2009 Colts Training Camp: Notes from Annual Blue and White Scrimmage
by Brad Wells on Aug 8, 2009 11:34 AM EDT
in Training Camp
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PrintEvery training camp, the Colts have held an annual Blue v. White Scrimmage (aka, a mock game). This pits starting and second string offenses v. the starting and second string defenses. During this mock game, both sides are given points for certain accomplishments, such as gaining first downs, big plays, forcing punts, touchdowns, sacks, INTs, etc.
Today, the Colts held their annual scrimmage, and due to the power of Twitter (again, go screw yourself Bill Parcells for the way you treat the people who pay your inflated salary) we have live updates from the game that just concluded not more than a few minutes ago. This summary is a breakdown of the immortal Eric Hartz, who Tweeted a storm this morning. Eric is an editor for ColtPower.com.
- Colts defense dominated the scrimmage. I mean, it seemed like it wasn't even funny how much they dominated.
- Mike Hart is in a walking boot, meaning his ankle injury is serious, but likely something he can heal quickly from.
- Lots of players sat out, such as Fili Moala, Marcus Howard, Antonio Johnson, and Daniel Muir. Also out was Donald Brown, Jim Sorgi, Tom Santi, Bob Sanders, Kelvin Hayden, and Marlin Jackson. Some of these players are on PUP.
More after the jump...
- Austin Collie is the slot receiver. He came out with the starting offense, and when they went to 3 WR, Collie was the slot guy. It's possible the Colts could use some three WR packages with Pierre Garcon flanking outside and either Reggie Wayne or Anthony Gonzalez lining up in the slot, but if there is a definite "slot receiver" on this team, it's Collie; not Garcon.
- Pat McAfee kicked a 68 yard punt.
- Defense caused offense to stall in multiple three-and-outs. Peyton Manning and Curtis Painter sacked often. Several passes tipped or disrupted because of pass rush. Manning was visibly annoyed. Somewhere in the Rose Hulman facilities right now, Larry Coyer is smiling.
- Dante Hughes looked good, as did Jerraud Powers.
- O-line had trouble containing defense's pass rush.
- Shane Andrus kicked a 50-yard FG.
- Powers also had an impressive punt return in scrimmage.
- Defense wins 45-31.
- Reggie Wayne and Gonzo looked impressive running routes.
- With no Brown and no Hart, running game seemed to struggle in scrimmage.
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I don't know...
I guess Collie’s the slot receiver right now, but it’s still awfully early. I think the pre-season will tell us more about who gets the job. The Colts have been notorious in the past for giving extra reps to guys in training camp that they aren’t sure about and then eventually cutting them (not that Collie’s going to be cut; being a mid-round draft pick he absolutely won’t, but you can usually tell who they think they need to see more of by who lines up with the first team at camp).
I’m excited that Hughes and Powers are impressing. I’m still really worried about CB depth. Indy Lori said Jennings made an impressive INT on Manning the other night, but these two could very easily overtake him in the pre-season.
It’s good to hear the D was dominant without several potential starters, including Sanders, both CBs and Moala. Does it worry us yet that we keep hearing/seeing trouble from the O-line with stopping QB pressure? Will it get better as they gel with Lilja? Or maybe our pass rushers are just that awesome?
"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"
it does bother me
I just hope its a case of the D-Line just being so dominant rather than O-Line struggling.
Our answers to these questions will come in the forthcoming weeks when the Colts play against other teams, rather than themselves.
by metal_militia on Aug 8, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
bothered by lack of running game
The lack of a running game and the weakness in the O-line really bothers me. I am so glad to hear the defense is looking up! Peyton can’t pass for 5000 yards without the run. Addai or Hart or Brown have to help out with that.
Running game?
How well can you evaluate the running game with just shoulder pads and helmets? Were they tackling in the scrimmage?
Good question. No they weren't tackling.
Which means a runner is down when contacted. Who knows if they’d broken a tackle and ran long. I noticed this in the early practice Friday. I find it hard to evaluate the running game until the tackling starts.
by coltsfanawalt on Aug 8, 2009 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions
those rules would really favor defense
especially a fast swarming one like Indy’s. I get why the running game was a no go and Peyton was frustrated.
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
Does anyone know anything about Sorgi getting injured?
"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
That's a concern for a couple reasons
It’s nice to have Painter, but do you recall when we brought in two zombies last summer to gobble up donuts in the locker room and snaps in practice because Manning was out? I want Sorgi to be healthy to run the scout team when we need it (later on) and to keep 18 from being overworked in TC.
I suppose we can always get the Pillsbury Throwboy back, if only to revel in his multiple nicknames. It’s good to have a well-rounded presence in the locker room, plus I understand he turns 26 in mid-August, so they can have cake and sing Happy Girthday to him.
Yes, I am shameless…. get well soon, #12, and watch out for those handoffs, they can be dangerous.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
Quinn Gray did majorly outplay Sorgi for the first 2 games
before totally self destructing.
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
by shake n bake on Aug 8, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions
O-Line
My biggest concern going into the season is the O-Line. While it’s nice to know the D is looking good, this report didn’t do much to quell my fears.
Thanks SB and Eric for the report though. Great work.
O-Line
They are still getting used to each other. I don’t think it will be a problem.
If the offense struggles to start the season, at least it sounds like we have a defense that can win some games for us. I’m very excited about that.
"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."
And
Caldwell himself said that the scoring system used in this scrimmage is setup to benefit the defense. I want to see how the offense and defense plays against other teams in a real game with all of our players in uniform.
"I'm looking for Ray Finkle....and a clean pair of shorts."
random question on Powers
Is his first name pronounced Jer-odd or Jared (like the subway guy)?
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
My biggest concern now is that offensive line.
Manning has a quick release, so the stats that will tell all for me are long completions (requires time) and YPC on the ground. We will see, and I am hopeful, but the defense has been the better unit so far. And that’s rare for the Colts.
I was at the scrimmage yesterday and I will say this.
I did come away impressed by the d-line pressure and the corner back play. However, not only the scoring but also the way the scrimmage is played is an advantage to the defense. Almost as soon as a player is touched they are ruled down which takes away from the possibility of breaking tackles. Which makes it nearly impossible for the RB to gain many yards. There were a few instances where I feel there would have been some bigger gains had they not blown the whistle. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why they do it and am glad they do to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Thx!
Thanks INDYGUY.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Did you know that Kuharsky linked to this article?
he’s been doing that a lot recently. Mainly ever since the Kravitz fiasco. Anywho I thought it was interesting.
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