Luke Links: The "Friendly Smack Talk" Edition

I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to the high level of (mostly friendly) chatter this week between Colts and Chiefs fans.  It's been fun to watch the Chiefs fans who, after witnessing several years of mediocrity, once again have swagger... and with good reason.  Despite what Colts fans may want to believe, and despite what the analysts say, the Chiefs are the team to beat here.  They are the ones who have gotten it done and are already the only remaining unbeaten team.  In a league as difficult in the NFL, that has to be respected.

Just as the Colts suffered every week last year through (a) Deion Sanders predicting a Colts loss, and (b) the "what did the Colts' opponents do wrong to lose" and "what is the latest on Tom Brady's [insert any word here]," as opposed to "what did the Colts do to take control of that game," I've seen lots of Chiefs fans already reflecting that their team is not yet respected for their accomplishments.  So far the focus has been on the Chargers, the Browns and the 49ers.

I know I watched that Monday night opener when the Chiefs took on the Chargers and thought at the time they might be playing above their ability.  But the fact that they beat two more NFL teams causes me a little pause.  One thing I know is that I won't be predicting a blow-out win the way I did against the Jags (because that turned out so well).  I can only hope that the Colts will regroup, have a solid game plan, and execute with discipline and consistency.

GO COLTS - SCALP THE CHIEFS!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • Caldwell hopes the team will harness their frustration and turn it into wins
  • The Colts will find a way to backfill at safety
  • Javarris James has had a whirlwind week, but he's here for at least 3 weeks now
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com)
  • Compiles Thursday's Colts Notebook
• Videos / Media
  • A minute with Coach Caldwell
  • Locker room interviews after Wednesday's practice
  • The players give their thoughts on this weekend's game
• If you are going to the game and want to feel special, check out this VIP Tailgate
• Go run the NFL Fit for You 5K the day prior to the October 31st game against the Texans

GREEN APPLES AND ROAD APPLES
Positive and Negative Analysis

• Paul Kuharsky (ESPN)
  • thinks losing Melvin Bullitt could break the Colts
  • thinks the addition of Javarris James spells bad news for Donald Brown
  • Caldwell has some injury decisions to make
• Phillip B. Wilson (Indy Star)
  • thinks the Colts will win this weekend
  • Aaron Francisco is back!
  • considers who might have to step in at safety
  • even Caldwell is still contemplating the safety position
  • Catch up with Phil B.'s blog
• Mike Chappell (Indy Star)
  • The Colts are humbled, but can bounce back
  • Bullitt out for the season
  • Thankfully, the Colts are thinking "score" every time they have the ball, regardless of starting field position
• Andy Benoit (CBS Sports) looks at Manning versus the Chiefs' young secondary
• John Oesher (Indy Football Report, AOL Fanhouse)
  • offers some thoughts in advance of this weekend's game against the Chiefs
  • looks at seven issues currently surrounding the Colts, including the impact of an inconsistent defense on the offense's production
  • previews the upcoming game 
• Greg Cowan (Coltzilla) posts a review of the first quarter of the Colts season
• TJ Higley (Coltzilla) reviews the power rankings for Week 4
• The Sports Xchange (ColtPower.com)
  • The Colts are starting in a hole
  • presents a Colts Notebook
  • Colts' Notes and quotes, Strategy and personnel, Inside slant
• William S. Paxton (Connecticut Post) Jamey Richard is hitting his stride with the team
• Jenny Dell (ESPN) presents AccuScore's prediction of the game against the Chiefs

• Mark Schlereth and Tedy Bruschi (ESPN) make their predictions for this weekend's Chiefs-Colts game

• ESPN previews the Chiefs-Colts matchup

• Associated Press
  • The Colts are at the bottom looking up in the division
  • Yikes - this article lumps the Colts in the same group as the Rams

IN THE PADDOCK
News About This Week's Opponent

• Kent Babb (The Kansas City Star)
  • takes a look at what makes plays "dirty" in the NFL
  • The Colts will be the first 4-3 defense the Chiefs have faced this year
• Adam Teicher (The Kansas City Star)
  • The Chiefs trust their improved defense against Manning
  • The Chiefs are still puzzled as to why the Colts let Lilja go
  • Coach Todd Haley wants to balance the workload a little better (Editor's note: fine with me, Coach... I think Flowers needs a long rest on Sunday)
  • Haley doesn't think the Chiefs are on par with the Colts yet (Editor's note: beware false pride)
• Doug Tucker (AP) The Chiefs are getting creative in their preparation for Manning

OUTSIDE THE STABLE
Around the League

• Paul Kuharsky takes an in-depth look at Titans' RB Chris Johnson's struggles
• John McClain (The Houston Chronicle)
• (The Florida Times-Union)
• Paul Kuharsky
  • reprints notes from Gary Horton (Scouts Inc.) about the division
  • highlights key injuries around the AFC South
  • shares Peyton Manning's thoughts on the 18-game season
• Thomas George (AOL Fanhouse) points out that many NFL coaches are struggling with time management... and not the kind that can be solved by purchasing a day planner