It’s a question we ask every year, but when are the Colts going to seriously think about upgrading...

It’s a question we ask every year, but when are the Colts going to seriously think about upgrading their defensive tackle situation? Both Fili Moala (-2.8) and Daniel Muir (-1.8) had some big time struggles with the Jets interior when they ran the ball, constantly blocked away from the ball carriers as the New York were able to run at will in the second half. This isn’t a one-off and is recurring trend for as long as I can remember, so I’ll ask the question again. When will the Colts sort this issue out?

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over 1 year ago Brad Wells 19 comments 0 recs |

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Yup.

This is why I think we need to draft a DT in the first round. I created a FanPost last night explaining why I thought we needed to improve the run defense and draft a DT instead of drafting an offensive lineman in the first round. Muir and Moala aren’t long term answers, and we’ve got to learn to stop the run fellas…

by thehuntero on Jan 16, 2011 12:16 PM EST reply actions

When Polian

starts to value size as much as he does pure athleticism.

by caldwellmotivatesME on Jan 16, 2011 12:25 PM EST reply actions

Great question

Although to be fair, I think Moala was a “serious” attempt as he was a second-round pick. Other than that, though, Polian almost looks like he’s just given up post-Booger and post-Simon, like he’s tired of getting burned. It also doesn’t help that I’m convinced the position is cursed for the Colts (Simon polyarthritis, Booger career-ending injury, Reagor career-ending injury, Ed Johnson with the sense of a sixth-grader, etc etc.)

I’ve said all year long that fans have grossly overrated Moala, though. Folks have just been so eager to see him do SOMETHING as opposed to his lack of contribution last year that they bake him a cake every time he gets penetration and gets into the backfield. Moala had a very average year. He was the second-best Colt defensive tackle. I’m glad that he’s progressing and I’m glad he contributed this year, but he is nowhere near as good as some folks imagine him to be.

Writer for Stampede Blue.

by Collin McCollough on Jan 16, 2011 12:41 PM EST reply actions

Indeed.

Reaction to Moala on defense and Linkenbach’s brief playing time says all one needs to know about the state of both lines.

Moala’s play was merely decent and he’s praised as though he played at a all pro level and Linkenbach comes in, doesn’t completely stink and some act as though he’s on his way to Canton.

Not to say that one or both are not going to be good-great, but our standards are very, very low at the moment.

by Joseph* on Jan 16, 2011 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Having bad DTs is the Colt's way.

There are a few things that you can take to the bank as a Colt’s fan:
1 – Manning will play sixteen games
2 – The Colt’s will have the worst special teams in the league
3 – The Colt’s will have DTs that get driven five yards off the line on almost every play

Sure, I want to win, but I don’t think I’d know what to do if they were any good.

by Joseph* on Jan 16, 2011 12:46 PM EST reply actions

When is somebody going to stop overlooking the obvious recurring fact that the Colts don’t run block effectively? Part of the problem is the philosophy leading to personnel problems. Tyson Clabo is set to make quality money in a free agent year as a LT for the Atlanta Falcons. A nasty physical blocker who was waived from the Colts practice squad.

Polian has to take responsiblity for the poor perfomance of special teams since he neglects to draft defensive players high; settling for offensive players and undrafted free agents as fill ins. Who would we rather have Donald Brown, or Rey Maualuga?

by lakecountycolt on Jan 16, 2011 1:38 PM EST reply actions

i don't remember him on our PS. When was that? First half of 2008 perhaps?

Being in politics is like being a football coach. You have to be smart enough to understand the game and dumb enough to think it's important. -- Eugene J. McCarthy

by zherebyonki on Jan 16, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions

He was never a part of the Colts' PS, to my knowledge

Only team he is listed as having been a part of are Denver, San Diego and Atlanta.

Writer for Stampede Blue.

by Collin McCollough on Jan 17, 2011 2:15 AM EST up reply actions

Clabo sucks, worse, than Charlie J.

by Ty46 on Jan 17, 2011 5:55 AM EST up reply actions

These very smart sites think superior DTs can be found on every corner, they are just waiting for the Colts to pick them up. Had AJ not battled knee pain most of the year, the run D would have been better. Mathews will be better next year, Moala too. Muir has to get back to his best. They need 4 healthy guys and the energy they had the last 3-4 weeks of the regular season and the run D will be ok.

by Ty46 on Jan 16, 2011 1:59 PM EST reply actions

They played well for about four games

Consider me skeptical.

Writer for Stampede Blue.

by Collin McCollough on Jan 16, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions

That is a good call, if AJ was healthy the run D would have been better.

I would like to see them draft a 4/3 NT in this years draft, but I still feel that an upgrade at OT is the most pressing need.

Defense is more important than breathing.

by BetterD on Jan 16, 2011 4:55 PM EST up reply actions

Very valid points

I could not agree more with the “overrated” feelings towards Moala. He recovers a fumble in the end zone against the Giants and everyone thinks he is a terrific DT. I believe a lot of fans are still waiting for him to wake up and play big boy football.

Mookie is decent. Muir is horrible. Moala is in the middle of these two. Matthews and Foster have moments, however they are not game changers.

I am going to be shocked if we don’t go LT and DT in the draft.

by davis3217 on Jan 16, 2011 1:59 PM EST reply actions

It is easier to find legit defensive talent in the 2nd-3rd rounds then legit offensive line talent, that can help you from day 1.

O-line in the 1st and 3rd rounds, D-line in the 2nd.

by bobferg on Jan 16, 2011 2:01 PM EST reply actions

And WR, CB, SS?

by Ty46 on Jan 16, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions

No need for a WR…they’ll keep the 5 they already have in my opinion.

Also if you think about it, they have a “2nd year rookie” in Kevin Thomas at CB. I really do not think they’ll draft another CB in the first 3 rounds even though I wouldn’t mind if they do.

Stong safety on the otherhand, they’ll need to address that somewhere in the first few rounds.

by ColtsFanNChiTown on Jan 16, 2011 2:21 PM EST up reply actions

You can find a wide receiver anywhere in the draft, no need to use a high pick on a guy. Same with safety. Every safety we have ever drafted has been at least decent. CB isn’t really that high of a need, Colts just were unlucky with the injuries, and like the dude said Kevin Thomas will be available next season. This draft need to be focused on the lines.

by bobferg on Jan 16, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with the Fan Shot that both Muir and Moala strugguled against the Jets.

When they were in there together they both looked bad all year long. When Mookie was in there at NT he made who ever was next to him look better. This was a trend that I noticed all year. When Mookie was playing NT the run D was much better, hence creating more passing situations making the pass D better. Games that Moala played ok in were the same games that Mookie was playing next to him at NT.

Hopefully the coaches will notice this and resign Mookie, otherwise the D was soft.

Defense is more important than breathing.

by BetterD on Jan 16, 2011 4:53 PM EST reply actions