2011 Colts Preseason: Colts V. Rams, For What Will You Watch?

Tryon vs. Lacey – I want to see these supposed holes that Tryon has in his game that Lacey supposedly doesn’t. My guess is Tryon will make some plays on the ball and Lacey will get burned again.

DT rotation – Who will actually play NT and UT in what situations? Nevis a 3rd down UT only? What about Anderson? How long can AJ stay on the field? Is Harris really back?

Hughes – I don’t think he’s a bust yet. But he needs to produce more this year.

OL rookies and other new players – I doubt this game will give us the best idea of the final lineup. But some direct guard and tackle comparisons will be nice to see. If Pollak or Richard play I expect them both to get beat.

Carter – I think he will eventually be the RB1, not just a short yardage back. Would like to see him plow through and also juke some guys.

Coming through the game relatively healthy will be a real plus. I am interested in a couple guys that are not quite as high profile as Castonzo, Ijilana and Nevis. Jake Kirkpatrick just intrigues me as an under the radar potential successor to Jeff Saturday. Josh Beekman, whom we just signed this week, has been around a few years and had a tremendous resume as an All American at Boston College. Drafted in 4th round by the Bears and started 20 games, but didn’t work out and was released. Played some UFL. Has tremendous power, and never yielded a sack of Matt Ryan in 39 starts at BC. Sounds almost like a twin of Jacques McClendon. Maybe he fits our schemes better and finds a home in Indy. Both guys should get on the field a lot so the coaching staff can evaluate them at game speed.

Always wondered how he’d do with the first team receivers.

thats the only thing worth watching. its the preseason

1) The battle in the trenches initially, since the first units will only be in for a series or two.
2) Rookie development, especially Castonzo, Ijalana, Carter, Nevis, Kirkpatrick, and Lefeged.
3) The return game.
4) Orlovsky’s understanding of the playbook.
5) Painter’s confirmation that he lacks an understanding of said playbook.
6) The play of the wideouts; this will ultimately determine whether the Colts focus their efforts on bringing Houshmandzadeh into the fold.
7) The ability to win a pre-season game…..

1) Defensive Tackle play – Specifically to see how Harris, Nevis, and Ogbu(hopefully) play and how effective they are at creating penetration.

2) Offensive Line play – Clearly the sorest spot on the roster, will be important to see how they hold up in their first real-game speed and pressure situation.

3) Safety Depth – I want to see who is going to be out there when bullitt and bethea have had their snaps. Whoever it is, I want to see how they are in coverage. How well they position themselves to make plays, how well they read and react, etc.

4) Individual players –
- Jerry Hughes – Has he actually “got it” this year?
- Jacob Lacey – Why is he above Tryon?
- Justin Tryon – How could he allow Lacey to move above him on the depth chart?
- Kevin Thomas – Can he be good when healthy?

5) The running backs – we have a pretty deep mix of OK guys – will any of them be able to be better than just OK this season?

but won’t see anyone down here in Boca, at least I will be in Indy next weekend and can watch the game,, I predict Orlovsky plays better than Painter,, and if he does consistently this preseason- he should be the backup- he has the experience and wouldn’t hurt to get Housh- he can still play, and someone will be getting hurt this season- hopefully not as many as last year