Contrasting The Anthony Gonzalez And Melvin Bullitt Situations
by Brad Wells on Sep 7, 2010 1:01 PM EDT
in 2010 Colts News
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PrintAs we highlighted earlier today, Anthony Gonzalez sounds pretty peeved at the Colts for seemingly not being truthful with him about competing for his old job, which he lost to Pierre Garcon. Interestingly, Mike Chappell Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star (Mike Chappell provided the info on Gonzo's beef with the team) wrote a similar article about Colts safety Melvin Bullitt. Like Gonzo, Bullitt is getting moved to the bench.
Unlike Gonzo, it's not because he got injured and a younger, seemingly better player took his job from him.
For the first time in three years, Bullitt, a safety, will not be playing a significant number of snaps in the season opener at Houston on Sunday. After two years of playing well in Bob Sanders' stead, he's likely to spend most of the game -- and, if Sanders stays healthy, most of the season -- on the sideline, reduced to playing special teams and getting 15 snaps or so as a nickel and dime defensive back.
For a lot of players, that would be a slap in the face, a reason to go to the front office and demand a trade to a team where a player of his caliber would get 55 to 70 plays as a starter. Bullitt, who will be an unrestricted free agent at year's end, would be a starter in almost any other city, and he knows that.
But he has said nothing.
And he won't.
"It's a thought (starting elsewhere), but, you know, I'd much rather be at a place where I have a chance to win the Super Bowl every year," Bullitt said. "I know I'm going to find a way onto the field somehow. I don't want to run somewhere where there's no challenge. It's interesting being on a team that everybody looks up to. This is an elite team and organization.
"I'd rather be playing less and competing for Super Bowls with the best players in the game than not making the playoffs."
Bullitt is saying all the right things, intentionally not rocking the boat. This is in stark contrast to Anthony Gonzalez, who all but called his coaches liars.
As I said in the earlier article, I can understand Gonzo's frustration, especially when you compare his situation to Bullitt's. If true and open competition were a reality in Colts land, players like Melvin Bullitt and Anthony Gonzalez would get an honest shot to wrestle starting jobs away from Pierre Garcon and Bob Sanders, respectively.
Of course, such a reality does not exist despite what the Colts often tell us.
Over the past two years, Melvin Bullitt has been more consistent and more reliable than Bob Sanders. Bob can't stay healthy, and an unhealthy player is a useless and inconsistent one. Yet, despite Bullitt providing a more reliable option at safety, he was seemingly not given an opportunity to win the starting job over Sanders. The reason?
Money.
Bob Sanders is signed to a $35 million dollar contract, which included him pocketing $20 million in Jim Irsay's money up front. If a player like Melvin Bullitt comes in and beats out Bob Sanders for the starting job, that makes Bill Polian look like a schmuck for giving over $20 mill of Irsay's money to a back-up.
Now, before the screamers come in here and start ranting about how 'obvious' it is that Sanders is better than Bullitt (and, thus, deserves to start over him), please recall Jim Caldwell's own words when discussing how the team determines roster spots:
"It's more of a body of work," Caldwell said Friday, one day after the Colts finished a winless preseason. "You take everything into consideration. You try to make an assessment of how they'll fit in and if they make your team stronger."
OK, 'body of work.'
Since 2008, Bob Sanders has played in nine games. Yes, only nine, including the playoff game against the Chargers two seasons ago. He's made 27 tackles, defended three passes, and made two INTs.
Since 2008, Melvin Bullitt has played in 33 games, starting 24 of them (including Super Bowl 44). He's made 112 tackles, caused two fumbles, defended 11 passes, and snatched 4 INTs.
So, based on the body of work in recent years, why the hell isn't Melvin Bullitt starting over Bob Sanders?
Oh, yeah. The money thing.
Again, for the screamers out there who 'don't get it,' I'm not writing this kind of stuff simply to bash the Colts. I'm merely pointing out the obvious hypocrisy within the team. They tell us one thing, but the reality is something different. There are varying standards for different players, and those standards are sometimes not based on what players do on a practice field or in a football stadium. When Anthony Gonzalez seemingly loses his old job due to injury while Bob Sanders has his waiting for him despite only playing nine games in tow seasons, there is a significant double-standard and it is my job to point a finger at that and question it.
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So what you're saying is
our healthy, explosive Defensive Player of the Year should be benched?
You know that old saying, measure twice, cut once? Sometimes you need to think twice and blog once.
by slash196 on Sep 7, 2010 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Bullitt is not as good as Garcon.
Gonzalez is not as good as Sanders.
So different rules apply to them.
So because a coach says “body of work” you think that the obvious better player should be benched because the other guy had a better last couple years because of injury?? I think you are taking “body of work” a little too literally…. but if you want to play that game …How many Defensive Player of the year awards has Bullit won? I mean come on man…..
what situation
i dont see any situation in either……its hard to judge tone from text but gonzo seems more disappointed than mad …and with the way peyton slings the ball around there will be plenty touches for all of them……and with the “bullitt situation” bob sanders is the best defensive player in the league when hes healthy… i wouldnt start anyone over a healthy bobzilla
"Liars"
This is in stark contrast to Anthony Gonzalez, who all but called his coaches liars.
Um, no, you’re the only one calling them liars. I’ve read several reports of this from other sources…wait, let me check again…nope, you’re still the only one.
"My goal is to be the person my dog seems to think I am."
"I'm all lost in the supermarket/ I can no longer shop happily/ I came in here for the special offer/ A guaranteed personaility."
by Via_Chicago on Sep 7, 2010 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Dear BBS
I love the information this blog gives, but I cannot stand how you paint your opinion on some topics; this being one of them. You have on countless occasions praised BP. I would like to pose single question: would BP be where he is now if he did not have a hand in making sure the best players played? My opinion is no. I would much rather have bobzilla on my team than on another because if he plays he is in the top tier of safeties. If bob is not going to start then he should be traded but he should play if he is wearing a horseshoe on his helmet.
As for gonzo, the same is true. The best player will play. Gonzo dropped a pass that should have been caught that got intercepted. The only play I can remember from garçon is the TD catch. I don’t have the numbers, but it seems that it is possible that Gonzo got the opportunity to get his job back and simply didn’t.
But ultimately, the best players (and most prepared players (Insert the whipping boy Painter here) will play.
by TrueColtsFan on Sep 7, 2010 1:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
A few details left out
Your lies of omission are as obvious as Polian’s
1. The upside of Sanders playing is that of a game changing defensive PoY impact. What is the upside of Bullitt playing? If Sanders gives us five games of that impact and no more, so be it. But we take as many as his body will give us. But you leave this little detail out of your expose.
2. What is the difference in money if Bullitt is first string and Sanders second string as opposed to Sanders is starting and Bullitt backing up? They have to pay them both so who starts makes no difference to the bottom line . . . unless the bonus structure is affected by how much one plays. It is likely that the dollars will matter next year when Sanders cap hit jumps and so Bullitt will likely get back the starting job. But this year they will both be paid so money is unchanged based on who starts.But of course this fact doesnt support your expose.
Sanders is better
Fin.
Dallas Clark: Some tight ends catch. Some block. Clark just owns.
by Sir Sci on Sep 7, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
The Sanders issue
is obvious. If he’s healthy, you play him. That’s a no-brainer. Regarding Gonzo, this is a good problem to have. He may want to start, but sometimes a player has to earn his position back. If someone gets hurt, it’s great to have Gonzo ready to go. At this point, he should just do whatever he’s told and try to help the team out the best he can.
This is getting ridiculous
I really hope Shake starts writing more articles when the season starts.
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 Sep 7, 2010 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 20 recs
good question
Seriously, you can’t open a fucking story on this website without hearing all about how Polian, Irsay, Caldwell, the entire organization is just a bunch of liars and idiots who have no clue how to run a football organization!
by etid5353 on Sep 7, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Can't we have a head writer who's actually a fan?
by Naptime! on Sep 7, 2010 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
exactly
and he belittles people who are supposed to be on the same side as him.
this is a great community that’s essentially being ruined by the bully who helped create it.
and that’s how you present your OPINION, like a school yard bully.
rec’d
by coolyjohn on Sep 7, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Sure is a lot of green... I guess that means it makes a lot of sense.
I started wondering where many of the former ‘regulars’ went, thinking they were just busy with work or school or something. Nope, they’re still around, just not here, and for good reason. I wonder if the powers-that-be are taking note of this fact.
I understand the feeling of wanting the team to succeed and to take the money we’re paying Sanders, who can’t seem to be healthy, to Bullitt, who can get on the field.
However, based on the stats provided, here’s how a hypothetical season from each guy would play out:
Sanders – 52 tackles, 5 defensed passes, 4 interceptions
Bullitt – 54 tackles, 6 defensed passes, 2 interceptions
Statistically speaking, Sanders picks up a pair of interceptions and loses two tackles and a defensed pass versus Bullitt. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take those INTs.
That, and it’s crystal clear to anyone that Bob Sanders is better than Melvin Bullitt. Melvin is a great safety. Bob is an All-Pro when he’s healthy. The list of the top three is him, Troy Polamalu, and Ed Reed, in some order. The common thread with those guys is that they’re hurt. Troy was last season. Ed is this season. It happens. It’s the nature of the position. But Bob makes guys afraid to go over the middle. He gives receivers a case of alligator arms. He’s an intimidator.
That’s why he’s the starter over Bullitt. Not money. He’s just better.
We rise. They fall.
Proud to have my own tag on KSK
http://monkeybiziu.deviantart.com
Unbelievable
BBS, you are really starting to sound like a crank.
Seriously, Gonzo said some awfully vanilla stuff with maybe a little edge to it, and you’re conflating it to him calling the coaches liars? Between this an the Painter business, you’re basically accusing the Colts staff of managing some kind of grand conspiracy.
You’re taking every pull-quote, every remark, every minor-non story, and cranking the dial waaaaaaaayyyyyyy past 10. Everything is drama, everything is conspiracy, everything is an affront to you. I realize you have posts to make and words to type, but it has become all too much for me.
by clownsaw on Sep 7, 2010 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
For a minute...
I thought I was reading an ESPN piece…lol!!
"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
i agree with clownsaw. Gonzo was generally biting his tongue. It was writers prying his jaws apart.
"To be a great football coach, you have to be smart enough to do it well, and dumb enough to think it's important." -- Can't remember whom I am paraphrasing.
Enough with these pieces that is nothing more than...
… tooting your own horn and filled with glaring omissions. Please, at least label these pieces with a pretty obvious tag like: Opinion/I’m right, you’re wrong or something along those lines.
All the arguments have been stated above
I don't think he ever said he thought Bullitt was better than Sanders...
Seems more like he wanted the Colts to do what they said they would do: let player legitemently compete for a starting spot. I don’t think Bullitt OR Gonzo got that chance. Do I think Sanders is better? Yes, definetly. In fact I’m so confident of that that I think he should go out there and prove it in the preseason.
Let’s be real… obviously the Colts don’t actually let players compete for roster spots or Curtis Painter’s name wouldn’t appear anywhere but on the practice squad.
BBS..u really love starting Sh@t don't u lol
Ok, I finally get it. You get off on this stuff lmao.
Btw. Bullitt is no where near Sanders caliber and for all the love the guy receives, he really is not a true starter. He is a liability in the passing game down the deep center and why people don’t see it baffles me. He excels in run support and perhaps at the los. But I hate to say it, he doesn’t impress where it counts most as a safety.
You're building sandcastles
You can’t seriously argue that Bullitt has performed at anywhere near the best we’ve seen from Sanders. Sanders is a top-5 safety in anybody’s book when he’s healthy, and all signs point to him being healthy today.
If it were a choice of sign one and cut the other, you might have an argument for Bullitt over Sanders. But they’re both signed, neither is going anywhere. Start the guy who is expected to be better and if he doesn’t perform then switch. That looks like exactly what the Colts are doing.
Garçon vs Gonzalez is the same situation with a much closer call. I would have thought Gonzo had the edge with better route running and better hands. Apparently I was wrong, or else Garçon has closed the gap between them just enough to keep the starter job. I’ve always said that I would be perfectly happy with Garçon if he would stop dropping what look like gimme catches. But again, the Colts lose nothing by starting Garçon now and switching back to Gonzo if Garçon gets stone hands.
Also, if Bullitt seems happier than Gonzo it’s because neither of them is an idiot. Bullitt knows that he’s four years younger than Sanders and he’s already proven that he can be the future at strong safety for the Colts. Gonzo is playing behind one all-pro and two guys who are younger than him on a team that is ridiculously good at drafting young talent at his position. He’s not looking to bide his time on special teams, he wants to be out there proving himself right now.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
At least...........
BBS is always Politically Correct. And he doesn’t stir the cauldron, either. Moheehoohahaaaaa!
Ridiculous
I don’t post too often, but i get a sense that the readers here are generally tired of your style. You’re very confrontational in your tone. Sometimes you say outright, “and if you don’t agree with me, you’re an idiot.” and when you don’t say that, you imply it. Why would you want to piss of your readers, and moreso, fellow fans? I love the information i get from this site, but I generally despise the articles. I’m not the only one. i would venture to say that a majority of people do not enjoy your pissy attitude and the general way you present your opinion.
I have started to rely on other colts blogs that have a much less holier-than-thou attitude.
BTW, you used to not write this way, or perhaps i was oblivious. WHatever
by coolyjohn on Sep 7, 2010 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Ha, ha, ha
The article was written by Bob Kravits, not Mike Chappell.
I guess BBS doesn’t like to give Kravits his due :)
by codrutc on Sep 7, 2010 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Safety
It really doesn’t matter if Sanders starts… Its inevitable he will get hurt and be out the rest of the season.. Bullit knows it as well.. Colts should’ve cut Bob already.. Luckly for Bullit is smart and going to stay and we won’t lose him… Lord knows we will need him.. Aint NO WAY Sanders can stay healthy for a whole season!!! HaHA and you all are high if you think he will……….
by PeytonsForeHead on Sep 7, 2010 2:41 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
@PeytonsForeHead
ROFL, I like I said many times. If Sanders can play 10-12 games in a season I would be truly shocked, I wont put my faith in him to do so but it would be a great feeling if he does, for Melvin Bullitt’s sake, he just doing what he does best and waiting for him to be called back on the field as usual.
I feel like the biggest difference
is Gonzo being a first round draft pick and Bullitt being undrafted. Comes with 2 different mindsets. Gonzo feels entitled to his starting position. Bullitt is happy just to be in the league, earning a paycheck, and playing for a winning team. I wish we weren’t even talking about this. Ex starters get pissed when they lose their positions all the time. It’s not a big deal. Please God, make Sunday get here soon so we have something meaningful to talk about.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Sep 7, 2010 2:42 PM EDT reply actions
Or Gonzo is unhappy becuase he lost his job to injury to a player who might or might not be better than him
while Bullitt lost his job because a player who, when healthy, is clearly better than him has returned.
EVH+DLR=BFFs........ God I Hope So!!
why is he writing like this?
Could it be for the page views? fomenting controversy also foments debate and on the internets debate foments participation and more page views.. Lately I feel a strategy around every article, SB the new colts laundry? maybe trying to get Florio and other of his kind to link to this site is big business.
I dont like writers that manufactures stories and publishes them just because he knows he can get a rise out of the fans.
and...
the more we comment on this articles the more he will write..
We are all accomplices to what BBS is now as a writer.. maybe a no comment strike will moderate his style again.. maybe not!? .. maybe he is just laughing right now and really dont give a sh@t :)
by thebossuzzi on Sep 7, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Since I feel like this is more for just filler than substance
I’ll go ahead and bite.
1.) Melvin Bullitt has EARNED the right to be named the Colts starting safety. One minor problem, the guy who’s job it was, is now 100% healthy and a former Pro Bowl, former DPOY safety.
2.) Money is NOT the issue. As much as you talk about depth on the O-Line being an issue, they know that Sanders plays all out and that having Bullitt come in as the first guy off the bench means they have a quality backup and a guy who like Jerry Hughes could be to Freeney/Mathis, Bullitt is to our safeties.
3.) Sanders IS the starting safety. He has been out due to injury. He EARNED his spot.
4.) Gonzo was given the #2 WR status due to the Colts cutting Harrison. When did he ever earn it?
5.) Garcon, a player who was drafted in the late rounds in 2008, was a project pick. No one expected him to be a starter. The very fact that he blossomed once he was given a chance to crack the lineup on a regular basis, is not really much of a surprise. Given both Manning’s work ethic and demanding nature, if he had not proven he could hack it, he’d have never cracked the line up.
Lastly, I made this point elsewhere but I’ll make it again. Gonzo fell into the position he lost, he was never in a “competition” for the #2 slot. As for any naysayers about Garcon, if you’re brought in behind Harrison, Wayne, Gonzo, Sam Giguere, and a few others…..you simply will not get much opportunity to shine anyhow….. add in the extreme dropoff from Manning to the injured Sorgi/other schmucks at backup QB, anyone could struggle……
Man, I never got flamed this much as a writer even when I was trying to be a controversial dick. holy cow haha
by KingRichard on Sep 7, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
ah, i remember those days.
good times, good times.
Nothing like a KR and MasterRWayne debate.
"I've never seen a supernova blow up, but if it's anything like my old Chevy Nova, it'll light up the night sky" -Philip J. Fry
by Marked Hoosier on Sep 7, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Because you write like an adult and not an undisciplined child.
by Fernando Nougatieri on Sep 7, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
you can join us here
for some pre-game discussion
http://www.battleredblog.com/2010/9/6/1673703/open-thread-for-the-curious-folks
by JustAJ on Sep 7, 2010 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Since BBS has not responded in the comment section
Is it safe to assume that he was just trying to start controversy that he doesn’t fully believe? Or has BBS started to watch waaay too much “Rome is Burning”?
by TrueColtsFan on Sep 7, 2010 3:39 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Being I constant reader of this blog, I think BBS is smart. I think Jim Rome is on the business of making outlandish statements and fabricating conspiracy theories. I was simply giving BBS an out. That out being that there is not much to talk about right now do he wanted to start conversation. I hope that logic and rational explained is no longer idiotic for you
by TrueColtsFan on Sep 7, 2010 4:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m confused if you are agreeing with me or bashing again. I think we both can be correct on some level. Other than your “YOU’RE AND IDIOT JUST LEAVE” comment, there still are a couple solid theories/ opinions. Godd stuff.
I’m not bashing you, never was, you’ve been here only 8 months or so, stick around awhile you will see where "YOU’RE AND IDIOT JUST LEAVE" comes from.
Fair enough. I’ve been around reading for a long time, but finally decided to start commenting because I have started to read way to much crap that I felt I needed to actually start writting back. I’ve seen a lot of people get really pissy over small things, so that’s what I thought this was coming to. haha.
---->same idea
I didn’t read your Jim Rome bit till after i wrote mine but I completely agree.
Lucas Berridge
by Firebird on Sep 7, 2010 3:56 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
BBS or Jim Rome?
I was going to complain too but everyone beat me to it. Idea: what if the site had an editor? Then Blogs (not articles) with no weight could be tossed and writers could be challenged to be better. Are you writing on your iPhone like I am right now?
BBS, I don’t know if you will take this as a complement or an insult but that piece sounded like something Jim Rome would use. Send it to him and see if he an add any anti-content to it. He’s the best a anti-content.
Lucas Berridge
by Firebird on Sep 7, 2010 3:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
You don't think if garçon
Drops a couple big ones, gonzo won’t get his shot? I think he will. Were too deep to settle for guys who don’t perform at WR
"We ARE going to our own private island, Chris: it's called the State Fucking Fair!"
by naptown_ninja on Sep 7, 2010 4:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
When Garcon drops a couple of big ones
Just like the Super Bowl.
Garcon had 3 good games. Besides that he was average.
"Born to do it, even though all my friends are looking at me like 'Who knew it?'"
Long time lurker, seldom post....but...
…Now I know why alot of people down here get so disgusted in you. That article made NO since. Bullitt is a solid player, Sanders is dynamic (you made no mention of 07 defensive player of the year). By your logic there’s no way a 1rst round pick like Gonzo should be beat out by a guy like Garçon, but it happened. I don’t get you dude.
Confucious say "He who dives for loose balls need proper fitting athletic cup!"
by Wise Master on Sep 7, 2010 4:52 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Did Anthony Gonzalez kill your parents or something?
"Born to do it, even though all my friends are looking at me like 'Who knew it?'"
by Colts Homer on Sep 7, 2010 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Actually the reason why Sanders is starting is because when healthy he's a top 3 safety in the NFL
And anyone with half a brain would fucking realize it. Jesus fucking Christ almighty in hell.
"Born to do it, even though all my friends are looking at me like 'Who knew it?'"
I feel like it's obvious
How many DPOY has Bullitt won? How many horrible defenses has he single-handedly made Super Bowl caliber? Zero? Oh yeah that’s right. Sanders did all of those things. Benching him because he’s injury prone would be fucking job-losing caliber retarded.
"Born to do it, even though all my friends are looking at me like 'Who knew it?'"
by Colts Homer on Sep 7, 2010 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Nope, still not getting it.
Maybe use a car analogy.
I'm going to run over anyone stupid enough to think Bullitt should start over Sanders
And then tea-bag their corpse Halo-style.
"Born to do it, even though all my friends are looking at me like 'Who knew it?'"
by Colts Homer on Sep 7, 2010 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
BBS would blow a dude for page hits
Plain and simple.
"Born to do it, even though all my friends are looking at me like 'Who knew it?'"
by Colts Homer on Sep 7, 2010 7:03 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
Well people should have been doing that ever since I got here 3 years ago
Finally.
Soaring, is this allowed?
Wow...
The gulf between the talent level of Sanders and Bullitt is incredible, and that’s not the case with Garcon/Gonzo or even Collie/Gonzo. Garcon put up better numbers last year than Gonzo has ever put up…BUT I wish we’d just sit Sanders until week 16 and let him play one half of the last two games so we can have him healthy in the playoffs lol if we can get Freeney and Sanders healthy in the playoffs, we’d be alright!
Garcon's counting stats were better
Gonzo’s rate stats are through the roof. Give Gonzo a full season of targets that Garcon saw and you’re looking at a thousand time better season than Garcon could put up.
Gonzo needs to be our #1!
over 700,000 yards in a season and 7,000 TDs! Holy crap! I just hope that’s enough production to win the SB.
Wait a second, I see what you did there you crafty snake you. I suppose “a thousand times better” sounds more double awesome than 10-20% better. You know, a realistic figure. 20% puts Gonzo around a thousand yards with 6 TDs. A very good season, but I doubt Gonzo makes it to 700,000 yards and 7,000 TDs.
But that would be awesome.
Money is not the issue.
Money is not the issue. Colts doesn’t get embarrassed about that or care who thinks what when they make a roster move. Colts doesn’t get embarrassed about that or care who thinks Let me try to abstract this a little bit, from the whole-team perspective.
The Colts just made it to the Super Bowl, so had the shortest offseason of anyone except for the Saints. To really give any player a chance to fight for his job, he’s got to get a lot of training camp & PS game repetitions, AND SO DOES HIS COMPETITION. So to have a serious showdown at SS and WR, you’d have to work them hard to a lather for every-other-day for three weeks in August. Then. yeah, you’ll finally have a pretty good idea who deserves the job, but he and his back-up are now tired to start the season.
Since the Colts are generally satisfied with the roster overall, it wouldn’t have made sense to put these guys, esp the ones coming off injury like Sanders and Gonzo, through the wringer. This is a team where EVERYONE CONTRIBUTES. Taking a whole-team perspective. you do what’s best for the team. Many formulas can lead to success. Why over-tinker if you don’t have to?
Think about basketball, where the 5 best guys don’t always make the best starting line-up because of chemistry. The analogy is imperfect but still valid for football. Bullitt may be a better STer than Sanders. Bullitt is a better universal back-up S, whereas Bob’s a more pure SS. Gonzo is a better PR than Garcon, and is a better slot than Pierre, too. So keeping the Haitian Sensation out wide and keeping Gonzo in the slot when he comes in as a 3rd/4th WR just makes sense for the team.
Personally, I’m happy Gonzo has a fire in his belly. These positions are subject to revision based on fluke injury beginning anytime from now. Just ask Bob and Gonzo.
"To be a great football coach, you have to be smart enough to do it well, and dumb enough to think it's important." -- Can't remember whom I am paraphrasing.
The Colts Org better be capable of feeling embarrassed.
Penance must be paid for Jeff George. I know what you’re saying, “but Polian didn’t draft boy George.” I know, but still, the Colts unleashed George upon the masses. And come on, it’s Jeff George. JEFF George.
I agree with the other stuff, though.
JEFF GEORGE!!!!
haa haa haa. Good thing they ARE willing to cut ties or the George era would've been longer!
"To be a great football coach, you have to be smart enough to do it well, and dumb enough to think it's important." -- Can't remember whom I am paraphrasing.
Feel Their Presence
Bob Sanders is a hell of alot better than Mevin “The Speeding” Bullitt , but when Sanders goes down; you best believe Bullitt will make his “presence felt” on the field, now honestly I didn’t expect Bullitt to be as good as he is, but the bottom line is “SANDERS IS BETTER”, Melvin Bullitt is good, Bob Sanders is great. I expect Sanders to go down this season, but if he plays 10-12 games this season, I would be in total shock, but if not I could count on ole’ Bullitt to get the job done.
As for the situation with Gonzo and Garcon, Anthony Gonzales is the only WR on the roster that haven’t really impressed me yet; hell Pierre and Austin impressed me alot in just one season and they’re the reason why Im so stoked for this upcoming season besides the Colts’ Super Bowl appearance. I think Austin Collie is a better slot WR than Gonzo and I think Pierre Garcon is a better starting WR than Gonzales, but seeing that Anthony Gonzales is a first rounder I though he would have “wowed” me by now.
For the record, seeing that Melvin Bullitt was a UDFA, he might not be no where near the caliber of Bob Sanders but he’s not that far either. I give major props to Melvin Bullitt for being able to fill some huge shoes in Sanders’ absence every season, and with Pierre Garcon there were times when he was on the field in his rookie season and I was like “Who the fuck is Garcon” I even pronounced the man’s last name wrong. But after seeing him in action last season, he truly impressed and amazed me and I see nothing but big things in his future if he can keep up the outstanding job he has done.
Now Im not saying Anthony G. is a bust or anything but now is the time for him to step his game up, Gonzo is a great WR but I feel he is holding back on something, maybe if Jim Caldwell goes along as planned with the 4WR spread sets or WR rotations, Gonzales might be the #2 WR, I have faith that he can win his starting job back.
GO COLTS
I agree Melvin has been invaluable to the Colts, and just having Sanders feels like a bonus
But Bethea is THE MAN. He’s the safety I think we can least do without. I’d say he’s better in coverage than Bob or Melvin, and just as reliable if not eye-popping against the run.
I’m not worried, 504, about Gonzo producing when he does get the chance. He’d have to be a fool to have said even the few words he did if he wasn’t fully confident that he was back to his old form and worthy of being number 2.
"To be a great football coach, you have to be smart enough to do it well, and dumb enough to think it's important." -- Can't remember whom I am paraphrasing.
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