The schedules were released a few days ago, and I'm here to talk about the Colts' schedule. I can sum it up in one word: KILLER. It sucks when you are in a division with 3 other teams that actually can contend. It doesn't help that they are playing the AFC North, who has Pittsburgh and Cleveland. Good thing Favre retired, or else we could feasibly be playing 5 teams that could win Super Bowl XLIII. Here's the schedule*, and which games I think are guaranteed wins and what games the Colts will have to play their best to win.
1
9/7
CHICAGO BEARS
8:15 PM
NBC
2
9/14
@ Minnesota Vikings
1:00 PM
CBS
3
9/21
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
4:15 PM
CBS
4
9/28
BYE
-
none
5
10/5
@ Houston Texans
1:00 PM
CBS
6
10/12
BALTIMORE RAVENS
1:00 PM
CBS
7
10/19
@ Green Bay Packers
4:15 PM
CBS
8
10/27
@ Tennessee Titans
8:30 PM
ESPN
9
11/2
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
8:15 PM
NBC
10
11/9
@ Pittsburgh Steelers
4:15 PM
CBS
11
11/16
HOUSTON TEXANS
1:00 PM
CBS
12
11/23
@ San Diego Chargers
8:15 PM
NBC
13
11/30
@ Cleveland Browns
1:00 PM
CBS
14
12/7
CINCINNATI BENGALS
1:00 PM
CBS
15
12/14
DETROIT LIONS
1:00 PM
FOX
16
12/18
@ Jacksonville Jaguars
8:15 PM
NFL Network
17
12/28
TENNESSEE TITANS
1:00 PM
CBS
Guaranteed Wins
v. Chicago Bears, v. Houston Texans, v. Detroit Lions, v. Cincinnati Bengals, v. Baltimore Ravens, @ Houston Texans, @ Green Bay Packers
The schedule is so tough, I can only find seven games right now that don't worry me at all. The Bears, Lions, Bengals, and Ravens are going to be cellar-dwellers in their divisions. The Packers are too one-dimensional, and the Texans can't beat the Colts.
Probable Wins
@ Minnesota Vikings, @ Tennessee Titans, v. Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts are near unbeatable at home in the regular season, and it will be interesting to see if there will be any differences with the move to Lucas Oil Stadium or "The Lube" as it is called. That's why I think the Jags are NOT going to beat the Colts at home. The Titans and Vikings could beat the Colts, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Will Be Close, but the Colts are going to be favored
@ Pittsburgh Steelers, @ Cleveland Browns, v. Tennessee Titans.
The Titans game is only up here is because of the chances that the starters won't be playing after the first quarter. The Browns and Steelers will be tough, but I don't see the games being blowouts either way.
Bring Your A Game, Colts
v. New England Patriots, @ Jacksonville Jaguars, @ San Diego Chargers.
Versus the Chargers-REVENGE! Versus the Patriots-Sort of revenge, but I want to crush them regardless of previous outcomes. Versus the Jaguars-This. Is. Our. Division.
My Prediction: 13-3. I see the Colts beating every team on the schedule besides the road game against Jacksonville, the Titans home game, and the Browns game. The Browns are looking for revenge, the Jags are going to be great, and the Titans will be playing the scrubs. The Colts will be the number two seed in the AFC behind the Patriots. This year, however, they will go all the way.
*Courtesy of Colts.com
Showing posts with label San Diego Chargers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label San Diego Chargers. Show all posts
Friday, April 18, 2008
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.
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.
~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
