Countdown to Colts Training Camp 2010: Players I'm rooting for
by Brad Wells on Jul 23, 2010 12:32 PM EDT
in Countdown to Colts Training Camp 2010
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PrintSo, since the end of mini-camp, we've been doing this little series on players as we countdown to the start Colts training camp in Anderson, IN. In case you have been living under Peyton Manning's forehead a rock, we're at one week, two days!
Nine days people. Goosebumps.
Anyway, we've done this series focusing mostly on players who need to prove something if they are to have any realistic shot at making the 53-man active roster in September. Today, I'd just like to share my own, personal bias towards certain players. These are the guys I'm rooting for. In some cases, they are players I see potential in, especially if that potential fills an important need. Others are just people I like and, hopefully, they will get an opportunity to establish (or in some cases re-establish) why they are good enough for the 53.
Again, this is just me spewing my opinion; throwing out my personal favorites as we gear up for training camp 2010!
Mitch King, DT
I get a lot of questions from readers and outside people on King. "Why do you like him?" Well, it's simple: He's a fast, speedy defensive tackle who showed a knack for penetrating the line and making big plays in the backfield at Iowa. The Colts have never had a pass rushing DT since the switch to a Tampa-2 defense in 2002. The closest was Raheem Brock in his prime, and I don't think it was a coincidence that the Colts won a Super Bowl with a healthy, pass-rushing DT like Brock in the starting lineup. Unlike players like Daniel Muir, who is a decent but not great interior rusher, King offers the most raw potential at DT. People were very high on him in Titans camp last year prior to him getting hurt. I think he can provide something very special within the interior of the Colts d-line if he is given the chance AND makes the most of that chance AND stays healthy.
Ray Fisher, CB-return man
The Colts are thin at corner. They have two quality starters and one decent back-up. That's it. After that, there are a lot of unknowns. Based on previous history, we can expect to see one or both starting corners miss significant time in 2010. This means Jacob Lacey or, possibly, a collection of rookies, will be asked to play significant plays against premiere wide receivers. One of those unknown rookies is Ray Fisher. If Fisher can pull a Lacey in 2010, I can sleep better at night. Fisher also offers great potential as a return man on punts and kicks. I really hope he wins one or both of those jobs. Having a reserve DB as the return threat opens up more roster possibilities at other key positions.
Jacques McClendon, OG
I'm rooting for him to win Ryan Lilja's old job. He's smart, tough, and BIG! On key third down runs, I want the team to run Mike Hart behind a McClendon block. If he can prove to be an effective pass blocker, I see him as a potential upgrade over Lilja. I don't see that with players like Mike Pollak, Andy Alleman, or Kyle DeVan.
Adam Vinatieri, K
You all know of my not-so-secret man-love for the legend that is Adam Vinatieri. He's the greatest kicker the Colts have ever had, and he is a big reason why this team has won so many big games since 2006. Vinatieri oozes confidence, and unlike any other specialist I've ever seen, Adam V is a football player first, kicker second. Players like Pat McAfee worship the ground he walks on, and other players (from d-linemen or Peyton Manning himself) all respect him. For the first time in two years, Vinatieri seems healthy. A healthy Vinatieri likely means we don't miss 49-yard kicks in Super Bowls.
Bob Sanders, SS
There will always be a special place in my heart for Bob. How can you not love a 5'9 dude who throws 100% of himself in every. single. bone-crushing. tackle. Unfortunately, this mentality is exactly why this 5'9 dude hasn't played much for this team since 2007. When Mike Lombardi's report surfaced that Bob might be done, my heart sank. I think the report is inaccurate, especially since my numerous follow-ups with Lombardi for updates on the story have been meet with silence. That usually is not the case when I deal with NFL media people, which tells me something (or someone) f**ked this story up. Privately, I'm very happy the story seems to be incorrect. I want to see a healthy, active Bob Sanders in Larry Coyer's defense. I really, REALLY want to see it! I want to see it blasted into the faces of the Vince Youngs and Phillip Rivers of this league. Mostly, I just want to see a healthy Bob. It's frustrating to see him miss this much time.
Anyone you are rooting for as we countdown to camp. Share your thoughts. And please, no more shirtless Vinatieri pics.
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Pierre Garcon
Love his style, love his attitude, love his patience. Love his deep speed and the way he can stretch the field and create opportunities for the underneath routes. Love that he scored the first TD in the Super Bowl.
I’m rooting for him to kick his game up to the next level. He’s shown that he’s got the skills, but he needs to improve his focus and discipline, and improve his hands. Back when Wayne was still rough his catch rate was frustratingly low, and he kicked it up into high gear and is putting together a borderline HoF career. I’d love to see the same “Junior Jump” from #85. He’s such a physical presence on the outside, for him to be a reliable option on crucial catches would be a big boon to the team and his career.
Did I say "patience"?
I meant “passion”. Patience would be one of the things for him to improve.
Guns Giguere
The next Colts special teams monster…..who gets a shot at WR if someone goes down. Go gettem GUNS!
BANNED!!!!!
actually, that was pretty funny. now go away. ;)
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
by teej813 on Jul 23, 2010 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That would be a good start!
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
And take over Manning's job in a few years
Might be good too
Long live rock 'n' roll, and r.i.p. Dio
*in 10 years
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 Jul 23, 2010 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Angerer
Another special teams guy, who also may get a shot if someone goes down. Hope he lives up to his name.
You've got to like
him if for not other reason than he has a superlative football name.
The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in the stars, but in ourselves.
he's a fantastic interview too
hilarious. I should dig up some of the stuff he said at Iowa.
Choke/Clutch is the fetishization of the small sample size.
"People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do." -Isaac Asimov
by shake n bake on Jul 25, 2010 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions
He may not be saying too many hilarious quotes anymore.
Colts tend to step on the really good " I’d play for Coors Light" comments. And that’s a shame, because it’s part of Angerer’s unique personality. I really like this guy. Can’t wait to see him in blue and white!
Nice article, Brad.
My list includes (no particular order):
* Tony Ugoh: We’ve seen flashes of brilliance from this guy. If he comes into TC with attitude, he could really help the O-line.
- Mike Hart: As a Michigan State fan, it’s hard for me to root for this U of Michigan star, but the guy gives everything he has on every play and was a leader on a pretty darned good U of M team. I love watching him play.
- Blair White: I’ve said it numerous times, so I won’t repeat myself, but this guy could really be something special.
- Brody Eldridge: Watching him at the open practice made my mind race at how potent both the run game and passing game could improve.
Come on, August!
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
Pfffftt
bullet and grammar FAIL
… my mind race at how potent both the run and passing games could become.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
I really don't know why I'm such a Mike Hart fan
But for some reason I really really am.
St. Louis Cardinals and Indy Colts fan. Avid fan of the Springfield Cardinals, the Cards' AA team!
Seems to me, it's all about the effort he puts forth.
Both in terms of running hard and in terms of returning from injury. I can still picture that catch and run up the left sideline against Baltimore in 2008 and him going down for the season. Ugh. But he’s battled back.
What i didn’t know until just recently is how smart he is… Top Five in his class at Michigan. That’s impressive and just the type of player the Colts like.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
I believe he was top five in his high school class.
That’s still impressive; but top five at Michigan would be really impressive.
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 Jul 23, 2010 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions
You're right, and i'm mistaken.
I remembered that he was Top Five and had it in my head that it was in college, but I just checked, and it was high school. My bad.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
teej813 and I are on the same page as far as Ugoh is concerned.
I KNOW this guy can produce big……just a question as to wether he knows it or not.
Maybe I'm an old softie
but I too would love to see Ugoh flourish as a guard…I’d just like to see him succeed.
(and it would make Polian look good)
Blair White is the one I'm rooting for, along with Mike Hart, along with Brandon King (as a Purdue Fan).
I think White has serious potential to be a contributor for us.
I wanna see more from D. Brown this year
He had a lot of awesome plays last season, but there were also those good old “God Dammit Donald” moments. I was really excited when the Colts drafted him b/c of how good he was at UConn. He didn’t really live up to expectations last year, hopefully he’ll have an awesome Sophomore season!
PSN ID: etid5353
Current excuse for not leaving the house: Final Fantasy XIII
GO BUTLER!!
by etid5353 on Jul 23, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
We expect a lot out of our rookies
He didn’t really live up to expectations last year…
Can you imagine the jump from college to the best offense in the NFL? Anyone who can make the leap and contribute at all is impressive. Got a feeling DB is gonna really step it up this year.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
You're right, I was expecting a lot
Just seemed like there was a helluva lotta hype around him b/c he was the NCAA leading rusher the year before. Don’t ask why but I was expecting him to just come in there and start running downhill, mowin MF’s over like he was Brandon Jacobs in SB42 or something!
PSN ID: etid5353
Current excuse for not leaving the house: Final Fantasy XIII
GO BUTLER!!
i can certainly understand that!
But they call it the ‘second year jump’ for a reason… Seems we saw Brown grow as the season went on, so I’m hopeful his second year will be closer to what you describe.
As for Ugoh… maybe the ‘fourth year jump’ will happen for him. He’s certainly got the skills.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
HMMM..
I’m rooting for:
Brandon James – He’s a baby Devin Hester..just wait and see
David Caldwell – This guy is a player with ball skills and the ability to play in space
Thad Turner – love his physicality and size
Phillip Wheeler – please improve your coverage skills.
Fili Maola – please walk the walk and not just talk about being angry. Put it on tape. We sorely need a pass rusher from the DT spot.
O-line – Enough said.
Brandon James
with his speed our punt/kick returning could be solid
"We didn't lose the game; we just ran out of time."
-Vince Lombardi
by OldGoldandBlackColt21 on Jul 23, 2010 2:35 PM EDT reply actions
If you ever watched Brandon James...
return a punt or a kick against the team you are rooting for, then you know that this kid is a game changer. I do not believe Fisher or Giguere are even close to having the potential to be a game charger that James has.
For my list of players to make the roster, it would need to be bumped up to 60.
So, getting ready for some painful cuts. I’m overly attached to the MSU guys, the Iowa terrific twosome, and really almost everyone. This is gonna hurt.
Another MSU fan?
I lived in Grand Ledge, Lansing, and Haslett during my school years and spent quite a bit of time on the MSU campus.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
I REALLY like Michigan State.
But, never lived anywhere but the rolling, flat, windy cornfields of Indiana. That is the only map in my head. If I go too far in any direction, it’s like a robotic vacuum cleaner. Bump! turn around and go back. Ah, that’s better. I smell corn growing.
So MSU is your adopted school. Same here.
Ever been on that campus? It’s gorgeous… Red Cedar River runs through it… lots of trees… historic buildings. Really pretty.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
Players I'm rooting for:
QB
Curtis Painter, you’re my freakin’ Avatar dude! Earn it…along with the faith of your teamates to get the job done if we ever need you. Develop into the pro-style QB we thought you could be your junior year at Purdue! Go Boilers!
RB
Mike Hart, ever since the 2 or 3yd run against Baltimore in the game that sent him to IR I’ve wanted that guy to get the ball anytime we’re in short yardage. Given a decent Oline, I think he can get the yard we need to churn out. Stay healthy!
WR
Sam Giguere is a guy we’ve all wanted to see turn into a player. I know Peyton likes him and I think he’d bring something special to STs and possibly develop into solid WR depth.
Between Blair White, Taj Smith, Jordan Sisco and Dudley Guice Jr., I think I’d like to see White and Smith stick around on the PS.
TE
Brody Eldridge is someone who could really help this team win games if he’s what he’s pronounced to be as far as blocking. To me, he doesn’t need to be anything special in the passing game, but it sounds like he should be able to catch if we need him.
Oline
Andrew Tyshovnitsky – just has the pedigree of a Sebatian Vollmer-type, based on story. I hope he turns into a player, give him a season, maybe PS for now.
Jacques McClendon – be the guy we on this board think you can be and I’ll be ecstatic!
Dline
Mitch King – special athlete – could be a valued depth guy for a long time if he lives up to his college reputation.
John Chick – sounds like a dangerous X-factor behind Freeney, Mathis and Hughes if called upon
E.Fos – love this guy. Long term replacement for Raheem Brock, in my opinion. Little bit different player, but can fill that role.
LB
Vuna – Should be a phenom on ST, we need some more of those!
CB
Brandon King – Go Boilers, I could see him winning the 4th CB spot, outright.
Thad Turner – should challenge for a spot, at least PS
S
David Caldwell – looks like Bob Sanders on tape, looks like Bob Sanders in pads. Except he’s got 10 lbs and 3" on Bob – could his body hold up better? Hmmm….
Mike Newton – solid FS prospect and could probably be a solid CB reserve in Dime packages
Jamie Silva – should be a guy that sticks on the team just for his versatility alone, but if nothing else seems to embody the ST/reserve role player type of depth we need to keep around to continue winning over 10 games a season.
GO HORSE!
nice list...
One thing…
Mike Hart, ever since the 2 or 3yd run against Baltimore in the game that sent him to IR…
That catch and run covered eighteen yards, my friend. Eighteen! Can you say ‘big play potential’? Sure, I knew you could.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
Believe me, I remember my friend
Same game, different play.
From the game log: http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2008101202/2008/REG6/ravens@colts#tab:analyze/analyze-channels:cat-post-playbyplay
3-2-BAL 24 (4:15) 32-M.Hart up the middle to BLT 22 for 2 yards (94-J.Bannan, 91-M.Douglas).
Hart fought for every inch of those two yard, if I remember correctly, was some signifant agression toward his helmet/facemask too.
Oh. Ok.
He did get a few carries that game, didn’t he? And yes, he fights for yardage on every carry. Gotta love a player who gives it everything he’s got.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
You got me thinking about him, so I went back a found the play.
I remember being actually sick to my stomach watching him writhe in pain… ugh.
Careful what you wish for... "A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have." Gerald Ford, 38th US president
No kidding, right?
So much potential and so much to prove by a 6th round pick. Glad he’s getting the shot to be a solid 3rd RB on the Depth Chart this season. He’ll work as hard as they want him too.
What about the coaches???
I sincerely hope Christennsen and Metzelaars burn it up. I’m hoping they have the same start as Caldwell and Coyer. I suspect there are plenty folk waiting for them to fail.
Players I hope do well:-
Jaques McLendon (he has pro bowl potential)
Fili Moala (could be devastating if he gets going)
Jerry Hughes (he’ll be unfairly compared to Freeney on day one!)
Tony Ugoh (has had to suffer some unfair criticism)
Brandon James (could be a special teams star)
Can’t wait for 12 September!!
Forgot about coaches
I’d love to see Ron Prince bring some new tactics and ideas to the Oline position and get some better play out of that unit.
No love for Gonzo?
The guy seems like a class-act who’s had a run of bad luck. Even if it doesn’t mean becoming one of the top-3 options (although I think when healthy he is probably good enough to be one), I’d like to see him bounce back and help the team, even if that help is via a trade for CB help or something.
I feel...
much more comfortable with Gonzo playing the slot then Collie. Collie did an outstanding job last year, but Gonzo has more years experience working with Peyton and that is more valuable then anything in the Colts offense.
I can’t wait to watch a 5-wide (Wayne, Clark, Garcon, Gonzo, & Collie) 2-minute drill to go up by 2 scores at halftime.
Don't Forget Stover's Contribution
I’m excited about Vinatieri’s [healthy] return, so I agree with BBS’ enthusiasm.
But Matt Stover was a very valuable acquisition for the Colts and did everything they asked of him that he could do. Yes, he missed the 49 yarder in the the Super Bowl, but all of us knew it was at the far edge of his range. It would have been a gift if he made it. He was by all accounts a classy teammate. While we’re happy at Vinny’s return, let’s not act like we had to endure the return of Vanderjagt in ’09.
The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in the stars, but in ourselves.
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