether Tyler Shough, the Saints’ highly drafted quarterback, might take over has begun to surface.
Moore has emphasized that it’s a "week-to-week" decision
, keeping the door open for changes as the season progresses. This comment leaves Rattler's position far from secure, especially with Shough waiting in the wings. However, Moore made it clear that this isn’t about one bad game but rather a process of continual evaluation, which will likely take place as the season moves forward.
Despite the mounting pressure, Rattler's youth and potential have kept him in the starting role, with Moore looking to him to grow from his mistakes. The head coach’s focus now is on improving the
Saints’ overall ball security and giving both quarterbacks the opportunity to prove themselves.
For now, it seems Rattler will continue to start, with Shough waiting for his chance to step up. The
Saints' situation at quarterback will remain fluid, and as Moore pointed out, this is a decision that will be revisited on a week-to-week basis.
Raiders’ Latest Debacle Ranked Among Worst Since Move to Las Vegas
Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Monday the bye week will be spent working injured players back into the lineup and analyzing what has gone wrong for a team that had tried to foster a culture of expectations.
They will do it on the heels of one of the most embarrassing losses in franchise history, when they failed to gain 100 yards in a 31-0 beatdown in Kansas City on Sunday that could have been a lot worse.
One issue was the offense was missing its top two pass catchers in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (knee, toe) and tight end Brock Bowers (knee).
Carroll hopes both will be back when the Raiders host the Jaguars on Nov. 2, along with star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who left Sunday’s game with knee and back injuries.
“Brock should be ready to go,” Carroll said of Bowers, who has missed three games. “Jakobi was close (after working out pregame). He should be ready to go. Gives us a chance to get Maxx, too.”
