Highlights From Final 'Bill Polian Show' For The 2010 Season
by Brad Wells on Jan 11, 2011 10:28 AM EST
in 2010 Colts News
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PrintThe final 'Bill Polian Show,' which is the weekly call-in radio show the Colts president participates in, for any regular season is usually a must listen show. It's especially important after the end of a playoff loss because, well, we won't get to hear another one from him again until August.
Last night, Bill went on his show and discussed the playoff loss to the Jets, the season overall, and the uncertainty surrounding the 2011 off-season.
Oh, and for those of you finally looking for a somewhat coherent reasoning for Jim Caldwell's boneheaded timeout with less than 30 seconds left in the game against the Jets, forget it. Polian's excuse for the TO is even more ridiculous than Caldwell's.
Highlights:
- Right off the bat, Polian continues with the same thing he was preaching immediately following the game; that special teams lost the game for the Colts and that the defense played well. He praised the team's 'physicalness,' and said energy and tackling were great.
- Quote from Polian: ‘You can’t ask anything more from the defense.’
- Polian stated that the reason Antonio Cromartie was able to get such a good return was because a player (who he left unnamed, but Paul Kuharsky has a pretty good idea who it is) did not stay in his kickoff lane.
- Quote from Polian: ‘Kickoff coverage lost the game for us.’
- Polian then stated that kickoff coverage is roughly 70 percent effort, implying that someone on that play did not bring such effort.
- When asked about the labor situation, Polian described it as 'muddled.'
- When asked about whether the Colts would re-sign Dominic Rhodes this off-season, Polian said the Colts would like to do so, but the current CBA situation makes it unclear how much salary a veteran player lie Dom should get.
- Regarding Caldwell's timeout, Polian cannot 'for the life of him' figure out why people keep asking him about it. Polian then did a breakdown of the plays on that drive. He then said, and here's where is gets confusing, that the Colts took a timeout to make sure they were in right defense after LaDainian Tomlinson’s two-yard run with less than 30 seconds. To Polian, the whole timeout thing is a ‘moot point.’ For him, the game was over unless after Cromartie's kickoff return, unless the Colts could get a sack fumble or INT on the drive after the return. He seemed to give no consideration to the fact that Nick Folk was 2-5 on the season beyond 50 yards. ‘I’m at a loss to explain why it’s an issue,’ Polian said.'The defense didn't know what to call,' after Tomlinson's run. Thus, Caldwell called timeout. [Note: It's worth noting that this excuse is NOT what Jim Caldwell said after the game and at his press conference on Monday].
- Bob Lamey, the show's host, then said a similar situation happened the week before in Tennessee where, after a Caldwell timeout late in the game, Kerry Collins fumbled the snap and the Colts recovered. Lamey said this in a way that seemed to justify Caldwell's late TO against the Jets.
- Polian said Jacob Lacey played well Saturday night, and it was not Lacey's fault Braylon Edwards made the play he did.
- Polian says that at pick #22 in the first round, the Colts will not get a ‘stud’ player. He did say, however, that 22 is a good position to move up or done from.
- If the Colts take an offensive or defensive lineman, that player will not make impact right away. The players will be like Fili Moala.
Polian was also asked about player evaluations. during this time, he took a few moments to single out people he was impressed with in 2010 (aka, expect them back in 2011):
- Justin Tryon showed that he’s a 'capable corner.'
- Aaron Francisco is a 'valuable contributor.' Polian wants to wants to keep him next year.
- Jeff Linkenbach played well against Jets, and Polian can can count on him as a tackle, which is a 'gigantic plus.'
- Kavell Conner is, in Polian's mind, the next ‘David Thornton.’ [Note: This means bye-bye Clint Session].
- Pat Angerer will one day replace Gary Brackett.
- Fili Moala exceeded Polian's expectations. 'Pundits say he was failed draft choice,' Polian said. I wonder who he means there? Anyway, for Bill, Fili was the team’s 'best defensive tackle.' 'Sky is the limit' for Fili, according to Bill.
- Blair White will be an 'integral part' of the Colts WR corps next year. They also plan to use him as the team's punt returner. [Note: Bye-bye Anthony Gonzalez].
Obviously, there is a lot in these highlights to chew on, and you can trust that today and tomorrow we will be calling attention to certain things Polian said on his show. For now, chat about what interested you in these highlights.
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D
The defense only gave up 17 points. At home. I’d say they did a decent job. Kickoff coverage, the odd timeout, and failing to convert on 3rd and short cost us this game.
The D
Also gave up 170 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
yes but
The offense couldn’t score. If someone told you we would hold the jets to 17 points, most of us assume we win the game. Special teams kept giving the jets great field position all game. That I think in the end was the biggest factor
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...
The D gave up 170 rush yards
And only 2 TDs period…..WIN
2 TDs out of like 50 million drives the Jets had is a complete win for a team that was built to outscore other teams. Let’s face it, our defense is designed to force field goals. The “bend but not break” mentality everyone has carried for 10 years, remember??
How about a 'don't bend and don't break' philosphy on defense?
Just an idea.
by Ayrshire on Jan 11, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Money
Not with what they are paying the essential parts they need (or need to get rid of)… Not gonna realistically happen.
I think what Ayrshire is saying is
we give our defense so many excuses when we say they are a “bend but don’t break” defense, or that they are built to force field goals or play with a lead. The goal of the defense on every down should be “force punts or force turnovers.”
Sure i’d rather give up field goals than TD’s on any possession, but i still don’t understand why this defense can’t be relied on to come up with more forced punts or turnovers. A defense designed to bend but not break is a defense that’s going to allow a lot of time to run off the clock throughout the game, and be out on the field a lot longer, and not give our offense enough possessions, which to me seems pretty counterproductive. Basically relying on our offense to score everytime and not allow the offense any wiggle room. Doesn’t seem like a sound philosophy to me. Sounds more like an excuse.
Right or Wrong
It’s how the team is setup. Just look at the pay alone, especially when Hayden/Sanders are out. I wish it wasn’t, but it is. They designed it to operate under a perfect offense and that theory used to be that it was designed to operate under a NEAR perfect offense (much better design). I hate it, but it is what it is.
In the Jets game...
The defense forced five punts, created a turnover by intercepting the Jets in the red zone, and forced a fumble. The Colts offense punted the ball away four times and had no turnovers or fumbles. The Colts offense managed to put up 16 points, the Jets put up 17.
The Colts defense held the Jets to 8/15 third down conversions, which is just over 50%. The Colts offense was 6/13 third down conversions for just under 50%.
At the end of the game, the difference in time of possession was six minutes. The offense was 3 minutes shy of having the ball for half of the game. If they scored another touchdown it is very likely that 3 minutes is cut in half.
There is no doubt that the Colts run defense was disappointing and allowed the Jets to hold on to the ball for far longer than anyone would have wanted in the second half. That said, if the Colts offense fails to score more than 17 points, it will very rarely win football games. In fact, if you asked Rex Ryan and his staff prior to the game how many points they expected they would have to put up to win (and they gave you an answer free of bravado and BS), they would have given you a number higher than 17 points… I am confident in that.
by bamock on Jan 11, 2011 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
that sir is a very well said post.
Emotional outbursts and knee jerk reactions seem to be considered the Gospel nowadays. “If” we had converted the 3rd down pass to Blair White. We would have forced the Jets to use their final T.O. and be able to kick the FG with 3-5 seconds left on the clock. The ST needed to make the stop after the field goal. If you give any NFL team the ball on the 47 yard line and give them 53 seconds on the clock, 1 timeout and an opposing defense that had gone thru 9 DB’s throughout the season.And no pass rush threat. I am guessing that team wins the game 99 out of 100 times. Come on, look at the facts. Bamock you put some much needed perspective on the saturday game. I didnt think we would make a big run this year. I wanted it, my heart felt it but my mind was saying, "Hey, we don’t have Dallas, Collie, Gonzo, Sanders, Bullitt, Powers, Hayden, Sessions, Santi, Hart, Brown, etc, etc, etc. Why the hell is everuone so up in arms? Last season, had this happened, yes. Not this season. I said it in another post, The 2010 Colts Under achieved and over achieved in the same year. We were given even more evidence to Peyton’s greatness.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
Rec'd.
Unassailable logic. And the Colts D being comparable to the vaunted Jets D says a lot, really.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 11, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
You need to get out of the Tampa-2 then.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by insertscreenname on Jan 11, 2011 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
and a huge Jet Time of pos
too much time Peyton not on the field
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Jan 11, 2011 1:19 PM EST up reply actions
Did rules change
Does the team with the most rushing yards win now?
When did this happen?
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 11, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
agree
Our battered offense kept going 3 and out in the first half..If our offense had scored 20 pts in this game we win easily.
Special teams were putrid other than Vinateri. Given though how many backups we were playing elsewhere it is NOT a surprise. I do wonder that they wouldn’t have put a couple of starters out there given how the Jets were getting field position on us, but I wouldn’t disagree that our special teams killed us.
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...
True, but..
True the D only gave up 17 points, but they just couldn’t get off the field in the second half. I know Polian says time of possession means nothing, but come on, get a stop and give Peyton and the O more opportunities!!
Not arguing with you there.
However, had Peyton and co. capitalized on a few more opportunities they had in the first half, it’s almost a moot point.
Agreed..
as much as I hate to use injuries as an excuse, it’s unavoidable this season. If the O had Collie or Clark, we’re in Shittsburgh this weekend. If the D had Powers or Bullit we’re in Shittsburgh this weekend.
No kidding.
Crazy part is that even w/out Collie, Clark, Powers, and Bullit, we STILL had a great shot at playing in Shittsburgh this weekend. Sucks.
More opportunities?
Maybe if they had blown goats on the 20 they had first half :-)
The Timeout excuse is bogus: The Jets hadn't even begun to lineup when it was called
The defense didn’t know what play to call? The Jets hadn’t even unpiled. They were nowhere close to running a play yet.
by TheNoodleMan on Jan 11, 2011 10:47 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Agreed
That Polian and Caldwell aren’t even on the same page with their excuses says everything.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
Timeout
The Jets were in no hurry to get another play off or try to move the ball downfield significantly. They were obviously content with running one more play for another 2 or so yards and taking a chance on the long kick. The chances of stuffing them behind the line on a running play are much greater than the chances of getting a sack or an INT. The Colts had one INT to that point and one sack to that point for something like 16 pass attempts or whatever Sanchez had at that point. SO, added together about a 12% chance of making that kind of play. I don’t have the entire playcall list in front of me, but I would take my chances of stuffing the Jets for a rushing loss over a sack-fumble, especially with Lacey on his own island. Caldwell is a moron.
The Jets had 1 timeout left. Conventional wisdom says make the team that’s playing from behind manage the clock and use their timeouts since the clock is the Colts’ friend in that situation. Instead, Caldwell takes the timeout and allows the Jets to keep theirs?
I can’t believe it. And Lamey’s quote about the Titans game has nothing to do with the Jets game. The fact that Caldwell was pinning the team’s playoff hopes on catching lightning in a bottle twice in two weeks is downright stupid.
Unfortunately, it’s the same song again this season. Until the Colts front office is willing to use a more aggressive approach to the playoffs we will continue to face heartache at the end of the season…wasting the talents of Manning.
And would it have killed them to lineup Reggie in the slot or on the other side of the field so he can be utilized more often if Revis scared them so much? Line up Blair White outside on Revis if you want to take a WR out of the game. Mind numbing.
I would like to see Manning take a stand and demand some coaching changes now that his contract is up. He deserves more than this.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
by AceOfSpades on Jan 11, 2011 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
Thoughts on Polian's Comments
First time commenter, long time reader.
First off, next year is going to have amazing depth. It has to. We have gone so deep in the depth chart this year that just about everyone has had a chance to play some serious field time.
Regarding the players that Polian points out for next year:
Tryon – Make that guy a starter opposite of Powers and get rid of our salary cap eating CB.
Fransisco – Keep him as 3rd string. Draft or acquire a new starting safety this offseason in addition to Bullitt. Cut our other salary cap eating player.
Linkenbach – Possibly starting RT material. I say give him a shot next year. Amazing pick up for such a cheap price.
Conner – Another steal on salary. Start this guy opposite of Angerer and Brackett next year. Keep Hayden as the backup along with Glenn and Wheeler. Cut Session.
Moala – Keeps getting better. However, get us a new DT in the draft that can runstop. Keep Johnson and cut Muir.
White – Keep him and cut Gonzalez. Sorry Gonzalez, love you as a player but we need you to be on the field, not on the sidelines.
Lacey – Good 3rd string cornerback. Has no business starting, but played to what I believe is the best of his ability all season.
Rhodes – Sign him and cut Brown. Once again, love Brown as a person, but just can’t block to save his life and that’s #1 for a Colts RB.
by jmkovey on Jan 11, 2011 10:52 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Correction-
Note, I obviously meant keep Hagler, not Hayden as backup LB. Stupid stupid!
Good points
I disagree on getting another starting safety to put ahead of Bullitt, only because I believe the money is better utilized elsewhere. Bullit is sufficient with Bethea. LB area is the “best problem” we have on this team. I don’t remember a time when we had 3 very good LBs, 1 good LB, and 3 decent LBs. I think Session will want too much money, unfortunately. The guys is big play-bad play too much to warrant a large pay day to me.
Starting Safety
I would definitely be okay with Bullitt starting, it’s moreso I would just like someone of equal or better caliber than Bullitt also in the lineup if we’re going to replace Sanders.
[Note: Bye-bye Anthony Gonzalez]
Bye-bye as a punt returner.
Polian liking Linkenbach makes me think, he wants to take a RB in round 1.
Polian’s comment about #22 makes me think, he lost confidence in himself, doesn’t think he can get out of his 1st round slump. McCourty is a stud, top5 AFC CB now, and was selected 27th. Dez Bryant was selected 24th.
Polian is senile and boneheaded. He should stop finding excuses for Caldwell.
Ridiculous this excuses for not wanting to re-sign Rhodes. irsay can’t pay vet min, which will be under 1 million anyway? Whatever, the cheap vet I want re-signed is Hagler.
Interesting
Polian says that at pick #22 in the first round, the Colts will not get a ‘stud’ player. He did say, however, that 22 is a good position to move up or done from.
If the Colts take an offensive or defensive lineman, that player will not make impact right away. The players will be like Fili Moala.
It seems like Polian isn’t enamored with what could be avialable at 22. Just speculating but maybe he thinks he can move up to get Paea or a stud WR or down to get Love or Wisniewski.
Jason Heyward wins at baseball.
Move up for Paea?
I wouldn’t give a 2nd rounder for him, though if you say move up for Dareus or Fairley, I agree.
I want Sherrod or Love. Love could help in the run game right away, and doubt he is worse than Diem as pass protector. Solder would be OK too.
I like the idea of moving up too. But Fairley will be gone within the first 3 picks. Colts won’t have enough to offer to move up that far.
I want an Offensive Lineman. I don’t really care if it is a Guard or a Tackle. I doubt Polian will use a 1st Round pick on any O line position other then Left Tackle though. From what he said on his radio show, they didn’t pick Saffold because they thought he was a Right Tackle. It seemed like he was saying Right Tackles don’t warrant 1st Round picks in his mind.
To offer
They have enough to offer, they just won’t want to pay it is all, haha.
No…they don’t have enough to offer. They have the 22nd pick. The Colts have been a playoff team the last 9 years. They will likely be a playoff team next year as well. That means they always pick late in the 1st round.
So teams will ask for at least 2 1st Round picks from the Colts, and then other picks (probably at least a 4rd rounder, and maybe more).
Colts don’t have enough to offer.
Pick Trades
Most pick trades offer a lot more than just trading pick for pick…. In fact, almost all of them involve moving players….
That's exactly my point
They have enough to offer, they just won’t because that’s not what they do…
I am saying the same thing. The Colts are going to be the Colts. They aren’t going to move to the first five picks, because they don’t have enough to offer. They are not going to trade their players, because they don’t trade their players. And they are not going to give up so many picks, because they draft better than 90% of the NFL. Can’t give up the reason you win in the first place for 1 player.
Dareius and Fairley
Both are great talents but also play the tackle postion Moala plays and may not be as effective as 1-techs or not effective enough to warrant at top five pick.
Otherwise I might be tempted to move up and get Green or Jones if they fall but who knows.
Jason Heyward wins at baseball.
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the Colts pick a DB in the 1st round. I don’t know who their best DB is right now. They keep getting hurt.
Have to see what happens with Gonzo and Collie. If they are expected to be healthy, a first round WR might be perceived as excessive….If Gonzo and Collie play, a 1st round wide receiver will be a benchwarmer next year.
Moala
Please also note how crazy well the D did for most games that Johnson/Moala were both active in.
Tierd of the offense getting a pass...
ST and the offense lost this game. Cmon, 18 can’t put up 20 points at home? 3 consecutive 3rd and 1’s in the first half and we punt each time? Nothing to Reggie all night? Sitting on the ball at the end of the first half? 3rd an 6 at the end where he underthrew White? If he completes that pass, we run the clock out and win the game.
The defense played a suspect second half, but did stop the Jets twice (thanks to the running into the kicker penalty) in key moments. 18 played ok, but also played right into Ryan’s hand. Too GD conservative again…
I agree that this one does not hurt as much due to lower expectation, but we should have beaten the Jets…
by Laser on Jan 11, 2011 11:04 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Too easy...
18 gets the credit for changing the calls at the line all the time when the outcome is positive. We know how much freedom he has to mix it up based on the look that the defense is giving him, yet we blame the defense once again. 18 said he thought we made enough plays to win the game. Think again. Convert that 3rd and 6 and you’re getting ready for the Steelers right now…
by Laser on Jan 11, 2011 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And, maybe get a competent coaching staff who
could get the proper personnel configurations together on special teams depending on the situation, not call ill-advised time-outs, and actually go for points when there’s time on the clock at the end of a half.
by Ayrshire on Jan 11, 2011 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ST
Bearing in mind that in the playoffs, ST was mostly backups backups backups also. It was a steady decline that went parallel to the injury list growing. I was happy with ST given those.
I understand they're back-ups.
But, come on. They’re still professional football players in the NFL. This isn’t their first rodeo. On that final kick-off, a strategy should have been decided on by coaching that would keep them from making a big return. Keeping them from a big return was essential to giving our weak D a chance and it was essential to winning the game. We needed our absolute fastest, smartest and strongest guys in there.
On the ST call
I have no argument. I agree. But there is a different between Cody Glenn on ST and Melvin Bullitt was more the point I am making. By far not Glenn’s first ST adventure, but Bullitt is just better at it, but is down.
I understand.
But, we still have 11 big, well-paid professionals out there. You HAVE to stop the big return.
Playcalling
Again, go back to the beginning of the season and review Clyde boy’s comments, he is doing the playcalling this year. That being said, Manning can audible. But no matter what you believe, if you have watched the Colts consistently for the last 10 years, you have to notice that this year’s playcalling was MASSIVELY different than any of the previous 10 years. Blame it on whatever you want, but I know in my brain that it’s Clyde and I want his ass to be banned from even watching CBS when the Colts play…
hindsight is 20/20
But i thought we got it backwards, the drive b4 where we kicked the FG that mase it 14-13, Peyton checked to a run play at 3rd and 7 and there safety came up and made a great tackel on Rhodes, thought we should have thrown for a first down…and the Blair White incompletion that forced our last FG, i thougth we should have run it to not only get closer, but force time off the clock which would have forced Rex to call a timeout..but of course if that pass play is completed, its a moot point
by dezznutz1001 on Jan 11, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Normally I'd agree w/ you
But Manning follows the coach’s wishes in Red Zone amd Two-Minute situations. Just look at all the post game interviews under Dungy after a game-winning drive, you’ll see that Manning took Dungy’s advice on how to handle the situation. So sitting on the ball before the half was NOT Manning’s call. As soon as he got sacked on the 2nd Down play, Caldwell elected to sit on the ball rather than call the timeout. Then on the 2nd FG drive, Caldwell elected to kick a FG down 14-10 w/ 4 minutes to go on a 4th and 3. I personally believe you HAVE to go for it in that situation.
"Pressure is something you feel if you don't know what the hell you're doing."-Peyton Manning
by P0RKINS2 on Jan 11, 2011 1:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Hmm
Interesting point you raise. In the week 13 Pats-Jets game, Brady was supposed to just eat the gameclock down on the drive, but saw a matchup he particularly liked – Cromartie on Branch in single-coverage with no S over the top. He changed the call on the line to a quick slant, hit Branch, who coasted in for a long TD. Not a lot was made of it, but it sounded like Belichick and/or O’Brien had assumed they’d run out the half, but Brady changed it of his own accord.
Manning always defers to the coach in 2 min drill situations? I didn’t know that, I’m a little surprised. Or at least surprised Manning didn’t move people around seeing if he could manufacture a great matchup, just as a ‘why not see if I can do it, and at worst I’ll just eat clock’ kind of deal.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 11, 2011 7:34 PM EST up reply actions
or go Brady-Branch in Chicago.
"Perhaps it was the Noid who should have avoided me." Mayor Adam West
by insertscreenname on Jan 11, 2011 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
That one, too
That was one of those WR-QB-see-same-thing-nod-throw-TD passes.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 11, 2011 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
Blame Christensen
exactly !! i think im going to puke the next screen pass i see go for 2 yrds. we just simply do not do that well, why go back to it so often?
Here's how I see it...
When you score the game-winning points with <1:00 left in the game, the loss is not on your offense. All the D/ST has to do is not crap the bed for 50 secs. They couldn’t keep the sheets clean.
Writer for Stampede Blue.
by Collin McCollough on Jan 11, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Argument
I find this comment driving me nuts, in a good way. Because you do make a very valid point. An extremely valid point even. But I just cannot (and I can’t defend why) blame the defense given that they gave Peyton the ball so many times for him to do absolutely nothing with. Yes I wish they had held, but the 4th quarter entirely should have been irrelevant to the game. Our failure to get out ahead early cost us the game to me and I blame that mostly on Clyde, but the offense as a whole.
We get out ahead, they have to abandon the run by the 4th quarter. Sanchez has to beat us. Yes we did not sack him, but anyone watching the game, his pocket collapsed an awful lot and credit is due him for being able to get away from it. He had 2 fluke tossups that should have been sacks. He was so under pressure they had to keep running it and he still had at least the backs of his blockers in his face. The passing game numbers aren’t anything special, the run yards are attrocious for the 2nd half, but still only yielded 14 points. Who would have guess we could lose holding the Jets to 17 points irregardless of when/how they got them.
Offense had the ball only 3 times in entire second half
and scored points on all 3 possessions. I think “absolutely nothing” is a little overstated.
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
Possession to Points
He had what 9 possessions and got 16 points? Whether we like it or not, we’re built to score and not give up too many points. Their failure to figure out and beat the defense cost us this game. There is a validity to the argument of he did score on all 3 possessions the 2nd half, but even if he had done that the first 3 possessions instead of the last 3, we win. Inability to get ahead quickly cost it to me.
But when it comes down to it...
The offense scored the winning pts. It may have been ugly, slow, plodding, whatever. But they scored the winning pts.
The ONLY criticism you could make is that they didn’t convert that third down and scored too quickly. I’ll quote 18to88 on that: “Now a quarterback is not only responsible for putting his team in position for a game winning field goal, but should be blamed if he leaves one minute on the clock for a weak offensive club to respond.”
Writer for Stampede Blue.
by Collin McCollough on Jan 11, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
thank you. it akin to being upset at a boxer for knocking a guy down too late in a round. just be happy the guy knocked him down.
by BLOODontheTRACKS on Jan 11, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
I thought the offense stalled
before getting the winning first down conversion…. Peyton’s fault. 100%
by caldwellmotivatesME on Jan 12, 2011 8:30 AM EST up reply actions
Remember, the Jets had the best defense in the league
If you take out the New England game, they gave up 17 points per game, and about 1.4 points per possession. Yes, it is below what the Colts averaged on the year, but it wasn’t like it was terrible.
The plays in the 4th quarter were much more important than those first quarter third down misses. Collin’s right…Manning’s job was to get the Colts more points than the Jets, and he did that with 50 seconds left
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
Importance
You can’t tell me logically that jumping out even 14-3 on the first 5 possessions doesn’t change how the Jets play the game by the 3rd-4th quarter. Changes the entire dynamic of the game, changes the game plan, changes the playcalling, etc.
Of course it changes the game
However, if you ask any coach whether they’d like an opening drive TD in the first quarter, or a FG in the final minute to take the lead, 100 out of 100 would take the latter. That’s where the relative importance comes in.
To expect the offense to play at the level they did last year in the AFC Title game was a recipe for disappointment. We’ve seen all year they weren’t close to that level, while the Jets defense, while dropping off some, was still tops in the league. I was guilty of it before the game and should have seen it coming.
If you want to go by the numbers (which I’ll have tonight), it was the third best game by the offense this season. While not converting those 3rd and 1 plays (and who’s to say the Colts wouldn’t have punted on the next set of downs anyway) wasn’t good, it wasn’t the reason the Colts lost.
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
Offense
Okay, I wanted to quit arguing out of my ass and go pull some information. These are the last 4 wins we have had with 16 or less points for your offense since early 2005:
All away wins with 16/less points from 2005-Present:
Week 1 @JAC 2009 – W 14-12
Week 13 @CLE 2008 – W 10-6
Week 19 @BAL 2006 – W 15-6
Last Home win with 16 or less points:
Week 3 CLE 2005 – W 13-6
=====
Given that you know the # of wins this team has. It seems reasonable to suspect that the Colts will not win if they do not score 16+ points. Come on those teams were a horrid Jags, 2 Browns games, and a Baltimore game that makes me twitch when I see Ray Lewis in one of the best defenses I think Peyton has ever faced (and one of the worst offenses Ravens ever had).
Grex, you of all people know that numbers don’t lie. The expectation of >16 pts if we want to win is not unreasonable.
The Jets defense was pretty good too
Before the game, a reasonable argument could be made that 17 points would not be enough to win for the Colts, I agree. However, with 50 seconds to go, 16 points was more than enough to win the game, which is what the offense did. I’d argue the reason only 16 points were scored was because the defense couldn’t get the ball back for the offense when they had the Jets figured out, not because they didn’t score early in the game. The offense was hot from the mid-2nd quarter on, and they only got the ball 4 (5) times once they figured it out.
Sometimes games don’t go the way you think they would. Think if you told an Auburn fan they’d only score 22 points in BCS title game they’d be happy?
To be perfectly honest, it would have been a hell of a lot better had the defense just given up a big play on that 10 minute drive for the Jets, as it would have given Manning one or two more possessions in the game, where the Colts scored on the last 4 possessions that they tried to score on. If the defense was going to give up a TD anyway, don’t do it in 17 play, 10 minute fashion.
Like last year against the Jets, it took a few series to figure out the defense, then they moved the ball veryy well. The Colts had 5 possessions in the 2nd half last year, and scored on the first 4. If you want to argue that the offense is to blame because they should have scored TDs instead of FGs, I’d listen to it. I still wouldn’t agree with it, but it’s a better argument than not scoring on those first 3 drives. Any points against a top ranked defense is a win in my book.
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
Disagree
Disagree with everything you said. This decimated offense was completely outmatched by the Jet defense and secondary. Had they played aggressively up tempo, in the standard Colt helter skelter manner, it would have been a disaster. Considering the team the Colts were forced to put on the field, it was an intelligent game plan. And it worked. The game was won with 50 seconds remaining. It was won until the special teams, soft defense and retarded little man in Caldwell’s head showed up. And with only 7 real possessions in the game, the low score is deceiving. This game was similar to the 18-15 Colt/Patriot game from a few years ago.
by Cole Farrington on Jan 11, 2011 3:11 PM EST up reply actions
totally agree. i had no problem with the play calling. if the colts had thrown the ball more fans would be “why are the colts throwing the ball so much when the jets are daring us to run”.
by BLOODontheTRACKS on Jan 11, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
Watch the game?
How could you not have any problem with the playcalling in the game? It was dumb play call after dumb play call? The Colts were going to run on 3rd and 9? You are 2nd and 10 and attempt to stretch the field on a run play with your RB? Do the Colts coaches realize what team their coaching? Accept your weaknesses and work with it. Fix what you can mid-season and fix the rest in the off-season.
^ Laser
“Tierd of the offense getting a pass…”
I see just the opposite. From my perspective, no one expects anything from this defense or special teams. 16-14 is playoff football. That’s a pretty standard score when you are playing one of the better defenses. When the Steelers, Ravens or Patriots win 16-14, 17-14 playoff games, no one bats an eye. Why? Because it’s expected of their defenses. To win championships you must have these types of defensive performances. And when you lead the game with 50 seconds remaining, your special teams and defense should be able to hold it.
by Cole Farrington on Jan 11, 2011 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Any news on upgrading the strength and conditioning coach?
We could use a few less injuries next season.
-- Life is to short to take everything serious. Especially sports blogs.
Why am I not surprised by any of this.
That’s why I continue to say we have the three stooges running this team. Polian and company drafted Manning, true. But, after that the management has been awful. They’ve botched the situation year after year, and lately it’s been unbelievable. But because superman is quarterbacking, we’ve been able hide the incompetence and win AFC South Titles routinely, despite the stooges making decisions. Sorry, but competent ownership and management would have made decisions which would have enabled us to win multiple super bowl championships, not just division titles. The Colts ownership/management is like winning a new Ferrari in a raffle. Caldwell is hired to drive the Ferrari. While he owns the car, he never drives it above 35mph, even though the car has the potential to go 200mph. That is your Indianapolis Colts brain trust in a nutshell. Better to play it safe. God, I only think what might have been. (sigh)
by Ayrshire on Jan 11, 2011 11:08 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
carrying water, making excuses
for manning. He missed an EASY 3rd throw to ice the game.
by caldwellmotivatesME on Jan 12, 2011 8:32 AM EST up reply actions
Nobody played perfect.
I’m not saying that. There’s plenty of blame to go around among the players. But, coaches are supposed to help teams, not hurt them. Jim Caldwell and his conservative ways and his perplexing, idiotic decisions in games…. is a handicap to this team. And, we already have injuries, we don’t need a another handicap….especially from an entity that is supposed to be a benefit, not a detriment. So, if anyone is making excuses, it’s you,….for Caldwell.
You'll make excuses for manning
but not for the coach? Did Jim Caldwell lose 4 in a row on shitty interceptions, while driving for the win? Please understand that I think manning is the best ever, but he plays on a team with 52 other guys and who knows how many coaches. I’m making this argument to illustrate that giving Manning ALL of the credit when things go well and NONE of the blame when things go badly is unreasonable.
Caldwell won’t be fired: he won 2 division titles, and made it to one Superbowl in his first two seasons. His performance doesn’t warrant his firing. I’m amazed that you would trade Manning’s last good years, to rebuild/ replace a coaching staff that has, at the very least, afforded the Colts two solid shots at the Lombardi trophey.
by caldwellmotivatesME on Jan 12, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Stubborn
It appears to me that in recent years the problems have remained the same. Football has and will continue to be about controlling the line of scrimmage – running the football and stopping the run. Our philosophy must change on Defense and to be honest Pollian’s stubborn strategy is his greatest downfall. Sure he is able to find diamonds in the rough every now and then which is great but the league is BIGGER, faster and stronger than it has ever been so sticking with SMALLER and fast guys isn’t going to get the job done.
We are one of the only teams in the league that on 3rd and 1 or anywhere near the goal line, we are in shotgun!!! This blows my mind…. smash mouth, no nonsense, tough guy football is how you win in this league. Sure we can put up sweet regular season records but we only have 1 superbowl ring to show for it. The blueprint on how to beat the colts is out there and it’s rather simple – yet we refuste to adapt and make changes. Teams have figured out how to negate Freeney and Mathis (double tight ends, chipping & running screens and draws). I love them but they are too one dimensional.
To summarize, Pollian wants to sugarcoat everything as if we don’t know enough about the game to recognize glaring mistakes/weaknesses….. it is beyond frustrating but I still believe in my Colts. We can all recognize that the window is still open but is closing.
In the draft we must address the OL and DL first; a power running back (not a tiny guy like Brown would be nice but we need help in the trenches). Safety is also a glaring need.
DEPTH IS KEY for next year — we have some solid pieces to build from and the experience that the rookies gained this year will be huge. Session must stay, Addai needs to be resigned. As we’ve seen injuries can cripple you, we need as many good soldiers as possible when preparing for war.
Lastly, I strongly disagree – we should be able to find a Stud at #22…. no excuses
Timeout
Note: It’s worth noting that this excuse is NOT what Jim Caldwell said after the game and at his press conference on Monday].
Had Caldwell said that right after the game, then okay. I’d have thought it was stupid, but it wouldn’t be as completely absurd as it appears right now. Unfortunately for Bill, that wasn’t Caldwell’s reasoning.
actually it still would have been stupid.
by BLOODontheTRACKS on Jan 11, 2011 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
Reread it, that's what I said. Except not AS COMPLETELY ABSURD :-)
I’d have thought it was stupid, but it wouldn’t be as completely absurd
Surprising
Other than the stuff about the TO and claiming that ST lost us the game, I agree with most of what he said. Usually I’m batting about 50%. I don’t think Lacey did as bad as everyone here claims, but I don’t think he was anywhere near what Polian is claiming either. He played about where I expected him to on the depth chart. Which is disappointing since he did so well last year until he got Haydenized.
Knew I Shouldn't Have Read This.
So insulting to my intelligence.
NaPolian watches the same plays I do. To spew this nonsense and expect a true fan with any football IQ to believe any of this is laughable. If he actually believes what he says then we’re even more fu**ed than I thought.
Right on target, Laser. The play calling was atrocious. The coaching was atrocious. And, no, the D did not play a great game. They couldn’t get the Jets off the goddamn field and, more importantly, couldn’t stop a run game that had a QB that was 6 feet off with every goddamn pass he threw for the 1st 58 minutes of the game.
The timeout call is indefensible. 1 pass to the #2 WR in the league with ZERO trips left, ZERO plays with Reggie in motion, an ZERO line ups in the slot proves our utter idiocy. The 3rd and 7 HB sprint left from our 10 shows what we truly are and have been – a pussy football team when it counts. I’ve just been in denial for years.
by I'm Not Alone, I'm Just Blue on Jan 11, 2011 11:18 AM EST reply actions
Wait a second is anyone else concerned about Polian's reason for the TO?
I see everyone discussing the offense here and the defense there, but uh I’m generally concerned about the way Polian addressed Caldwell’s timeout.
Like BBS said, it’s not even the same reason Caldwell gave!! That should raise a red flag to Irsay. Something is wrong there.
the game is not to blame on the offense at all. Manning did everything he could do with the team he had around him. I admit some of the play calling was horrendous but I put a lot of those calls on Clyde Christiansen and poor execution by Manning’s inexperience receiving core. I’m the first to admit when I think Manning has had a bad game, but on Saturday he had a good enough game to win. The thing is the Colts offense was playing against one of the best defenses in the league so we couldn’t expect a blowout, but the defense wasn’t playing against one of the best offenses in the league, so we could expect the D to step up a little more.
But I know the D was greatly injured. But so was the offense so either way it goes people need to stop blaming the offense.
and Bill Polian talking about not getting a stud with the 22nd pick is just an excuse for when he picks another bust.
I’ve seen guys like Belichick or Ozzie Newsome pick studs into the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round.
I wish Polian would be aggressive for once in his life in the draft. The time is now. Why can’t he go out and get a stud pick?
Polian continues to insult my intelligence
"I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning."
Pull up a chair
We’re used to Polian giving stupid reasons to attempt to defend stupid decisions by Caldwell. We just gave up, everyone already agrees it was stupid. Haha.
Any chance for an official apology for picking Jerry Hughes?
Six tackles all season and a special teams bum on top of it.
Offense
Okay, sick of the argument that our Offense did fine. Someone find me another game where these are the receiving stats that we won.
Receiving REC YDS TD
P. Garcon 5 112 1
B. White 6 54 0
J. Tamme 5 46 0
D. Rhodes 1 12 0
R. Wayne 1 1 0
All of our RBs and Wayne combined for 2 catches. Dump passes alone should be 5+, screens at least 4+, Wayne should have a thrown to of at least 3 in any game irregardless of who is on him, I don’t care if he’s in a wheelchair. Let’s compare Wayne’s game to his last Revis meeting. Three receptions for 55 yards. Don’t tell me he can’t ever beat Revis. And the previous game to that was 3 rec 33 yards when he only played 2 quarters!
I'd argue Wayne wasn't as good as last season at all.
His numbers might have been better but he was MUCH better last season. He caught practically everything last season and got open more consistently. This year he had several un-timely drops and had difficulty creating separation at times. There were a few plays that Manning could’ve looked his way, but for the most part Revis stuck to him like glue.
"Pressure is something you feel if you don't know what the hell you're doing."-Peyton Manning
by P0RKINS2 on Jan 11, 2011 1:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Screens/slants
Screens/slants alone fix that.
yes
needed more screen passes to the backs and 1-2 yd passes to Garcon so he can run after the catch and have to throw reggie a few balls he had some open routes that game
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Jan 11, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
The arguments made against Jerry Hughes here look very similar to the ones made about Fili Moala last year.
Hughes
Hughes was brought in as a project and we knew it. I am hoping it works out like Fili. Hughes has turned into more of a project than I expected him to be though, so I hope he works extra hard this off season.
No, we didn't.
We were told he would contribute immediately, and then as the coaching staff saw the guy, they began to back off the expectations.
I seem to remember Polian being more supportive of Moala, too. Right now, you can tell he’s downright furious with Hughes.
Writer for Stampede Blue.
by Collin McCollough on Jan 11, 2011 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
Polian said... :-)
Yeah, you had faith in what Polian said. :-) He didn’t have the force that Mathis/Freeney do when they hit the O-line. I am disappointed in him, but I did not expect him to be at Freeney/Mathis caliber until his third year to be honest. Now I’m afraid 4-5th if we’re lucky unless he really improves by next year.
I remember Polian halfway through the season pointing out that Hughes was a project. He compared him to Bruce Smith, saying Bruce Smith wasn’t good until his 2nd year.
Also said that they knew Freeney was better prepared for the NFL coming in his Rookie year. I think he was just as supportive of Hughes as he was of Moala.
They often say players will “contribute”. But if they don’t tell you what contribute means….
If Polian is angry at Hughes, it is a recent phenomenon. You might be right about him being furious at Hughes-but I think that was because of boneheaded play on Special Teams.
Exactly...
Hughes was specifically drafted to give Mathis and Freeny breaks – which if you saw Mathis on the sideline Saturday, he absolutely looking like he was about to hyperventilate. Hughes has been a bust (or trending towards bust…) because he can’t do specifically what he was drafted to do and the defense has been worse for it.
he couldn't even make the tackle on teh last kickoff
Cromartie should have been down by a Hughes tackle at the 15 yd line!!! they better draft well this year and want the first round pick to be good enough to get on the field!!!!!
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Jan 11, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
the problem i have is it looked like he didn’t even put forth the effort.
by BLOODontheTRACKS on Jan 11, 2011 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
Contrary to popular belief
Every player out there is putting forth a lot of effort, it just isn’t always enough.
I think I've figured you out...
Are you purposely doing your best contrarian? Do you look at that as your role because you couldn’t be more wrong. Hughes was in PERFECT position to make a tackle at the 15 yard line. P-E-R-F-E-C-T. And if a picture is worth a 1000 words, then this one is worth 1000 PERFECTs.
He’s basically unblocked because #75 of the Jets whiffs on the block of Hughes. He has to make that tackle – he’s standing less than a foot away from Cromartie.
And if you watch the video, it’s even MORE damning because Hughes didn’t even try to tackle him. Pathetic.
by Yougotme on Jan 11, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It is far too early to call Hughes a bust. The idea of “busting” is creative, but not valid. If he plays well next preseason will he be Un-bustifying?
Everyone is frustrated because of the loss, and specifically with Hughes, because the Colts could have drafted Saffold, and Saffold contributed significantly for the Rams. And he looked like he was JV playing on Varsity this year.
Anyway, he may be just fine after another Preseason.
1st round picks are projects?
Moala was a 2nd round pick, so I can sort of understand that, but first rounders should contribute something, anything, immediately!
by dezznutz1001 on Jan 11, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Most late first-rounders don't
25th pick Tebow was a clear project
26th pick Dan Williams contributed, but didn’t start any games.
27th pick Devin McCourty was behind two 2nd round picks, Leigh Bodden, and the incumbent starter Wilhite when he turned up to camp. Injuries meant he was a starter.
28th pick Jared Odrick was going to be depth until the starter was arrested and stripped of starting as punishment. Then Odrick went on IR because he was rushed in too quickly and hurt.
29th pick Kyle Wilson was clearly for depth – Cromartie and Revis above him on the depth chart as CB; Brad Smith, Cromartie above him as KR.
30th pick Jahvid Best was a nominal starter on a bad team and still only rushed for 500 yards.
31st pick Jerry Hughes warmed a bench behind Mathis and Freeney, unsurprisingly.
32nd pick Patrick Robinson was clearly only a depth guy – he had incumbent starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter above him, and CB/FS Malcolm Jenkins dropped into the nickel and ate Robinson’s reps, too.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 11, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
Is there some sort of contractual obligation to do this show btw?
I mean, do the Colts like having their President come off like a jackass time and again? If he isn’t insulting fans he’s busy lying his ass off.
Wins > Everything
No one cares as long as they win. It’s when they lose, like against the Jets, that it becomes even worth bitching about.
DaHart85 what are you talking about?
when a team is consistently there isn’t as much to complain about because the team is WINNING.
When a team is not winning that means there is a problem, and to suggest that there isn’t a problem like Polian and Caldwell constantly do, is beyond ridiculous.
and your argument about the offense not doing fine is stupid. Manning knows when a receiver is open and when he is not. If Manning’s decision is that Wayne isn’t open then he isn’t going to throw it to him. I trust Manning’s judgment and he put us in position to win the game.
and Hughes was suppose to contribute immediately. That’s one of the reasons we got rid of Brock.
"I bet Eli doesn't even have one touchdown today, ... I'm the best Manning."
?
There are tons of problems, the comment was to if Colts like having their President come off as a jackass. The point was with wins, people just ignore that he’s being a jackass. When they lose, comes the question of “Why is he being such a jackass?” Anyone who believes there are no problems on this team needs to go back to their dollhouse. I think Caldwell and Polian are nuts, but even I know I personally ignore their idiocy way more when we’re winning.
Bottom line, the Colts offense to me did not produce what it needed to when it needed to in order to make this game a run away. The ONLY valid point I’ve heard to the contrary is Collin’s about them taking the lead in the last minute, and my only argument to that is that they never should have been to that point. Colts scored 16 points.
The last time the Colts won a game with scoring 16 points of fewer: Week 1 of 2009 against Jacksonville, 14-12. I was at that game and thought it was a nightmare. Attrocious! Even that game wasn’t that we beat the Jags, the Jags rolled over and died on a massive puddle of kerosene while smoking.
Bob Lamey didnt mention the Jags game?
I cant stand Polians show, Lamey is such a brown nosing litle b*tch, this is the guy who went off on Peyton earlier this year, but agrees 100% everytime with Polian! I remember last year when people were pissed about giving up on the Jets game and our perfect season…Polian arrogantly sat there like, How dare people question my authority, this is ALL about winning the Super Bowl…I am growing tired of Polians tripe…theres a reason Buffalo let him go after those 4 SB appearances, there’s a reason Carolina let him go after quickly building there expansion team into a team that made the NFC championship game…to me hes like a Larrry Brown, he can get you to the door, even open it up, but he cant get you in due to his massive ego that cant see the problem of his ways…one Super Bowl with Manning in 9 straight appearnces, with what 6 first round exits? Thats just awful…his excuse for the TO which like others have said, DOESNT match-up with Caldwells, is proof positive of that
they should just admit that it was stupid and wrong
We need a good head coach, Caldwell is a good assistant head coach,, where is Johnny Gruden or Billy C.???
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Jan 11, 2011 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
we do need a coach tho
not one who won 26 games in the NCAA in 8 seasons
by dezznutz1001 on Jan 11, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
yes
should have 3 Superbowl rings 2005, 2006 and last year!!!!!
by OBGYNOSUPREME on Jan 11, 2011 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
So it was Hughes
who didnt stay in his lane..of course!
1st round draft picks are often projects. While I would have liked Hughes to contribute more….He was not going to be better than Robert Mathis.
It would be nice if they contributed something, but that isn’t always the case.
Especially at pick 31
Number 1-12, you’d definitely have a reason to be pissed at Hughes. Maybe even up to 15. After that is usually depth or future replacement of a current player.
Is Bill Polian Becoming the Next Al Davis
WOW! I can’t believe what I just read:
1. The defense didn’t know what play to call???
2. Jacob Lacey played well? Are you kidding me? What should have been said is, “Jacob Lacey is awful. He’s not even a good DB when were playing zone, let alone in man-to-man coverage. Since Larry Coyer likes to blitz, and play man coverage behind it, we’re going to try and sign Nnamdi Asomugha (assuming there is a CBA).”
3. Aaron Francisco is a valuable contributor? Exactly where is he a valuable contributor? Was Polian watching the right game Saturday night? Does everyone remember during Saturday’s game, when Francicso was down in the box to stop the run, and a Jet’s offensive player just pushed him out of his way? It was analogous to shoeing a fly away. What a joke! Francisco couldn’t even make in in the UFL.
4. Jeff Linkenbach? Do I need to even comment on this one?
5. Here is the killer. This is the comment that should have every Colts fan flipping out.
"Kavell Conner is, in Polian’s mind, the next ‘David Thornton.’ [Note: This means bye-bye Clint Session]. " Clint Session is so important to what Larry Coyer likes to do. He is an outstanding WLB! Not only is he great as a run stopper, but he can cover in zone, he rarely misses a tackle, and whether Coyer calls a weak side blitz from the slot, or has Session shooting the A gap, the guy wreaks havoc in the backfield. This guy is one of our best defensive players, and has made Bob Sanders irrelevant (in terms of being a run stopper, whose presence on the field elevates the play of the other ten guys around him.)
Given Polian’s record in the draft since 2006 (specifically in the higher rounds), his wacky statements, and questionable personnel decisions, I’m really beginning to wonder if he’s becoming senile. Is it time for Chris Polian to take over?
I’m not saying he’s as awful as Al Davis, but when I read comments like the ones from above, he could be on the fast track to becoming that bad.
We have arguably one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. We can’t afford to have the guy running the personnel department to be losing it. Peyton isn’t getting any younger, and if he’s going to finish his career ala John Elway (instead of like Dan Marino) then this team needs to be fixed, and I mean quick.
The next story I want to read from BBS is that Caldwell has been fired, and the new head coach of the Colts is John Gruden.
Sigh, at least a guy can dream.
Justin from Los Angeles.
Justin from Los Angeles
by Justin in Los Angeles on Jan 11, 2011 2:22 PM EST reply actions
4. Jeff Linkenbach? Do I need to even comment on this one?
Just watch him. You might like what you see.
Jason Heyward wins at baseball.
5. Here is the killer. This is the comment that should have every Colts fan flipping out. "Kavell Conner is, in Polian’s mind, the next ‘David Thornton.’ [Note: This means bye-bye Clint Session]. " Clint Session is so important to what Larry Coyer likes to do. He is an outstanding WLB! Not only is he great as a run stopper, but he can cover in zone, he rarely misses a tackle, and whether Coyer calls a weak side blitz from the slot, or has Session shooting the A gap, the guy wreaks havoc in the backfield. This guy is one of our best defensive players, and has made Bob Sanders irrelevant (in terms of being a run stopper, whose presence on the field elevates the play of the other ten guys around him.)
Nobody was saying Conner is better than Session.. all BBS was implying with that ‘note’ was the Colts will opt to let Session go instead of paying a high price tag to keep him — something they do on a regular basis in their linebacking corps. I think Polian’s assessment of Conner is correct, his closing speed is ridonkulous and I see him being a similar player as Thornton.
by nickfromnaptown on Jan 11, 2011 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Session
That and Session blows it a LOT, but he makes big plays A LOT. He just is too inconsistent to pay the big price tag when we got a cheapo player that’s just slightly below him in his rookie year. I’ll take consistent and good over inconsistent and occasionally great.
Kavell Conner is, in Polian’s mind, the next ‘David Thornton
This pretty much epitomizes the low standards we have for this defense. Who was David Tornton? Was David Thornton an All Pro? Was he a game changer? David Thornton was a solid NFL linebacker, a good NFL LB. But when his name is brought up in Colt circles, it’s like you’re talking about Jack Ham or someone. That tells you how pathetic this defense has been.
by Cole Farrington on Jan 11, 2011 3:37 PM EST reply actions
I actually like Bill Polians comparison there. He is comparing a Rookie with a good football player in Colts history. David Thornton was highly regarded with he left Indy. Polian is actually trying to make a connection in fans minds between the past and the present.
The Colts usually let their linebackers go in free agency. And then they replace them with middle round draft picks. On Defense, the Colts pay for Top Shelf DEs, and DBs. That is the emphasis. Not linebackers.
The Colts defense is not pathetic. Average or Middling? Sure. Bad against the run for stretches of several seasons? Sure. But not pathetic. See the Houston Texans this year. That is pathetic.
Casting aspersions on the Texan defense based on the performance of the Colt defense is like Jim Caldwell criticizing Chris Weber for the misuse of a timeout. There was little difference between the Colt and Texan defenses. The Colts were 23rd in points, 24th in DVOA. The Texans were 29th in points, 31st in DVOA. The Colts were 26th in weighted defense, the Texans 29th. One defense was pathetic vs. the run, mediocre vs. the pass – the other was the converse. Both sucked.
by Cole Farrington on Jan 11, 2011 5:44 PM EST reply actions
Which defense?
The Hayden/Powers defense, the Angerer as captain defense, the Bullitt defense? We’ve had 5-6 different defenses this year, so your reliance on overall season stats is puzzling. Heck for about 5 minutes of the first game is the last time we had even 90% of our season starters on the field.
Nonsense. The Colts played typical bend but not break defense through the majority of the year. Injuries diminished their effectiveness. The Colts have multiple perennial Pro Bowlers on defense (usually Defensive Ends). Not pathetic.
The Texans defense was much worse then the Colts, your stats even reflect this.
And saying a defensive so bad the Defensive Coordinator was fired was pathetic (like I did) is Not “casting aspersions”. In fact, It much more accurate then saying the Colts defense is pathetic (which is, of course, also “casting aspersions”) because Bill Polian compares one linebacker to another. Like you did.
Casting aspersions? Are you kidding? ).
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