What to expect in 2011

The Colts in 2010 were heavily injured, and lacked many key componets in the offence and defense. However, next season, all the players will come back healthy and ready to play, and many plays may be re-inserted to the playbook. These are some of the plays.

1. Stretch

a Ryan Lilja was cut. Lilja was a quick, versatile lineman that had the speed to get the outside to block. Our current lineman, dont have the quickness that Lilja had, to run this play. However if we get a new LT, then Charlie Johnson will most likely be moved to LG. Cj also has the speed to run this play, and this will allow the reinsertion of this play to the playbook.

b. Dallas Clark was placed on Injured Reserve. Dallas was a great outside blocker, and Tamme doesnt have the blocking qualities Clark did. Santi and Elridge are both better as straight-ahead blockers, and Robinson just sucks. With the return of Clark, the play can become more effective.

c. Ryan Diem will most likely be cut or traded. He has become slow over the years, and cannot contribuit to this play. If he is replaced, then this play can become more effective.

d. The coaching staff has most likely finally realized that Donald Brown is better with space, going to the outside, than he is going down the gut or preforming bruiser back duties.

2. Gut

a. The re-insertion of the stretch play will allow more variety in the playbook. And this play usually doesnt result in a good gain, and it will mostl ikely only be used for short-yardage situations.

b. Running straight down the gut usually requrires a good FB to help lead block. The Colts typically dont carry a FB, and Eric Foster, the player we do use for the 'FB' position, will most likely not be retained. For this reason, I doubt that the Colts will run it down the gut as much this season.

3. Draws

a. With the return of many key players on offense, our passing game will be more potent. It will cause the defense to play pass, while we run it. I believe the use of the Draw plays will be well-used next season.

b. The offensive line couldnt contain the defensive line for more than 2 seconds, which is needed to successfully preform a draw. If Polian targets the Offensive Line during the off season, the Colts should be more effective at this play.

4. Play-Action

a. Injuries really effected the Colts ability to run the ball. Inability to run the ball means that the defense will bite on playfakes less often, and the defense will not be decieved. With the return of our running backs, will most likely help reutilize playaction.

b. Our offensive line couldnt protect long enough to actually run the fake. If the Colts target Offensive Line in the off season, which they must, then these kinds of plays will be more effective.

5. Bubble Screens

a. The Colts utilized this play this season, because many key players of the offense were injured and unexperienced rookies had to play with Manning. They are a simple play that results in losses, because it is too predictable. With the return of many key players, hopefully this play will stop being used. They are not consistently working.

b. The Colt's recievers arent great blockers. Garcon is the only consistent blocking reciever, and if one reciever whiffs a block, then the play will most likely result in a loss or a short gain. Hopefully the coaching staff can somehow teach recievers how to block, or they will realize it isnt working, and will use the play less.

6. Deep Throws

a. Pierre Garcon is finally looking like hes gaining consistency. If he participates in Peyton's route tree this off-season, then he might truly become a true elite reciever. If he becomes more consistent, then Peyton can count on throwing to him more.

b. The O-Line next season WILL be fixed. It cant be avoidable this off-season, and Peyton will demand it. If the O-line can finally pass-protect decently, Manning will have enough time to find an open deep target.

7. Hurry-Up Mode, "Stampede"

a. The Colts didnt use the Hurry-Up mode because they lacked the experienced players to do it. The Hurry-Up mode would cause mis-matches, putting linebackers to cover Collie,  and Dallas Clark drawing coverage, leaving Wayne and Garcon open. Once the players come back, the hurry up mode will be more utilized in Manning's Offense.

With the re-insertion of these types of plays back into the playbook in 2011, I look foward to watching Colts football once again.