Saturday and the O-line needs to be recognized

by DaColtsFan on Nov 20, 2008 5:38 PM EST

With all the gloating on how well Peyton is playing, and a deserved one at that no doubt, the offensive line, specifically Saturday is not getting it's due accolades. I watched Inside NFL last night with Saturday mic'd up. He is a genuine leader. He was talking to Diem and others about Peyton getting hit too many times after the throw. Then the hits on Peyton stopped. I saw Saturday taking on 2 D-lineman at one point and winning. What a job!

Peyton is sacked only 11 times in 10 games, he would not be healthy as he his without the leadership and mentoring of Jeff (the Rock!) Saturday. Granted O-line have not opened big holes for the RBs until the last game, but they have made sure that the our QB stay in one piece, and actually gain his strength while playing week after week. It is a huge task and accomplishment given the make shift line Jeff had to lead. So let's give the man, the best Center in the game a shout out for job well done. Let's hope Colts can afford to sign him in the offseason. Pollack, and Jamey are good, but they are not Jeff.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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The Pass Pro has been very good

once the line got settled. The runblocking needs a lot of work still. Saturday is still the best player on the Colts line, no one else is even close. Ugoh and maybe Pollak have the talent, but aren’t nearly there yet.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Nov 20, 2008 5:50 PM EST reply actions

Good point.

Peyton’s low sack rate is credit in part to his pocket presence and quick release, and in part to the veteran leadership of Mr. Saturday on Sunday.

by coltsfanawalt on Nov 20, 2008 6:02 PM EST reply actions

Jeff Saturday is to Centers

As Jerry Rice is to wide recievers. The only center that I can think of that can compare to him is Mike Webster. I’m so glad that we have Jeff, and to think that we got him as an undrafted free agent!!!

by Sanders_fan89 on Nov 20, 2008 6:09 PM EST reply actions

I think that Saturday...

Is the only one on the line playing at a consistent level. Despite what Peyton says, I believe the reason the O-line has ‘improved’ on pass blocking (and not really run blocking) is because Peyton is finally healed enough to be mobile (he’s really quite mobile IN the pocket) and he’s getting rid of the ball quick. There is only one sack I’ve seen Peyton take since the Green Bay game that was Peyton’s fault, and that was the one Peyton took on the second series (i think it was the 2nd series) in the PITT game.

Ugoh and Pollack flash brilliance one play, and then the next Ugoh is committed 3 penalties and Pollack is getting schooled by a backup.. Diem has been in a sharp decline since last year.. Charlie Johnson (oh god, call 9-11) has been the second most consistent OL for the Colts since he slid inside to guard. As a matter of fact, if Lilja comes back and is 100% and they think Pollack is OK, I might not be shocked to see Lilja go to guard and Johnson slide outside…

by Nideak on Nov 20, 2008 6:12 PM EST reply actions

Saturday IS the man on the line.

He even rushed back from his injury (out 3 weeks instead of 4-6) because he is such a leader. The timing with Peyton and Jeff is so important.

It was against Tennessee when he was taking on 2 D Linemen at a time, wasn’t it? And for being so much smaller, he handled Haynesworth pretty darn well.

He is definitely worth a salary increase next year. I would hate to lose him. C’mon, Polian slap a franchise tag on him and then pay the man some money!!

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Nov 20, 2008 6:25 PM EST reply actions

Saturday for MVP

I tell you, the greatest compliment an O-Lineman can have is anonymity, and we haven’t had to talk about Saturday ONCE since he came back. I really had my doubts, kept expecting him to go down with a horrible injury and go on IR but by god that man has done it all this year. If we don’t give him a big, fat extension there is no justice (and there’s no way Justice or Richard or anyone else can take his place).

If the Colts do anything in the post-season, even (dare I say it) win it all, Saturday needs to be the first man in line to get credit.

by slash196 on Nov 20, 2008 11:34 PM EST reply actions

I hope the Colts realize Saturday MUST be signed to an extension. I think the rookies could all learn a lot from him as they progress. Once he’s ready to retire, hopefully they’ll be able to step right in.

by TouchdownMonkey on Nov 21, 2008 9:29 AM EST reply actions