Five Things I Think I Know: Week 5 Edition
by metal_militia on Oct 12, 2009 2:44 AM EDT
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PrintI like what I'm seeing from this team entering the bye week and I think they can only get better. Here is my five.
1.) I think the Colts have the bye week at a perfect time. We have several key players that are injured, but can likely return at anytime, so the bye week alleviates any pressure on them to play. It also provides the players and coaches time to assess these first five weeks and fix any weaknesses on the team (which are very few). So far the only concern I have going in, is the blocking up front.
2.) I think that our run defense is legit. I was close to being sold on it a couple of weeks earlier, but felt the defense needed to be truly tested against one of the leagues more premier backs. Chris Johnson is one of them and desptie the fact the the Titans have been so bad, Johnson has been one of the lone bright spots. Our defense just totally dominated the Titans rum defense today and even stopped them when they were being held. It will only get better once said key players are back.
3.) I think the Colts need to start moving Ugoh around and find a new place for him. It is clear now that Tony Ugoh is not an NFL left tackle after tonight's disastrous performance. If Polian doesn't want him to become a total bust, they must shift him to a guard or play him at RT and see how he does. The one thing Ugoh does well, is run block. Perhaps if he plays at guard, we can finally get some holes open on the right side... where another bust looking player may have to find a different position to play.
4.) I think we can never rule out the possibility of a trade next week. Remember, week 6 is the trade deadline and as we have seen in the past, Bill Polian isn't afraid to pull the trigger on a potential trade to make this team better. This year, there aren't as many issues or at least aren't as huge as opposed to 2006 or 2008. However, there are still issues non the less and perhaps Polian might target an offensive linemen.
5.) I think that despite all the bad blocking tonght and the lackluster running game, it wasn't as bad as tonight indicated. The Titans are allowing less that 3 yards a carry. Its not easy to run on them and tonights game was evident of that. I know ive used my two earlier "thoughts" to criticize the running game and the blocker, but in a way, I kind of felt it was exted that Tennessee was going to have success in at least that category.
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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LT depth
is definitely a concern. Charlie Johnson has played exceptionally well and has so far looked like a legit starting left tackle in the league (although he still needs to prove he can play at this level through all 16 games and stay healthy). Like metal_militia referred to in points 3 and 4, he is not the problem. The problem is depth, not just at the LT position, but down the entire line. Ugoh looked horrible tonight and is continuing to look like a bust. From what I saw Federkeil wasn’t much better. Pollack struggled again, but De Van looked ok (although I wasn’t watching all that closely). From all reports CJ should be back after the bye week which will be a relief, however if he goes down again it could spell trouble for Peyton and the team.
"The critics can criticize but we're the crème dele crème,
Me and P-Dela we blend what they're calling the standard,
Still standing while they're screaming when will it end?"
- Standing Still, Hilltop Hoods
How about the Secondary?
Anyone else impressed by the CB play from all the corners tonight? Lacey’s knockdown in the endzone was a thing of beauty and he should of had an INT. Powers played well, and Jennings, apart from that muffed punt was solid as well, even coming up with an impressive interception. When Bob, Jackson and Hayden return, the Colts will have (arguably) the best secondary in the NFL.
"The critics can criticize but we're the crème dele crème,
Me and P-Dela we blend what they're calling the standard,
Still standing while they're screaming when will it end?"
- Standing Still, Hilltop Hoods
woah woah...
I wouldn’t go that far to say that they have the best secondary in the NFL. We just have a lot of guys that are good for our system.
But I was quite impressed with bethea and Lacey this game. Jennings was hot and cold. He mistimed the jump or he would have had ANOTHER INT… hit im in the hands like he had boulders for hands. Still don’t think he’s a great DB, but he’s better than a lot of backups.
Man… Austin Collie… I had a feeling he was going to turn out like this. He may be the long term solution to that slot position, we may have found our new brandon stokely.
~SHaFF!~
The Little Sports Blog That Could:
http://www.thelittlesportsblog.blogspot.com/
What else does that mean?
The best secondary in the league means “the best secondary in the league” not “best x individual defensive backs”. We have a secondary that shuts down the pass and comes up and plays well in defending the run. Now I don’t know if I’d make the same conclusion either….but name a secondary that is better.
I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation
I probably was a bit excited when I wrote that. but when I think more and more about it, it is hard to think of any other secondary in the league with as much depth and talent as the Colts. I therefore believe it is the best secondary in the NFL. I was a little confused by this line:
We just have a lot of guys that are good for our system
because I believe players that fit the system is what makes a team good or bad, or a secondary good or bad. Like Bullard47 said I’m not saying we have the best cornerback or the best safety, but we have the best depth. Look at the depth in the secondary:
Safety: Bob Sanders (easily a top 5 safety when healthy), Melvin Bullitt (would be starting on numerous other teams), Antoine Bethea (Pro Bowler last year), Aaron Francisco (started for the Cards in the superbowl last year and top special teams player), Jamie Silva (haven’t seen much from him except on ST where he excels)
Cornerback: Kelvin Hayden (as evident by his contract, one of the top corners in the league), Marlin Jackson (“Marlin’s got it, we’re going to the superbowl! we’re going to the superbowl!”), Tim Jennings (…..), Jerraud Powers (has played solidly so far and looks like a real find), Jacob Lacey (rookie free agent who started last night and had a sweet pass break-up and almost an INT), T.J. Rushing (return man)
Looking at that hard to see a team that could lose it’s two starting cornerbacks and strong safety and still play as well as the Colts did last night.
"The critics can criticize but we're the crème dele crème,
Me and P-Dela we blend what they're calling the standard,
Still standing while they're screaming when will it end?"
- Standing Still, Hilltop Hoods
by AussieColtsFan on Oct 12, 2009 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
About Ugoh...
It is clear now that Tony Ugoh is not an NFL left tackle after tonight’s disastrous performance.
Yes, Ugoh sucks
If Polian doesn’t want him to become a total bust, they must shit him to a guard or play him at RT and see how he does.
He already is a bust. This guy was a complete disappointment, I never liked the guy, but there were several fans who had faith in him and thats what sucks, that after hoping he would become what everyone expected, he just turned the corner to worse…
No tackle, no guard, no RT. You say he is a good run blocker, i disagree because, since he started playing, our running game hasnt been good.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
Ugoh doesnt suck
he’s just not good in passing situations…the can run block pretty well though. my thoughts echo a lot of thoughts around here….we need to take Ugoh and try him at guard and see if he can be effective there. If he cant be effective there then it will confirm he is a bust
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 12, 2009 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
sorry to disagree
but he does SUCK. He hasnt done ANYTHING to claim the opposite. We cant ask the Colts to experiment with him until we find a good position for him. We cant make the whole team adapt to this lazy ass just to see if he is a bust or not. He is a bust and a huge disappoinment for everyone. He had chances, he had support, and hes still playing awful??? cant really get it…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 12, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions
He had a few good blocks last night
when we ran the ball. Thats what he is good at…ask 75% of the people around here and they will tell you Ugoh is a good run blocker. Ugoh would be a good RG and I think we should try him there. Pollack isn’t doin any good so what would it hurt?
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 12, 2009 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Thats one of the the things that i dont like
That many Colts fans have supported this guy, and still have faith in him. And how is Ugoh responding?
About that RG discussion, Pollack aint doing much but I dont think Tony would do any better really. Maybe he would, but he doesnt deserve all those chances…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 12, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
My 5
We have a defense we can count on. Turnovers? no problem. They took care of the mistakes.
Going for it on 4th down in the red zone. I kept thinking Dungy must be screaming into his TV screen-DON’T DO IT!. This coaching staff isn’t affraid to take risks. But with Peyton on a roll is wasn’t really that risky.
Our Rookies are stepping up like I’ve never seen before. It’s energized this team.
Our offense can score at will, even without a great running game.
Pat McAfee is gold.
THIS TEAM IS THE BEST WE’VE HAD IN A LONG LONG TIME. The sky is the limit.
"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
by Indy Lori on Oct 12, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Perfectly stated
REC’D!!!!
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Oct 12, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Did you hear Peyton saying he would need to see a doctor after that low hit on his knees?
I hope he was joking!
"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
Not only that but
the Titans would have had to drive the ball over 90 yrds…so I was a great call IMO
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
Ugoh
I think we are being a little harsh on Ugoh…let’s keep in mind, that he hasn’t real had game day experience this year, and he was blocking an extremely good pass rusher the majority of the night. With that being said, yes, I agree that Charlie Johnson is a better LT, however, the LT is the hardest position on the O-Line to play, and to expect a backup to come in and deliver a 100% performance at that position might be asking too much.
I know he is a NFL player and that is his job, but I think Ugoh adjusted well as the game went on (maybe his fundamentals of blocking or maybe because of the chip block help from the RBs)…
Ugoh is a great
run blocker…when it comes to opening up lanes to run through he’s great, but the pass protection wasnt good for him. I think we need to try him out at guard. I think that would give our run game a nice little boost.
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
No excuse
Its not like Vanden Bosch has been on a tear this year, and he made him look really bad. Hes a good DE but its not like it was Freeney or Jared Allen on him. The LT of the Colts is vital, no reason for him to be there. But i agree with Coltsfans and the others, it would be good to see him learn right guard. His run blocking would serve well there, and he would line up with DTs so his slow movement could not be used against him as much as it can on the outside.
by ColtsPurdueFanFromKY on Oct 12, 2009 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions
totally agree
He cant be just a good run blocker (he aint a great run blocker by any means). He has to be a solid tackle specially since we focus on PASSING. And about that “turn him into guard”, he could result a decent guard, but I just cant get it, why the Colts have to try to see if he works here or not, hes had chances and all, so when will it be when they admit the guy is a bust? If you cant do what you were brought in to do, and after having a lot of support by both the team and fans, then, in my humble opinion, you have to get out of here.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 12, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Ugoh
I’ve stated before, Tony Ugoh AT BEST is a Right Guard….that’s it. I don’t want him in any kind of position where he has to protect Peyton’s blindside……he’s a bust
totally agree
I dont want him “protecting” Manning at all…
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 12, 2009 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Not trying to be an ass here
but you just disagreed TWICE about trying him at guard and then you agree with HMH when he says Ugoh is at best a right guard….clarify please?
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 12, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
no, youre right
I never agreed when he said he was best at right guard. Not at all. I said he could result a decent guard, yes. Completely different. Its just that it seems that were forcing the colts to make him a good player. Well, not “make” him, but adjust him so that he is good.
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 12, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh sorry, now i get it
when i said “totally agree” , guess it wasnt “totally” huh. Forget about it since i agree with him about the blindside spot and that hes a bust…
Sorry again
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 12, 2009 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions
run blocking
Ugoh seems to be active in run blocking, keeping his feet moving and so on, but you don’t give up what we gave up to get a great “run blocker”
by harbaughmyhero on Oct 13, 2009 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
No, but you cant change what happened so
why get rid of something that could be useful?
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 13, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
"could"
he hasnt been useful so far…how long are we gonna wait until he proves hes useful?
Man, I would really love him turn into a new Tarik Glenn, or just a decent player, but hes had enough chances. Just to stop bashing Ugoh, Pollak was awful too
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 13, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
he has had chances at RT
THATS IT….you cant sit here and say he’s been givin all these chances when he’s only been played at one position. Tell me what it would hurt to try him at guard? it wouldnt hurt anything because Pollack is playin like shit anyway. so why not try? at least hed be out there earning his money and not sittin on the bench
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
yeah I that's fair enough
just kind of a regret giving up what we did though.
Nothing we can do now, hmmm maybe a traddeeeee?
by harbaughmyhero on Oct 13, 2009 12:17 AM EDT reply actions
if thats the route they choose
then they have to it soon cause the deadline is next week I believe
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 13, 2009 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah
I kind of meant that tongue-in-cheek, lol, I seriously doubt we could get anything of value for Ugoh
by harbaughmyhero on Oct 13, 2009 12:33 AM EDT reply actions
yeah but still
I just think instead of crying about how bad he is at tackle we try him at guard. if he FAILS then at least we tried. But if there’s anything we can do to improve the run them I’m for it.
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 13, 2009 12:36 AM EDT up reply actions
maybe a gatorade cooler or somthing
;)
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 13, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions
oh and remember...
the “reply” button is your friend lol
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
by coltsfan723 on Oct 13, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Wow
39 comments. Thats a record high for any of my posts… and all i had to do was stir up a little controversy. Next time ill mention Tim Jennings. maybe ill get a hundred comments next time. lol.
yeah
he seems to draw attention…Idk why though
=D
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
lol
"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady
by BlueMark1821 on Oct 13, 2009 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously though
Im not ready ro give up on Ugoh either. He had a bad performance and im not going to deny that, but I still feel he can avoid being a bust. In that preseason game where he played guard, he was terrific. Perhaps shifting him over to Pollaks spot could save his career and could even improve the play of the line. Remember, he was the one who opened up the big hole for the one big run Brown had in the preseason. He also played pretty well in pass protection at Guard. Perhaps if we shift Pollak back to center, his natural position, it could save his career too and also give us an heir apparent to Jeff Saturday
Im with you 10000000%
I think its dumb to waste something that could help in an area where we need to improve and thats the run. The guy can run block and if you cant see that you need to go back and re watch the Titans game.
The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders
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