The Colts have serious issues in their secondary
by Brad Wells on May 10, 2010 9:00 AM EDT
in Colts Analysis
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PrintOne of the big keys to the 2010 NFL Draft was finding good depth at corner back. Tim Jennings, Marlin Jackson, and T.J. Rushing (players who have provided excellent depth at corner in the past) are gone. Bill Polian and the brain trust at West 56th Street decided not to tender or re-sign them. Instead, they looked to the draft and collegiate free agency to find replacements. Polian even used the word "need" to describe just how important it was to find good depth at CB in the draft.
Here's Polian from a press conference after the Thomas selection, emphasis mine:
[Thomas] is a really good cover corner. Plays a lot like [Jacob Lacey]. Similar in style, only [Thomas is] taller and has good, long arms. A really good pass defender. He's a good man-to-man cover guy. Obviously, in that conference, he has to cover a lot of good receivers. And, he's done a good job. He was the nickel back as a junior and then a starter this year at left corner. So, again, another need we felt we had to fill in terms of depth on the defensive side of the ball, and felt good about doing it.
Well, despite Polian feeling "good" about the pick, just about everyone else shook their head at it because of Thomas' injury history. Now, with Thomas damaging his knee in his first practice with the Colts, his season is likely over and a key "need" is now very much a question mark.
Thomas was drafted not just to play special teams, but to play significant snaps at corner. Knowing how often Colts corners have gotten hurt in previous seasons, it's likely that the fourth and fifth corners on this team will not only play in the nickel in several games, but may start. Right now, Kelvin Hayden, Jerraud Powers, and Jacob Lacey are the primary corners. That's a good group.
However, after them, we have Ray Fisher (7th Round pick from Indiana), Brandon King (collegiate free agent from Purdue), Thad Turner (collegiate free agent from Ohio U.), Jordan Hemby (collegiate free agent from North Carolina), and Terrail Lambert (practice squad guy from last year).
Um, yeah. Our corner depth stinks right about now.
Now, despite things looking pretty crappy in terms of the corner depth, I think we can all agree that the Colts will not start the 2010 season at Houston with the reserve corners currently on the roster. This is a good thing. Between Fisher, King, Lambert, Hembly, and Turner, the odds are that Fisher will make the final roster. If he doesn't, the 2010 Draft is a disappointment before the season even starts. If depth at corner was as big a "need" as Polian said it was, and if the Colts get ZERO players from the draft for the 2010 campaign to fill that need, that is a pretty big screw-up.
So, odds are Fisher makes the team.
This leaves one open roster spot for, really, the fourth corner (Fisher is fifth). Likely, this player will come from the waiver wire after teams start cutting down in late-August, early-September. We've seen the Colts get guys like Keiwan Ratliff in the past and develop them into pretty decent corners. Still, the lack of corner depth is a BIG concern for this team, and worth keeping an eye on as we inch closer to training camp.
Some possible options:
- Drayton Florence or Terrence McGee in Buffalo. The Bills are transitioning from a Tampa-2 defense to a 3-4 look. These two corners might not fit the new scheme.
- Ronde Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Will the Bucs stick with him, or jettison him and go younger at corner with 3rd rounder Myron Lewis? They have him listed on their roster as a corner. He played some FS in college.
- Dwight Lowery of the NY Jets. Remember him? The guy Peyton Manning torched in the AFC Championship Game. Lowery was the victim of a rather stupid coaching move on Rex Ryan's part. Lowery, who hadn't started all year, was given the job over regular starter Lito Shepard prior to the game. Shepard had started most of the season. After Peyton Manning shredded the Jets defense in the AFCCG to the tune of 3 TD passes, he specifically cited the benching of Shepard for Lowery as a weak spot the Jets defense where Colts offense would attack. Here's Manning after that game:
They started (Dwight) Lowery today. I am curious to find out why (Lito) Sheppard didn't start. I thought he played good for them all season. When a guy is making his first start in the AFC championship game, you kind of have to take a look at him.
The Jets this off-season have totally re-vamped their secondary, and some feel that the AFCCG is the reason why they are doing so. They traded for Antonio Cromartie and drafted Kyle Wilson in the first round. This means Lowery is likely out of a job in NY. Despite him getting burned by the best QB in football, he's still a decent corner and provides good depth. - Tim Jennings. Yeah, I went there. Hate him all you want, but he offers more right now than someone like Terrail Lambert.
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If [Fisher] doesn’t [make the team], the 2010 Draft is a disappointment before the season even starts
Another big proclamation with little substance. If every other draft pick turned into a good to great starter, is it really going to be the bust of a last pick that makes our draft a disappointment?
Certainly, we need CB depth and hopefully Fisher can provide some. But to say this year’s draft now hinges on the last pick? How often does the last pick of a draft make the roster?
All the complaining around here isn’t about you taking the Colts to task when they mess up. It’s about making hyperbolic, extreme statements when a rational toned-down argument would do. By all means, if Fisher and the UDFA CB’s don’t pan out, we might be in trouble at CB. But that doesn’t make this draft an automatic disappointment, and I think you know that.
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
by psvirsky on May 10, 2010 9:11 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Again
If a key need going in (like depth at corner) is not filled despite the drafting of two players, the draft is a disappointment. If you personally don’t feel that way, you are either:
A) Letting your dislike of me cloud your judgment, or
B) Have very low standards when it comes to evaluating a draft
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Fisher wasn't drafted to play CB.
Just like TJ Rushing wasn’t in 2007.
We need one outside guy. Because most Ss on the roster could play in the slot.
Yes, he was
Polian in his draft press conference said Fisher was a good corner, and that they expect him to play corner.
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OK
You’re just making stuff up there. You are basically saying Polian lied to the press about a kid’s ability, and I’m not going to take that seriously.
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Yes
I kind of expect him to get up in front of the press and fans and tell the truth. If he’s lying, that’s a story. I think he believes Fisher can play corner. In the past, when people have asked him about other specifically players, he’s told them the Colts drafted those players just to do X or Y. In Fisher’s case, he made it a point to talk up Fisher’s coverage skills, and made it clear Fisher will play corner.
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I agree there.
A few years ago, Polian kind of laughed when a reporter asked him if he would use Justin Snow (once listed as a tight end) to help with TE depth when there were significant injuries. He said something like “Snow?! He’s a long snapper.”
He also used to say Rushing was only on the roster for returns, not to play corner, a position T.J. wanted to prove he could play.
If we got 6 starters out of a draft, it is certainly not a disappointment, regardless of need. That is WAY above average. What are my standards? Out-performing the average draft.
I’m not saying this draft will turn out great or that all these guys will be starters, But if they all ended up earning starting roles this year (unlikely, I know), there is absolutely no way that this is a disappointment.
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Again
If going into the draft you pinpointed CB as a need, and you came out of that draft with nothing at that position to start the 2010 season, that is a disappointment. If you cannot agree on that simple evaluation without cluttering it with ridiculous notions that six players from this class will START in 2010, this chat is pointless.
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this chat is pointless.
Finally we agree on something.
by thejoshbaker on May 10, 2010 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Yet
You posted anyway. Interesting.
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Right back at ya?
I mean, we’re both here, commenting.
by thejoshbaker on May 10, 2010 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
thejoshbaker
You’re bordering on trolling, pal. If you feel this chat between psvirsky and I is pointless, it kind of goes without saying that you ignore it. I personally don’t feel it is pointless yet until I read psvirsky’s response.
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Alright, absent any hypotheticals, my only point is that a no draft ever hinges on whether the last pick taken makes the team. Moreover, we’re talking about the 4th CB position. As I understand it, your point is that we need a 4th CB and this whole draft becomes a disappointment if we don’t get it.
Agreed, this chat is pointless. I’ve been weening myself off of SB and as of today, I’m done. I really have enjoyed the community and will make sure to read everything from Shake and MGrex (assuming DZ links to them for me). Feel free to ignore me and not respond BBS as I won’t be back to see it (you understand ignoring responses, like in your recent fanpost).
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
This seems like a clear case
of an argument that’d be easy to solve if you weren’t both so intent on arguing.
If a need is identified (publicly) and then not filled, then YES, absolutely, that’s a disappointment and a failure.
But on the flip side, if the 7th round pick doesn’t make a roster, NO, that does not entirely invalidate the full draft. Why? Because aside from the fact that you can’t judge a draft this early, there are [depending on how much detail/specialization you want to get into] ~20 different positions out there. There are needs at every one of them (except QB I suppose) and one draft can’t be expected to address all of those.
The 2010 draft is not a waste if the 7th rounder doesn’t pan out. But in the extreme short term, it’s also not a home run in terms of that specific CB depth need. That’s fine, though. There’s still plenty of time for the draft class to turn into big successes (or failures).
MOOBS.
by willyduer on May 10, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
THIS ^
This seems like a clear case of an argument that’d be easy to solve if you weren’t both so intent on arguing.
Brad,
Thanks for a well thought-out post. This is much closer to the type of work I’ve read from you in the past.
Oh! And i think you forgot David Caldwell. He’s listed as a safety but played CB as well.
psvirsky,
It sounds like you’ve made up your mind to leave, whether BBS changes his style or not. That’s a shame. I happen to think Brad’s post indicates that he’s taking some of the feedback we’ve given him seriously.
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
psvirsky
As I understand it, your point is that we need a 4th CB and this whole draft becomes a disappointment if we don’t get it.
Not only am I saying that, Bill Polian said it. He said himself that finding such a player was a “need.” If you go into a draft and do not get the need you needed, how is the draft not a disappointment?
Now, is it as disaster like the 2007 Draft? No. I haven’t even called this one a disappointment, yet. So. you’re kind of attacking me for something that I haven’t even fully judged yet. I’m saying that if Fisher does not make the team, that means the no players drafted will contribute in 2010 to the Colts secondary. That would be a major disappointment, no matter how you try and spin it.
Also psvirsky, if today you are indeed “done,” I’ll regret that. I disagree, and sometimes dislike, your posts, but I do value them overall.
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"I haven't even called this one a disappointment"
Well, aside from the fact that you used that term in the sentence preceding that one, I think it’s pretty obvious that you’ve implied that quite strongly. One could certainly be excused for assuming that.
It’s a disappointment in that one area. But not overall, as there are other key positions that were fortified. It’s possible that one objective was not met.
[On an unrelated note, the 07 draft, while certainly the worst in recent memory, still ranks higher than “disaster” in my opinion… there are still some teams in the league for whom that draft would be considered a success relative to their others. But I’m OK with setting our own bar high.]
MOOBS.
also,
and you came out of that draft with nothing at that position to start the 2010 season, that is a disappointment.
So yeah, you kind of did call it that.
(yeah, yeah, I’m picking at nits here… I promise, though, I’m trying to help.)
MOOBS.
willyduer
Dude, I haven’t implied the draft was a disappointment. I’ve stated I am not happy with it, but just because little ole me is unhappy with it doesn’t make the draft a disappointment.
Also, I appreciate you opinion about the 2007, but the collective thought from most people in the league and in most fan and media circles is it was a disaster. The Colts, currently, have no one starting from the first day picks of the 2007 Draft. They used first rounds pick on Gonzo and Ugoh (traded up). Both are not starters now. We can debate all we want whether both will win back their jobs during camp, but the fact that these two first rounders have to fight with two 6th rounders (Pierre and Charlie) to get their jobs back kind of tells me the 2007 Draft was a disaster.
Also, both third round picks from that draft are off the team. The only pick fro that draft worth a damn is Session, and he was 5th round (I think).
If Ugoh or Gonzo get their starting jobs back, the 2007 Draft move from an F to a D for me. However, right now, for me this draft was terrible.
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Appreciated
Like I said, I have no problem with setting the bar high.
I think we disagree about Gonzalez necessarily fighting for his job or ever losing it (even if he is a shell of his old self, that’s hardly a reflection of the draft. Unlike Thomas, he wasn’t injury prone), but that doesn’t matter til camp.
But you’ve more than implied it – you’ve stated it in exactly those terms several times, including the one I quoted above. I’m not sure why you’d now say otherwise. Some people disagree, sure, but on the scale of things people disagree with you on, it’s pretty low. It’s a defensible position for sure.
MOOBS.
OK do you really think that CB is the only "NEED" that pollen felt we had?
Ill tell you right now it absolutely was not, and if it was we wouldn’t have waited till the 7th round to get a guy if it was a priority for Polian. Therefore I don’t think you can call the Draft a disappointment even if he said CB was a NEED. Because we still filled other NEEDS as well and just cause you see one need not filled when others were don’t invalidate the draft and make the whole thing a disappoint ment. I think you can say the picks were a disappointment or that our attempt at filling that need was but not the whole draft. Anyway thats just my take.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
It's his auto-correcting spell checker.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
yea it was. Half the time I catch it but then the other half well it tends to get pointed out. lol
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
How many times do i have to say it shoe?
1 year does not define a players career. Thats a fact
by metal_militia on May 10, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I think he means that it is a dissapointment as far as the 2010 season is concerned
and unless we have a second coming of Lacey (which we could) in terms of filling the “need” of CB depth, the 2010 draft was a dissapointment.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
not necessarily, though
If Brackett or Freeney get hurt in 2010 and Hughes and Angerer step in and kick some ass, I’m going to be pretty damn satisfied with the 2010 draft.
I think that’s the point people are making. It’s a disappointment in one area. But there are lots of areas. One failure doesn’t screw the whole thing up. I can bomb one class and still make the Dean’s list.
MOOBS.
by willyduer on May 10, 2010 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm saying its a dissapointing draft for the specific purpose of filling the need at corner
It is not dissapointing in other areas, but going into the draft, Polian wanted to address this need, and so far he has not. He still could, but as of now, that need is still as needy as it was pre-draft.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
BBS here you go again calling people dumb and such for not agreeing with you. Are you not capable of being ok with others having a differing opinion.
YOU ARE NOT ALWAYS RIGHT BBS, CAN YOU TREAT YOUR READERS WITH RESPECT.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Dumb
Did I call someone dumb in this thread?
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Just because Thomas might miss his rookie season doesn't automatically make him a bust
I think Mike Hart is turning into a very solid backup running back, and he tore his ACL in week one of his rookie year. So just because this draft may not help our secondary in year one does not make it a disappointment.
Anyone who has a problem with Joseph should stop watching Colts football. It's unfair to expect a back to replace Edge, and Addai has been excellent in all areas when he is healthy.
by DontHateAddai on May 10, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
not week one
it was just the first week where he saw significant time. I believe it was week 6 or 7, wasn’t it? (Can’t remember if BAL was right before or right after that fugly Packer game that made them 3-4)
MOOBS.
First he didn't explicitly say it ment the draft was a Bust.
Either way though I think a better way to say it would be that those picks would be a disappointment not the whole draft. They would be a disappointment at this point because at least one of our two drafted CB are already gone and that was a big need and one the Colt even pointed out.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
The Draft
The 2010 Draft itself would be a disappointment if no players drafted made the 53 man roster this year. Yes, if Jerry Hughes or Jacques McClendon come in and play well, it salvages the draft a bit. However, if Fisher and Thomas are not on the 53 man roster in early September, the draft is a disappointment.
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Well yea obviously If no one made the team it would be a disappointment but that wont happen.
sorry I just can’t weigh the 7th round and 7th round comp. picks more than the higher picks. I again doubt the CB depth was the only need that he wanted filled. If he felt that was more of a need than the other positions why didn’t he draft them higher? I would argue because he didn’t feel they were bigger needs and therefore I can’t say the whole draft is a disappointment just because our 7th rounders don’t make the roster.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Nobody expected Lacey to do as well as he has,
so hopefully some of the lower round guys step up. They HAVE to be better than the cushion.
I’m going to miss Marlin.
Semper ubi sub ubi!
you're right about Marlin,
I’ll miss him too. But they have to look to the future while we tend to remember Marlin in his prime.
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
There are more options:
http://www.nfl.com/freeagency#players-tab-set-1:players-grid-container-position/players-list-links-position:pos-cb
The problem is, that terrible final 8 rule. Bill Polian has to propose it’s elimination. Some UFAs could get a job, if they could sign with 8 more teams. If it would be eliminated, Dre Bly might be a good #4. Statistically he had a decent year last year.
Right
There are plenty of guys out there that can fill depth on this roster at CB. I trust that it will be done before the end of camp.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
When did TJ Rushing
ever provide depth at corner?
I don’t think he’s seen the defensive backfield since 2007.
Here's what I see:
Sorry, but
75 snaps played over 3 years isn’t exactly providing depth. Especially when 52 of those snaps were played in two games in 2007.
He was a returner who was an emergency corner, at best. Losing him did not really damage the Colts’ db depth.
by thejoshbaker on May 10, 2010 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Again thejoshbaker
Please re-read the quote. I mean, since you like taking quotes out of context and throwing them around to feel smart, I’ll do it for you:
Tim Jennings, Marlin Jackson, and T.J. Rushing (players who have provided excellent depth at corner in the past) are gone.Last I checked, 2007 was “in the past.” You’re also nit-picking, pal. If Rushing wasn’t considered good corner depth in 2009, he’d have been left off the 53 man roster entirely.
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Okay, Brad Wells
You say he was excellent depth at the cornerback position.
I say he wasn’t as his primary function was returning punts and playing special teams, not playing corner.
Also, he played two games at corner in 2007, I don’t see why you’re trumpeting that as some proof of excellence.
by thejoshbaker on May 10, 2010 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
OK josh
I actually said Tim Jennings, Marlin Jackson, and T.J. Rushing all (collectively) provided excellent depth. You’re also ignoring the fact that, right now, despite whatever you think of Rushing, he has more experience playing corner in the NFL than the rest of our reserves.
Again, you say he wasn’t despite the fact that the Colts themselves have said he was good depth at corner. Dungy liked him very much, and rushing was in line to be the nickel back until he hurt his knee in 2008.
So, again, in the past, he was excellent corner depth. What more do you want?
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They want you to redefine the word excellent, apparently.
I’ll disagree with the notion that he was in line to be the nickel… but if he couldn’t play emergency corner, he would not have been on the roster, especially after missing a full year with an injury. He’d have to have vintage Hester-like return skills to justify a roster spot for nothing more than kick returns. And he was no Devin Hester.
Let’s all compromise and say that he provided NFL-caliber deep CB depth and was a perfectly fine 5th/6th option, one who has more experience than any of our current 4/5/6 options. Noone can disagree with that.
MOOBS.
i assume he means Peter
I hear he has strong feelings about American football.
heh
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
I never said he was
excellent depth, but you said he hadn’t seen the defensive backfield at all. Just saying that he has played some snaps. They were obviously when we were on our last legs. Last year, we thought Garcon might have to come play corner at some point, so obviously corner depth was and is an issue.
Semper ubi sub ubi!
2007
He played very well as a reserve CB in 2007. In 2008, he didn’t play because of his knee injury. Last year, he was still recovering from his knee injury, and only played on ST. Now, he’s out of football.
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Seriously
Malcome Jenkins, Vontae Davis, Darius Butler, Alphonso Smith, DJ Moore… All of these were projected as the top corners in the 2009 draft. Did any of them step up and play as well as Jeraud Powers or Jacob Lacey? The fact is no matter what you “YOU” think of the picks Bill Polian knows better than you and evaulates talent better than you. If you think you are so right about who is a bust and who isn’t a bust and which picks are right and which ones are wrong then why are you still writing blogs? I had much rather have any undrafted free agent at corner than TIm Jennings. And don’t get me started on Marlin Jackson the dude is more brittle than Bob Sanders and he isn’t as good as Sanders why keep him on the team.
You stick to writing blogs and leave the job of making draft picks up to the experts. No one cares that you didn’t like the picks
Really?
No one cares that you didn’t like the picks
Have you seen the comments? Apparently, some people care.
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Seriously
When Brandon King and Thad Turner turn out to be excellent corners I don’t want to log to the website and read a blog from you praising them. You can have your “I will give you all the cushion you want” Tim Jennings and “Mr. Injury” Marlin Jackson.
Thad Turner
The film I’ve seen on this kid intrigues me as well. Obviously any highlight film tends to focus more on the good than the bad, and Ohio isn’t a collegiate powerhouse, but still, his raw skills looked promising. I’m excited to see Turner and King battle it out for a roster spot or who is highest on the depth chart (should both stay).
Why not
If Thad Turner and Brandon King turn out to be great corners, I’ll be doing cartwheels and making special posts about how f*cking awesome they are.
Being critical of a decision, or concerned about a current situation, does not mean I am not allowed to cheer later on when a perceived lack of depth turns into a strength. As I recall, this site was total doom and gloom after Gozno went down, with people bashing Polian and the Colts for not getting better WR depth. Those same people cheered when Hank Baskett was signed, and they cheered even louder when he was cut.
Seriously dude, please understand that bill Polian is not above criticism. When he does well, no one cheers louder than me. But that doesn’t mean he gets a pass when he messes up.
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True
I loved the Baskett pickup and now I hate myself for it. What a turd.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
People disagreed with you
Something you seem to ignore.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on May 10, 2010 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Disagreement
Disagreement is welcome. How have I ignored it? Because I didn’t respond to every. single. post? Don’t you think that’s a little unreasonable?
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Yes it would be
However I know in a few recent posts where people have responded to you and (even a regular) you guys go back an forth a couple time. Then when they make a good response and ask you to explain something you just never respond.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
the kid has a point
I’ve often noticed that the calm, rational, polite responses that make good points often go unanswered. It’s as if they’re not dramatic enough to be fun anymore compared to the rest of them.
Which is true… they’re definitely less fun. But sometimes they make great points.
MOOBS.
I think you're confusing two phenomena
A lot of comments on threads you make stating your (100% factually without a doubt, certified by the US Government guaranteed) facts != people caring about your opinion.
1) On this specific blog you could make a post: Peyton makes a souffle, it collapses before serving, and it would probably garner 50ish comments.
2) People are commenting on your delivery, not your words. I doubt any Colts fan, and specifically people in this community, form any opinion on the Colts based on your feelings of their draft from this year.
a) I would say that most people I’ve talked to have very little regard for ‘draft grades’ from people that spend 100% of their time, effort, and focus on the draft, but they are all going to abide by yours?
b) Multiple people (well respected people in the community, no less) have stated, multiple times, that your opinion does little to help your cause. Again, SBN could replace you with the Open Thread Energizer Bunny, and this site would still get a ton of hits, because this blog has hit some sort of magical chemistry of users that create a mass amount of comments (lots of college kids + hot women + Spaz, most likely)
c) You state opinions in such a way that it is almost impossible for people to agree with you long term. There have been fractions of declarations of yours that I have, in fact, agreed with, but you serve it up in a shit burger of cow paddy that makes it impossible for any sane and rational person to say, ‘uh, yea, I agree, dudez’.
d) Your inability to respond to people that seriously respond to you (note: I’m not referring to me, I don’t care if you respond to me or not, that is not why I visit this site) makes you seem like a pest or agitator. "I’ll flick your ear, but when you turn around to respond, I’ll put my hands in the air (and wave them around like I just don’t care) and say, ’what’d I do????’
3) Thomas’ injury isn’t career ending. The 2010 draft class hasn’t participated in training camp, let alone pre-season or even 1 freaking snap of regular season football. There is no one out there, not even Nostradumbass himself, that can predict how good/bad this draft class will be.
As I said in another thread, the Colts are one of the two best teams in football. They lost no FAs. They feel, for better or worse, that their starting 22 is set, for the most part. Their first round draft pick was for depth. Their second round draft pick was for depth/future. Their third round draft pick was not for a starting job, THIS YEAR.
Bill Polian, more than any GM out there, plays chess. He sees the board 15 moves ahead. He didn’t draft Clint Session to start THAT year. But 2 or 3 years later and he’ll be a pro bowler.
Do we need more depth at DB? Maybe. The top three are set at CB. Lacey, Powers, and Hayden are all good when they play to their potential. Sanders, Bullitt, Bethea are all good when they play to their potential. Wait, that’s 6 DBs! It’s almost as if they could play all 3 safeties and all 3 CBs in their dime sub package. It seems like they may be OK, as long as people can stay healthy.
I realize that’s a big if. I’m hard on Bob Sanders, too. But you’re decrying a draft based on a 3rd round pick in an area that is 3 deep with starter level talent.
And, again, a SEASON ENDING KNEE INJURY IS NOT AN ‘INJURY PRONE’ TYPE OF INJURY. PEOPLE THAT ARE INJURY PRONE HAVE SOFT TISSUE ISSUES, SPRAINS, AND TWEAKS, AND ARE UNABLE TO PLAY ‘INJURED’. IT IS NOT THE NORM TO SUFFER SEASON-ENDING LIGAMENT (OR OTHERWISE) INJURIES. IF SOMEONE HAD WEAK LIGAMENTS/ MENISCUS/JOINTS, THEY WOULDNT EVER BE DRAFTED.
blah bah blah
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
by SpazMo on May 10, 2010 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 16 recs
Aaaaaaand rec'd
Spaz for Pres.
"If you define your personality as creative, it only means you understand what is perceived to be creative by the world at large, so you're really just following a rote creative template. That's the opposite of creativity. Everybody is wrong about everything, just about all the time.
But ANYWAY..."
— Chuck Klosterman
by Addai Another Aday on May 10, 2010 10:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No, I don't think I am confusing anything
1) Nothing I state here is ever presented as fact. I have no idea where you are suggesting that it does.
2) My delivery is part of who I am. If you do not like the article, don’t read it. If you think elements of it are wrong, incorrect, or you disagree with the thesis, make a comment. Articles that generate lots of comments tend to suggest that lots of people read that article.
a) While I’m sure most people you talk to don’t care about draft grades, pretty much everyone else on the planet does. Draft grades immediately after the draft certainly aren’t an accurate reflection of how that draft will pan out two or three years down the line. They do, however, reflect fan and media interest in the draft, which reflects in jersey and ticket sales; two things teams very much care about.
b) I respect people’s opinion on that subject, but with due respect, they are wrong. If I had a “cause,” it would be to fix the disproportion of wealth in the world. If you are referring to my mission here at Stampede Blue, it’s to create discussion. And if SB Nation could replace me with “Open Thread Energizer Bunny,” I’m pretty certain they would. I think what you are hoping this place will become SpazMo is a message board. That is essentially what you just described. There are plenty of message boards out there. My favorite is ColtFreaks.com.
c) I state opinions because they are mine to state. I’m not looking for anyone to agree or disagree with me. I just state them and read the after effects. If I wanted this site to agree with me all the time, I’d write nothing but article praising Bill Polian, the Colts, and lolcat pics.
d) SpazMo, I do a lot of work behind the scenes. In many articles, they generate 100-200 comments. How can I respond to all of them? And if I respond to one or two, people get pissed that I only responded to them and not everyone. I do read comments as much as possible, but my job is to produce articles and generate frontpage content while, at the same time, organize all the other stuff we do around here. Just no time to respond to everything, man.
3) Thomas injury is indeed career-threatening. T.J. Rushing and Marlin Jackson suffered knee injuries and both will never be the same (Jackson was converted to safety in Philly). I certainly hope he bounces back, but it does not look good. and while I am not saying anyone can “predict” a draft, with Thomas the injury warning signs were there. so, it is indeed embarrassing and disappointing that he was knocked out for the season in his first practice. In his case, you didn’t need a soothsayer to tell you he was a reach. You just had to read blogs. :)
And, to comment on this:
They feel, for better or worse, that their starting 22 is set, for the most part. Their first round draft pick was for depth. Their second round draft pick was for depth/future. Their third round draft pick was not for a starting job, THIS YEAR.Actually, that’s not true. The Colts felt Thomas was in line to play nickel, which is one step away from starting. And with the way Powers and Hayden battled injuries last year, the Colts knew full and well that Thomas would possibly start games this year when injuries occurred. They did not draft him so he could just play ST and learn on the bench. They drafted him to play “right now.” Polian said so in his press conferences. He said the Colts needed five corners that can play, not 6 total DBs. You cannot view this team as one that has two corners who play all throughout the year, and the reserves just sit there. For three years now, we’ve seen players like Jennings, Lacey, and Powers step up and start significant, meaningful games. “As long as they stay healthy” is not a formula for winning with this club. no one stays healthy, save maybe Peyton.
Finally, you can put it in caps all you like, but injury prone players are players who cannot stay on the field. That is the only accepted definition by just about everyone out there who cares about this stuff. If you are constantly hurt and constantly unable to get on the field, coaches, players, and fans alike call you “injury prone.” Kevin Thomas had a history of injuries in college, and now in the pros he gets hurt in his first practice.
That’s injury prone, my friend.
Thanks for the comments, and I apologize for any misspelled words. I’m multi-tasking while responding to this comment. Also, just a quick question: Would the Open Thread Energizer Bunny have motivated you to write that book of a comment? I’m going to feed my ego here and say no. I think not. My opinion did.
That’s why I’m here.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
by Brad Wells on May 10, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ok you have stated it recently like 5 time and I think its time to clarify.
If I am wrong let me know but if I recall correct it was the last practice of Mini Camp not the first as you keep stating.
Also he in his first two years of college was injured but if I recall was quite healthy his junior and senior year. Could be totally wrong. Also his injury this year is a freak injury just as Gonzo’s was however we are never going to agree on this subject when I say these two are not injury prone so I will stop here.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
1) Nothing I state here is ever presented as fact. I have no idea where you are suggesting that it does
Thomas was drafted not just to play special teams, but to play significant snaps at corner.
Well, despite Polian feeling “good” about the pick, just about everyone else shook their head at it because of Thomas’ injury history
Tim Jennings. Yeah, I went there. Hate him all you want, but he offers more right now than someone like Terrail Lambert
However, he definitely messed up this draft selection, and should be held accountable for it.
These are opinions that you state as fact that I was able to find in 5 minutes. If you’d like to pay me the big bucks, I could go through all of your articles and post about 1000 of them, this was just two articles.
Also, Tim Jennings is not an option. FACT. He is on the Chicago Bears roster. FACT.
Actually, that’s not true. The Colts felt Thomas was in line to play nickel, which is one step away from starting.
I’ll assume you’ve read Polian or Caldwell or Coyer said somewhere that they felt Thomas would be starting over Lacey or Powers? I haven’t read that, but I haven’t been reading much lately. Would you go ahead and show me the link, that’s very interesting to me.
Also interesting to me is that anyone could call a draft pick that is so highly thought of by the staff to the point where he would have to unseat a VERY good player ‘bad’. That’s amazing to me.
Finally, I have the desire to repeat myself over and over again – he suffered a catastrophic knee injury. This is a freak injury. Not an injury prone injury. There is a difference.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
SpazMo
My friend, I don’t know that you are aware of this, but you are talking about “facts” when the focus of this article is to discuss options at corner. Case in point, Tim Jennings. I know he is on the Bears roster. I know that is a “fact.” But how does that fact dismiss him as an option? Florence, McGee, Barber, and Lowery are all, currently, on other teams rosters as well. That too is a “fact.” But, again, the point is will these guys remain on those rosters past August? And if Tim Jennings is cut by the Bears, the “fact is” right now he offers more experience, and more quality back-up options, than people like Fisher or King.
Also, I don’t know where you are getting how I think the Colts will have Thomas start over Powers. They certainly brought him in to compete for the nickel with Lacey. They even said he played like Lacey, but was taller and had longer arms. If you want links, go back into the Stampede Blue search and type “Kevin Thomas.” You’ll find links. If you want me to provide you with one right now, try going to the Polian press conference linked in this article.
Again, the staff thought Thomas was a good pick because he would stay healthy and compete with Lacey. I didn’t like the pick because I didn’t think the guy would stay healthy. You tell me, who was right?
Again, keep repeating it and repeating it, but the reality is the guy came to this team with red flags because of injuries. The suggestion was he was brittle. In his first practice, he’s done for the year. What more is there to say?
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Ok for like the 15th time (maybe you awensered my last time but haven't caught up)
It wasn’t his first practice. (maybe I am nitpicking but come on just get that fact right because right now you are stating it wrong based on what we were told)
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah its nit picking
no need to make a big deal about it. Point being he hasn’t even been to a full team practice and he’s hurt.
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Indianapolis Colts News and Updates
yea true.
Doesn’t matter to me anyway I mean him getting hurt now or in the middle of the season when talking about “injury prone” would mean nothing. I find his injury unfortunate and nothing else.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions
The Open Thread Energizer Bunny would totally have done it
He’s a real asshole, and holy shit, you should’ve seen how wrong he was about the resting starters thing!
Anyway, that’s the kind of awesome response that reminds me of how good you were on the radio with Kravitz that time. Still, I can’t get behind you 100%…
Thomas was injury prone, and is injured, but the injury history he had has no predictive value over an ACL injury, just as Bob’s bicep and Polamalu’s knee were unpredictable. Bob’s got other areas of risk, but that bicep thing was a total freak thing. Another knee or shoulder thing would’ve had us all rolling our eyes, but when his bicep went? In his first game back from knee rehab? That’s just unlucky. (And annoying.)
In baseball, Nick Johnson is basically known as Mr. Glass (it’s how the Yankees got him for peanuts this year despite posting a .426 OBP last year, which basically makes him one of the 5 most valuable hitters in the game by many measures). When he broke his leg, it was unlucky. When he just went on the DL this week, though, with inflammation in his injury-prone right wrist, well, that’s another story. That was a known issue carrying a lot of risk, and now the Yankees have to take their medicine. It seems like you’re looking at Thomas’s injury as the same type of thing, when situationally it’s not.
It’s just different. Thomas is injury prone, but they decided that he was worth the risk. A freak accident now delays everything by a year and leaves the DB pool weak… but that doesn’t make anyone right or wrong yet.
MOOBS.
I dont kno
I think that Spaz guy ruins the chemistry. Now that metal_militia guy, he is the catalyst that makes this site go. ;-)
by metal_militia on May 10, 2010 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Unfortunately Spaz
It seems like they may be OK, as long as people can stay healthy.
This always comes back to haunt the Colts, year after year. We always get concerned because there is never enough depth on this team (just like every other team). I agree with BBS that this team needs to focus on CB depth as the offseason moves on, but I agree with you that it isn’t doom and gloom, not even close, yet.
We still have 2 months before training camp even opens! That’s like 500,000,000,001 more arguments about this and Tony Ugoh and probably Bob Sanders…..
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
a-n-n-n-n-n-n-n-d ...
there’s the rub.
chalk this up to one of the comments from “some people who care” … about turning this blog back into a constructive community based on factual commentary about our favorite football team. allowing occasional editorial rambling is acceptable I suppose, but the majority of headlines anymore seem suited to the Inquirer’s sensationalism.
the colts have serious issues in their secondary? you have serious issues in your ego.
whoa!
why are you making this a personal attack?
Slow down on calling people arrogant. Not cool.
That’s the problem with this sort of discourse. People say things behind this veil of anonymity that leads to extremism.
You’d think this was a conversation about politics. Geez.
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."
-Peyton Manning
BBS, ever since you went to the Super Bowl with a press pass you have become the Bob Kravitz of blogging. Before you over react to this comment, think about how many of your readers are saying the same thing. I don’t dislike you, but quit with the lazy writing and defensive and mean comments defending yourself. Contrary to what you may think, you are not infallible.
by nakinate on May 10, 2010 9:43 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Really?
I mean, at least i read and listen to and comment on things people send to me. Bob doesn’t.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
what's lazy about the writing?
lazy writing is generally defined as being a hack. I wouldn’t describe BBS as a hack. Where is he hacking the material from?
You diagree with what he says and how he says it. That’s okay.
I think saying it’s lazy is incorrect.
—
I’m not trying to become an apologist for BBS, but it seems like everyone is taking this all to personally.
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."
-Peyton Manning
by ZayJack on May 10, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wrecked for
I’m not trying to become an apologist for BBS, but it seems like everyone is taking this all to personally.
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Indianapolis Colts News and Updates
It's that what the Colts want us to do?
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Sorry
Couldn’t resist that. :)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
HAHA
Very nice…hadn’t thought of that
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Indianapolis Colts News and Updates
Functionally...
The Colts only needed to find one CB to round out the team’s depth. Tim Jennings was the only CB that saw significant snaps last year other than Powers, Lacey, and Hayden. We drafted Thomas to fit that spot, the others who were released could be replaced by a lot of players. I’ve not seen a great deal of film on Brandon King but I’m confident, sight unseen, that he can play at or above TJ Rushing levels in the secondary as a rookie undrafted free agent. I’d go so far as to tentatively declare Brandon King an upgrade in our depth over anyone behind Tim Jennings.
Don’t get me wrong, it sucks big time that Kevin Thomas suffered a knee injury during the Colts rookie mini-camp but I don’t think Polian views the draft the same way as you do. Thomas was the guy he pegged who could play at Lacey-like levels, given time to develop and learn the system. He also believes that Ray Fisher has the ability to play corner in the NFL, I agree with BBS here.
Those two players alone, Brandon King and Ray Fisher (who I’d also wager can play CB at or above TJ Rushing levels) give us an overall upgrade in depth. That is, of course, unless there is disagreement about Tim Jennings on the board. Which I am sure there is. I see the absence of Tim Jennings as a positive thing.
I also don’t propose to have a concern about a position until I’m given a reason to have one. In this case the reason will be provided if/when we find that all the players we brought in to fill out our depth in the secondary are long-term projects or weak prospects. Having undrafted free agents filling out the majority of the depth, to me, does not suggest a guarantee that the position is in peril.
Time will tell but losing Thomas certainly doesn’t help. Then again, who knows what we had there. We’ll have to wait to find out.
Nick Harper
If we could work it out in terms of the NFL’s rules in an uncapped year having him provide depth could be an option. TJ Rushing, if he’s seen as realistic functional corner depth, is available as well. We may well see an addition or two, depending on the rules, via free agency. I’m not panicked though.
Never
Nick Harper can go to hell. I’m still not over 2005 and blame it all on him. No one can change my mind so don’t even try.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Blame his crazy bitch ex-whatever.
He probably didn’t really want to get stabbed that badly.
Anonymity breeds inhumanity. In simpler terms, don't be a troll.
Not to mention
Fisher was also brought in because we have an obvious need in the return game and he will compete for that job as well. Anything is better than Simpson/Rushing when it comes to the return game. ANYTHING.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Hyperbole...
Well, despite Polian feeling “good” about the pick, just about everyone else shook their head at it
The source of “just about everyone else shook their head at it” being your own post a few days ago, which almost noone agreed with. So you are “just about everyone”?
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on May 10, 2010 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
He am legion.
Anonymity breeds inhumanity. In simpler terms, don't be a troll.
by linkish on May 10, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Tim Jennings signed with the Bears
Unless you’re expecting him to get cut by Chicago and be an option for Indy at that point.
I figured what seemd like a national holiday to many Colts fans would not have been so quickly forgotten! Wsn’t there even a front page story here about his signing with Chicago?
CB DEPTH?
First off, Marlin Jackson has been hurt for 2 years, so he didn’t provide anything. Second, Tim Jennings? are you kidding me? Jennings may have been on the roster but he was a horrible CB, getting toasted on every play, in my opinion, is not CB depth. Last, Rushing was used as Punt Returner, no way Colts would have ever put him at CB. Now, your article stated: “players who have provided excellent depth at corner in the past) are gone.” In my opinion, players that add depth are players that aren’t injured, or don’t return punts.
God, can all the BBS haters just go away. We get it, you don't like him, but can we talk football??
Anyway, our depth is lacking, but considering Lacey was an UDFA last year, I’m willing to see what we got internally. Out of the guys you mentioned, the only ones that intrigue me are the Terrence McGee and Dwight Lowery. Lowery wasn’t bad all year long for the Jets, but Peyton torched him. Peyton torches a lot of people, so I’ll give him a pass and say that he held his own against other QBs. He was also targeted often, since he shared a secondary with Revis. McGee has always struck me as a nice little player, like most of the Bills defense. As depth, he’s solid.
The key is injuries here, as the top-3 are all solid players, and we have seen that the pass rush is more important anyway, so if we keep at least two of the three top guys in every game, I think we will be fine, but knowing the Colts, this is sadly unlikely to happen.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
by dmstorm22 on May 10, 2010 10:29 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I haven't had my adderal today
so I just read the title:
Let’s keep it close to home – Bill Polian is a crotchety old man. He rubs a lot of people the wrong way. A lot of people in the media speak out about his personality and probably (secretly) want to see him fail. They also respect the hell out of his ability to be a president/GM in the NFL.
What you’re seeing here is not ‘BBS haters’. It’s a lack of respect that is derived from… a lack of respect. Respect is investment banking – you cannot get something that you yourself aren’t willing to invest. BBS shows very little respect for people on this blog, so he’ll get very little in return. A lot of people on this site discuss football (quite well, in my opinion), but these articles aren’t made for the purpose of discussing football. They are made for the purpose of saying ‘I told you so’ on an opinion that can’t possibly be validated for a year or two.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
This one was made to discuss football.
I’m fine with you sparring with BBS, or at least attempting too. You have been here for ages. It is some of these names that I have never seen before, that come here and just knock him. If you notice, guys like shake and cass and lovin blue and all the old regulars post far less infrequently now. There is no point when the three or four actual football posts get drowned out by the hundred “Let’s Get BBS for being a jerk” posts.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Couple of things
1) I’m not attempting to spar with BBS. I’ll leave that at that. I’m just merely responding to things I see.
2) Have you spoken to shake/cass/LB? And they’ve said that’s why they are MIA? Because shake and cass are in the middle (or just finishing) with finals. LB is married (and sleeping with me on the side, which is a full time job). Also, viewership goes down in the off-season. And finally, I’m not here as much, which really hurts people’s desire to come.
3) Perhaps we should be asking the person inciting those ‘stop being a jerk’ posts to … stop being a jerk, and just discuss football.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
Ihaven't spkoken with them, but they still post over at 18to88.
This was not an ‘I told you so’ piece by BBS. This was an attempt to start a football discussion on the corner depth. There has been some discussion here, but this comment thread has again been hijacked by the angry mob.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Well, I, for one
would be shocked and awed if shake doesn’t post here because posts degenerate. Shake is a writer for the site and none of his or mgrex posts degenerate into anything other than awesome discussion, so if there is something shake wants to discuss, he could make the post and have a joygasm.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
I'll leave them out of it. I won't speak for them.
You, me and everyone else has pretty much said that besides the great comment technology, the community and the comments are what we love about Stampede Blue (and Shake and mgrex’s work and other things). The people that sign up and slam BBS are ruining that aspect. When we were criticizing BBS on the Gonzo vs Garcon debate, something I, Shake, Cass, LB (not that I am on their level) entered into, it was a jab at BBS for a football related reason. It spurred discussion on Gonzo vs Garcon, and ultimately led to jamkel’s great piece.
Now, however, it has become attacks on BBS’ the man and leader. We are attacking his writing style? His tone? Come on. He finally wrote a really interesting look at the Colts secondary state, and gave options that the Colts could investigate (I really like McGee or Lowery, btw), and people still haven’t had enough of the ‘all you can beat BBS’ buffet.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
I'm at another level?
Cool.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
Do you also like Tim Jennings?
I have a problem with BBS inability to write an article that doesn’t come across as a 14 year old goth that is finding out that the world really doesn’t care about his emotional instability. But if we’re going to leave THAT out of it, let’s do some cursory fact checking and realize that Tim Jennings signed a contract with The Bears weeks or months ago. Now, maybe his inside sources have told him that Jennings will be cut, but until that time, the Colts can’t sign him. I suppose we could trade a 2nd round pick for him.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
more name calling
nice…
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."
-Peyton Manning
Trolling
This is now bordering on trolling. You can disagree with me all you want, but writing “I have a problem with BBS inability to write an article that doesn’t come across as a 14 year old goth that is finding out that the world really doesn’t care about his emotional instability,” is a bit much. Yes, it is humorous and I applaud you on making me laugh reading it, but it is too much. Lay off the insults. Since you seem to want me to adhere to some kind of standard, lead by example. Maybe I’ll follow.
However, if you continue writing nasty stuff like that, comments will start getting deleted and warning will follow.
BTW, if you wrote that about one of my co-bloggers, or if you were a first-time commenter and wrote this, I’d have banned you. Your longtime status here gives you this kind, gentle, verbal warning. Plz stop. Keep the comments constructive.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
You know what, I'll stop
But please, do me a favour: Since your approach is so straight-forward and honest, get a video camera and video tap your next disagreement with your wife/sister/mom/aunt, etc… even a brother or dad for that matter, where you say to them, ’I’m about to shove a reality sandwich down your throat’ (in a non-joking matter)
One last thing – I guess not everyone has picked up on this, but about 99% of my posts have metaphors, similes or analogies in them – I thought it was clear that I wasn’t calling you a 14 year old goth (…), just the similarities in the angst involved. Just my straight-forward, honest opinion.
If you feel the need to ban me, that’s your prerogative. I’m sure I can find something else to fill my time, I am, after all, a former SBNation Commenter of the day.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
Damn it, Spaz,
In this country it’s spelled FAVOR.
You can keep your crappy commie canuck spelling north of the border where it belongs!
Actually, Shoe, ban him for that. He can fill his time curling, waiting in line for MRIs, and shoveling snow.
MOOBS.
by willyduer on May 10, 2010 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
ROFL!!!
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on May 10, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
heh... nice.
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
Now this is sounding more like...
A disagreement with your wife/sister/mom/aunt, etc…
At my reunions anyway.
I love you guys.
/hugs
by peytonsurdaddy on May 10, 2010 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
If he bans you
Or even if he doesn’t, you’re welcome to write for me at my site. You are hilarious.
Dammit. I said I wouldn’t comment on another BBS post. You win this time, BBS, but only because of your freakish ability to ignite message boards and pique my interest.
Serious about that writing thing. Email me if you’re interested.
"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"
Come visit The Fantasy Ninjas. We'd love to hear from you.
I'll think about it
Not that I’m not interested in writing, but 1) I wouldn’t want to steal all of SB’s visitors and 2) I have like 0 time for doing something serious. I trolled today, because I had a $500 bet with cf723 that I could get banned, but other than that, I have like 5 minutes a day to read the intergooglez. But I’ll think about it.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
I will win!!!!!!!
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Indianapolis Colts News and Updates
That's actually a good idea
Arguments with my spouse are indeed highly entertaining for the outside viewer. :)
Your earlier comment was a bit over the line. If I’d have called you a name like that, you would not have appreciated it as well. Regardless of whether it is your style or not, insulting other writers and readers here is a bannable offense, and your comment was indeed an insult.
Of course, I have no plans to ban you or anyone. I simply ask you to stop insulting me and others. I think that’s reasonable.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
exactly
This was not an ‘I told you so’ piece by BBS. This was an attempt to start a football discussion on the corner depth. There has been some discussion here, but this comment thread has again been hijacked by the angry mob.
Totally agree with this! I, for one, would like to give Brad a change to show that he’s given some thought to what’s been said the past few days. He’s tried to get back to football, with this thread, but he’s had to defend himself almost immediately. Let’s all take a deep breath and then talk Colts.
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
Yes
3) Perhaps we should be asking the person inciting those ‘stop being a jerk’ posts to … stop being a jerk, and just discuss football.
Yes, fall in line BBS. We can’t have insecure Colt fans feeling uncomfortable due to your straight forward language and direct criticisms.
by Cole Farrington on May 10, 2010 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL
Good one.
I have no problems with people getting upset that I am straight-forward and honest in my tone and approach. Some people prefer a nicer, more “objective” tone. That’s why I have co-writers.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
As someone that can be an irrational loser from time to time
I think you need to undergo a serious self-examination if you think that your approach is ‘straight-forward and honest’. This isn’t a personal attack, and I half expect for you to pop out of a giant cake and inform us that you know how you act and its just to get eyeballs, and we’ll all get a hard chuckle, but a good number of your comments are neither straight-forward nor honest.
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
Yea
I’m insecure.
You nailed it, dude that is a regular at this site guy!
The story of me
(Warning, perhaps NSFW audio, unless you work in a pharmacy(No Cussing, just a description of me that you may not want your boss to hear))
Hahahahahaha!
Love me some Spazmo.
Our heads may be bloody, but they are unbowed. We will be back next year better than ever!
Indianapolis Colts News and Updates
Cass hardly posts anything on this blog.
He just makes about 1,000 comments a day ;-)
"Al Davis said it best, just win baby win" ~ Snoop on "All I Do is Win"
Yeah, mostly this weekend on the Weekend Open Thread
the one thing that was not really taken over by the men with pitchforks out to get BBS.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
I'm not much of an article person.
I’d need to think of something to write and overcome my extreme laziness.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
Cass
He will be our new community manager BTW. We’re doing the announcement tomorrow. I’ve been too busy writing articles and responding to all these comments to send him his email detailing his job description (sorry Cass).
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
LOL.
That’s OK. Just left me confused for a little bit there.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
I wanted it :(
Good for case ill give my congrats when you make the announcement
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
oh no!
you mean, he’ll have… authority to correct everyone’s spelling?
me in truble.
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
BUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOES!!!!!!
Well I might as well get this out of the way before you have the power of the Banhammer …
F*CK YOU! YOU F*CKING A*SLICKING, SH*TSUCKING F*CKTARD!
YOUR MOTHER !&^#% MY (@^& AND )(#&@^ED MY #&$*(!!!!!
DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats, little buddy.
by peytonsurdaddy on May 10, 2010 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL, thanks.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
You old enough to drink yet?
I’d buy you a celebratory beer, but I don’t want to get a ticket.
Anonymity breeds inhumanity. In simpler terms, don't be a troll.
Nope.
I’m 19.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
Man, I feel old today.
Well, if you’re ever up South Bend way two year from now, I’ll buy you a ridiculously belated celebratory beer.
Anonymity breeds inhumanity. In simpler terms, don't be a troll.
Just make it Diet Sunkist.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
I'm'a just bring a syringe filled with aspartame instead.
Anonymity breeds inhumanity. In simpler terms, don't be a troll.
That's just
rong!
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on May 10, 2010 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Giving Cass
that powar, that is…
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on May 10, 2010 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm getting a headache.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
take a ass-burn
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
Nope he will not unless BBS gives it to him.
But just cause he is a Moderator doesn’t give him that ability.
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions
He was kidding.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
No all I was saying is you could get the ability to edit the posts to fix grammar but the position of Moderater in general doesn't come with that.
Just informing him thats all lol
Lead organizer of the annual 7 round live mock draft at MtD and Moderator
by TheAngelsColts on May 10, 2010 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been posting more infrequently?
Was not aware of that. I’ve been behind last weekend because of moving back from college and stuff. I’m planning on catching up today though.
Haven’t made a conscious decision to post less though.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
You ruined my theory.
I meant that you, and the other old regulars (besides Willy and Spaz) haven’t really engaged in the BBS-smashing as a lot of new people have.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
I'm not really one to BBS smash.
I’m fine with bashing his opinions, especially if they seem nonfactual (like Gonzo vs. Garcon). You’re right, though, that I don’t engage in just general BBS smashing.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
Honestly, it got a little disheatening to see this thread turned into an anti-BBS one.
I opened it late yesterday night with the hope of some good Colts discussion about the ways to help the secondary. Saw that BBS outlined some good alternative secondary players (like McGee and Lowery, which I am all for), and even that was, in the eyes of some, not enough to put the post beyond reproach.
I was gone from stampede blue for like the three months following the Super Bowl, so was there rampant anti-BBS comments back then too, or is this a recent development that started from the Garcon vs Gonzo thing he said about two weeks ago?
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Not a lot.
There was some fun back-and-forth between BBS and DZ and a general din from people who don’t like him, but the BBS smashing only happened after a draft and during any article that has anything to do with Bill Polian.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
Roots are traced back to Week 16 though.
Pulling Starters in Week 16 at 14-0: The Sh*t that keeps on sh*tting.
It cost the Colts the chance at perfection, it caused media dissaray, and it has forever changed the dynamics of the Stampede Blue world.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
People hated BBS before then though.
See: Titans, Texans, and 49ers fans. It was mostly kept to other fans though.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
49ers fans
Titans and Texans fans hate me because they have an inferiority complex. Their teams have been dominated by the Colts, and they just project their anger onto me. 49ers fans don’t hate me. They just got upset that I called Mike Singletary a cheater because he instructed his players to fake injuries. Will Wilford and Bob Lamey said they saw Singletary’s coaches doing it, and I just parroted what they saw. So, whatever. Getting mad at me because Wil wolford caught their coach cheating is silliness.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
You were putting their coach at the same level as Belichick.
If anything, I would be honored.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Really?
The same low-level?
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
I think they still hold a grudge over it.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Finals suck.
Week Sixteen
You’re right. Thing really did change after that, both here and at West 56th. It’s odd because every time I try and just “get past it,” something comes up that relates to it. And before someone says “Well just don’t talk about it,” not talking about something is not the same as “getting past it.” Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
It’s a decision that will linger for a while. I do not regret the opinion pieces I wrote on the subject though, and I’m proud of how the players refused to let that distraction hinder their ability to win in the playoffs.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
I am not worried (Just Yet)
This is still to early to call
I'm not either.
We made it to the SB with The Cushion and some of our best ailing/IRed/injured. There’ll be more injuries along the way, hopefully fewer this year than last. 2006 was our least injured year, hoping this 2010 follows suit.
But my football gods pantheon has Polian as Zeus, so one can see why I’m not worried.
Semper ubi sub ubi!
What about signing Mike McKenzie.
I know he had two serious knee injuries, but came back and destroyed Brady.
He also has a boatload of experience in man coverage and could tremendously help these young guys in the next 3 months at least. If he doesn’t make the team, at least he helped out a bit.
money
In general it’s not hard to find a replacement level player for a rookie salary, which beats paying a replacement level player a much higher veteran minimum. The downside is limited, dollar-wise, plus there’s always the chance you might find a diamond in the rough. If McKenzie wasn’t going to cost the 11 year minimum (whatever that amount is), he would be great. But then again, he also wouldn’t be unemployed.
MOOBS.
That's not bargain basement, but probably worth it.
He would be a good option, better than the cushion.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
are you sure that’s not what he would’ve made for the full 16 games?
I think he only got 1/8 of that – 2 game checks.
MOOBS.
There is/was a rule, that after week 8 or 10, the yearly salary becomes guaranteed. Even if you’re cut. I’m not 100% sure, but 90.
if you've been on the roster the whole time, sure
I think. He wasn’t on the roster at all for most of the year. I believe that rule is intended to ensure that guys who had been there all season still get their final checks even if cut late, rather than to let someone signed in the late season for depth make out like a bandit.
I’ll find out for sure.
MOOBS.
Possible
Anyway, 860k is not much, if he can contribute through the year. And there is no risk having him until September.
Good article BBS
Why are you people stil bitching and whining? Coverage, analysis and a little opinion. BBS has moved on. Your turn.
by beckmania on May 10, 2010 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Thx
People feel the need to express themselves. They like and don’t like certain things. They like and don’t like when I comment. The like and don’t like when I don’t. People want to rant, and the target of their rants is me. That’s fine. Whatever stirs the pot and gets people talking. The only things worse than being talked about is not being talked about, I guess.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
by Brad Wells on May 10, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For the record
I would avoid Lowery. He hasnt looked good anywhere he has been and was once in a cover 2 defense with the Titans. That is a terrible option for a replacement.
Florence, Im skeptic about him. He has been pretty average everywhere he has been, but I think I would be ok with him being regulated to nickel and dime duties.
McGee will be the guy I want if he is available. McGee is a return man, a great one at that. His corner skills are pretty good as well. If the Colts are going to pursue a replacement for the injured KT, McGee should be their guy
Does anyone know a site that will show what free agent was cut
because I am pretty sure the Colts can still only sign RFAs or cut players. All sites that I checked showed UFA, but did not tell me if they were cut, or their contract expired.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Could we see the return of Nick Harper? Polian likes acquiring guys who know the system and he knows what he’s getting. I wouldn’t mind seeing John Henderson as well.
Yes to Harper
No to Henderson. Henderson doesn’t fit in, literally and schematically. Harper’s a free agent. I could TOTALLY see them bringing him in (if they’re allowed). Can someone update me on the crazy new free agent rules. Because even 36-year old Harper would be better than a UDFA and a 7th rounder as our 4th and 5th corners, IMO.
One thing, though, is he’s coming off of major shoulder surgery, and while he wasn’t “injury prone” himself (unless you count a high likelihood of being stabbed by a loved one an injury “red flag”) he hasn’t been able to pass physicals (accoring to a story I read on bleacherreport). I’d say if he’s ready, he’d be a great add.
"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"
Come visit The Fantasy Ninjas. We'd love to hear from you.
Harper had the worst Success Rate of 2009
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2010/stat-day-2009-cb-charting-stats-ii
He’s old and coming off a pretty serious injury. Titans fans hated him to no end, and they play a pretty similar style to the Colts. It’s not often a CB is ranked worst than Tim Jennings, but Harper accomplished that last year.
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
Huh?
Not “huh?” like you would say when you’re questioning someone, but “huh?” like you would say if you just found out your next door neighbor used to be a man.
I always liked him better than Jason David, and I felt like we could snag someone who knew the system, but old and ineffective is old and ineffective. Any chance the ’Gals cut Keiwan “the game clincher” Ratliff?
"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"
Come visit The Fantasy Ninjas. We'd love to hear from you.
He was better than David
I don’t think that is the case any more.
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
THANK YOU
Harper is terrible and this team is better off without him
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Free Agent Rules:
Colts cannot sign:
1.) a UFA unless the Colts themselves lose a UFA of equal salary value.
Colts can sign:
1.) an RFA – they give up the tendered pick and what not.
2.) A cut player. So anyone cut can be signed by the Colts.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
Is there a site that keeps track of this and is up to date?
I’ll admit, I’m too lazy to even Google for myself.
"You're hitting the wrong person. Don't you know you're hitting Ron Artest?"
Come visit The Fantasy Ninjas. We'd love to hear from you.
NO TO HARPER
He wss terrible last year with the Titans. NO TO HARPER!
by metal_militia on May 10, 2010 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Kevin Thomas' injury is an assurance that Jerraud Powers won't return punts
Polian named him as the current starter, albeit reluctantly. I’d look at Ray Fisher as a lock to make the roster simply as a RS, along with hopefully the 5th corner position.
good point!
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
I agree
I kind of said the same thing, only more people hated me for it. :)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Pass rush is key
The thing that Colts fans should realize that Polian did give a serious tender to the CFL Defensive MVP John Chick, then tendered Mitch King, then drafted Jerry Hughes.
All these signs bode well for our pass rush. Even with a hobbled and mostly absent Freeney, with Jennings and Lacey playing CB primarily in the second half of the SB (with Hayden banged up, Powers injured), we made the Saints work for their 24 points.
So, if the Giants in SB XLII taught us anything, a very good pass rush will make an average secondary look good and an above average secondary look excellent. I think we have the legs and the roster to bring on a very good pass rush this year, my most “looking forward to” element in this year. If the pass rush holds up, our secondary will be just fine. We carry 5 CBs normally and 1 or 2 on the PS. Brandon King and Ray Fisher may make the roster as a Purdue-IU tandem (yeah, it sounds weird but hey, it got a SB for Drew Brees and Tracy Porter – another example of a Purdue-IU teammates).
Polian’s success in this draft would hinge not on Kevin Thomas but on Pat Angerer, IMO. If we all remember how Brackett used to miss tackles on bigger RBs (thanks to our small DT situation), how Brackett whiffed on Vince Young and got juked, let us brace ourselves since we could see the same thing in a young Angerer that we saw with Brackett during his early years – the good will come later but my hopes are somewhat tempered for year 1 and possibly 2 too, from Angerer.
Rushing and Jennings
if you add them together, might have been “depth” but excellent kind of over states it. Jennings had a few picks, that’s about it. They were liabilities when they were playing corner: it was obvious and everyone said so every week(in jennings’ case). Brandon King looks like the real deal. If we can get him through camp and pre season healthy, I think we should be ok. Either Thomas or King would be huge upgrade ov er the guys we’ve cut.
"Um, yeah. Our corner depth stinks right about now."
Yeah?
How’re they playing?
Anonymity breeds inhumanity. In simpler terms, don't be a troll.
OH. MY. GAWD!
A seventh-round or UDFA CB might be the CB4? This team clearly blows.
by Collin McCollough on May 10, 2010 5:16 PM EDT reply actions
"If (Fisher) doesn't (make the team)...
the 2010 Draft is a disappointment before the season even starts."
Wow. I don’t know if it’s that your going stir crazy in the offseason or what, but you are not only saying ridiculous things, but now you are just being crazy and 100% wrong.
It doesn’t take a genius to know that a seventh round DB with mediocre talent at the position is the player who determines how good a draft is. If you do think this, then you’re an idiot. You could say that Thomas was a questionable pick, and if he doesn’t play or Fisher doesn’t make the team, it will hurt our corner depth. Both of those are true. What is not true is stating that if Fisher isn’t on the active roster and on the bench during games, the draft is a failure. Just stupid. He probably will make the squad, but he is hardly a key member of this draft class. UDFAs, believe it or not, can be just as effective as 7th rounders. Lacey wasn’t drafted, while Jennings was a 2nd rounder. There is a reason Lacey is on the team still while Jennings is not. If we need to fill corner depth, Polian will sign someone, possibly among the candidates you mentioned. If Fisher does not make the squad, it means he wasn’t good enough. It means he thinks the spot deserves to go to someone better. He won’t be kept on the roster simply because of depth. That is what crap teams do, and that is why they are losers. You need depth, and Fisher can’t cut it, why the hell keep him over an UDFA who is outplaying him in camp?
Despite what you want to believe, Fisher would not have been drafted if not for his return skills. That is why he stood out. It’s great that he can play DB, but that is not as strong as his return skills. Brandon James and him will battle it out for the return specialist and if James wins (which he likely will), don’t be shocked to see Fisher let go. He has to prove he can play corner at a high level to stay on this team.
And while you are pointing out that if both drafted corners do not play for this team, you for some reason think it’s a failure, remember last year when DT was our big “need.” Using the logic you’re using, if Terrance Taylor and Fili Moala didn’t make the squad, the draft was a failure. Welp, Taylor was cut and Fili barely saw the field. So despite the success of McAfee, Powers, Brown, Lacey, Collie, etc., this is a failed draft because a position we needed was not filled properly. Ridiculous. If and when Hughes, Angerer, McClendon, and co. have solid rookie seasons and help this team out, I’ll remember that it was a failed draft if Fisher is not in uniform. After all, HE is the key. C’mon, you’re better than this.
"A lot of times, Kenny, we have no idea what we're doing. But the DEFENSE doesn't know that we don't know what we're doing.....and that's next level." -Peyton Manning
by npb1985 on May 10, 2010 5:41 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
What about Nick Harper?
According to NFL.com the Titans corner, Nick Harper, is still available as he is an unrestricted free agent. It would seem unlikely the Colts would drop $2.5m+ on a nickel corner. But, could it be the difference between results last season and a Super Bowl? Tim Jennings was getting paid over a million dollars.
by Ross A. Wheatley on May 10, 2010 6:03 PM EDT reply actions
A few more interesting ones
Ken Lucas, who played for the Panthers; Corey Ivy who played for the Ravens; Deshea Townsend who played for the Steelers – they are all still free agents who will be willing to play on the Colts roster if at least paid #2 CB money i.e. like Powers
Overstated
Kind of an obvious point, but still overstated. Why? Because this is an area that the Colts have always been able to find good CFAs, and this year’s FAs seem particularly good. King and Turner are two excellent prospects IMHO. But the one who may truly surprise is Terrail Lambert. Reminds me of Ratcliff, in that he was on and off the PS last year and he’s a waaaay under-the-radar player heading into the year. But at his Pro Day he ran a 4.34 forty and good shuttle, plus he’s had a year of development. I see him and Brandon King doing just fine as the #4 and #5 CB (or vice versa), and Fisher being the emergency #6. Despite what Polian may say, Fisher is exactly like Rushing (right down to the same round). He’s a returner who can play CB in a pinch.
I don't agree with everything in this article...
But it’s good to see that you are listening to your readers and following up yesterday’s “I WAS RIGHT! IN YOUR FACE!” article with one with a bit more relevance to what this means to the Colts as a team after Thomas’ injury.
It’s also nice to see you responding to comments and engaging in debate with the rest of us for once. You, yourself, have said,more than once, that this is what you wanted this site to be all about when you created it. A community where Colts fans talk about Colts football. It’s a definite step in the right direction for you. Don’t let it be an isolated incident and I think you will earn a lot of respect from the rest of us and may just win back a few of your mos stalwart detractors.
You’ve got to admit, it’s felt good to get into an old-fashioned football argument, hasn’t it?
Stick to the grass-roots and I think you’ll be a lot happier with the comments you see coming from your readership.
This article gets a rec from me, if for no other reason than your attempt to change for us.
by peytonsurdaddy on May 10, 2010 10:28 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
nicely said, dude... completely agree
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
oh sheesh... reply fail.
Careful what you wish for... a government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take everything you have.
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