2010 Colts Preseason: Recap Of 30-28 Loss To Bengals
by Brad Wells on Sep 3, 2010 8:57 AM EDT
in 2010 Colts Game Recaps
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Lots of players needed to step up last night, make plays, and hope someone noticed. For several players, last night's game against the Cincinnati Bengals was as much an audition for other teams as it was for the Colts. In general, the Colts likely had their 53-man roster set before the ball was ever kicked off at Lucas Oil Stadium last night. But, certain people who absolutely needed to step up and make something happen to even be considered for the practice squad DID step up.
Tom Brandstater had the best quote of the night [emphasis mine], summing up perfectly the second half of the Colts 30-28 loss to the Bengals in a final preseason game that showed the Colts reserves have a ton of pride along with a ton of talent:
The guys played awesome around me. They were running on fumes. All of them. With heart. From the line to the receivers, it was fun to be around guys who were really trying to win a job on this team. That's the purest form of football for me. Guys digging deep to try and make a living. I'm happy for everyone who played well.
After the jump, we talk about some of those players who did indeed play well.
Tom Brandstater, QB
Brandstater won the back-up job last night, at least in my mind. Sorry, but I really don't care what people have to say about Curtis Painter. Defend him all you want, but you will look silly in the process of doing so. Last night was one of his better games of the preseason, but that certainly isn't saying much. He completed less than 50% of his passes. The only positive out of his game I saw was that he didn't turn the football over, but even THAT is deceiving. Painter had two throws that should have been picked but weren't because the Bengals reserve DBs stink.
Meanwhile, Tom Brandstater (who had only two-and-a-half months to learn the entire Colts offense) was working behind a much shoddier o-line than Painter. He had the atrocious Adam Terry at left tackle and was playing with fourth string receivers. All Brandstater did was throw three touchdowns, score on a two-point conversion, and complete 10-18 passes. Despite a shaky line, receivers with stone hands, and a sense he was playing for his job, Brandstater put on a show.
If we are to hold Bill Polian to his own words:
You can get something from the practice field, but not everything. They don't keep score at practice. They only keep score when the lights go on.
If we follow that as our guideline, there is absolutely no way Curtis Painter should be the back-up quarterback over Tom Brandstater. In four preseason games, Painter has gotten many more reps than Brandstater. With those reps, Painter's thrown only one touchdown, four INTs, fumbled three times, and completed barely 50% of his passes. This is in addition to all the other horrible games Painter played last year.
Meanwhile, Brandstater, with fewer reps and inferior talent around him, threw four TDs, scored on a two-point conversion, tossed on pick, committed one fumble, and completed 66% of his passes this preseason.
With the 'lights on,' Brandstater delivered. Painter didn't. If Painter makes this team over Brandstater, then the line above from Bill Polian means absolutely nothing. It's a somewhat false statement that isn't consistently backed up. Painter was awful in training camp and has been awful in preseason. Bob Lamey claimed back in June that Painter had turned some kind of corner. Clearly, he hasn't.
Brandstater, however, has been quite good. He should be the Colts back-up for 2010.
In the end, I trust the Colts and their ability to judge quarterback talent and performance. But if I were Jim Irsay and Caldwell selected Painter over Brandstater, I'd call him into my office and ask him to provide me with a thorough reasoning as to why. For me personally, if the Colts keep Painter, it's for pride. It would be because they invested a 6th round pick in him, and don't want to admit he's garbage even though he clearly is.
Brandon James, WR
I said before the game James needed to have a Devin Hester type night to even be considered for the practice squad. How did the kid from Florida respond? He scored three friggin touchdowns, and made another score on a two-point conversion.
Well done, lad!
As both a widedout and as a special teams returner last night, Brandon James played brilliantly. As bad as he was against the Packers, he was the exact opposite against the Bengals. The caveat for James is that his worst game of preseason came against starters in Green Bay; starters he will face regularly if he is picked to stay on the 53-man roster.
I still think the fumble for a touchdown in the Packers game will get him cut, but the Colts will likely retain him on the practice squad. Last night's game solidified that in my mind.
Blair White, WR
The trail of sweet sweat you saw leaving Lucas Oil Stadium's locker room was from Taj Smith and Sam Giguere. That's because Blair White just passed both of them on the 'depth chart,' making White very eligible to make the 53-man roster.
White has been everything the Colts look for in a receiver. He runs great routes. He catches everything thrown at him. He plays 100% on every down. He's tough. He's smart. He makes plays.
Does he have speed? No. The 53-yard slant catch he hauled in from Painter showed just how slow White is. He embarrassed the safety defending him by making a great 'wiggle' move only to see that same safety chance him down form behind and tackle him after White had run for 40-something yards. But, the Colts do not necessarily value speed at the WR position. Speed without hands is useless. While Taj Smith and Sam Giguere have very good speed, they have been inconsistent catching the football.
White has been a model of consistency. He's outplayed all the reserve wideouts and he has a very, VERY good chance of making the 53-man roster in my opinion.
Ray Fisher, CB
For me, last night Ray Fisher solidified himself on the 53-man roster. He averaged 25 yard a return on kicks, and even popped a 33-yarder. As a gunner, he was consistently getting down the field and making plays on returners. As a corner, he made two tackles and was not burned for any big plays (unlike Terrail Lambert, who was awful last night and might have played himself off the team).
Like Brandon James, Fisher's only knock all preseason was a muffed punt (against the Bills). However, unlike James' muff, Fisher's was not scoped up and run into the endzone by the opponent. It's worth nothing that both Fisher and James seem to genuinely be rooting for each other despite competing for the same job.After fisher's 33-yard kick return, he was greeted almost immediately by James.
Fisher showcased his much discussed versatility last night. He makes the 53 based on that versatility.
Ricardo Mathews, DT
He was everywhere last night. In the backfield. Pressuring the QB. Stuffing run plays. Causing havoc. It has been a lot of fun to see Mathews develop during these last two games. Last night, the big boy who played college ball at Cincinnati recorded four tackles and a sack. I don't think his play has warranted a spot on the 53, but the Colts should definitely keep his on the PS. His play the last two games has earned him that.
Javarris James, RB
'Baby J' came to play, and on some runs I could swear the kid had #32 on his jersey instead of #35. Certain cuts he made, the way he glided through holes in the zone blocking, it reminded me of Baby J's cousin, Edgerrin James.
Javarris has run hard all preseason. For me, he's outplayed Mike Hart. However, unlike Tom Brandstater clearly outplaying Curtis Painter, Javarris has only slightly outplayed Hart. Since the Colts very much like Hart, and since Hart is such a valued special teams player, I don't think they will cut him and promote Baby J to short yardage back.
Again, this doesn't mean Javarris has played poorly. He's played very well this preseason. Last night, he ran with authority and purpose, gaining nice chunks of yardage and moving the chains. The Colts should keep Javarris on the PS. He's earned it, and if there is an injury at running back, Javarris is more than capable to stepping in and making plays.
Later today, I'll post my updated prediction for the 53-man roster. What were your thoughts and observations last night? Post them in the comments.
Go Colts!
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Brandstater
It seems obvious that Brandstater is better than Painter. If for no other reason than Brandstater can deal with the pressure. He seems to know what to do with the ball, and he managed to throw a couple of TDs last night, in between getting sacked every other play. The pressure and speed of the game don’t appear to get in his head, and that seems the difference between him and Painter.
I was really impressed with his scrambling last night
There were a few plays where the d-line got there and Painter would’ve went down. At least Brandstater got the ball off (can’t remember if they were completions).
I’d say Brandstater needs to be out #2. Painter needs cut.
I thought Brandy
took a couple of sacks he shouldn’t have… but he played well
"We ARE going to our own private island, Chris: it's called the State Fucking Fair!"
by naptown_ninja on Sep 3, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
exactly
Its not about the DB’s or Wide Receivers or Offensive Line…the quarterback position is almost entirely based upon one thing: poise under pressure. You absolutely can evaluate that in the preseason.
I don’t see how ANYONE can say that Curtis Painter has that trait, furthemore, its pretty clear that Tom Brandstater does. That should be all that matters.
by indianalawyer on Sep 3, 2010 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't know what it is with you and that Polian quote....
but you need to FRIGGIN LET IT GO. It is seriously annoying to see that quote in almost every single post and then see you go on a Curtis Painter tirade and talk up Brandstater. Yes, he did throw three touchdowns against the Bengals. Who was covering his receivers? Oh right, the awful Bengals DB’s that were WORSE than the guys Painter was facing. Seriously, you can’t get more biased and irresponsible journalism than that, and I’ve been seeing a lot of it from you lately.
I agree that Brandon James stepped up big time, but I disagree with the statement that the Green Bay game will cost him a spot. He had a bad, bad mistake that without it, the GB game would have been a good game for him. He had a great night returning in extensive play, he showed what he can do at receiver by catching 3 touchdowns, and just played all around great. He played himself into a spot.
Fisher definitely earned a spot last night. He was everywhere whenever he was on the field. He was great in coverage, he was in on running plays, he was always causing disruptions of kick-offs and punts, and he was great as a returner. He earned one of the return roles in my opinion, if not both.
Matthews earned a spot today. He was going to get one regardless, but he made the decision easier. You don’t draft a player and make up a new “position” and package for a guy only to cut him later because he had a slow start to the pre-season. He had a good game against the Packers, and a brilliant game against the Bengals. Welcome to the team, Ricardo.
Brandon King also earned a spot in my opinion, as he was solid in coverage, good in his blitzes, made tackles in the run game, didn’t get burned, and played well on special teams.
Javarris is interesting. It’s curious that they kept putting him back out there. They really wanted a long look at him, and I think they’re happy with him. To be honest, the reason I think that he was out there a lot was because they were torn between him and Devin Moore. With Ray Fisher and Brandon James stepping up big time as returners and showing what they can do in positions, Moore’s special teams value decreased a bit. Do not be surprised if Baby J makes the roster due to injuries at RB being frequent and Moore gets cut due to not enough return spots available. One of them will be on the roster and one will be on the PS.
by 18to87 on Sep 3, 2010 9:25 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Brandon King wasn't burned, because he covered a poorer receiver, than Lambert.
0 plays on the ball in preseason. Isn’t he supposed to be a CB?
Just because he made no plays on the ball doesn't make it a bad pre-season.
I’m guessing you don’t really know what a good game for a CB is. If you can keep the receiver you are guarding to minimal yardage, do not get burned, make plays in the run game, and play good special teams if that’s where you are, then you’ve had a good game my friend. Plays on the ball are wanted, but sometimes situations do not arise for that and that is ok. If you’re telling me that if Deion Sanders had a game where he had 2 tackles, his receiver had 2 catches for 15 yards, and no plays on the ball that he had a bad game?
'Biased and irresponsible journalism?'
We aren’t journalists here, pal. It’s an opinion blog. Don’t like the opinion? Read another blog. Going off on a rant about ‘responsible journalism’ when he do not practice that here is silly. Calm down. Relax. Know that this is all just opinions around here.
If you are looking for journalism, read a newspaper.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Ok, how about this
I would appreciate it if you would present both sides of the issue or whatever you are providing an opinion on fairly and not try to bolster your side of the argument by leaving out key details
Why?
Both sides are covered by what I write in the article and then by what you write in the comments. The article is not separate from the comments. The comment compliment (and in many ways) complete the article.
I’m not here to ‘represent’ both sides. I’m here simply to state my opinion. That’s it. Nothing more.
Also, I’m not leaving out any key details. You’re just making that up. If posting Painter’s numbers somehow offends you, then it’s you who are afraid of key details. Not me.
Understand that I appreciate your opinion, but it’s pretty obvious Curtis Painter had a horrible preseason. The numbers show this. The ‘eye test’ shows this. Everything shows this. If you disagree, then fine. But, don’t expect me to agree with you, or take your opinion as something ‘equal’ to the fairly general consensus that Curtis Painter sucks.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
BBS
It’s “complement”. The comments complement the article.
Also, I spent a quick 10 seconds wondering what you meant when you said that there was a “trail of sweet” leaving the locker room. I think you meant “sweat,” but I’m not sure.
Grammar Nazi out.
And BTW, you’re right about Painter. He is teh suck.
Check it to Pancakes! Pancakes!
The Colts: We play more football in the fourth quarter than some teams play all year!
by Picky on Sep 3, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL
Thanks. Grammar Nazism is appreciated. :)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Besides...
If anyone left a “trail of sweet” leaving the locker room, it was Brandon James.
What is both surprising and delightful is that spectators are allowed, and even expected, to join in the vocal part of the game.... There is no reason why the field should not try to put the batsman off his stroke at the critical moment by neatly timed disparagements of his wife's fidelity and his mother's respectability. ~George Bernard Shaw
Also having tremendus games were:
Kavell Conner, he has a lot of work to do but the guy has potential and is great on special teams.
Jerry Hughes really stepped up and showed what a force he could be if he develops his talent. His work on special teams reminds me of Mathis when he was a special teamer and a rotational rushing DE.
Baldwin also had a great game, and seems to have come a long way in developing. I think we have two very, very solid backups in both of these guys, and love the DEs right now.
Mitch King also had another great game, constantly getting pressure and wreaking havoc in the backfield. He may get a spot on the roster.
Marlon Favorite also had himself a nice little game. He had a great play where he sniffed out a screen perfectly and obliterated the RB, and I saw him DOWN FIELD making tackles. The guy is 317 pounds with a huge belly, you think this guy doesn’t want a job?
John Chick also had a good game, getting lots of pressure. He didn’t get the solo tackles, but the team was right there waiting for the runner when he got redirected, and that is how team defense is played. He’d have a spot if we didn’t have Hughes or Baldwin. I think PS or may even make the squad as a dark horse.
I loved that Favorite play
Especially his celebration afterwards. Nothing better than a fat man givin the belly rub!
favorite new celebration!
"We ARE going to our own private island, Chris: it's called the State Fucking Fair!"
by naptown_ninja on Sep 3, 2010 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure, the coaches don’t care if the muffed punt in the preseason goes for a TD or only a turnover. And again, even Devin Hester had a muffed punt, or Keiwan Ratliff. And he wasn’t cut for that, even continued as a returner.
With Foster probably playing a lot more at end, I think Mathews or Favorite should make the team as 4th full time DT. Both played well, Favorite in previous games too. Mathews seems to be a better pass rusher, that’s why I like him over Favorite.
DE depth is great. Freeney, Mathis, Foster, Chick, Hughes and Baldwin. Could all make the team? Would be good for ST to have a lot of these body types. Chick can’t change direction once he gets going, that’s why he misses many tackles and sacks, but he is still disruptive.
I would be really interested in an expert opinion about Fisher’s cover skills. Lambert is getting beat deep consistently, but it is the same with Hayden, and the Colts pay him 7+ million for that. Would like a trade for a decent 4th – 5th CB. You don’t have to give up much for that. The problem with cutting Lambert is, King and Fisher didn’t make one play on the ball in preseason. Also, Lambert seems to be better in press man.
About RBs, I like Hart, but there is no way I keep him, he offers so little. I would keep Addai, Brown and Moore, and that’s it.
Also, by week 16, Brandstater will be #2.
Press man
was the reason Lambert got burned one play. The other was he was trying to gamble on making a play and it cost him. Also, in pre-season most teams like to run short slants and quick drop passes and see what guys can do with the ball in their hands. It’s awfully hard to make plays on the ball when you’re in zone and the guy runs a slant right in front of your zone.
I don't want to protect Lambert
It’s just, Towsend is bad, Lambert is bad, Fisher and King are black horse, with 0 plays on the ball, and Hayden played similarly bad as Lambert. He got beat deep many times.
Brandon james
Don’t know why ur talkin bout him according to u one huge mistake in Packers game eliminates him from making this team.
I'd donate a kidney in exchange for Pdiddy and my colts to get 2 more Super Bowl rings...That's LUV
by Bama Blue on Sep 3, 2010 9:43 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Because
Huge mistakes get players cut. See Courtney Roby circa 2008, Ricky Williams (the other one) circa 2002, etc.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
You keep brining up Roby
Don’t you think Roby’s solid play for the Saints kinda challenges the wisdom of cutting him?
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
Nope
He played awful for the Colts. If he cleaned up his play for the Saints, more power to him. However, for the Colts, he did not play well and he did not warrant a roster spot.
What, don’t you trust Bill Polian’s decisions? ;)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Agree w/ BBS
Sometimes your poor, pathetic play on one team that gets you cut challenges you to finally man up and perform to the level you are capable of playing at….on a new team…
Roby was a huge contributor to the Saints title run last year, but he played very erratically and poorly for the Colts. The guy couldn’t contribute here, so he was bounced. The guy always showed the potential, he just never lived up to it here….
Justin Snow
Looking over the roster and trying to come up with 53…is Justin Snow safe since he is one dimensional? Did anyone see how much work Tamme got at long snapper? I think everyone assumes Snow will make it, but I don’t know.
Another shot at BBS...nothing personal here...
but I believe your argument for having 4 preseason games is to let the coaches evaluate talent for guys who might not otherwise make the team…but in this piece you are saying the Colts already have their 53 man roster? I know it is your opinion and this is a blog…but you are WRONG…they didn’t go into the game last night with all 53 men set…maybe you did…but not the coaches.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
That's not a 'shot'
You’re probably right. I think they went into the game with roughly 49 spots settled. Again, just my opinion.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Brandstater
He outplayed that manning kid, you think he’s got a shot at the starting job???
all kidding aside, i think brandstater has looked much more, i dunno, comfortable? I feel like Painter has all the tools, but just can’t make them work all together on the field.
"Are you f*cking kidding me???"
Agreed
Also, I think Manning makes the team, lest I am accused of being a Manning ‘basher.’ ;)
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
I will make you a bet
If they cut Manning, I will give you one BILLION dollars….
Meh, forget it, it’s not funny.
Carry on.
Cookie Cookie Cookie starts with C!
looking back
Im not going to entirely retract my opinion of Painter. Contrary to popular opinion, I still think Painter has improved as a player… However, I will concede, after watching the preseason as a whole, that Brandstater has looked better. I’m on board with you, Brad, that Brandstater should receive the backup QB job, but i haven’t given up on Painter yet.
If im not mistaken, so long as Painter has not played in more than 4 games, He is eligible for the practice squad. If he is indeed eligable, I hope the Colts keep him there because, though he isn’t showing rapid development, he is showing sings of life. I think in a season or two, he will be more than capable and ready to backup Manning (barring that the Colts dont draft a high round QB), but for now, Im giving it to Brandstater.
I think it is about being on the roster
Painter has been on the roster all season last year. If you are on the roster for at least 9 games, you are not PS eligible. Neither is Brandstater, since he was backup Broncos QB on that roster last year for more than 9 games, I think, but I could be wrong.
Brandstater
If he is cut, the Broncos will likely scoop him back up. Brady Quinn hasn’t performed well there, and Josh McDaniels very much likes Brandstater.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
You sure?
I would’ve guessed the opposite, seeing as how he cut him. Wasn’t that move actually made before picking those other two guys up?
Hard not to think of him as at least Quinn’s equal after last night though.
I personally am thrilled by his performance. I still have a hard time believing they’ll outright cut Painter (not so much due to pride – remember, they cut two 09 draft picks in 09 so it’s not like they’re worried about protecting a record – but due to the time invested in the offense, etc) but I’m no longer willing to put a grand behind that idea. Most likely case, you’re right, is keeping three. Which sort of sucks for whichever capable extra WR or RB etc that ends up getting cut for him.
Cookie Cookie Cookie starts with C!
I believe they picked up Quinn early in the offseason
and of course they got Tebow in the draft. Brandstater was released only a few weeks ago.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if McDaniels tried to pick him back up (if available) after Quinn’s performance in the preseason.
How can you not love a team that does this?
Ah
they cut him June 4. So post-draft. Makes sense.
What didn’t make sense was the Quinn trade, in light of Orton’s contract and the Tebow pick.
Cookie Cookie Cookie starts with C!
McDaniels
He had lots of complimentary things to say about Brandstater after the June 4th cut.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Good argument
Well stated. Personally, I’ve given up on Painter. But, that doesn’t mean the Colts should. However, when it comes down to who played better this preseason (Painter or Brandstater), it’s pretty obviously Brandstater. I agree.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
A few important things to remember
I have said this before – 2007 when Harrison goes down, Moorehead as the 5th WR becomes the 4th WR that is left wide open on several plays and drops passes, 2009 when Gonzo goes down, Baskett was signed to be the 4th WR and he drops passes too, and let us not rehash the infamous SB onside kick. So, 2 times in 3 years, a WR has gone down, that is enough to convince me that a 5th WR needs good hands to move the chains when his number is called and not stall drives. Blair White gives that, plus a hands guy on ST. Plus, Blair White played against 1st stringers and 2nd stringers as well in the first half and did well, that counts for something.
3-cone drill – The Colts WRs have traditionally done well in the 3-cone drill, a drill at the combine that judges the ability of the WR to change direction while maintaining enough speed, is a decent gauge for the ability to gain separation which is important for a timing offense like the Colts. Austin Collie was the best in the 2009 combine (http://www.steelersdepot.com/2009combine/2009-wide-receivers-nfl-combine-results.html), Blair White was top 3 in the 2010 combine (http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers#tp-tab-set-1:tp-grid-container-three-cone-drill).
UDFA demand – Blair White had at least 5 or 6 different teams request his services, including the Colts who also called him before round 7 and followed up by not drafting a WR, he obviously picked the Colts for No.18 throwing to him :-). I did not hear or read such news about Brandon James, not that level of interest.
So, chances are, the Colts might feel Brandon James might be able to clear waivers better than Blair White. Sure hands, natural abilities as a WR and certain possession normally prevails over the occasional ability to show flashes of dynamic plays, at least historically for the Colts. Notice how Brandon James was able to catch the ball thrown ahead of him while it was harder to generate separation in traffic, he needs a lot of work to become a natural WR, a position he has not consistently played. Besides, with our running game sucking, the Colts face nickel all day and it is harder to juke nickel personnel as opposed to run D personnel consistently on screen passes, hence the Colts offense rarely runs screen passes. So Brandon James might be better suited to an offense like the Saints or Vikings that have the threat of a running game but are good screening teams too, and possibly the Chargers too.
That is only if it comes down to a Blair White vs Brandon James scenario. Otherwise, we could have both Blair White and Brandon James on the roster as the 5th WR and 4th RB/PR.
BBS - I couldnt DISAGREE MORE regarding Painter
if the colt’s brass see more in painter the brandstater , i trust them.
however, you will have to admit that painter has a ton of “upside”, has a rocket arm, and throws a beautyful ball. he does have a little too much air between his ears, but maybe, just maybe, he wil develop into a servicable backup.
W. Morton
Put me down as looking silly
Painter will still be #2 on the QB depth chart on Week 1. Bank on it.
For better or worse, the Colts roster does not turn on a dime. Brandstater was not going to win the backup job in two months unless he was obviously walking on water. I think (I hope) that the Colts will keep him on the roster but the first Colt not named Manning who takes a snap this year will be Curtis Painter.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
Just about all the guys
singled out as “on the bubble” came up HUGE. I don’t count white on that list since he wasn’t given a real audition until last night. Mathews, James, James, Fisher. The ball that Branstater threw to a diving B. James was a BEAUTY. Did Brandy outplay Curtis painter last night? It’s a wash, I’d say, with the tie going to the guy who has already been declared #2, Painter. Brandy makes the practice squad, I bet. Who Knows how the Moore, Fisher, B. James conundrum will be solved: it will suck no matter which guy is cut
"We ARE going to our own private island, Chris: it's called the State Fucking Fair!"
Why all the fighting with BBS?
Nobody knows who will make the roster for certain except the coaches. I have read many comments and agree. In my OPINION…..(which by the way is the only thing offered in these comments)..
1. Painter should be a off the team. I just don’t see the potential. He has had some issues from back to his purdue days which is why they benched him his senior year. Because the other qbs haven’t gone against “the other teams top guys” we can’t really predict how they will do…but Painter has proven he can’t go against a first unit….so in a way we know more about what he can’t do than what the other qbs can. Does it make the others better?….no…. but it doesn’t mean painter is the right guy. Hopefully this is moot point because I don’t want any of the qbs other than manning on the field.
2. I agree with BBS on Brandon james. The colts like to keep borderline guys who can do more than one thing. I am not saying he isn’t good…he just isn’t drastically better than fisher or moore. And unfortunately with James, we are stacked at wide reciever…fortunately for fisher we are not so stacked at cb. So I think this is fishers spot to lose.
3. As for Blair White, i hope he makes the team. And Finally, while I like javarris, I just don’t think he’ll make the team but if no one picks him p it wouldn’t surprise me if the colts bring him back next year for another tryout especially if hart gets reinjured
I think this shows the value of having 4 preseason games.
Brandstater earned the #2 position but if they can carry 3 QB’s keep Painter as the 3rd.
J. James and Moore seem to have more potential than Hart.
Blair White may not be fast but he makes plays, he catches the ball.
As someone else noted, Justin Snow is one dimensional.
Why can’t Tamme (or anyone else) long snap?
That would free up a roster spot.
Excellent point about the long snapper.
How difficult can that really be?
Long snapper
Other than quarterback, left tackle, and pass rusher, the long snapper is one of THE most important positions on the team. Justin Snow is one of the best long snapper’s in football. The last time he sent a punt over the head of of a punter was the 2003 AFC Championship Game. Since then, all his snaps are clean.
Jacob Tamme is a reserve long snapper. He is not as good as Snow.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
I don't think cutting Snow would be a wise move.
Bad snaps on punts = disaster.
Justin Snow is solid gold. That guy doesn’t screw up.
This shouldn’t even be an argument.
I don't have time to read through everything here.
i’ll be back later to post a fanshot and read carefully through your article and the comments. but i will say this now on the painter vs brandstater topic:
if you haven’t listened to polian’s interview with bob lamey after the game last night, do so.
he (polian) goes out of his way to praise painter. which suggests to me either a) painter has the job no matter what we saw, or b) polian is lying through his teeth about what he and the coaches see in painter, and brandstater is actually getting the job. he had nothing but good things to say about painter and went slightly off topic to say them, commenting almost as an afterthought, as if it were a prepared thing that he almost forgot to deliver.
"We'll put em in the pot, shake it up and see what comes out." - Howard Mudd
"Nothing's complicated if you understand it." - Tom Moore
"It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law." - Hofstadter's Law
Dallas Clark is
Just. This. Incredible.
Well, then I think Polian is starting to lose it
Even non-football guys can see that Painter doesn’t bring much to the table except a low salary.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Brandstater
If he could take a snap from under center without fumbling it, this would be a no brainer.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Painter over Brandstater for one reason only
Painter knows more of the playbook than Brandstater and allows the Colts to use more packages. This will not be the case next year which is why Brandstater makes the PS this year, and the Colts cut Painter next year.
Also, Blair White will not last on the waiver wire but James will. Hopefully Blair gets a mystery injury and we IR him for the season.
What???
He chose us an undrafted free agent. I’d rather see him flourish with another team if he is cut. Teams don’t play the childish “if I cannot have him, you cannot have him too” game. That is not a wise way to make roster decisions. It is OK to be happy about Courtney Roby and Devin Aromashodu do well on other teams :-).
Blair White will make the team, Colts know he was a sought after UDFA, unlike Brandon James. Taj Smith is probably the biggest benefactor of his torn hamstring injury so that the Colts can put him on IR and he gets one last shot next year, maybe.
teams do whatever they can to win, it's not little league.
Blair is not ready for prime time nfl and we don’t need 5 receivers on opening day.
Says who???
If he cannot clear the waiver wire, and we have had 2 injuries in last 3 years (Marvin in 2007 & Gonzo in 2009) that forced Moorehead and Baskett to catch passes from Manning (or shall I say drop ones right down the numbers), what is wrong with having a 5th wideout that can catch and be a hands guy on special teams for injury insurance?
It is all about not having drops to sustain drives, everyone of which is important in the regular season If we can say for certain we will run more 2 TE sets than 3 WR sets, then the 4th WR will not see much playing time, the other WRs will need breathers from time to time. Baskett saw a handful of games as the 4th WR and dropped passes. The reason the 4th WR sees playing time is because of those breather situations but that does not mean we alter our playcalling because our 4th WR cannot catch. If any WR goes down due to injury for a prolonged period of time (or just like Garcon did after the Jags game, sat out the Jets and Bills games), the 5th WR becomes the 4th WR and will see meaningful snaps and will be expected not to drop passes in a “next man up” fashion when they are thrown down his numbers.
I do not expect us to be 14-0 by any stretch this year, I just do not. So, we cannot get by without a quality 4th wideout if one wideout goes down for any extended period of time. So 5 WRs with the 5th WR having ST coverage/hands guy capability could look like a luxury now but could very likely be a necessity down the road when injuries hit the WR corp.
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