2011 Colts Training Camp: A New Offensive Line

by Brad Wells on Aug 17, 2011 11:41 AM EDT in 2011 Colts Training Camp

As announced previously in this space, XFINITY from Comcast has generously agreed to support the best NFL community around -- us! As part of that effort, XFINITY will be sponsoring our Stampede Blue's training camp coverage as well as a variety of special editorial and interactive features on our site between now and the end of the 2011 NFL season.

Colts Training Camp Schedule

Wednesday, August 17th

2:00 p.m.

Matt Grecco is doing a detailed write-up of yesterday's practice. One item from the write-up I'd like to focus on with this training camp update is the new offensive line.

Yesterday, at both the morning and evening practices, the Colts starting and second string o-line was:

LT- Anthony Castonzo, Michael Toudouze

LG- Joe Reitz, Jacques McClendon

OC- Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollak

RG- Ryan Diem, Kyle DeVan

RT- Jeff Linkenbach, Ben Ijalana

Baring injuries and other unforeseeable things, this group is likely the core o-line for the 2011 Indianapolis Colts. This new starting line includes three new starters and a regular starter (Diem) playing a new position (guard).

In case you care, I personally like this new line, and I'm very excited to see how it looks against the Redskins. Changing the line does not guarantee success, but the changes, at the very least, acknowledge the obvious: The old line simply wasn't very good.

Also, anything that gets Mike Pollak on the bench is something I endorse 100%.

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Comments

I've stated on previous threads

That I think this is the best possible line we could start with Week 1. I think moving Diem to RG is the right move and I like Link as the RT instead of the LT. My hope is that Ijalana shows enough to claim the starting RT at some point, but we could do a lot worse at RT than Linkenbach.

I fully endorse this new starting OL.

by BoilerHerrm on Aug 17, 2011 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

Reitz and McClendon are interchangeable at this point

I haven’t seen enough from either of them to make a judgment on who I think should be the starting LG

by BoilerHerrm on Aug 17, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

From what I've seen

Reitz looks better than McClendon.

This is definitely the best possible line at this point, with the hope that Ijalana supplants Link.

by LeftNutForAStarCenter on Aug 17, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Reitz?

Is there a profile on Reitz anywhere? I have yet to see him play. He seems to have come out of nowhere (practice squads with the Dolphins, Ravens I see) but also seems to have good size.

Justin = Colts fan in Jets/Giants land

by jugrote on Aug 17, 2011 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

There is an article about Reitz in Indystar today (maybe you already read it?).

Saturday loves him. He is a local. He is huge, and apparently a keeper.

by moocow on Aug 17, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Hadn't seen it.

Thanks moocow. Saturday and Caldwell seem to like him. I’m cautiously optimistic. If he proves to be solid I think this will be a great sign for our line as a whole this year (considering the rookies or at least Castonzo play up to hype).

Justin = Colts fan in Jets/Giants land

by jugrote on Aug 17, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Reitz never played college football

Check out his wikipedia page.

Reminds me of Antonio Gates. Both played basketball at MAC schools. Both played TE a bit and were around the same size (Reitz has gained a lot of weight since then). Clearly we’re looking at a work in progress, but I think we could see some great things from Joe.

by drcolts on Aug 17, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually I think Reitz is better than a work in progress.

He got a bunch of coaching in two different teams practice squads. Both of those teams emphasize run-blocking to far greater extent than the Colts (maybe not…but they are better running teams than the Colts)….which is interesting.

So maybe the Colts will realize the fruits of his labor with the Dolphins and Ravens?

by moocow on Aug 17, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions

That is something I had not thought about. Learning to run block from the Dophins and Ravens was maybe one of the best things for him as a developing guard.

by FatDT on Aug 17, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd still prefer Ijalana over Linkenbach

Admittedly, I haven’t played close attention to Link this pre-season, but I’ve been impressed with Ijalana at RT. I know it was against reserves, but the only pressure he allowed seemed to be a (lack of) awareness from our QB.

by kmbryant09 on Aug 17, 2011 12:01 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed...

I think Ijalana will overtake Linkenback before the end of pre-season

by actionjack853 on Aug 17, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions

....

or at least by week 6

by taipei_coltsfan on Aug 17, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

BBS doesn’t think Mike Pollack should start?

Nah…he loves the guy….

by moocow on Aug 17, 2011 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

Don't shoot me -

but does the depth (“depth”) at Center stop at Pollack? Or do we have someone else who we should/could be vetting in that position in place of Pollack. Based on what I saw of Pollack in Game 1, ugh and double ugh. Just no hustle. Almost seemed like he either didn’t care, or was just gassed the whole time.

by buymymonkey on Aug 17, 2011 12:12 PM EDT reply actions

devan

is a much better center than pollak

by omahacolt on Aug 17, 2011 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I wonder if Toudouze can actually stick this time

and I hope we find a way to hold onto Kirkpatrick. Am still very curious about what role, if any, Josh Beekman can play at guard. But it’s nice to see this reconfiguration of the o-line. Maybe now we can start actually running the ball successfully and take some of the load off Peyton.

by oldecoltsfan on Aug 17, 2011 12:21 PM EDT reply actions

I suspect toudouze will not stick.

If anything, an injury to Castonzo will see Linkenbach back at LT with Ijalana taking over RT. There’s a fairly good chance the Colts will carry just 9 O-linemen, as that has been their MO for most of the past few seasons (except last year because of unsureness in the injury department).

by LeftNutForAStarCenter on Aug 17, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd rather see

Jake Kirkpatrick making the roster. Not sure how he’s performed in training camp but he’s got to be a better prospect than Pollack.

by TartanColt1 on Aug 17, 2011 12:28 PM EDT reply actions

Actually I disagree

I have no problem with Link inserted in the line up. He played well against St. Louis but so did McClendon from what I saw (I watched the game twice). I don’t want to see any parts of Diem on the o-line. I would rather see McClendon there. Also Costanzo did not impress. He looked lost and missed several assignments. If he gets a pass to start, then I certainly think Mclendon and Ijana would have a case based on the same game. Finally, I know that Pollack gets a lot of flack and he has hag some horrible moments. However, if you study the tape, he wasn’t bad. He was actually good with the solid with the exception of a play here or there.. Before you respond, go back and look at his play. The cases where there was a free lb rusher, the lineman held Pollack to create the hole. The ref didn’t call it like several other penalties. The case where he played center and got drove back n the backfield on a stretch play was the same play where Saturday got pushed back into the backfield. It has to do with the center running down the line of scrimmage with his shoulders squared while the DT penetrates. I don’t like the scheme on the play but hey, if it happens to Saturday then maybe it’s not the player. I would like to trade him though. I just don’t think the guy is as horrible as Colt fans have made him out to be. I like Toudouze..he just needs his shot. He’s very underrated.

by supercolt on Aug 17, 2011 12:28 PM EDT reply actions

what game did YOU watch?

5 MVPs, 3 Superbowl Appearances, 2 Superbowl Rings

by BleedingBlueForever on Aug 17, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

lol

yep. that kid either didnt watch the same game or has no idea how football is to be played.

one of the worst posts i have ever read

by omahacolt on Aug 17, 2011 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions

lol

i watched the game twice as well

and if you thought pollak played well, then you are just full of shit. 98% of the entire world, yes even starving kids in africa, were calling pollak out for his horrible play

by omahacolt on Aug 17, 2011 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Love it

Like you said, a change was def needed. I don’t think there is anyone who didn’t want Castanzo at LT. I also really like Diem being moved to G. His experience and knowledge will still be greatly appreciated, and we don’t have to worry about him being too slow off the snap. Too bad Ben isn’t ready for RT….but maybe this line can stay healthy and grow together. I’ve also heard really good things about Joe Reitz. There is a great article in the star today about him and his story. If he pans out, he’s only 24 and can be some solid young talent for the future.

5 MVPs, 3 Superbowl Appearances, 2 Superbowl Rings

by BleedingBlueForever on Aug 17, 2011 1:26 PM EDT reply actions

Colts Offensive Line

First I would like to thank BBS and all the bloggers keeping me informed on Colts pre-season and personnel moves. Living in NJ, there is very little written in paper here on Colts.
I believe with personnel in camp, this is best offensive line possible right now. However, I am very confident in stating if this is the Colts line for 2011, they have no chance at SB. I would have much rather see Costanza at RT this year, with a pro bowl quality LT (even if he is up in age). I see this line only marginaly better then 2010.
Costanza: Cant expect him to be better then Johnson in first year, maybe by end of year he will be IF he is truly exceptional
Reitz/Mcclendon: At best a slight improvement on Richard
Saturday: same at best,,more than likely at least slightly less of a player
Diem: moderate improvement over Pollack at guard
Linkenbach: I noticed no difference between him and Diem at RT, maybe being optimistic with a yr of experience a very slight upgrade now
Overall, this is no where near the quality of OL that will alter the manner in which they play the Colts offense,,,5 DB’s min, always at least 7 dropping back, sometimes 8. Daring Colts to run. This wont bring back effective play action, effective stretch play performance, and an effective short yardage games. I am still hopeful they spend remainder of Sal cap on a LT or RT, guard and Houze,,,then cut Pollack, Richard.
Recently available is the former starting RT of Saints, only let go cause of cap concerns and Saints picked tackle as #1 choice. Got to be a big upgrade of Link, if they got him, maybe Link would be primary backup and Ben Ijalana shift to guard ahead of Reitz.
Also I have yet to read one blog on Elderidge,,to me a very key player if Costanza is LT.
Do Colts have a real blocking TE on roster now. Any runs to left side will depend heavily on skills of blocking TE.
Read a very ominous post here,,,,Colts were 4th and 1, ran Carter and play was stuffed for a loss. I know its just one play in meaningless game,, but too often thru the years, I have seen tendencies established in pre season.
For all Colts history trivia buffs: Baltimore Colts had a fullback Alan Ameche,,,it was written a few times, he never lost a yard in a carry whether high school college or pro,
admittedly no way to substantiate. Must wonder what he must think of Indy Colts ground game

by oldnjcoltsfan on Aug 17, 2011 2:19 PM EDT reply actions

Wheres my boy Beekman???

lol

by bigpony on Aug 17, 2011 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

beekman

cut in about 2 weeks

by omahacolt on Aug 17, 2011 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Gumbo

Thanks for the write up. Always looking for colts info. Line changes are nothing new when you’re trying to revamp an oline. Diff players will start through the preseason while coaches look for that perfect mixture. The line may and prob will be diff for the third pre season game as well. Folks may not like an individual player but the line is about cohesion and which group works best together.

I'd donate a kidney in exchange for Pdiddy and my colts to get 2 more Super Bowl rings...That's LUV

by Bama Blue on Aug 17, 2011 2:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Good article on Reitz in today's Indy Star

Sorry, mouse madness

by Rick Z on Aug 17, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

He played college basketball for 4 years

& converted to football after college. Pretty athletic guy.

by Rick Z on Aug 17, 2011 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

I am scratching my head.

I thought Jacques Mc Clendon was brought in to be the Center of the Future? I remember vaguely reading after he was drafted. Too this point, I have to say Jacques is a bust. He has made no impact on our team, and if you arent able to make the starting line in Indy, you aren’t going to anywhere else. It is no secret, our line has been a joke since Tarik Glenn retired. Maybe we move on from Mc Clendon.

If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?

by whardiek on Aug 17, 2011 7:40 PM EDT reply actions

Food for Thought

I too am encouraged that the Colts are trying different combonations on the oLine. However I am concerned that they have two 6’7 guys at guard. How many quality guards are that tall?This will undoubtably hurt Peyton’s vision in the pocket and cause more mistakes.