Did Colts owner Jim Irsay call out OT Tony Ugoh?
by BigBlueShoe on Jun 10, 2009 12:26 PM EDT
in Colts News
29 comments
Very rarely does Colts owner Jim Irsay comment negatively about a player. If you have get the chance to meet Jim (I've met him several times and many different functions), you will find him to be one of the more positive minded people you'll ever meet. He always talks about possibility, not negativity. And he is also very mindful of how his presence affects the authority of the people who work for him. Even recently, with the Howard Mudd and Tom Moore status, Jim Irsay left the decision to bring back Moore and Mudd to Jim Caldwell, the head coach.
Irsay said Moore, 70, and Mudd, 67, told him they still have the desire to coach at least one more year. Caldwell has wanted them to return."This was Jim Caldwell's call ultimately,'' Irsay said. "Bill (Polian, team president) and I are there to support the head coach, and we do. I asked Jim what he wanted, and he wanted to see these guys come back and be part of things. Everything is good.''
This is how real owners run their team. They allow football people to make football decisions. This is why the Colts are relevant while the Cowboys and their moron owner aren't (zero playoff wins in 15 years).
So, when the always positive, always upbeat Jim Irsay makes a comment about a player's desire and his ability to focus on the task at hand, people perk up and take notice. Irsay did just that the other day, commenting on third year OT Tony Ugoh. From John Oehser:
Irsay also said specified the need for LT Tony Ugoh to be "more consistent:"
We gave up a lot for him to play left tackle. He’s got to be focused. He’s got to be ready to go.’
The Colts traded a first-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft for the right to select Ugoh in the second round in 2007.
On the surface, that does not look like that big of a statement. But, if you know Jim Irsay, when he starts to publicly question your focus, your consistency, and your ability to be ready to play football games, that is a not-to-thinly-veiled suggestion that this is a make or break year for Tony Ugoh.
Ugoh must start and play all 16 games this season, and play them well, or he will not be on this team next year. It is literally that simple.
And before the excuse brigade starts commenting: Yes, the comments are indeed calling out Tony Ugoh. Just as Peyton Manning called out Bill Polian a few weeks ago (yes, he did; stop using the stupid excuse that the press overblew the story; Peyton knew exactly what he was doing), Jim Irsay is using the press to call out Tony Ugoh so that a point can be enforced. People like Irsay have worked with the press for a long time, and they know exactly what to say and how to say it in order to create a desired affect.
I personally don't think Irsay is insinuating Ugoh is a bad football player, far from it. My interp reads that Irsay sees what many of us see: A talented player who could be a top 5 LT but for some reason, has not been able to jump to the next level. 2009 is his last season to do so, or he will be kicked to the curb.
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The second I read Irsay's words
I knew he was calling out Ugoh. In the Indy Star it was just a paragraph. But it was obvious what he’s doing. In the same Star article, Bob Sanders stated that his soul feels good. But what he didn’t say was how is his body?
"I throw, you catch, it's not that hard."
by Indy Lori on Jun 10, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Sanders got married recently
No wonder his soul feels good.
"I throw, you catch, it's not that hard."
by Indy Lori on Jun 10, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
18to88 had a wedding photo
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is a beast.
"I throw, you catch, it's not that hard."
by Indy Lori on Jun 10, 2009 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Ugoh must start and play all 16 games this season, and play them well, or he will not be on this team next year."
He’s not in a contract year, and his hit is only 1.1mil next year. I think there’s a sizable range between starting 16 games and playing well, and playing bad, or being hurt enough for him to get cut.
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't see them retaining him
If he plays half the season, like he’s done the last two years.
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by BigBlueShoe on Jun 10, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see them keeping him
But he’d loose his spot as a starter and become the “reliable back-up.” I don’t think he’d be cut unless he is judged to be worth less than his current back-up…which isn’t likely to happen.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Jun 10, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think they can replace him in one season
He was the best OT on the roster last year. That says more about the other OTs, than about him, but that’s my point. They aren’t going to cut Ugoh unless he really regresses, or they find two tackles that can play better.
Irsay was calling him out, but I think it’s more about him reaching his expectations/potential and giving the Colts a good return on what they invested to get him, than his roster spot being in danger.
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't disagree more.
History is littered with LTs that end up at other positions along the line. It’s silly to say they’ll cut him if he doesn’t play 16 games well. If he plays well for any of a number of games he’ll be on the team next year. There’s no reason to cut a young guy making $1 million because he had some injuries.
You can say, “if he doesn’t play 16 games well, the Colts will be forced to draft another LT.” That’s a reasonable guess. But saying 16 good starts or he’s cut…that’s silly.
18to88.com
by deshawn zombie on Jun 10, 2009 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
If he flounders next season, he would at least be a viable backup with experience or an option at RT which is becoming and increasingly bigger need for the team.
I think if he can’t get to the next level this season, then the Colts will draft an OT early next year. But I definitely don’t think he’s off the team if he struggles.
by yellowsnow on Jun 10, 2009 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I concur with the few notes above--
at the very least, he’s VERY good depth. More likely, a good RT, or tradeable for something we need… or the starter LT until the theoretical new kid is up to speed.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
by Bobman on Jun 10, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know that anyone has questinoned
Whether or not Irsay was calling him out. I think it was fairly obvious – but maybe I’ve missed something.
Either way, I have to agree that Irsay was calling him out. There are several players who have to show up this year, starting with Ugoh. I think there is little question that Addai is on that list too and Sanders may be close to it. Though with Sanders it has less to do with showing up as it does with staying healthy. I’m hopefull that the “new looks” on the D include putting Sanders into his true role of SS and not forcing him to be a fourth LB.
There could be others on the list as well including Tamme, Hall, and perhaps even Robinson off the top of my head.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Jun 10, 2009 12:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well Sanders is on a pretty new long term contract
so him and the Colts are pretty well tied together for another couple years.
If we are talking about a tackle in danger of being cut, I’d put Diem before Ugoh. He costs 5-6 times more, he’s 4 years older, played at a similar level and hasn’t stayed especially healthy in the past.
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sanders
How tied together do you think they are? I don’t know the cap hit info. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Bob. But with pretty decent safety depth (some would say excellent safety depth) and a GM who has had success finding cheap safeties that fit the system, how long will the Colts pay top bucks to a guy who is in a year-on/year-off pattern? Again, I’m a fan of the Bob. But is a half-Bob worth full-Bob money with other areas that need to be addressed? I’m not trying to argue here, I’m genuinely interested in your opinion.
by ctnyc on Jun 10, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually a bit less than I thought
a ton of his contract was guaranteed, but they are paying out a lot of that in the first two years. Last year and this year had all of his roster bonus money (just under 11 million) leaving just his 8 million signing bonus (1.6 mil a year) guaranteed.
The deal was built pretty well for the Colts. At the end of the deal where the salary is high they wouldn’t have big cap costs to cut or trade him. BUT, this offseason they reworked the deal to clear some extra cap space, which bumps up his signing bonus charges to (2.2 million a year)
Cost to keep (Cap Cost to cut/trade)
2009- 6.1mil (9.8mil)
2010- 4.475 million (6.6mil)
2011- 7.7 million (4.4mil)
2012- 9.2 million (2.2mil)
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tamme on the hot seat?
Not likely. Give the guy some time to mature. However, I think this is indeed the last we will be seeing of Roy Hall, except if he comes up BIG TIME. This is really a make or break year, and I agree with the most of you, I also think this is a make or break year for Ugoh.
by jocre on Jun 11, 2009 5:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disappointment in Ugoh.
Irsay is obviously “calling him out.”
Ugoh definitely has the capability and potential; his drive and determination seem to be lacking – something the Colts don’t put up with. Personally, I hope he pulls his stuff together…I’d like it if Peyton didn’t get plastered this year behind Johnson.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jun 10, 2009 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Peyton Plastered
Have you ever noticed that when Peyton gets knocked around a lot, he comes out stronger? I think it motivates him in some way. Like in Minnesota last season and remember when the Redskins almost took his head off a couple of yrs. ago? He came out and burned them.
"I throw, you catch, it's not that hard."
by Indy Lori on Jun 10, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ugoh's not the been the problem
except when he hasn’t played. No one one the Colts line has been healthy all of the last two years, so banging him for the injuries isn’t exactly fair either. No one else has played LT well at all, so it’s not like they have some one else to take his job.
Diem is a bigger worry. As far anyone knows, he was healthy last year…he just played badly. Pollack had a far worse rookie season than Ugoh did two years ago.
Ugoh’s not become the next Tarik Glenn yet, and needs to improve (memories of Merriman abusing him, ending the Colts season in 07 still haunt me), but I’d say he’s the second most dependable player they have right now on the line (after a hopefully healthy Saturday). That’s not saying much, though. The line was a total disaster last year.
If we can get to the point where Ugoh is ACTUALLY the problem with the line, I’d be thrilled. That would be a decent line.
18to88.com
by deshawn zombie on Jun 10, 2009 2:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't he benched for a few games last year
after he was removed from the injury report? I’m not sure if I’m remembering the situation acurately.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jun 10, 2009 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was playing special teams, but not starting for 2ish games
that’s either a benching for the groin injury was limiting his mobility, so he couldn’t play on the edge at LT, but he could block on FGs with guys on either side of him
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
* a benching, or the groin injury ....
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was never clear...
why he wasn’t starting. CJ was doing his best to get Manning killed at the time though, and his return helped the offense finally come around.
18to88.com
by deshawn zombie on Jun 10, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We may be having a disconnect between expectations and reality
We expected, gave up a lot for, and want/need the next Tarik Glenn.
What we have is a talented, good run-blocking, inconsistent LT. Half the teams in the league might be happy with him (perhaps because they have bigger holes elsewhere). One who had injury issues last year.
Give him another year and see. I doubt he’s cut regardless. Who knows, maybe drafting a new kid lights a fire under him.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
by Bobman on Jun 10, 2009 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The problem as I see it
is what you said, his inconsistency. He can be a FANTASTIC blocker; he sprung Dom for a TD run last year with a block that was so intelligent and effective I couldn’t stop watching the replay. But he doesn’t have that mean, blow-your-ass-off-the-line power, and sometimes seems to forget his assignments or where he has help.
That being said, he’s not even close to being the weak link on the line. I think he’ll step it up and continue to get better; O-linemen are not like running backs, they have a long climb to get to the peak of their skills. I think Irsay is right, and his focus and mental toughness and preparation need to be there. I think he’s got it in him, but we’ll see. The last thing we need is a Vince-Young sulk.
by slash196 on Jun 10, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it is a relatively big statement considering the source.
- Brian
by VaBthang4 on Jun 10, 2009 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tackles?
Look at the best tackles size. Tony is not there. Diem is and when Scott was at guard we ran the ball not too bad. Tony will be ok ,never great,if Charlie or Pollack come through at guard. You can"t allow penetration if you run.
by RvHauler1 on Jun 10, 2009 4:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ugoh's on the smaller side for an LT, but he's not that unusual
Joe Thomas is 6’6" 305 to Ugoh’s 6’5" 301. Is Thomas too much of a lanky lightweight to run block and will never be great?
Last year the consensus seemed to be that Ugoh was actually an upgrade in the run game (though without anything near Glenn’s technical mastery in pass pro) from Glenn because Ugoh was much more mobile, since he played 30+ pounds lighter (Glenn always had weight issues and often started the OTAs in “fat camp” not allowed to play with the first unit until he was down to weight).
Change these hundreds for me cashier, Cuz I ain't made it yet, but I'm better off than last year
And what it look like hun', I ain't never made it rain but it look like fun
-Drake, Still Drake
by shake n bake on Jun 10, 2009 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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