Let's Not Hang the DL Yet
OK, so I rewatched the whole game tonight, and played almost all of the defensive plays back in slow mo and most of the offensive breakdowns that way too. Here are some conclusions.
The D-Line and more specifically the DT's were not the primary reasons for the massive yardage racked up by the Jags. The primary and consitent failure came from the Colt LBers. In fact I'm of the opinion that Clint Sessions is the second coming of Gilbert Gardner. The LBers were consitently out of position, inpatient in maintaining their gaps, and time after time they missed tackles even when in position. They were also the primary culprits in giving up passing yardage too. Jennings is responsible the most of the other passing yardage given up and should be benched in favor of giving Hughes or someone else a chance.
Bob Sanders being healthy probably would have helped, as Bullitt was in position several times to save a play and failed to make the tackle, though his tackling wasn't even close to as poor as Sessions. I can't stress enoug how bad Sessions was in this game. I lost count on how many times he was out of position or just plain missed a tackle.
The Coaches, WRs, the O-Line, and Peyton can all equally share the blame for the offensive struggles. Too many drops by the WRs though they were much better in the 2nd half. The O-Line run blocked well (we were NEVER stopped on a running play). We didn't have nearly enough Run balance (I still don't know who to blame the poor playing calling on Peyton or Coaches) However the O-Line had WAY too many false starts and blocking mistakes, though they played better overall then they had the first 2 games. Peyton was so very up and down. Great plays one minute and horrible decisions and throws the next. The first pick was not totally his fault, but the second was a horrible decision compounded by an even more horrible throw. He had a lot of other throws that were somewhere between way off and slightly off target so definitely not a great day for Peyton but he did leave the comeback. I'm still upset about the 2 passing play calls on 1st and 2nd and Goal on the final drive. I think you have to calls runs/QB sneaks there to gain yardage and eat up clock/Jag timeouts.
I don't think you can really say the offense or defense was more at fault. They both failed miserably. The only two bright spots were the running game and the Special Teams (coverage more so then returns).
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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Interesting
Maybe BBS had a point about Session at SAM, though I don’t think his size is his problem. I still think it is his enthusiasm and lack of discipline. Freddie KO had the same issue and has largely settled down to lead the team in tackles, though I would have to look up his average stop on run plays. If I had a copy of the tape, I would like to take a look at it in slow motion, as in real time it looked more like the tackles just getting split like the Red Sea on every play, and getting pushed into the LBs angle of attack.
Actually, I was surprised to not see more of the Melvin Bullitt version of the BSBD. I know Melvin doesn’t have Bob’s field vision and instinct, but keeping a safety in the box increases the chances of someone getting free to get to the ball carrier. I don’t think he would draw a dedicated blocker like Bob.
I actually think that the dunce cap belongs on Tim Jennings. I’m sorry, but we came up with enough stops with 3rd and medium-to-long that were converted by Matt “coke head” Jones – strictly because of Jenning’s “Jennerous” cushion – that I would say that at least 14 points were caused by his loose play. Was he lined up on the weak side or strong side more often? Because the underneath LB should have at least been able to get a hand on the ball in our defense. All I have to say is: Put in Dante Hughes on third down. Hell, play Dime with Hughes and Ratliff. Play a 3-2-6, and watch for the damn draw.
Wow, I’ve talked more than I wanted to….
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by Bullard47 on
Sep 23, 2008 2:40 AM EDT
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The way I understand the Colts D
is that the DL is suppose to hold up the OL and allow the LBs to cover the gaps. In 2006 what I saw was a DL that allowed the OL to get to the second level on a consistent basis to block the LBs before they could make the tackle. I saw very few plays where OL were getting to the second level to block our LBs. What I did see were a few things. Missed tackles when the RB came through the gap to the LB, poor angles (not because they were cut off but because they intentionally walked/ran into the wrong gap or comitted too soon, really poor angles on open field tackles, and failure to hold containment on the outside. The DL held their ground or moved the line back on a vast majority of the run plays. What else can you expect 4 guys going against 5 guys to do? One thing I do think we can hang on the DL’s necks is that after the 1st qtr the generated very little QB pressure on Garrad though when the Jags are primarily screening and drawing out on those long plays you can kind of understand that I guess.
One other thing I noticed that drove me nuts. The BEST running play of the game was a delayed/draw stretch to Dom around the left side. That play went for 15+ yards yet we NEVER ran it again. I’ve been screaming for years that the Colts need to run more Draw plays (it’s the counterpart to the play action and makes the play action that much more effective). The finally run one it works great and they never go back… Hell even the Fish ran a gadget play that worked and they kept going back to it until the Pats stopped it which they didn’t. I’m getting that sense for 4 or 5 years ago again that the Colts are trying to be too smart and too fancy and need to just simplify the offense some, and just play better ball. That’s what won the Super Bowl.
by Rob-Westside on
Sep 23, 2008 8:23 AM EDT
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agree about the DL
given the hemorrhaging of players on our DL they didn’t do that badly. As pointed out, it was bad tackling and over anticipating that lead to those long runs. You saw them slow it down in the second half. They were staying back a little longer, and not trying to anticipate so much. I would much rather have these bumps early in the season and get it sorted out. Rather than have our offense run up big leads, so these run stopping problems aren’t that apparent since the run game is out when the other team is playing catch up.
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...
by bluegirl on
Sep 23, 2008 10:33 AM EDT
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Excellent Points
You guys rock. This is what we need, true insight and honesty about our problems. I get so frustrated I loose my level head and end up ranting. The Colts will come back after this bye and we will be able to relax and enjoy.
by sassyblue on
Sep 23, 2008 10:55 AM EDT
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Finally
Thank God we finally put some of the blame where it belongs, and that’s on tackling, and tackling by the second level. LB’s seem to not even miss there first tackle till 5 yards have been gained.
by Scooty4422 on
Sep 23, 2008 2:04 PM EDT
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Rec'd
This is dead on. I also watched the game back slowly and wrote down my observations. They were identical. The DT’s get too much blame, the LBers can’t tackle, Jennings needs to hand the nickle keys to Hughes, and so forth.
A Bears fan friend of mine stated this week that after watching the Colts so far, he is convinced that LBer is our biggest problem. We don’t have an Urlacher or Briggs, and Sessions let alot of tackles get away. I like Sessions, but I wish they would not play him at SAM. We’ll straighten it all up soon. Have faith!
by coltsfanawalt on
Sep 24, 2008 4:52 AM EDT
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