6-0 Start, Burning Questions……….

by davis3217 on Oct 26, 2009 1:02 AM EDT Comment 33 comments

Another 6-0 start for the Colts. Aren’t we spoiled? While many NFL teams remain in a tailspin (Browns, Titans, Ram, Lions, Bucs and Chiefs), the Colts keep chugging along winning games by double digits. Although the Colts are in a great place right now, I still believe there are a couple burning questions:

1. What is going on with Tony Ugoh? Another non-injury inactive game? Perhaps it’s time to cut our losses and poke around on the waiver wire for another back up LT to C. Johnson? I have a strong feeling Mr. Polian will be looking for another LT in this year’s draft.

2. Shouldn’t Bob Sanders earn his staring spot back from Mel Bullitt? Bob is awesome and has an NFL defensive player of the year trophy at home, but perhaps a little healthy competition for the SS starting position could help bring “Bobzilla” back for our defense.

3. When do we get Gonzo back? I know it has been easy to forget AG, but he is our #2 receiver and I can’t wait till he is back in the lineup. What a bummer, the guy works all season developing a rapport with Manning and is hurt in the first game 1.

4. We all know Manning and Wayne are having All Pro seasons, but how about: Clark, Saturday, Diem, Lilja, Bethea, and Session? All of these guys are having great seasons.

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.

0 recs | Comment 33 comments | Add comment

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

for my burning issues

I take Valtrex! (or whatever the name of that drug is… i heard about it from a.. friend, yea.. friend…)

1) Ive suggested in the past that 7 draft picks on linemen (O and D) next year might be underselling the notion. They definitely need a LT of the future and a RG, and a center of the future.. and a RT of the future. Right now, Id just be happy with an above average LT, that would allow Chuck Johnson to become the RG of the now. Charlie has been so good at LT this year, seriously, my friends and family call hm the Turnstyle. But hes been so good, im so impressed, but I think he’s a better guard, and he’s still young, and it would fix 2 issues with 1 pick.

2) Im not allowed to talk about #2. I think I might get banned. All I ask, honestly, from people, is that no matter how much you love Bob Sanders or how much you think he’ll improve the D, stop with the ‘This defense needs Bob Sanders to be elite’. This is defense is bordering on elite, with or without Bob.

3) 3 weeks ago I was saying AG might have trouble getting on the field if Garcon and Collie kept progressing the way they had started the season. Collie has clearly kept getting better and better. PC has slowly regressed over the past 3 weeks. He’s penalty prone, his pre-season stone hands have re-emerged, and I’m gettin real tired of him hoppin around like he has ants in his pants pre-snap. He has great speed and he’s a tremendous blocker, but he’s still raw. Looking forward to a healthy Wayne – Collie – Gonzo set now.

I’ll just add this – the tone from Phil B and Bob Kravitz seems to lead to some speculation that Reggie’s no-no spot injury might be more than minor. He seemed depressed post game (according to reporters) and didnt talk with the media, which is unusual for Reggie.

Brown, otoh, says he’ll be good to go tonight, so that’ll be nice. A full slate of Addai might be good for my fantasy team, but not for his ability to stay on the field.

by SpazMo on Oct 26, 2009 2:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not that I want to hear it but

Im not allowed to talk about #2. I think I might get banned.

Come on, the head writer is in the same camp as you.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 26, 2009 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

#2 Borderig on Elite.

I have my doubts about just how good are D really is.So far this season the strongest D they have faced was Miami.
The true test will be coming up against teams with known better D’s, Ravens, Pats, Jets and by what I’ve been watching the Houston game best not be taken lightly.

by Ufanforreal on Oct 26, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot Denver in the better D category.

by Ufanforreal on Oct 26, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ravens D is overrated this year

They’ve given up tons of yards and plays and points. If we can torch their D when it’s good, we can torch their D when it’s what it is now. We’ve got a better D than Baltimore does.

We’ve played a pair of quality offenses, however. We struggled against Miami (a good ground offense), but excelled against Arizona’s (a good air offense). I agree that calling our defense elite right now is a bit inconclusive, but we probably won’t see a whole lot elsewhere the rest of the year. The good offenses we face the rest of the year are Houston (pass first), New England (pass first), Baltimore (pass first), and maybe Denver & New York (neither has the explosiveness capable of keeping up if we get out ahead).

Knowing we excel against the pass, and knowing that’s what we’re going to facing the rest of the year, I think we can make those claims until we see otherwise from our strengths. We don’t get a whole lot of really dangerous ground games. I count San Fran next week, then Tennessee and Jacksonville again. Maybe New England if Fred Taylor plays well.

We’ve got one of the better D’s in the NFL. Bob only helps that, doesn’t appear to hurt it.

by goodlucksaturday on Oct 26, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Explosiveness

Denver IMO has the D to keep us from getting a explosive start therefore it will be up to our D to contain them which in IMO may struggle.
I hope I’m wrong but watching our D this season (although a lot better than last season) I just have my doubts of just how good the D truly are.

by Ufanforreal on Oct 26, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think its fair to say bordering on elite

Elite Ds stiffle bad O’s. The Colts have stiffled bad to good offenses 5 of 6 times this year.

Maybe they’ll prove me wrong in weeks to come, but I feel comfortable with this D. They can stop the run and they can stop the pass. I still think it was a mistake to cut Ed Johnson, but the play from the DTs has freed up DFree a lot this year and he’s wreaking havoc. The LB play has been really good except for miami (and as Miami has shown this year, it can make every D look bad), the safeties are really really good, the CBs are physical and can make plays in the passing and running game. I mean, name one spot you want to upgrade on this D? Its gonna have to be either LB or DT, and both of those positions are already playing well.

by SpazMo on Oct 26, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This defense

is great! I think Metal_Militia said it – we are working guys back into the D. And playing the RAMS!!!! Coyer played solid, basic D yesterday. We will pull out more SHUT DOWN next week!

by SupermanWearsBobSander'sPJs on Oct 26, 2009 10:55 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is about the Bob earning his spot back

Idk if you noticed, but they rotated Sanders and Bullitt out every other drive. They are gonna find ways to get him on the field regardless if he is considered starter or not. Why do people here continue to bitch about this issue? Just because Bob’s the “starter” does not mean Bullitt won’t get playing time so I do not see where there is an issue. Bob was the starter got injured and the BACK UP came in and played great but the STARTER is better now so he gets the start. Dont like it? Tough! Bob is the starter now and will remain the starter no matter how much people here bitch and whine about it!

Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!

by coltsfan723 on Oct 26, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who among us is to say Bob has NOT earned the starter role back?

I haven’t seen any practices and I haven’t heard Mel or other teammates complain. It could well be that in practice, Bob’s speed and instrincts put him in places to make plays that Mel is always a step behind. Or it could be the Colts determined to get the most out of the money they spent. Or they’re just buying into the media hype…..

Now which do you think is more likely?

I suspect he has earned it in the organization’s eyes, but he was on a pitch count the other night and may be until the Pats game (when we unveil our new D: “Cover-2/3-S.” One S will play the extra LB role, but Brady will never know which one or where he’ll come from. If NE plans 50 passes, we’ll be ready with three S’s and 3 DBs, 1 LB and 4 down linemen. Oh God, that guarantees that Fragile LoMo will have a big night, but as Belichick once said about Thurman Thomas in the SB, if he gets 100 yards, we’ve won. It’s a passing game, after all….

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Oct 27, 2009 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Diem having a pro bowl season?

Really?

"We’re only going to score 17 points? haha...OK" - Tom Brady

by Piojocuau on Oct 26, 2009 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I think he’s really forced to block more than he can handle, which may be why he looks “bad” when he really isn’t quite that bad. I think Pollack/DeVan are the main reasons behind it. When you have a bad starter playing next you that keeps switching out with a back up… kind of hard to build trust with ONE main guy and get consistency. Also, when one of those two guys kinda blow their assignments, it’s tough for Diem (or anyone really) to block two guys at once.

Oh no!

by Bluedude on Oct 26, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Edge Rushers

Have nothing to do with Pollak’s weaknesses, and Diem was getting schooled early in the Rams game by whatever no name they have at left end. Peyton got hit a few times because of this. It never really affected his play since he could at least see it coming, but Diem is Diem. He’s not good, he’s not bad. He’s just there. His penalties are down this year, which I suppose makes him better than last year.

by willyduer on Oct 27, 2009 2:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think I would go as far as calling Leonard Little a no name...

he may not be an elite edge rusher anymore but he’s still a very good pass rusher. Also you think he had to want to get to his old teammate from Tennessee.

by cscott5527 on Oct 27, 2009 2:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have only one burning question after yesterday.

What is the extent of Reggie’s injury?

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino

by Indy Lori on Oct 26, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+87

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

by peytonsthebest on Oct 26, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now they're saying he's getting "treatment". Whatever that means.

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino

by Indy Lori on Oct 26, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I certainly hope

he is able to play the niners, I think they could be a dangerous team. However it unfolds, Peyton will make it work, I’m sure.

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

by peytonsthebest on Oct 26, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not that worried about the 49ers. Especially here at home.

But if Reggie is hurt, we may need to rely on our Defense. At times.

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino

by Indy Lori on Oct 26, 2009 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are times I'd really like to make a joke about

getting treatment for my groin, but I’m above that kind of crass humor so I won’t indulge. I’m much too respectable a citizen.

We’ll probably be fine without Reggie in this game, but it will make things a lot tougher. Clark will get triple-teamed (well, Willis to rough him up and a CB to cover) leaving Collie and Garcon to do damage downfield, the RBs to work underneath. Sf CAN be explosive, depending on their highly uneven QB play. Without Reggie at all, I’d say this is a 21-10 type game. With Reggie at half speed, I’d say a much more convincing 24-6 (he’d help convert 1st downs and control the game much better, even if we’re not scoring in buckets, and keeping the ball away from them limits the damage the niners can do.) We’d punt 3-4 more times without Reggie than with him. But we’ll still handle them… no?

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Oct 27, 2009 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not worried about Reggie

Let’s not forget, he’s got the longest active streak among all WR starters at the moment. The guy’s a machine. I seem to remember an interview last year talking about how he was playing on a bad ankle for most of the season (Peyton was quoted as saying “Reggie Wayne is a Warrior”).

If he does miss the start, we’ve got enough in Collie and Garcon (despite his recent bout with stone hands, i still love the kid). Should be enough to handle San Fran.

by WaynesWorld on Oct 27, 2009 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Chance to see Baskett, maybe?

by tim55 on Oct 27, 2009 2:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Baskett

played against St Louis….caught a pass and didnt drop it.

Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!

by coltsfan723 on Oct 27, 2009 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Since Baskett

has caught 100% of what has been thrown to him so far, I’d like to see him play more until he drops one. Who knows what he could accomplish with Peyton on the other end of the passes?

by Ayrshire on Oct 27, 2009 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd love to see him out-jump some defenders and come down with a pass

a la Brandon Marshall or Braylon Edwards

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Oct 27, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no one out jumps a defender

like Larry Fitzgerald

Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!

by coltsfan723 on Oct 27, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

indeed - totally missed Fitz

How can you not love a team that does this?

by LovinBlue on Oct 27, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

About the defense

I wouldn’t call it elite – elite at pass rushing, perhaps, but defenses can’t afford to be ran all over like a cheap rug and be thought of as elite.

With our offense, though, it doesn’t need to be elite. It just needs to be good. And it’s good.

by eltharion_doa on Oct 27, 2009 4:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

other than the dolphins game when have they been run over?

they were in ‘pass rush mode’ and gave up 50 yards on 3 carries, and then put the kaibosh (no clue how you spell the word) and stopped it. And the score was 21-3 when that happened.

by SpazMo on Oct 27, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definate pass rush mode

We had the Mathis-Foster-Brock-Freeney line in when S. Jackson ran for all those yards in the 2nd half. Average weight is what? like 260?

"If God had wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates."
Jay Leno

by MarshallPlan on Oct 27, 2009 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that line is 245, 265, 278, 276

so that’s 268.5lbs average

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 27, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Diet Line.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This video right here has produced one of my favorite lines ever. It was so awesome that there has been 2 sequels. One where you must put a banana in your ear, and another where you must grab their tongues. Purely awesome.

by Cassieper on Oct 28, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs