The Horrid Blocking on Kickoffs

by Yougotme on Dec 23, 2010 10:32 AM EST

I posted this as a comment in the Jaguars game summary, but thought it probably deserves its own post to illustrate why the Colts kickoff returner can never even make it to the 20 unless it's a touchback.

The Colts received four kickoffs in the game, with Rhodes returning each of them.

The first kickoff started the game. Rhodes lead blockers are Ricardo Mathews and Keyunta Dawson (circled yellow). They don’t even bother to touch the lead Jaguar coming down the field. (circled in red) Next, Blair White is unable to get in front of his guy. (Between the red and yellow circles) Al Afalava’s blocking assignment goes right by him. (circled pink) Kudos to Taj Smith (at the bottom) who at least blocked his assignment out of the play.

The result is a stop at the 18.

Next kickoff is the exact same story. We have Blair White eating turf (circled pink) as his assignment goes by him. We have Eric Foster apparently kneeling before his assignment (circled yellow). Al Afalava (circled red) once again completely whiffs on his assignment. Despite this, Rhodes takes it to the 23 before being tackled. Yeah! Beyond the 20! But wait…

"Block in the back on 10 [Taj Smith]"

The result is a start from the 8 yard line.

Don’t think it can get worse? Well, it does. On the third kickoff, you have two guys who don’t have ANYBODY near them. (circled yellow) Apparently, Jags #24 Owens is Superman because 4 Colts decide to block him. (circled red) Rhodes has ZERO chance on this one.

The result is a start from the 16 yard line.

Finally, on the fourth and final kickoff to the Colts of the game, Rhodes gives it the "F-it!" and takes a knee. Can you blame him after the first three kickoffs?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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Great job

LMAO with your commentary

by carmine on Dec 23, 2010 10:56 AM EST reply actions

So what is the cause?

Poor coaching? Poor players? Both? Really crazy that we don’t get ANY returns on punts or kickoffs of any reasonable yardage throughout the entire game.

Great posts, funny comments – especially “kneeling at the defender”! LMAO

by buymymonkey on Dec 23, 2010 11:04 AM EST reply actions

Coaching!

Obviously its on the coaches, just look at example 3. The players cannot block out 1 guy with 4 defenders. Its impossible to expect results from any kick returner with the guy not doing their jobs in front of him.

by Dann Giszewski on Dec 23, 2010 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

I watched the game and wondered where the blocking was. I honestly don’t think the KR is the problem. Should have found a way to keep B James. It’s the blocking that’s killing the return game.

by Sparhawk on Dec 23, 2010 11:39 AM EST reply actions

He Dropped One

B James dropped one in a game. You can’t do that. That’s why he’s done. The blocking may be bad, but he was worse. Hopefully Rhodes has enough experience to have the ear of the coaches.

by LostHoosier on Dec 23, 2010 12:13 PM EST up reply actions

Awesome Work

First off, I seriously lol’d at this “we have Eric Foster apparently kneeling before his assignment (circled yellow).”

Secondly, this is a great look at the terrible blocking by the kickoff return unit and it extends far beyond this season. I would like to blame it on the injuries and the consistently rotating personnel on the unit, but it has been like this for years.

by Buffalo Braves on Dec 23, 2010 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Great work here!!!

Thanks! Colts are deplorable at blocking for kicks and this details it! Sad! Sad! Sad! Poor coaching! Poor execution! Unbelievable!

by ColtsWow on Dec 23, 2010 1:53 PM EST reply actions

Just a follow up...

Thanks for all the comments – I have to keep it somewhat humorous to keep from crying.

I looked at the other games for which I had tape.

In the Denver game, only one kickoff was not a touchback. It was a blocking disaster. What’s wrong with the picture below? I mean, I don’t even have to put color coded circles to see the problem on this one.

Seriously? 4 UNBLOCKED Broncos?

Next up, Washington. Butterfingers Moore returning kickoffs. In the opening kickoff, the Colts actually block really well. Except for Jamey Richard, who misses his assignment very, very badly.

Result? Start at the 19 – but very fortunate that Moore didn’t fumble the ball. He gets destroyed. So much so that Collinsworth is laughing in the booth.

Next kickoff, Moore takes it from the goal line. And, again, 3 unblocked Redskins are there to greet him at the 15.

Third kickoff of the game. Finally! A decent kick return! What’s different about this one? 3 blockers! Now, forming a wedge with three guys is illegal. However, one blocker is off far enough (circled yellow) that Moore is able to get around the corner to the 33 yard line.

There were two more kickoffs in that game. One I don’t have video of and the other is with the Colts lined up for an onside kick that Washington doesn’t try, so analysis of the kick is irrelevant.

Moving on to the NE game. We don’t see one kickoff because the previous game runs long. First kickoff we see, it looks like great blocking. In fact, James takes it to the 24.

One problem – holding on number 49 of the return team. (Second penalty – so, there was a penalty on the Colts on the very first kickoff of the game.) So the Colts start at the 13.

The next kickoff, which CBS gives us from a head-on view, so we can’t see the blocking being set up, is a great one. James takes it to the 31.

Next kickoff, James bobbles the ball, causing a delay on his return. However, there’s another missed block on 18 of NE.

Taken down at the 14. Nantz even calls out the special teams at this point.

Next kickoff, shows James at the 22 yard line before he gets hit. Good thing, right? WRONG! James took the kick at the 15 yard line! Two unblocked defenders and Danny Woodhead of NE just about breaks James leg.

Alright – that’s all I’ve got for now. Merry Christmas! And better blocking on Sunday!

by Yougotme on Dec 23, 2010 2:32 PM EST reply actions

Really nice job.

Like others have said, I’d be perfectly happen with a start at the 20 every time.

by Ben Savage on Dec 23, 2010 5:53 PM EST reply actions

lol

exactly my point nothing to do with the KR it’s the blocking…better blocking better return of course no penalties too

by drake89 on Dec 24, 2010 3:17 AM EST reply actions

Injuries

While I can’t speak for other years, the injures sustained this year are a huge problem. The guys on special teams aren’t experienced because the guys who usually play special teams are either on IR or starting

by TrueBlue87 on Dec 24, 2010 5:09 PM EST reply actions

Dominic Rhodes right now is our best returner for the moment, I think with better blocking without the holding calls, Brandon James would have broke one all the way or atleast got to the 40 or 50 yard line.

Colts fan since Tony Dungy's 48th Birthday.

by ColtsFan504 on Dec 26, 2010 12:33 AM EST reply actions

What

are the chances Caldwell steps down?? For the life of me, I can’t figure out how Dungy duped the Colts into hiring this guy. I’ve never been a Dungy fan and still think he got lucky winning a superbowl. Well, he can thank his RBs for that win. All of a sudden he’s found some juevos on TV. Should have taken Caldwell and special teams coach with him!!!

by Dito29 on Dec 26, 2010 9:26 AM EST reply actions