NFL Network's RedZone Colts stat of the week: Week Twelve

by BigBlueShoe on Nov 25, 2009 9:32 AM EST in Colts Analysis Comment 5 comments

This post is sponsored by Comcast and their NFL RedZone channel, a new NFL Network channel. Want to see every touchdown from every NFL game as it happens as well as live look-ins to all of Sunday's games in key situations? Then you need Comcast's NFL RedZone.

One of the many reasons why I love Yahoo! Sports player stats is because they offer some excellent situational numbers. One of those numbers offers a glimpse into how well Joseph Addai has been running in the fourth quarter. Through ten game, check out Addai's yards per rush by quarter:

First quarter: 2.6

Second quarter: 3.8

Third quarter: 4.0

Fourth quarter: 4.1

The Colts running game is by no means a strength, and if there is a weakness for this team it's running the ball. However, what the numbers, and the results, are showing is that the Colts know how to run effectively in the fourth quarter where it is essential to run if you want to ice a game. Compare Addai's quarter-by-quarter breakdown with, say, the Patriots' Laurence Maroney:

First quarter: 5.0

Second quarter: 3.5

Third quarter: 3.6

Fourth quarter: 3.2

Like the Colts, the Pats struggle to run the ball. However, unlike the Colts, the Patriots have struggled to run the ball in the fourth quarter of certain games. This was a huge reason why New England lost at Indy a few weeks ago (even though resident ESPN bald idiot Tony Kornheiser thinks they won; he also believes in magic fairies, pink unicorns, and the myth of his own credibility).

The benching of Mike Pollak for Kyle DeVan has also produced better rushing results. Since Pollak was benched, Addai has averaged 4.5, 4.1, and 3.9 yards a carry through the last three games, respectively.

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Comments

Idjit

Dontcha know “the Pats know how to close games out.”??? Rodney Harrison says so!

Maroney’s decreasing effectiveness is actually a ploy to justify Brady’s bombs to Moss when up by 17 with 30 seconds left.

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

by Bobman on Nov 25, 2009 1:49 PM EST reply actions

Comcast Redzone

I have the package for this but the channel never comes through save for maybe one week. Anyone have this problem? I really liked the channel…you get to see all the games and they switch to any teams that happen to be in the redzone.

Sorry slightly off topic (saw the article was sponsored by Comcast Redzone)

by HappyLittleTreez on Nov 25, 2009 3:02 PM EST reply actions

I believe

That it is only supposed to be on from the kickoff of the early games to the close of the late afternoon games. And that is it. I could be wrong, but that is what I was lead to believe.

I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation

by Bullard47 on Nov 25, 2009 5:55 PM EST up reply actions

Not surprising to me

What is surprising to me is the total silence from the Addai haters when you bring this up. If you bring up his improvements over the game, the poor statistical findings for the O-line, his Success Rate despite this, his catch rate, etc., they have nothing to say. Maybe “3rd and 2” or “SD Playoff game” or some such nonsense.

The point is this:

- He gets into a rhythm
- He finishes his runs
- His YPC is drastically affected by plays blown up in the backfield due to bad line play
- He almost always gives you the yards you need
- He almost always catches the ball when it’s thrown his way
- He carries out the play fake very well
- He blocks unlike almost any back in the league on passing plays, despite a smallish frame
- HE CAN THROW TOUCHDOWNS
- He almost NEVER fumbles

This guy is special, and I love him so much more because he is perfect for US. No other team will probably want a guy with his skill set, or pay him big money for it. So? We will probably be able to retain him for another 5 years for little money and have a vet back their with great chemistry with Peyton. If D-Brown turns into the starting back down the line(which he might), Addai has the skill set to evolve into a Kevin Faulk type. Great third down back, that can be a feature back in a pinch and do everything you ask him to do.

He might not have the size, he might not have the speed. He might not have the big play ability. But Addai can and will do everything the Colts ask of their running back. This is with a poor O-line. And, one may note that Brown has not exactly been the game changer we hoped for as of yet. He has shown flashes, but he can not RIGHT NOW, do alot of the things that Addai can do(listed above).

Show #29 some love people. I love me some Kid Joe!

I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation

by Bullard47 on Nov 25, 2009 6:05 PM EST reply actions

Blocking

It is not just the line…I was watching the receviers—Collie for example (who only had 1 catch)—and he (they) were blocking very well. This keeps LBs/CBs from getting in on tackles and gives Addai extra yards

by adafao on Nov 26, 2009 2:51 AM EST reply actions