2009 Colts Training Camp: Early Thoughts
by Brad Wells on Aug 4, 2009 5:32 PM EDT
in Training Camp
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PrintWe've got three practices in the books. As we wait for the fourth practice to conclude, I've looked through some emails folks have sent, blogs, and Twitter updates to come up with these quick thoughts about the first few practices. Now, obviously, after three practices, we still have no idea who will start, what the team's tendencies will be, etc. These are just quick notes I've jotted down as I've watched, read, and listened to many camp reports:
- The first string defensive line is Dwight Freeney (RDE), Daniel Muir (NT), Ed Johnson (DT), and Raheem Brock (LDE). It looks as if Ed is playing at the undertackle spot.
- The first string linebackers are Philip Wheeler (SAM), Gary Brackett (MIKE), and Clint Session (WILL).
- Jim Caldwell loves his talent at running back. He praised Lance Ball for learning the playbook very quickly and was impressed with how Mike Hart is progressing after last year's ACL injury.
- The Colts a very big on Daniel Muir. I've seen Polian praise him twice and Caldwell has praised him multiple times as well. Antonio Johnson better get off PUP, and quick!
- Blitzing will mostly come from the linebackers, making Indy's Tampa-2 not much different than the Chicago Bears.
- Donald Brown is a complete stud. He has the ability to break long runs for big plays. He is also an accomplished receiver and is putting in a lot of time on pass blocking.
- Lots of WR run blocking drills. WRs coach Clyde Christensen seems to be emphasizing this in camp.
- Starting offensive line is Tony Ugoh (LT), Mike Pollak (RG), Jeff Saturday (OC), Ryan Lilja (LG), and Ryan Diem (RT).
- Both Peyton Manning and Caldwell have stated that the third WR battle is very heated. Pierre Garcon is in the lead. Taj Smith and Austin Collie have also impressed. Roy Hall has impressed blocking out of the slot.
- Austin Collie might return punts.
- Curtis Painter can fling the football. Strong arm. He is indecisive delivering the ball, and he pats the ball when he is making his reads (big no-no). However, these traits are typical of rookie QBs.
- The Colts will likely carry 3 QBs heading into the season. This means one less DB will make the team.
- The team is very deep. Some good football players are going to be cut when this team has to chop down to 53.
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Not So Deep Thoughts
Didn’t Oehser predict that Mookie starts at NT and Big Ed starts at UT?? I think Ed can be a fine UT with his quickness and it would make sense if Muir makes the team that he and Mookie battle it out for starting NT if he is playing well. I think Ed at UT, especially on 1st down or 3rd and short, would be great for the LBs that are going to be looking to make more plays in coverage and also with some blitzing too because they will have 2 proven run stuffers in front to keep blockers off.
The depth on this team right now is amazing. I don’t think we have ever been this deep on defense since Peyton’s been here. If any solid players don’t make the final 53, and we have any significant injuries during the season, I hope those guys are still available to fill the void.
Is this the year Dante Hughes steps up? If he and Powers can live up to their potential, this team may not lose a game.
"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."
Let's not get ahead of ourselves
Every team usually gets this kind of positive buzz once training camp starts up. Let’s wait for the season to actually start before we begin talking about a possible undefeated season.
Was kidding about going undefeated
but not about the talent and depth.
"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."
Few notes
Where exactly was it said that Muir was in the starting lineup? I know he got a lot of praise yesterday from the coaches and had a couple standout plays against Saturday, but I was just assuming that the DT’s were rotating in-and-out against the first unit offense. This is surely some exciting information, but I’d appreciate some confirmation.
Clint Session looks like he’s bulked up, and Brackett looks like he’s slimmed down. Gary has always been as fast guy, even though his body doesn’t look at first to possess and speed at all, so I think a little trim in the middle can only be positive for him as long as it doesn’t affect his hitting ability.
I haven’t thought about this until now, but even if Hall does not win the 3rd WR spot, why not put him in occasionally on running downs? He could a great blocker in the open field and could probably allow the RB’s to break off a few more longer runs to the outside. As long as the Colts don’t become predictable when he’s inserted into the game, he could become a pretty good asset to the running game this season.
WR Blocking
Pierre Garcon is the best blocking WR on the Colts and will prove to be one of the finest in the NFL.
I heard something today...
On the sirius Colts training camp coverage that suggested Garcon looked good on blocking. It was also implied that he looked the best “all-around”, catching, blocking, route-running, etc. for the 3rd rec. spot so far. Sorry, I don’t have a link to the quote.
"Flying blind on a rocket cycle?" -Vultan, from the movie "Flash Gordon", for no particular reason...
by peytonsurdaddy on Aug 4, 2009 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
follow-up
I had the pleasure of watching him in college and quite a bit during last year’s pre-season games. If you have the games on DVD like I do…go back and watch him light-up NFL CB’s on any run to his side of the field…on every play. He was known as a devastating blocker in college and while scoring 60 touchdowns himself…blocked for the all-time leading rusher and scorer in NCAA history. This season when then the games are live watch for yourself…and make your own determination.
I would actually like to see someone interview him on his love for blocking and punishing defenders.
huh
I hadn’t bought into the Ed at UT talk at all. Guess I was off the mark. I still doubt he plays there more than he plays NT, Fili will push hard for the run down snaps at UT and I expect Foster and Brock to hold down the spot in passing situations.
You think you notice most everything around you, but in reality you're nearly blind to everything outside of your current focus. Hilarious example.
Another
its a change having so many options at DT
OH NO WE SUCK AGAIN!
by colts9318rock on Aug 4, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Wasn’t it Oehser who implied that Johnson and Johnson could be the starting DT’s going in the year, well I mean going into the second game? I can see Foster seeing less action compared to last year with Brock and Mola possibly taking over during passing situations, and watch out for Grady too. I just think Foster will see more of spot duty rather than being one of the 4 main players in the rotation at the DT spot. Not sure what to think of my opinion quite yet, gotta see some preseason games.
by ColtsFanNChiTown on Aug 4, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah,
but Oehser admitted recently that he doesn’t really know the differences between UT and DT. Both members of the “law firm” really seem suited to play NT.
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: I will be at training camp this Saturday (the 8th) to get lots of autographs. Let me know if you're going Saturday (in comments or E-Mail address in my profile), and you may be able to actually meet me in person. I'm sure you're all excited.
feels good though
after the frustration of last year where we scrambling for bodies
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...
Someone pinch me.
I cannot believe how deep this team is. I’m nearly speechless.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
Pinch
We’re only 1.5 days into training camp, let’s not get ahead of ourselves:
1. Some of these guys are going to get cut (necessarily reducing our depth)
2. training camp success from the fan’s perspective does not necessarily indicate the same during the regular season or even a roster spot (remember Devon Aromashodu, Colin Ferrell and Brannon Condren last year).
3. Save for Donald Brown, it’s hard to say that the rookies add to our depth. It’s very difficult for even first day draft picks to make the transition to the NFL and that is especially true of the offensive and defensive linemen positions. Running backs can be the exception, and Big Ed Johnson was able to contribute his rookie year, but Pollack’s performance last year should temper our expectations.
4. Death, taxes, and training camp / pre-season injuries are the only guarantees in life
5. Oh, and the Curse of Corey Simon too
6. Until we see their game day performance, Caldwell, Coyer, and Rychleski are unknowns.
7. Knock on wood, but AV’s hip and Addai’s knee in 2009 could turn into Peyton’s and Lilja’s knees in 2008.
8. Last year felt like it was going to be The Year too
There’s obviously a lot to like, and I’m not trying to be pessimistic (only realistic)
MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRKKKK!
I cant wait for the first game
OH NO WE SUCK AGAIN!
by colts9318rock on Aug 4, 2009 9:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree...
With most of what you’re saying except the part about last year feeling like it was going to be “the year”. I was pleasantly surprised we even made the playoffs last year with Peyton’s knee and all.
"Flying blind on a rocket cycle?" -Vultan, from the movie "Flash Gordon", for no particular reason...
by peytonsurdaddy on Aug 4, 2009 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I know you're right.
Especially with #4. I sincerely hope that THIS year, we’ll catch a few breaks (figuratively, that is) with the injury bug. We’ve had more than our share that last 2 years.
Besides, I rely completely on my “gut feelings.” I am rarely realistic when it comes to Peyton and the Colts. ;-)
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Aug 5, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
you guys have to remember that camp lineups arent the same as final or even preseason game lineups
Not to mention, this is only 2 days, I think we might see something different in the first preseason game.
True
I doubt that Daniel Muir is a starter when the season comes around, or at least in Week 2 when Johnson is back. I would be surprised if it isn’t Fili Moala or Eric Foster against the Jags.
I think we are seeing a very different defense. The blitzing is perfect for Philip Wheeler. He could dominate in this new system like Lance Briggs in Chicago.
"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg
i dont think the new system will deviate completely from the old one
Remember, Coyer said he will blitz, but far less than he did in denver. I think the base tampa 2 Dungy established will still be the base defense that will be used in 3rd and long situations. Just let the front 4 rush.
Dont get me wrong, I want to blitz more and welcome new intricacies to the defense, but I still veru much like to see some of the good ole tampa 2
by metal_militia on Aug 4, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Painter
That arm strength is fine until he overthrows his receivers by 10 yards every pass. Painter is a bad QB. I saw enough of him in college to know that it was a wasted draft pick. Yes this is biased, but he is just a terrible quarterback. I hope he gets cut or at least the practice squad and doesn’t take up a roster spot from a player who could actually play and maybe even play well.
If Eric Foster isn’t on the roster I will be heartbroken.
"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg
More Injuries for defense with new scheme
Everyone is saying that we are SOOO DEEP this year, but I think our lack of depth @ linebacker is disturbing…..We are going to have ALOT of banged up LB’s this year. If we have more blitzing and big hits, and less tackles from behind (aka Brackett chasing someone down) I think our size precludes MAJOR injuries to LBs….I think it will be the Achilles heel of this team…You can’t just totally switch the defensive scheme from what you have been drafting guys for years to do (body types/skills)and not expect negative externalities….
Go Horse!
Great to be back!
Lack of depth? Really?
I don’t understand how you can say the LB core lacks depth when we have two backups in Keiaho and Hagler who have extensive starting experience. I do agree that a little more blitzing may cause some injuries, but it’s definitely less of an issue than you make it out to be considering we do have some proven depth this year.
Not necessarily
The guys who will be blitzing (Wheeler, Hagler, apparently bulked up Session) aren’t the same size as LBs we have had in the past (ex: June and Gardner) so the added size will help. I haven’t researched Wheeler’s injury history, but he at least as the size to play in this type of scheme.
Not to mention Seward is out there in case someone goes down. He’s 250+ and that will also help if they send him in.
Also, I don’t think they are going to blitz on every play, but definitely enough to keep teams honest.
"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."
Any word on Adam Seward?
Just curious as to our splashy FA acquisition.
/removes tongue from cheek
How can you not love a team that does this?
Nice...
Looking forward to posting alot of good comments. What is going on with Bob I really need him to bust some heads this season
Pat Wilson
PUP list
As usual. I don’t know how injured he is. It seems precautionary to me this training camp.
I can’t wait to go out there and watch this team practice. I want to see Taj Smith and Daniel Muir now that they are shining.
"I saw a commercial on late night TV, it said,'Forget everything you know about slipcovers.' So I did. And it was a load off my mind. Then the commercial tried to sell me slipcovers, and I didn't know what the hell they were."
-Mitch Hedberg
Jim Miller loves him some Danny Muir
He mentioned him no less than 5 times today, talking about how great he’s been the first few days of camp. That’s a really good sign for the DL.
Not a Freddy K fan at all...
I just think that this guy doesn’t play well..I think he chokes in the SD games and in my opinion should be SACKED! ..He’s not a reliable back up..We’re not talking Rob Morris here…starting exp. returns to lineup and Colts win a Super Bowl…(Can we get a Rob Morris pic?) I’m afraid we’re banking on some no namers…the only winner and perrenial Pro Bowler (though not recognized as such) is Brackett…We have awesome andD-Line secondary…but linebackers are unproven (exception being Brackett). I’m just not betting the farm on them..and I see the Colts two drafts away from having a fully implemented Coyer scheme…..though I like what I am hearing….
BTW, I think the Colts return as a top ten run team this year….and I think special teams..sans a real returner….are a lot better…but I miss Hunter the Punter already.
Hey, cheer up!
We’ve still got Hunter the Trainer!
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: I will be at training camp this Saturday (the 8th) to get lots of autographs. Let me know if you're going Saturday (in comments or E-Mail address in my profile), and you may be able to actually meet me in person. I'm sure you're all excited.
ditto
keiaho is a complete liability in pass coverage. i was a little bummed when they resigned him.
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