The fifth round. The somewhat late point of the draft. I consider it the forgotten round. It isn't considered very low where the players thank the gods they got drafted, but it isn't high enough for the players to be cocky. Before we get to the 3 prospects, let's see some of the notable Indianapolis Colts to come out of the fifth round.
Golden Tate/RB/1984: To be honest, I don't know anything about him. He was a fifth round pick in 1984, but I can't find anything else on him. But what I do know is that his namesake plays for Notre Dame. Hey dad, have your son study the playbook a bit more.
Brad Scioli/DE/1999: Scioli wasn't very good, but his name sounded like Ravioli, so I think that's why he stayed around for so long.
Robert Mathis/DE/2003: Mathis is a great pass rusher. Pass rushers always seem to fall. How often do you here about the great pass rushers getting drafted in the top 10?
Jake Scott/OG/2004: Scott may have played his last game for the Colts against the Bolts. He's a free agent and may not be back.
Tyjuan Hagler/LB/2005: Hagler was a no-name special teamer at the beginning of the year. Now he's a starting linebacker on one of the top defenses in the league. Funny how a few injuries can make a career.
Roy Hall/WR/2007: Does the name ring a bell? No? Well, it will in a few years. This guy is for real. The Colts offensive machine will continue for a long time with Anthony Gonzalez and Roy Hall.
So that leads us to 2008. Where will the Colts go? Here are the 3 guys the Colts should look out for. The Colts have already touched on running back, guard, and linebacker.
Bobbie Williams/S/Bethune-Cookman: The Colts have had some success with small schools defensive backs (Antoine Bethea ring a bell?), and Williams is a ball hawker. The Colts have some good young corners, but they need another safety.
Johnny Dingle/DE/West Virginia: Dingle could definitely succeed in a pass rushing situation, where the Colts definitely need help.
Joey Haynos/TE/Maryland: Haynos is a giant! 6-8!?!? That's amazing. However, he isn't a blocker. He had 67 receptions combined the past two years.
The Colts have to go with Dingle here. However, like the Colts' Craphonso Thorpe and Kosuke Fukudome of the Cubs, stink it up, and you have a bad nickname forever. No one wants to be called Dingleberry, no matter how immature and funny it is.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Who Said A Little Depth Would Hurt?
Round 4 now. The Colts have been getting some quality players in the later rounds. Kevin Smith and Adam Kraus would make the offense all the more potent. However, they still need depth at some defensive positions, which will be the main target on the second day. Here are the top 5 prospects for the Colts to get in the fourth round.
Greyson Gunheim/DE/Washington: This is Greyson's second appearance. He is projected as a 4th rounder, so he could be the Colts' pick right here. He is a speedy defensive end who plays like Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.
Bryan Smith/LB/McNeese State: I guess you could question the level of competition, but the 40 doesn't lie. He is an extremely fast linebacker, and he is pretty good in the pass rush, which may be good if Freeney doesn't regain his form.
DJ Parker/S/Virginia Tech: Parker is an undersized safety who is very strong. Who does that remind you of? Coming from Virginia Tech, he is very fast and could help on special teams.
Zach Bowman/CB/Nebraska: Bowman is coming off of back-to-back serious knee injuries. His draft stock has plummeted due to this. However, he is insanely talented and may have been a star if he didn't get injured. The Colts may want to take a chance on him and see if he can pull and Antonio Cromartie.
Louis Holmes/DE/Arizona: Another defensive end. Holmes has all the talent in the world. He just can't put it together. The Colts may want to give him a chance. He could be great with his combination of size and speed.
The Colts here should take Bryan Smith. Smith is reminiscent of a Tampa 2 linebacker. He is fast and can get to the ball. The Colts need some depth at linebacker. He could be a valuable asset if there would be another trend of injuries like the Colts had at linebacker this year.
Greyson Gunheim/DE/Washington: This is Greyson's second appearance. He is projected as a 4th rounder, so he could be the Colts' pick right here. He is a speedy defensive end who plays like Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.
Bryan Smith/LB/McNeese State: I guess you could question the level of competition, but the 40 doesn't lie. He is an extremely fast linebacker, and he is pretty good in the pass rush, which may be good if Freeney doesn't regain his form.
DJ Parker/S/Virginia Tech: Parker is an undersized safety who is very strong. Who does that remind you of? Coming from Virginia Tech, he is very fast and could help on special teams.
Zach Bowman/CB/Nebraska: Bowman is coming off of back-to-back serious knee injuries. His draft stock has plummeted due to this. However, he is insanely talented and may have been a star if he didn't get injured. The Colts may want to take a chance on him and see if he can pull and Antonio Cromartie.
Louis Holmes/DE/Arizona: Another defensive end. Holmes has all the talent in the world. He just can't put it together. The Colts may want to give him a chance. He could be great with his combination of size and speed.
The Colts here should take Bryan Smith. Smith is reminiscent of a Tampa 2 linebacker. He is fast and can get to the ball. The Colts need some depth at linebacker. He could be a valuable asset if there would be another trend of injuries like the Colts had at linebacker this year.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Draft Clock Is Ticking (Round 3)
The Colts really don't have very many needs. They have one of the greatest QBs in NFL history. They have a Pro Bowl running back. They have two future Hall of Fame receivers not to mention a fantastic slot receiver coming off of his rookie year. The offensive line is very good when healthy. Dallas Clark is a great tight end. The defensive line has improved in the run game. The linebackers are great. The secondary is the best in the league. However, it never hurts to get more depth. In the third round, there are some prospects that really stand out. Here are my top 3.
Ben Moffitt/LB/South Florida: Moffitt is insanely fast. Don't pay attention to his 40 time (4.68), he plays as fast as any first round prospect at linebacker. His amazing performance against West Virginia really stood out. The problem with him is apparently he is an idiot. His wife (!?) came out and said she was allegedly doing his work. The Colts don't need someone who is illiterate.
Greyson Gunheim/DE/Washington: First, props to Greyson's parents for giving him the coolest name ever. Second, Gunheim is very fast. Josh Thomas is a good defensive end, but he's slower than a fat guy on a segway. The Colts need a third down specialist. I do think that they should try to get Mark Anderson in a trade with the Bears, maybe using this pick. Anderson is phenominal and would make this defensive line much better in the pass rush.
Adam Kraus/OG/Michigan: Kraus is a very, very underrated guard for Michigan who could also play center in the pros. The Michigan offensive line was one of the best, if not the best, in the nation this year. The Colts need a backup guard, and Kraus could fill that role easily.
My pick here would be Adam Kraus. Remember that I had the Colts taking Kevin Smith in the second round. Kraus should be able to replace Ryan Lilja/Jake Scott next year or be able to wait behind Dylan Gandy. Either way the Colts need a new interior lineman. Kraus should be a star in the future.
Ben Moffitt/LB/South Florida: Moffitt is insanely fast. Don't pay attention to his 40 time (4.68), he plays as fast as any first round prospect at linebacker. His amazing performance against West Virginia really stood out. The problem with him is apparently he is an idiot. His wife (!?) came out and said she was allegedly doing his work. The Colts don't need someone who is illiterate.
Greyson Gunheim/DE/Washington: First, props to Greyson's parents for giving him the coolest name ever. Second, Gunheim is very fast. Josh Thomas is a good defensive end, but he's slower than a fat guy on a segway. The Colts need a third down specialist. I do think that they should try to get Mark Anderson in a trade with the Bears, maybe using this pick. Anderson is phenominal and would make this defensive line much better in the pass rush.
Adam Kraus/OG/Michigan: Kraus is a very, very underrated guard for Michigan who could also play center in the pros. The Michigan offensive line was one of the best, if not the best, in the nation this year. The Colts need a backup guard, and Kraus could fill that role easily.
My pick here would be Adam Kraus. Remember that I had the Colts taking Kevin Smith in the second round. Kraus should be able to replace Ryan Lilja/Jake Scott next year or be able to wait behind Dylan Gandy. Either way the Colts need a new interior lineman. Kraus should be a star in the future.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Draft Time...In 3 Months (Rd. Two)
Well, the Colts aren't in the playoffs. That means we get to enjoy Phillip Rivers, Igor Olshansky, Shawne Merriman, and Rodney Harrison interviews. Here's to those hoping a massive case of laryngitis sweeps through the Chargers locker room. But enough about them, let's get to the point of the blog.
It's draft time, baby! Yeah. I love the Draft. 12 months of prognosticating all comes down to this. We get to see Ted Ginn being taken number 9 and then look around at everyone with a classic 'WTF' look on their faces. The draft is all fun and games before a stupid GM takes a kick returner over your favorite player. But I digress.
The Colts do have some problems that they need to fix. They may lose some people this offseason and need replacements. Here is my 2 cents (but in my case, 2 marks) on what the Colts should do with their 6 current picks.
2nd round
The Colts traded their 1st round draft pick for this year for Tony Ugoh. That was a good deal. Ugoh could end up being a star. However, that means we have to wait through 60 picks before the Colts will end up taking someone barring a draft day trade. Here are the 5 players who are projected around the late 2nd round that I think the Colts should take. For projections and stats, I use WalterFootball.com, my personal favorite draft site.
Anthony Collins/OT/Kansas: I bet most of you are surprised I would pick an offensive lineman, especially a tackle. Let me explain. Either Ryan Lilja or Jake Scott will be gone next year. I guarantee it. Collins is a big guy who could play guard for the Colts. He is pretty mobile with a 4.98 40 time, so I think he would have no problem adjusting to a zone blocking scheme.
Kevin Smith/RB/UCF: Addai slowed down big time at the end of the year. I think he needs someone more reliable than Kenton Keith (catch the ball!) in the running game behind him. Smith dominated in college football last year and should have won the Heisman. I think he will be a fantastic pro, and if he falls down here, he should be snatched up as quickly as possible.
Titus Brown/DE/Mississippi State: If Freeney or Mathis is to get injured again, they need a defensive end that can get to the quarterback. Brown plays a lot like Freeney and Mathis using speed over size. I like him a lot.
John Carlson/TE/Notre Dame: All of the Colts' tight ends are free agents this year, so drafting another wouldn't be a bad choice. I also don't think Hunter Smith and Rocky Boiman are cutting it as Domers. I need some more to feel whole.
Erin Henderson/OLB/Maryland: Henderson is big, but he is also very fast. He runs a 4.58 40 time, yet he is 6-3. If Rob Morris does not come back, he should be a good backup for Freddie Keiaho. Also, Craphonso Thorpe needs some competition for the prized "Dumbest Name Ever" contest. Did his parents think he was a girl. It's A-A-R-O-N if you are a guy. C'mon now, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. That's a mental slip-up.
So let's say all of these people are there at the 61st pick. If I could choose one of them, I would go with Kevin Smith. Smith is my boy. He is one of my favorite players, mostly for the fact that he is underrated and I feel the need to rate him. I think he could be a valuable asset for the Colts to give Addai a break and transition into a two-back system. I think Addai is great, but a 2 back system is better for a team to win. Look at the 2004 Patriots, 2005 Steelers, and the Colts of last year. Smith would be a great pick.
Rounds 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 should be coming soon.
It's draft time, baby! Yeah. I love the Draft. 12 months of prognosticating all comes down to this. We get to see Ted Ginn being taken number 9 and then look around at everyone with a classic 'WTF' look on their faces. The draft is all fun and games before a stupid GM takes a kick returner over your favorite player. But I digress.
The Colts do have some problems that they need to fix. They may lose some people this offseason and need replacements. Here is my 2 cents (but in my case, 2 marks) on what the Colts should do with their 6 current picks.
2nd round
The Colts traded their 1st round draft pick for this year for Tony Ugoh. That was a good deal. Ugoh could end up being a star. However, that means we have to wait through 60 picks before the Colts will end up taking someone barring a draft day trade. Here are the 5 players who are projected around the late 2nd round that I think the Colts should take. For projections and stats, I use WalterFootball.com, my personal favorite draft site.
Anthony Collins/OT/Kansas: I bet most of you are surprised I would pick an offensive lineman, especially a tackle. Let me explain. Either Ryan Lilja or Jake Scott will be gone next year. I guarantee it. Collins is a big guy who could play guard for the Colts. He is pretty mobile with a 4.98 40 time, so I think he would have no problem adjusting to a zone blocking scheme.
Kevin Smith/RB/UCF: Addai slowed down big time at the end of the year. I think he needs someone more reliable than Kenton Keith (catch the ball!) in the running game behind him. Smith dominated in college football last year and should have won the Heisman. I think he will be a fantastic pro, and if he falls down here, he should be snatched up as quickly as possible.
Titus Brown/DE/Mississippi State: If Freeney or Mathis is to get injured again, they need a defensive end that can get to the quarterback. Brown plays a lot like Freeney and Mathis using speed over size. I like him a lot.
John Carlson/TE/Notre Dame: All of the Colts' tight ends are free agents this year, so drafting another wouldn't be a bad choice. I also don't think Hunter Smith and Rocky Boiman are cutting it as Domers. I need some more to feel whole.
Erin Henderson/OLB/Maryland: Henderson is big, but he is also very fast. He runs a 4.58 40 time, yet he is 6-3. If Rob Morris does not come back, he should be a good backup for Freddie Keiaho. Also, Craphonso Thorpe needs some competition for the prized "Dumbest Name Ever" contest. Did his parents think he was a girl. It's A-A-R-O-N if you are a guy. C'mon now, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson. That's a mental slip-up.
So let's say all of these people are there at the 61st pick. If I could choose one of them, I would go with Kevin Smith. Smith is my boy. He is one of my favorite players, mostly for the fact that he is underrated and I feel the need to rate him. I think he could be a valuable asset for the Colts to give Addai a break and transition into a two-back system. I think Addai is great, but a 2 back system is better for a team to win. Look at the 2004 Patriots, 2005 Steelers, and the Colts of last year. Smith would be a great pick.
Rounds 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 should be coming soon.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Booing Or Beating: Which One's Worse?
Those classless Colts fans struck again. First they pump in sound to the stadium. Wait, I'm sorry. We used our black magic to mess with the CBS broadcast. We are so evil do it with every other broadcast on CBS. Don't forget we turned up the heat in the RCA Dome for the AFC Championship Game, which forced Tom Brady to throw that late interception. Now, we are booing 14 year old girls for wearing an opposing teams' jersey. Aren't we the worst?
Anna Grant, a 14-year-old girl from New Hampshire, won the Punt, Pass, and Kick contest and was being honored at the Colts game. When they got to calling her name, the Colts fans booed. She was so scarred by this that she started laughing. I am just shocked. Booing a rival's fan? That's crazy. I've never heard of that before. Colts fans should be ashamed. Booing is a mortal sin! The Patriots, of course, are perfect and would never do something like that.
They just cheap shot (props for Stampede Blue for referencing readers to this) opposing team's fans and relatives after the game.
Brian Wormstead, his friend, and his cousins (who are Jaguars fans) were leaving the Patriots-Jags game when they were approached by drunk Patriots fans. The fans were being annoying, or as I say, Patriot fans, and were told to make like a banana and split (pwnage). They then proceeded to beat the living daylight out of the fans.
Anna Grant is going to remember the intense booing by getting to flip the coin to start the game. Wormstead and his friends will remember this with their cuts and bruises.
So let me get this straight. Colts fans are terrible people for a friendly booing, and the Patriots fans who assaulted a woman get no mention in the media. That seems fair. Patriots fans seem certain that the Colts are classless for booing someone. In 2006, I went to the Georgia Tech-Notre Dame game in Atlanta, and my sister (10) and I were booed. Where's my story? Why aren't I flipping the coin for Notre Dame? I didn't care. I laughed. It was funny.
What did she expect going into a rival's stadium wearing a rival's shirt? A standing ovation and for us to bow down to her? No way, Jose. That's not how it works. It's booing, get over it. It didn't hurt anyone. She was fine.
The Patriots and Jaguars fans who were assaulted have gotten zilch. This is crazy. This happened on Patriots' property in a Gillette Stadium parking lot. How does booing become front page news on ESPN.com, while this is buried in the Boston Herald. Doesn't make any sense to me.
Speaking of classless
Here is video footage of a giant taunting from the Patriots. Peter Griffin is behind it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q92uRlCpmk
This episode sucked. This was easily the funniest moment in it. I was watching this, and suddenly this becomes a musical. I had to check the TV Guide on my TV to see if I was watching Family Guy. Here's what I noticed.
~The refs have an endless amount flags. That's awesome.
~I like how all of the players besides Brady were dancing, but then when they get back to the locker room, they are all mad at Peter.
~Why is there a marching band? Do the Pats have a band? Why are there bands in the NFL?
~Where are the names on the back of the jersey?
~Peter is a pretty good singer for not being able to speak coherently.
~What is Shipoopi?
That's my blog. Remember fans. Don't boo. Assaulting is all right. Booing is crossed the line.
Anna Grant, a 14-year-old girl from New Hampshire, won the Punt, Pass, and Kick contest and was being honored at the Colts game. When they got to calling her name, the Colts fans booed. She was so scarred by this that she started laughing. I am just shocked. Booing a rival's fan? That's crazy. I've never heard of that before. Colts fans should be ashamed. Booing is a mortal sin! The Patriots, of course, are perfect and would never do something like that.
They just cheap shot (props for Stampede Blue for referencing readers to this) opposing team's fans and relatives after the game.
Brian Wormstead, his friend, and his cousins (who are Jaguars fans) were leaving the Patriots-Jags game when they were approached by drunk Patriots fans. The fans were being annoying, or as I say, Patriot fans, and were told to make like a banana and split (pwnage). They then proceeded to beat the living daylight out of the fans.
Anna Grant is going to remember the intense booing by getting to flip the coin to start the game. Wormstead and his friends will remember this with their cuts and bruises.
So let me get this straight. Colts fans are terrible people for a friendly booing, and the Patriots fans who assaulted a woman get no mention in the media. That seems fair. Patriots fans seem certain that the Colts are classless for booing someone. In 2006, I went to the Georgia Tech-Notre Dame game in Atlanta, and my sister (10) and I were booed. Where's my story? Why aren't I flipping the coin for Notre Dame? I didn't care. I laughed. It was funny.
What did she expect going into a rival's stadium wearing a rival's shirt? A standing ovation and for us to bow down to her? No way, Jose. That's not how it works. It's booing, get over it. It didn't hurt anyone. She was fine.
The Patriots and Jaguars fans who were assaulted have gotten zilch. This is crazy. This happened on Patriots' property in a Gillette Stadium parking lot. How does booing become front page news on ESPN.com, while this is buried in the Boston Herald. Doesn't make any sense to me.
Speaking of classless
Here is video footage of a giant taunting from the Patriots. Peter Griffin is behind it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q92uRlCpmk
This episode sucked. This was easily the funniest moment in it. I was watching this, and suddenly this becomes a musical. I had to check the TV Guide on my TV to see if I was watching Family Guy. Here's what I noticed.
~The refs have an endless amount flags. That's awesome.
~I like how all of the players besides Brady were dancing, but then when they get back to the locker room, they are all mad at Peter.
~Why is there a marching band? Do the Pats have a band? Why are there bands in the NFL?
~Where are the names on the back of the jersey?
~Peter is a pretty good singer for not being able to speak coherently.
~What is Shipoopi?
That's my blog. Remember fans. Don't boo. Assaulting is all right. Booing is crossed the line.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Should They Stay or Should They Go?
It's the offseason now. Man. Offseason time. Well, I guess it is time to talk about free agents. The Colts have 15 contracts that are out. They need to get to work on signing some of them and ditching the rest. Here is are the players they SHOULD (notice I said should, not can) keep and who they shouldn't. These are in order by importance for the ones who should be resigned. The ones who are leaving are in order by how quickly they should be cut.
Keep the Jersey
Dallas Clark, TE: Clark has to stay. I don't care how they do it. Clark needs to be in Indy next year. He is one of Peyton's favorite targets. He will probably get the franchise tag and get a long term contract in 2009 when they get more cap room.
Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott, OG: To be honest, I don't care which one they keep. They just have to keep one of them. The Colts have pretty good depth on the offensive line, and I'm sure they could dig up another player to play guard effectively. They are interchangeable. To be honest, I could not tell them apart. They are just the offensive guards. Just keep one, and let the other walk.
Ed Johnson, DT: Ed Johnson got a one year contract for being an undrafted free agent. I guess 31 teams are bummed they didn't pick up this guy at one point in the draft. Legal problems smeagol problems (hehe Smeagol), he is awesome. He got into a little trouble at Penn State, but I don't think that is out of the ordinary for students there. The 80 year old head coach was in trouble for road rage! He should have been taken much higher than he was. The Colts could get him for pretty cheap due to his inexperience.
Darrell Reid, DT/ST: Darrell Reid deserves to be resigned just for that hit against Tennessee. Chris Henry is probably still dazed. However, Reid was a bright spot on a horrendous special teams unit. He was always the first one down the field, and he's a defensive tackle. He isn't needed on defense, but he is a Pro Bowl-caliber player on special teams.
Bryan Fletcher, TE: Fletcher is a very good H-back who never gets to play due to Utecht. He was phenominal in the first Chargers game, but he couldn't see the field again. I don't know why. He's a good player. The Colts should resign him.
Matt Giordano, SS: Bob Sanders is great, but he has had an injury problem. Giordano nailed Bo Scaife and LACERATED HIS LIVER! He lacerated a liver. Talk about a hard hitter. He had an interception return against New Orleans early in the year. I want him to come back, but he could be a star for another team.
Rocky Boiman, OLB: Rocky Boiman is a very capable linebacker who fits in well with the Tampa 2. He could be resigned for cheap--Under $1 million--and he would be great for rotating in with Tyjuan Hagler.
Dylan Gandy, C/G: Dylan Gandy has been Jeff Saturday's backup for a few years now, but he is ready to be a starter at guard. He will replace Jake Scott or Ryan Lilja.
Clean out your locker, son. You're out of year
Aaron Moorehead, WR: Please, Moorehead. Just leave. You're terrible. If you do come back, you will be behind Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Roy Hall, Devin Aromashodu, and a new wide receiver I will address later in the blog. Buh-bye, Aaron.
Dan Klecko, DT: Sorry, Kleck. You were a star in 2006 when you came in as a fullback in goal line situations. But now, you have been replaced on offense by Luke Lawton and on defense by numerous new defensive tackles. Adios, Klecko.
Craphonso Thorpe, WR: See Moorehead. He is only ranked higher because he is a good returner, but that's why the Colts have TJ Rushing, who was great at the end of the year. So long, Crap-honso.
Ben Utecht, TE: I can't wait for the sucker team that picks up Utecht. I bet he will get a giant contract due to his fairly good season, but any Colts fan knows that he drops way too many catches, and when he does catch them, he fumbles. See ya later, alligator.
Josh Thomas, DE: Thomas stepped up fairly well when Freeney went down. However, the Colts will get Freeney back next year along with hopefully a more matured Keyunta Dawson and Jeff Charleston. Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya, Josh.
In Other News!!!
~You know that new wide receiver I was talking about? His name is Courtney Roby. Roby was a former receiver for the Tennessee Titans who didn't play in the 2007 season. The Titans are normally taking players from the Colts (e.g. Nick Harper, David Thorton, Corey Simon, Gilbert Gardner, Ben Hartsock), but now the Colts are picking up some old Titans. Courtney Roby, who played at North Central High School in Indianapolis and IU, may make the roster for the Colts come training camp time. The Colts also picked up linebacker Kyle Shotwell, defensive end JJ Milan, tight end Zac Herold and offensive linemen Tala Esera.
~Bob Kravitz, a columnist for the Indianapolis Star, wrote an article that said that Dungy should leave on his terms. Great, the problem is that he talked about he disappointed he was with only one championship. To be honest, I wanted more championships. The Colts could have won more championships, but they won one. Since 1984 (the Colts' first year in Indy), these are the teams that haven't won the Super Bowl-Jets, Dolphins, Bills, Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Bengals, Browns, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Vikings, Lions, Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Cardinals, and Seahawks. I'll take one Super Bowl and some disappointing postseasons over being any of those teams. I don't know about you, but being the Braves of the NFL is better than being the Cubs of the NFL.
~The Colts are in trouble with the media. At halftime, the hometown fans booed a 14 year old girl who won a punt, pass, and kick contest. She was from New Hampshire and was wearing a Patriots jersey. Okay, there are two types of booing. There is agressive and non-agressive booing. Booing does not have to be in bad taste. I'm sure they didn't hate her or want ill on her. It was all in good fun. Ease up. Stop trying to find flaws in a classy organization.
~Tyjuan Hagler was resigned today. 1.417 million dollars for one year. That's a pretty good deal on both ends. We get to keep a starter for very cheap, and he gets a pay raise. Everyone is happy.
~The Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach Jim Caldwell have interviewed for the Redskins job. I'll consider that the Rooney Rule technique. Gregggggggggggggggg Williams will get the job fairly soon.
Keep the Jersey
Dallas Clark, TE: Clark has to stay. I don't care how they do it. Clark needs to be in Indy next year. He is one of Peyton's favorite targets. He will probably get the franchise tag and get a long term contract in 2009 when they get more cap room.
Ryan Lilja and Jake Scott, OG: To be honest, I don't care which one they keep. They just have to keep one of them. The Colts have pretty good depth on the offensive line, and I'm sure they could dig up another player to play guard effectively. They are interchangeable. To be honest, I could not tell them apart. They are just the offensive guards. Just keep one, and let the other walk.
Ed Johnson, DT: Ed Johnson got a one year contract for being an undrafted free agent. I guess 31 teams are bummed they didn't pick up this guy at one point in the draft. Legal problems smeagol problems (hehe Smeagol), he is awesome. He got into a little trouble at Penn State, but I don't think that is out of the ordinary for students there. The 80 year old head coach was in trouble for road rage! He should have been taken much higher than he was. The Colts could get him for pretty cheap due to his inexperience.
Darrell Reid, DT/ST: Darrell Reid deserves to be resigned just for that hit against Tennessee. Chris Henry is probably still dazed. However, Reid was a bright spot on a horrendous special teams unit. He was always the first one down the field, and he's a defensive tackle. He isn't needed on defense, but he is a Pro Bowl-caliber player on special teams.
Bryan Fletcher, TE: Fletcher is a very good H-back who never gets to play due to Utecht. He was phenominal in the first Chargers game, but he couldn't see the field again. I don't know why. He's a good player. The Colts should resign him.
Matt Giordano, SS: Bob Sanders is great, but he has had an injury problem. Giordano nailed Bo Scaife and LACERATED HIS LIVER! He lacerated a liver. Talk about a hard hitter. He had an interception return against New Orleans early in the year. I want him to come back, but he could be a star for another team.
Rocky Boiman, OLB: Rocky Boiman is a very capable linebacker who fits in well with the Tampa 2. He could be resigned for cheap--Under $1 million--and he would be great for rotating in with Tyjuan Hagler.
Dylan Gandy, C/G: Dylan Gandy has been Jeff Saturday's backup for a few years now, but he is ready to be a starter at guard. He will replace Jake Scott or Ryan Lilja.
Clean out your locker, son. You're out of year
Aaron Moorehead, WR: Please, Moorehead. Just leave. You're terrible. If you do come back, you will be behind Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Roy Hall, Devin Aromashodu, and a new wide receiver I will address later in the blog. Buh-bye, Aaron.
Dan Klecko, DT: Sorry, Kleck. You were a star in 2006 when you came in as a fullback in goal line situations. But now, you have been replaced on offense by Luke Lawton and on defense by numerous new defensive tackles. Adios, Klecko.
Craphonso Thorpe, WR: See Moorehead. He is only ranked higher because he is a good returner, but that's why the Colts have TJ Rushing, who was great at the end of the year. So long, Crap-honso.
Ben Utecht, TE: I can't wait for the sucker team that picks up Utecht. I bet he will get a giant contract due to his fairly good season, but any Colts fan knows that he drops way too many catches, and when he does catch them, he fumbles. See ya later, alligator.
Josh Thomas, DE: Thomas stepped up fairly well when Freeney went down. However, the Colts will get Freeney back next year along with hopefully a more matured Keyunta Dawson and Jeff Charleston. Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya, Josh.
In Other News!!!
~You know that new wide receiver I was talking about? His name is Courtney Roby. Roby was a former receiver for the Tennessee Titans who didn't play in the 2007 season. The Titans are normally taking players from the Colts (e.g. Nick Harper, David Thorton, Corey Simon, Gilbert Gardner, Ben Hartsock), but now the Colts are picking up some old Titans. Courtney Roby, who played at North Central High School in Indianapolis and IU, may make the roster for the Colts come training camp time. The Colts also picked up linebacker Kyle Shotwell, defensive end JJ Milan, tight end Zac Herold and offensive linemen Tala Esera.
~Bob Kravitz, a columnist for the Indianapolis Star, wrote an article that said that Dungy should leave on his terms. Great, the problem is that he talked about he disappointed he was with only one championship. To be honest, I wanted more championships. The Colts could have won more championships, but they won one. Since 1984 (the Colts' first year in Indy), these are the teams that haven't won the Super Bowl-Jets, Dolphins, Bills, Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Bengals, Browns, Chargers, Chiefs, Eagles, Vikings, Lions, Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Cardinals, and Seahawks. I'll take one Super Bowl and some disappointing postseasons over being any of those teams. I don't know about you, but being the Braves of the NFL is better than being the Cubs of the NFL.
~The Colts are in trouble with the media. At halftime, the hometown fans booed a 14 year old girl who won a punt, pass, and kick contest. She was from New Hampshire and was wearing a Patriots jersey. Okay, there are two types of booing. There is agressive and non-agressive booing. Booing does not have to be in bad taste. I'm sure they didn't hate her or want ill on her. It was all in good fun. Ease up. Stop trying to find flaws in a classy organization.
~Tyjuan Hagler was resigned today. 1.417 million dollars for one year. That's a pretty good deal on both ends. We get to keep a starter for very cheap, and he gets a pay raise. Everyone is happy.
~The Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach Jim Caldwell have interviewed for the Redskins job. I'll consider that the Rooney Rule technique. Gregggggggggggggggg Williams will get the job fairly soon.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Hey...I've Seen This Before!
C'mon Colts. I mean, I know you were having trouble following up the Super Bowl win, but don't recycle material. The Colts losing in the playoffs? Seen it. One and done seems to be a growing trend for the Colts. Sometimes the breaks are bad, but this time, it was the other team who had the injury problem. LaDanian Tomlinson went down with a knee injury. Phillip Rivers was hurt due to, well, sucking. He wasn't even touched, and it's FieldTurf. Of course, this injury is a benefit. Phillip Rivers is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league. We know that Antonio Gates was hurt, and Lorenzo Neal missed the game. The Colts had everyone not on injured reserve in this game. It is amazing that they lost to such an undermanned team. It shows motivation. Last year, the Colts had no motivation. They were just a normal team. Guess what. They won it all. In 2005, they could have played for the Dungy family. They lost to a Steelers team that was just not as talented. The Colts don't respond well to motivation. I know it's weird, but it's true. Next year, the Colts can hope for NOTHING. They don't need any trouble with the coaches. They don't need high expectations. They need NOTHING. However, there are more outrageous reasons why the Colts lost. Little patterns I have noticed that are a coincidence.
The Year After
Last year, the Colts were coming off of a disappointing year where they were the number one seed in the AFC. They won it all the next year. Eh. That's just once. Or is it. When the Colts lost even when they had home field advantage, the Steelers beat them on their amazing run to the Super Bowl. The year before, they went 15-1 in Ben Roethlisberger's first year. This is a trend that has been going on for a while. The Patriots had the best record in the AFC in 2003, and they won the championship in 2004. However, the Patriots did win the championship in 2003, which is a snag in the pattern. In recent history, this seems to be more than a coincidence. The Chargers were 14-2 last year, and maybe they are on a mission. If the Chargers would somehow win it all, this would have to be mentioned in the main stream media. 4 times in 5 years? That would be too much to ignore.
Football Gods
I don't know who the football gods are, but they must have decided that one was enough for the Colts. I know every team has injuries and blah, blah, blah, but the Colts were without Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez, Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, Tony Ugoh, Ryan Diem, Robert Mathis, Raheem Brock, Dwight Freeney, Rob Morris, Tyjuan Hagler, Freddie Keiaho, Antoine Bethea, Tim Jennings, Dante Hughes, and Bob Sanders at some point in the year. I would like to see the Patriots win a game without Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Ben Watson, Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour, Michael Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, and Vince Wilfork for a road game. That's what the Colts had to deal with against the Chargers. Sure, it didn't mean anything in the playoffs, but what about momentum. You can't continue to build momentum when everyone is missing games. This showed in the playoffs. The Chargers did not have very many injuries until the playoffs. They had the momentum. The football gods decided that the regular season wasn't enough. They needed for Joseph Addai, Kenton Keith, Jake Scott, Reggie Wayne, and Bob Sanders to get banged up. The football gods show no mercy.
DO NOT REST THE STARTERS!
This may not be a reason why they lost, but it is a reason why they didn't win. Let me elaborate. The Giants and Chargers are not the best teams in the league, but they are on a roll and in their conference championships. You know why. They played their starters. Eli Manning is on fire, and the Chargers defense is unstoppable. They didn't rest their starters. This is a simple reason why the Chargers dominated the Colts yesterday.
I have nothing left to say but, Super Bowl XLIII here we come!
The Year After
Last year, the Colts were coming off of a disappointing year where they were the number one seed in the AFC. They won it all the next year. Eh. That's just once. Or is it. When the Colts lost even when they had home field advantage, the Steelers beat them on their amazing run to the Super Bowl. The year before, they went 15-1 in Ben Roethlisberger's first year. This is a trend that has been going on for a while. The Patriots had the best record in the AFC in 2003, and they won the championship in 2004. However, the Patriots did win the championship in 2003, which is a snag in the pattern. In recent history, this seems to be more than a coincidence. The Chargers were 14-2 last year, and maybe they are on a mission. If the Chargers would somehow win it all, this would have to be mentioned in the main stream media. 4 times in 5 years? That would be too much to ignore.
Football Gods
I don't know who the football gods are, but they must have decided that one was enough for the Colts. I know every team has injuries and blah, blah, blah, but the Colts were without Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez, Joseph Addai, Dallas Clark, Tony Ugoh, Ryan Diem, Robert Mathis, Raheem Brock, Dwight Freeney, Rob Morris, Tyjuan Hagler, Freddie Keiaho, Antoine Bethea, Tim Jennings, Dante Hughes, and Bob Sanders at some point in the year. I would like to see the Patriots win a game without Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Ben Watson, Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Richard Seymour, Michael Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, and Vince Wilfork for a road game. That's what the Colts had to deal with against the Chargers. Sure, it didn't mean anything in the playoffs, but what about momentum. You can't continue to build momentum when everyone is missing games. This showed in the playoffs. The Chargers did not have very many injuries until the playoffs. They had the momentum. The football gods decided that the regular season wasn't enough. They needed for Joseph Addai, Kenton Keith, Jake Scott, Reggie Wayne, and Bob Sanders to get banged up. The football gods show no mercy.
DO NOT REST THE STARTERS!
This may not be a reason why they lost, but it is a reason why they didn't win. Let me elaborate. The Giants and Chargers are not the best teams in the league, but they are on a roll and in their conference championships. You know why. They played their starters. Eli Manning is on fire, and the Chargers defense is unstoppable. They didn't rest their starters. This is a simple reason why the Chargers dominated the Colts yesterday.
I have nothing left to say but, Super Bowl XLIII here we come!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
And He's the Defensive Player of the Year
Bob Sanders can do it all. He can play the run, he can play the pass, and he can beat the Flash and Superman in a footrace. Here is a montage of the ten best Bob Sanders facts circulating on the internet right now. Note that these are all 100% true. Everything said is true*
10. 70% of the Earth is covered by water. The rest is covered by Bob Sanders.
9. They once made a Bob Sanders edition of Clue, but they stopped selling it because the result was always the same. Bob Sanders in the secondary with a spear tackle.
8. Death once had a "Near Bob Sanders Experience".
7. Bob Sanders tackled the inner-city violence problem...for a four yard loss.
6. Bob Sanders' dreads are pound for pound the hardest and most durable substance on Earth, making him the only player in the NFL to wear a helmet for the other team's protection.
5. Bob Sanders let Tom Brady live because Bob doesn't kill women.
4. Bob Sanders knows the ending to the Sopranos, but he won't give away the ending. He did mention that Tony wouldn't be seen wearing a Patriots hat anytime soon.
3. When you rearrange the letters in Bob Sanders name, you find what he told Tony Dungy separates themselves from the rest of the league. "Badness Bro!"
2. Bob Sanders like his ice the same way he likes his New England Patriots: crushed.
1. Bob Sanders invented black. In fact, he invented the entire color spectrum of invisible light. Except pink. Tom Brady invented pink.
I know. You all are probably to busy "LOLing" to continue reading, but there is actual news to get to.
~Ben Utecht is questionable with a shoulder injury and T.J. Rushing is probable with an illness. Utecht needs to play. An H-back like him makes a huge difference in the passing game. Rushing playing would definitely help the return game. He has one kick return for a touchdown this season. However, on defense, he may never see the field. The Colts rarely use the dime package, and they won't against a team who runs a two back formation.
~On the other side of the field, Antonio Gates is doubtful with a dislocated toe, Lorenzo Neal is questionable with a broken fibula, Nate Kaeding is probable with a fibula injury, and Antonio Cromartie is probable with an illness. Gates will not play, and if he does, he will be very ineffective. Neal may play, but a blocker should have trouble coming back from a serious leg injury. Kaeding being injured sounds reminiscent of Adam Vinatieri's injury against the Chargers in Week 10. Cromartie's illness will be about as significant as the af2.
~The Indianapolis Star ran an article on Phillip Rivers' maturity. They are talking about his work ethic, but the big question is his behavior. We've all seen the taunting against Denver. A quarterback taunting is a joke. They can't even be touched, and now they are taunting opposing QBs? Maturity is definitely a problem, but not for the Colts.
~The Patriots and Jaguars play tonight on a game that can only be considered "win-win" for Colts fans. If the Jags and Colts win, the Colts will have one more game in the Dome against a team they have already topped two times this season. If the Pats and Colts win, the Colts can get revenge for a loss earlier in the season, and they get to end the perfect season.
I'd like to thank the guys who came up with the Bob Sanders facts. All of you are brilliant. We (or me) here at Pro-Colts Stuff love the facts. GO COLTS!
*All of the facts are in fact, false. Except for number 2. and 1. and 5.
10. 70% of the Earth is covered by water. The rest is covered by Bob Sanders.
9. They once made a Bob Sanders edition of Clue, but they stopped selling it because the result was always the same. Bob Sanders in the secondary with a spear tackle.
8. Death once had a "Near Bob Sanders Experience".
7. Bob Sanders tackled the inner-city violence problem...for a four yard loss.
6. Bob Sanders' dreads are pound for pound the hardest and most durable substance on Earth, making him the only player in the NFL to wear a helmet for the other team's protection.
5. Bob Sanders let Tom Brady live because Bob doesn't kill women.
4. Bob Sanders knows the ending to the Sopranos, but he won't give away the ending. He did mention that Tony wouldn't be seen wearing a Patriots hat anytime soon.
3. When you rearrange the letters in Bob Sanders name, you find what he told Tony Dungy separates themselves from the rest of the league. "Badness Bro!"
2. Bob Sanders like his ice the same way he likes his New England Patriots: crushed.
1. Bob Sanders invented black. In fact, he invented the entire color spectrum of invisible light. Except pink. Tom Brady invented pink.
I know. You all are probably to busy "LOLing" to continue reading, but there is actual news to get to.
~Ben Utecht is questionable with a shoulder injury and T.J. Rushing is probable with an illness. Utecht needs to play. An H-back like him makes a huge difference in the passing game. Rushing playing would definitely help the return game. He has one kick return for a touchdown this season. However, on defense, he may never see the field. The Colts rarely use the dime package, and they won't against a team who runs a two back formation.
~On the other side of the field, Antonio Gates is doubtful with a dislocated toe, Lorenzo Neal is questionable with a broken fibula, Nate Kaeding is probable with a fibula injury, and Antonio Cromartie is probable with an illness. Gates will not play, and if he does, he will be very ineffective. Neal may play, but a blocker should have trouble coming back from a serious leg injury. Kaeding being injured sounds reminiscent of Adam Vinatieri's injury against the Chargers in Week 10. Cromartie's illness will be about as significant as the af2.
~The Indianapolis Star ran an article on Phillip Rivers' maturity. They are talking about his work ethic, but the big question is his behavior. We've all seen the taunting against Denver. A quarterback taunting is a joke. They can't even be touched, and now they are taunting opposing QBs? Maturity is definitely a problem, but not for the Colts.
~The Patriots and Jaguars play tonight on a game that can only be considered "win-win" for Colts fans. If the Jags and Colts win, the Colts will have one more game in the Dome against a team they have already topped two times this season. If the Pats and Colts win, the Colts can get revenge for a loss earlier in the season, and they get to end the perfect season.
I'd like to thank the guys who came up with the Bob Sanders facts. All of you are brilliant. We (or me) here at Pro-Colts Stuff love the facts. GO COLTS!
*All of the facts are in fact, false. Except for number 2. and 1. and 5.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Now, the Real Season Starts
The Colts are heading into their big playoff matchup against the San Diego Chargers. The Colts and Chargers did play in Week 10, but the situation is much different from that game. Here is what has changed over the past nine weeks.
~The Colts are not coming off of a tough game against New England Patriots. This time, the Colts have two weeks of rest.
~In this game, the Colts will have future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, touchdown machine Dallas Clark, rookie stud Tony Ugoh, veteran lineman Ryan Diem, quality run blocker Charlie Johnson, breakout linebackers Tyjuan Hagler and Freddie Keiaho, and defensive tackle Raheem Brock.
~Phillip Rivers' best target Antonio Gates will most likely miss the game, and even if he plays, he will not be at full strength.
~The Colts are now more prepared for Darren Sproles in the return game.
~This game happens to be in the RCA Dome, so the crowd is pro-Colts, and there will not be rain.
The Colts are in line to win this; however, you can't overlook any opponent. The 3-4 defense has had success against the Colts, especially in the playoffs. New England beat them in 2003 and 2004. Pittsburgh knocked them off in 2005. Last year, their closest game was against the Patriots. Now, they can reverse the pattern. All they have to do is win.
Starting Lineups
Colts
QB-Peyton Manning
RB-Joseph Addai
HB-Ben Utecht
WR-Reggie Wayne
WR-Marvin Harrison
TE-Dallas Clark
OT-Ryan Diem
OG-Jake Scott
C-Jeff Saturday
OG-Ryan Lilja
OT-Tony Ugoh
DE-Josh Thomas
DT-Ed Johnson
DT-Raheem Brock
DE-Robert Mathis
OLB-Tyjuan Hagler
MLB-Gary Brackett
OLB-Freddie Keiaho
CB-Kelvin Hayden
FS-Antoine Bethea
SS-Bob Sanders
CB-Marlin Jackson
K-Adam Vinatieri
P-Hunter Smith
LS-Justin Snow
H-Hunter Smith
RS-TJ Rushing
Chargers
QB-Phillip Rivers
RB-LaDanian Tomlinson
FB-Lorenzo Neal
WR-Vincent Jackson
WR-Chris Chambers
TE-Brandon Manumaleuna
OT-Marcus McNeill
OG-Kris Dielman
C-Nick Hardwick
OG-Mike Goff
OT-Jeromey Clary
DE-Luis Castillo
NT-Jamal Williams
DE-Igor Olshansky
OLB-Shawne Merriman
ILB-Matt Wilhelm
ILB-Stephen Cooper
OLB-Shaun Phillips
CB-Antonio Cromartie
FS-Marlon McCree
SS-Clinton Hart
CB-Quentin Jammer
K-Nate Kaeding
P-Mike Scrifes
LS-David Binn
H-Mike Scrifes
RS-Darren Sproles
The X-factors
Colts
Tony Ugoh, OT: Ugoh is in his first game against the 3-4 defense. In this scheme, he will be relied upon to stop the blitzing outside linebackers, in this case sack artists Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. Ugoh is a very mobile offensive tackle, much more mobile than Michael Toudouze, the backup who played in Ugoh's place against the Chargers. If the linebackers cannot get consistent pressure on Peyton Manning, he will be able to find holes in the Chargers secondary.
Chargers
Chris Chambers, WR: The Chargers will not have Antonio Gates for this game. In my opinion, this shouldn't make a huge difference in the passing game. The Colts linebackers are fast enough to cover a tight end, and tight ends rarely have success against the Colts. However, the Colts are definitely going to focus on the run this game. There will be eight men in the box for almost the entire game trying to stop LaDanian Tomlinson. This means that Chris Chambers will have single coverage against Marlin Jackson. Chambers needs to get separation from Jackson and the Colts' secondary in general. Jackson, Sanders, Bethea, and Hayden are the hardest-hitting secondary in the league. If Chambers gets rattled, this could be a long day for the San Diego offense.
Key Matchups
When the Colts have the ball
Peyton Manning versus Antonio Cromartie: This is battle number two for the Pro Bowlers. Last time, Antonio Cromartie intercepted three passes, including a one-handed circus catch that is now a Youtube legend. Now, Peyton will have Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Cromartie will have to play lock down defense on Reggie Wayne to keep him out of the game. If Wayne gets going, this game will be O-V-E-R.
When the Chargers have the ball
Bob Sanders versus LaDanian Tomlinson: Did you know LaDanian Tomlinson wears a tinted mask so he never has to look Bob Sanders in the eyes? Not really, but yeah. This week, LT has to look him in the eyes, since he will be coming after him. Although his name is awesome, Brandon Manumaleuna does not command the safeties' attention. Sanders will pretty much be a fourth linebacker this week. If they can stop the run game, there will be no way the Super Chargers can move the ball.
Head-to-Head matchups
Colts pass offense versus Chargers pass defense: The Chargers have the advantage here. Even though I think Peyton will bounce back, the Chargers dominated him last time. I can't give the Colts the benefit of the doubt.
Colts run offense versus Chargers run defense: I will give it to the Colts. Joseph Addai has been injured all year. If these two weeks can heal him, then the Chargers are in trouble. The inside linebackers and safeties are just not good enough to stop the run.
Colts pass defense versus Chargers pass offense: Obviously, the Colts. The Colts pass defense is crazy good. It's the best in the league. The corners hit hard and aren't afraid to put themselves in danger for a big hit. The linebackers are very fast, and Gary Brackett is the best linebacker in pass coverage.
Colts run defense versus Chargers run offense: I will go with the Chargers. The Chargers have the best running back in the league. However, he is very inconsistent. The Colts are just a year off from having one of the worst run defenses in NFL history. This is closer than it appears, however. Sanders has been great in run defense, and LaDanian Tomlinson did nothing last week besides score a touchdown and show his awesome running sideways skills.
My Homer Prediction
Colts 24 Chargers 7: Peyton Manning will have three touchdown passes, all to Marvin Harrison. LaDanian Tomlinson will have 78 yards and a touchdown run, but Phillip Rivers will throw three interceptions and lose a fumble. Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne will each lose a fumble as well.
Some other pro-Colts tidbits
~Tony Dungy may step down. Again. This happens every year. I was sure that last year was his last year. At the beginning of this year, I knew it was his last year. Now that I am looking it in the eye, it's sad. He's the biggest coach in this city since Slick Leonard. It would be sad if the Colts lost a legend like that. However, I could see him take an advisory role in the front office. Jim Caldwell would most likely be his successor, but don't count out Peyton Manning if player-coaches is allowed like it is in the NBA. He's already the offensive coordinator. I would love to see Peyton running practice and taking snaps at the same time. Bill Cowher and Pete Carroll would also be looked at. If those happen, I will be disgruntled until they led the Colts to a Super Bowl.
~TJ Rushing and Tim Jennings have been the only players to miss practice this week due to an injury (Bob Sanders does not practice on Thursday). For the most of the year, the injury list has been a novelette. Now it's a returner who ate a bad hot dog and a nickelback who has had a concussion for a long time. It feels like the first week of the year. Knock on wood that this continues for the remainder of the postseason, and all of the Colts will be healthy enough to lift the Lombardi Trophy in Glendale.
~The Colts have 17 rookies on the roster and the IR, 12 on defense. I guess the draft and free agency don't equal winning, huh?
~Bob Sanders won Defensive Player of the Year. It's only a matter of time before he is elected Overlord of Indiana. If they do run a ballot for that. He's winning, and he's got my vote.
~This could be the last game in the RCA Dome, and more importantly, the last time fans will be able to leave through the real doors (not the revolving doors Bob Sanders slams) and be thrown out almost to the railing. Good times. Good, good times.
~The Colts are not the only team playing this weekend. The Giants are playing the Cowboys, where the three days of vacation with Jessica Simpson and Jason Witten (Mr. Third Wheel!) will surely affect the way Tony Romo throws a football. The Packers and Seahawks are playing in the *Yawn, falls asleep* Bowl. The Jaguars and Patriots are playing in the Teams That Annoy Me Bowl.
Remember, tune into the Colts-Chargers game at 1:00 PM Sunday on CBS, being broadcast by Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf. Also, do not forget: Bob Sanders pities Mr. T.
~
~The Colts are not coming off of a tough game against New England Patriots. This time, the Colts have two weeks of rest.
~In this game, the Colts will have future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, touchdown machine Dallas Clark, rookie stud Tony Ugoh, veteran lineman Ryan Diem, quality run blocker Charlie Johnson, breakout linebackers Tyjuan Hagler and Freddie Keiaho, and defensive tackle Raheem Brock.
~Phillip Rivers' best target Antonio Gates will most likely miss the game, and even if he plays, he will not be at full strength.
~The Colts are now more prepared for Darren Sproles in the return game.
~This game happens to be in the RCA Dome, so the crowd is pro-Colts, and there will not be rain.
The Colts are in line to win this; however, you can't overlook any opponent. The 3-4 defense has had success against the Colts, especially in the playoffs. New England beat them in 2003 and 2004. Pittsburgh knocked them off in 2005. Last year, their closest game was against the Patriots. Now, they can reverse the pattern. All they have to do is win.
Starting Lineups
Colts
QB-Peyton Manning
RB-Joseph Addai
HB-Ben Utecht
WR-Reggie Wayne
WR-Marvin Harrison
TE-Dallas Clark
OT-Ryan Diem
OG-Jake Scott
C-Jeff Saturday
OG-Ryan Lilja
OT-Tony Ugoh
DE-Josh Thomas
DT-Ed Johnson
DT-Raheem Brock
DE-Robert Mathis
OLB-Tyjuan Hagler
MLB-Gary Brackett
OLB-Freddie Keiaho
CB-Kelvin Hayden
FS-Antoine Bethea
SS-Bob Sanders
CB-Marlin Jackson
K-Adam Vinatieri
P-Hunter Smith
LS-Justin Snow
H-Hunter Smith
RS-TJ Rushing
Chargers
QB-Phillip Rivers
RB-LaDanian Tomlinson
FB-Lorenzo Neal
WR-Vincent Jackson
WR-Chris Chambers
TE-Brandon Manumaleuna
OT-Marcus McNeill
OG-Kris Dielman
C-Nick Hardwick
OG-Mike Goff
OT-Jeromey Clary
DE-Luis Castillo
NT-Jamal Williams
DE-Igor Olshansky
OLB-Shawne Merriman
ILB-Matt Wilhelm
ILB-Stephen Cooper
OLB-Shaun Phillips
CB-Antonio Cromartie
FS-Marlon McCree
SS-Clinton Hart
CB-Quentin Jammer
K-Nate Kaeding
P-Mike Scrifes
LS-David Binn
H-Mike Scrifes
RS-Darren Sproles
The X-factors
Colts
Tony Ugoh, OT: Ugoh is in his first game against the 3-4 defense. In this scheme, he will be relied upon to stop the blitzing outside linebackers, in this case sack artists Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. Ugoh is a very mobile offensive tackle, much more mobile than Michael Toudouze, the backup who played in Ugoh's place against the Chargers. If the linebackers cannot get consistent pressure on Peyton Manning, he will be able to find holes in the Chargers secondary.
Chargers
Chris Chambers, WR: The Chargers will not have Antonio Gates for this game. In my opinion, this shouldn't make a huge difference in the passing game. The Colts linebackers are fast enough to cover a tight end, and tight ends rarely have success against the Colts. However, the Colts are definitely going to focus on the run this game. There will be eight men in the box for almost the entire game trying to stop LaDanian Tomlinson. This means that Chris Chambers will have single coverage against Marlin Jackson. Chambers needs to get separation from Jackson and the Colts' secondary in general. Jackson, Sanders, Bethea, and Hayden are the hardest-hitting secondary in the league. If Chambers gets rattled, this could be a long day for the San Diego offense.
Key Matchups
When the Colts have the ball
Peyton Manning versus Antonio Cromartie: This is battle number two for the Pro Bowlers. Last time, Antonio Cromartie intercepted three passes, including a one-handed circus catch that is now a Youtube legend. Now, Peyton will have Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez. Cromartie will have to play lock down defense on Reggie Wayne to keep him out of the game. If Wayne gets going, this game will be O-V-E-R.
When the Chargers have the ball
Bob Sanders versus LaDanian Tomlinson: Did you know LaDanian Tomlinson wears a tinted mask so he never has to look Bob Sanders in the eyes? Not really, but yeah. This week, LT has to look him in the eyes, since he will be coming after him. Although his name is awesome, Brandon Manumaleuna does not command the safeties' attention. Sanders will pretty much be a fourth linebacker this week. If they can stop the run game, there will be no way the Super Chargers can move the ball.
Head-to-Head matchups
Colts pass offense versus Chargers pass defense: The Chargers have the advantage here. Even though I think Peyton will bounce back, the Chargers dominated him last time. I can't give the Colts the benefit of the doubt.
Colts run offense versus Chargers run defense: I will give it to the Colts. Joseph Addai has been injured all year. If these two weeks can heal him, then the Chargers are in trouble. The inside linebackers and safeties are just not good enough to stop the run.
Colts pass defense versus Chargers pass offense: Obviously, the Colts. The Colts pass defense is crazy good. It's the best in the league. The corners hit hard and aren't afraid to put themselves in danger for a big hit. The linebackers are very fast, and Gary Brackett is the best linebacker in pass coverage.
Colts run defense versus Chargers run offense: I will go with the Chargers. The Chargers have the best running back in the league. However, he is very inconsistent. The Colts are just a year off from having one of the worst run defenses in NFL history. This is closer than it appears, however. Sanders has been great in run defense, and LaDanian Tomlinson did nothing last week besides score a touchdown and show his awesome running sideways skills.
My Homer Prediction
Colts 24 Chargers 7: Peyton Manning will have three touchdown passes, all to Marvin Harrison. LaDanian Tomlinson will have 78 yards and a touchdown run, but Phillip Rivers will throw three interceptions and lose a fumble. Joseph Addai and Reggie Wayne will each lose a fumble as well.
Some other pro-Colts tidbits
~Tony Dungy may step down. Again. This happens every year. I was sure that last year was his last year. At the beginning of this year, I knew it was his last year. Now that I am looking it in the eye, it's sad. He's the biggest coach in this city since Slick Leonard. It would be sad if the Colts lost a legend like that. However, I could see him take an advisory role in the front office. Jim Caldwell would most likely be his successor, but don't count out Peyton Manning if player-coaches is allowed like it is in the NBA. He's already the offensive coordinator. I would love to see Peyton running practice and taking snaps at the same time. Bill Cowher and Pete Carroll would also be looked at. If those happen, I will be disgruntled until they led the Colts to a Super Bowl.
~TJ Rushing and Tim Jennings have been the only players to miss practice this week due to an injury (Bob Sanders does not practice on Thursday). For the most of the year, the injury list has been a novelette. Now it's a returner who ate a bad hot dog and a nickelback who has had a concussion for a long time. It feels like the first week of the year. Knock on wood that this continues for the remainder of the postseason, and all of the Colts will be healthy enough to lift the Lombardi Trophy in Glendale.
~The Colts have 17 rookies on the roster and the IR, 12 on defense. I guess the draft and free agency don't equal winning, huh?
~Bob Sanders won Defensive Player of the Year. It's only a matter of time before he is elected Overlord of Indiana. If they do run a ballot for that. He's winning, and he's got my vote.
~This could be the last game in the RCA Dome, and more importantly, the last time fans will be able to leave through the real doors (not the revolving doors Bob Sanders slams) and be thrown out almost to the railing. Good times. Good, good times.
~The Colts are not the only team playing this weekend. The Giants are playing the Cowboys, where the three days of vacation with Jessica Simpson and Jason Witten (Mr. Third Wheel!) will surely affect the way Tony Romo throws a football. The Packers and Seahawks are playing in the *Yawn, falls asleep* Bowl. The Jaguars and Patriots are playing in the Teams That Annoy Me Bowl.
Remember, tune into the Colts-Chargers game at 1:00 PM Sunday on CBS, being broadcast by Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf. Also, do not forget: Bob Sanders pities Mr. T.
~
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