We've got 11 more days until players under contract are to report to training camp. The national media buzz will likely center on idiots like Chad Johnson, Pacman Jones, and the dysfunctional mess that is the Dallas Cowboys. For us, we have different interests. For me, I always get a little nervous because of the rookie signing situation, as you can see. As of today, no rookies for the Colts are signed. Hopefully, we will see some guys get inked this week.

In a post some time ago, you expressed the following interests in TC:

• Roy Hall's development
• Who is Eric Foster, and is he good?
• Who starts: Pollak or Charlie?
• Is Dwight healthy? Is Bob healthy?
• Is Marvin Harrison done?
• Tony Ugoh's development
• More blitzing from the defense?
• The running backs, in particular Dominic Rhodes and Mike Hart
• Why was Pierre Garcon drafted, and who is Samuel Giguere?
• Can the special teams FINALLY be good?

Now, after we've leanred more about guys like Pollak and have had to deal with typical off-season annoyances (like Tyjuan Hagler's injury), do other things perk your interest? Like, say, Philip Wheeler starting at SAM?

I really, really love the Peyton Manning's Greatest Games series mgrex30 is doing. It is easily one of the best series I've read in some time on one specific player. He even highlighted a game I always thought was one of Peyton's best: His dismantling of the Patriots in 2000 in the RCA Dome.

• From Hashmarks (via AOL Fanhouse) NFL coaches seem to think that, right now, Tom Brady is better than Peyton Manning. That's fine. In a league that has "genius" coaching from the likes of Jack Del Rio, Mike Nolan, Wade Phillips, and Norv Turner I'm not surprised. Look, Tom Brady threw 50 TDs in 16 games playing on an offense Peyton Manning created. If coaches voted for Brady because he is 2 years younger and just threw 50 TDs, I understand that. But when I look at the two of them, I cannot think of one thing that Brady does significantly better than Manning (and yes, I am a very big Brady fan). One used to say Brady was more "clutch," but Brady in the post-season the last three years has been very shaky. He had an INT returned for a TD in the 2005 playoffs, blew a 24 point lead in the AFCCG in 2006, and choked big time in the Super Bowl this past year.
  
• 18 to 88 has a great contest going.
• Colt Homer thinks Dom Rhodes will get 125 carries this season (8 carries a game). He also thinks Kenton Keith is a goner.
• SI.com has a Salary Cap Roster Challenge thing going on.
• I miss Charlie Weis At My Baby. It was a great blog (and a great blog title).
• It's been a wild first year for Keyunta Dawson. He played DE at Texas Tech. In pre-draft workouts in 2007, he played LB because scouts said he was too small to play DE in the pros. Now, he's a starting-caliber DT for the Colts.
• I highly recommend camping in Ontario and Quebec. That's where I spent my vacation. I also saw the University of Sherbrooke, where Samuel "Guns" Giguere attended school.

via i.cdn.turner.com

Game #3 takes us back to a game we all remember:  February 4, 2007, where the Colts battled the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.  This was the first time the Indianapolis version of the Colts had made the Super Bowl, and the first time since Super Bowl V that the Colts franchise had played there.  Ironically enough, that game was played in Miami as well, although that was in the now demolished Orange Bowl.  The Colts came into the Super Bowl having come from 18 down in the AFC Title game, and the Bears had put away the Saints in a cold and snowy game in Chicago.

The theme of the two weeks between the games was the same as it had always been around Peyton Manning:  Sure, he finally won a "big game" in his previous game, but could he win "The Big Game."  It was all about the great Bears' defense, and how the Colts couldn't win outdoors in the elements.  Manning was no match for Urlacher and the "Monsters of the Midway."

I don't think it is necessary to give a blow - by - blow account of the game, as we all can probably replay the game in our heads play by play.  What I'll do is hit some spots in the game where Manning showed why he is so great, and why this is #3 on the list of his greatest games.

On the Colts second possession, down 7-0, Manning and the Colts faced 3 3rd down plays.  The first, 3rd and 2, Manning found Marvin Harrison for 7 yards and a first down.  This was a great confidence booster for the offense, especially in the wet and soggy conditions.  They then converted a 3rd and 4 with a 6 yard pass to Dallas Clark.  Three plays later, the Colts faced a 3rd and 10 from the Colts 47.  The pocket had collapsed, and Manning was grabbed by Tank Johnson (see picture).  You can also see in the picture that Reggie Wayne was breaking away from the defense, and was wide open.  Manning flung the ball down the field, it was caught by Wayne, and the Colts were on the board.  It was an unbelievable effort by Manning to stay up, and an even better play to throw the ball 35 yards down field off of his back foot.

Manning struggled throughout the rest of the quarter, but drove the Colts down for 10 points in their next 2 possessions.  The Bears were using the same defense used by the Ravens earlier in the playoffs, which was to play the 2 safeties way back, and stop the big play.  At this point in the game, Manning started taking what the defense gave to him, and they methodically moved down the field.  This, in my opinion, is what got the Colts over the top in 2006.  He became very patient, took what defenses gave him, and the offense was more succussful.

Manning led the Colts into field goal range in the final 2 minutes of the half, only to have Vinatieri miss a field goal as time expired.  At halftime, the Colts were up 16-14, although they had outplayed the Bears on both sides of the ball.  Here are his halftime stats:

In a game with 4 fumbles already at halftime, Manning played pretty well.  The first drive of the second half saw the Colts go 12 plays, converting again on 2 3rd down plays with passes to Utecht and Addai.  The drive ended with a FG by Vinatieri to go up 5.  Manning and the Colts had taken 7:34 off of the clock to start the half.  This after having the ball the last 1:18 of the first half, the Bears had not had the ball in almost an hour of real time, thanks to the extra long halftime.  This opening drive put the Bears at a huge disadvantage, and their defense was now starting to suck wind.  It was a great drive, even though it only yielded 3 points.

The Colts tacked on another FG, thanks to Dominic Rhodes, on their next possession.  After the Hayden Interception, putting the Colts up by 12, the game seemed pretty much in hand.  The Colts defense had stuffed the Bears all day, and it seemed rather improbable the Bears could score 2 TDs, unless they were on special teams.  The Colts ran out the clock on a couple drives, all while starting the celebration of a World Championship.  Manning did a great job of game management, since they really didn't need his passing at the end.  His final stats:

In terms of statistics, this was a sub-par game for Manning, especially when compared to all the other games on this list.  However, this is one of those games that you need to look past the stats to see how well he played.  He did win the MVP.  I think we've become so used to amazing statistical games, that games where he does the little things, while not having the gawdy stats, seem like he played poorly.  He most certainly did not on this night.  Manning shut up every critic he's ever had (Bill Simmons never wrote an article on Super Bowl XLI).  He now was not mentioned in the same breath as Dan Marino.  He got his ring, with an MVP to boot.  A truly great game by Peyton Manning, the 3rd greatest game in his career.

Here are some video highlights from the game:

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

Our very own BigBlueShoes recap of the game:

Here is an article looking more in depth into Super Bowl XLI:

Independence Day.  Isn't it grand?  American spirit!  Fireworks!  Hot dogs!  Will Smith fighting aliens!  Barbecue!  Fun with friends and family!  Localized traditions that no one outside of your community cares about!  All of these things are great but for me, there's one thing that gets me more excited than anything else going on today.

There's lless than a monthh to go until the pre-season starts.

Sure, pre-season games aren't the most exciting brand of football you'll ever see, but you know what?  After 6 months without any football action, I'll take it wherever I can get it.

As we get closer to football action, here's what I'm most looking forward to this season:

1. No more injury reports!  (pound on wood):  Throughout most Colts' success during the last decade, we've been able to avoid the injuries that can end a season before it starts.  Then last year we did a pretty good job of catching up in the injury department.  I'm not sure how this year will go in regards to injuries, but I'm fairly optimistic that it won't be as bad as last year.  But if it does happen, we know from last year that the backups are capable of holding down the fort in their absence.
2. Less turnover = More success: One of the staples of the Polian regime has been the constant cycle of players being drafted, becoming successful, and signing with other teams for inflated value while Bill replaces them with cheaper rookies.  This year, our only biggest loss was Jake Scott.  Since there's less to replace, the Colts don't have to devote as much time to getting new players integrated in the system as they have in previous years.  Being able to hit the ground running this year will go a long way in getting to where they want to go.
3. A breakout to Addai for: Even though Joseph was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season, you could tell that he was wearing down at the end of the year.  With the addition of Mike Hard and the return of Dominic Rhodes, Addai should have plenty of help to keep him fresh this season, which will only lead to good things for #29.
4. We still have the best player around: Seriously, how lucky are we to have this guy?

I'm still not quite sure what we're going to do when he retires.  I think I've narrowed it down to public weeping or gnashing of teeth.  It's not going to be pretty. 

With that said, Peyton if you're reading this please don't put us through this when you do decide to hang 'em up.  Our hearts won't be able to take it.

via www2.indystar.com

Game #4 takes us back to December 26, 2004, when the Colts hosted the San Diego Chargers.  Both teams had already clinched their division, and were battling for the #3 seed in the playoffs.  They also had not played each other since 1999, so the Colts had yet to face that Tomlinson guy, who didn't disappoint.  Also, Manning was sitting on 47 TD passes on the season.  Since this game essentially seeded both teams, there was a good chance Manning wasn't going to play much in Week 17 against the Broncos (and he didn't).

The defense did a good job forcing a punt on the Chargers' first drive, and Manning drove the Colts down the field to the SD 6 yard line.  On a 3rd and 3, Manning tried to force a ball into Reggie Wayne, and he was intercepted by Donnie Edwards.  He probably shouldn't have thrown that ball, and it was a big mistake, one of the few he made on this day.  Six plays later, Tomlinson took a swing pass and went 74 yards for a TD, breaking tackles along the way.

Manning drove the Colts back down the field, only to stall out at the SD 18.  Vanderjagt got the Colts on the board, now down 7-3.  Nate Kaeding countered with a 50 yarder of his own, making it 10-3.  The Colts kept up their offensive struggles, punting the ball back to the Chargers.  Drew Brees found Eric Parker to go up 17-3.  Things were not looking good for the Colts with 7:09 to go in the 2nd quarter. 

Dominic Rhodes gave the Colts a spark by returning the ensuing kickoff 60 yards to the SD 36.  The Colts again got inside the 10 yard line, but had to settle for another FG.  They tacked on another FG with 0:20 left to go in the half to make it 17-9 at half.  Edgerrin fumbled on 3rd and 1 from the 5, and Jeff Saturday jumped on the ball.  This was not the best half of football by the Colts, but were only down a TD at half.  Manning's stats:

Ewww.  This certainly doesn't look like one of Manning's greatest games.  The Colts couldn't find the end zone, and it looked like Marino's record was going to stay in tact.  Something must have been said in the locker room, as Manning and the Colts looked like a much different team in the 2nd Half.  Well, at least after each team's first drive of the half.  The Colts went 3 and out, including a fumble by Manning.  The Chargers than marched down the field, and scoring on a Antonio Gates TD to go up 24-9.  I'll keep stats from this point forward...

The Colts converted its first 1st down of the drive, and faced a critical 3rd and 12 from their own 35.  Manning found his old friend Marvin Harrison for 30 yards, giving the offense a shot in the arm.  Three plays later, Manning found James Mungro on the shovel pass for #48 on the season, making the game 24-16.  The defense could not stop the Chargers, as Tomlinson ran around end for 16 yards for the TD to go up 31-16, 5 seconds into the 4th quarter.

The Colts needed another spark, and it came from Dominic Rhodes.  He returned the kickoff 88 yards for a TD.  (Maybe he can try returning kicks again this season...)  This pulled the Colts again to within 8, with a full quarter remaining.  The Colts got a break on the next Chargers possession, as they had a 3rd and 9 from the Colts 25, well within Kaeding's range.  Dwight Freeney makes a great play to get to Brees, force a fumble, and they lose 9 yards on the play.  The Colts catch a break as "Martyball" comes in full force, punting from the Colt's 34.

The Colts convert on a couple 3rd and longs on the next possession, but ultimately end up with a Vanderjagt clank of the goal post with 5:14 to go.  Again, thankfully, "Martyball" happens again, and the Colts get the ball back with 3:42 left in the game.  #18 takes over:

After a sack on 2nd down, Manning finds Edgerrin for 11 yards, setting up a 4th and 4.  Manning fits a ball in perfectly to Wayne, just as he turns around, for 18 yards and a first down.  It was a great read by Manning, and kept the game alive just before the 2 minute warning.  Manning then found Clark twice, and Harrison for 18 yards to the 21.  I'll let Bob Lamey do the rest:

The touchdown pass is simply amazing.  It was a perfect play call against the defense, and Stokley faked the safety out of his shoes.  Plus Manning put the ball on his numbers, making the pass before Stokley had made his cut to the end zone.  Manning has now surpassed Dan Marino for the all time record the TD passes in a season, but there is still work to be done, down by 2.  They run a draw out of the shot gum, and Edge gets in for the 2 pointer, tying the game with under a minute to play.  Nothing much else happens in regulation, and we go to overtime.

The Colts win the coin toss to start overtime, and never let the Chargers see the ball.  A 23 yard play to Stokley, and a 35 yard pass to Wayne, running right up the middle of the defense set the Colts up for the game winning field goal.  The play to Wayne is probably the best route Reggie runs, even today.  When Manning hits him in stride, it goes for 20+ each time.  Vanderjagt hits the game winner, and the Colts win 34-31.  It was an amazing game, led by Manning, like so many other times before, and after.  His 2nd Half stats, and final stats:

Manning showed us once again what makes him great.  He broke a 20 year old record, and had a game to spare.  That is why this is Greatest Game #4 in Peyton Manning's career.

via smokeys-trail.com

Here are the video highlights of the game:

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

I'm keeping the top 3 games top secret, so feel free to take your guesses...

via cache.viewimages.com

Game #5 takes us back to September 28, 2003, when the Colts traveled to New Orleans to take on the Saints.  This was Manning's first (and only so far) game in New Orleans as a professional, and he certainly made the most of it.  The Colts blew out the Saints 55-21in front of the Sunday Night Football audience.  The Colts were without Edgerrin James and Brandon Stokley, making this game that much more impressive for Manning.

Manning and the offense started off quickly, aided by an interception by Jim Nelson (I had to look him up) deep in Saints territory.  Three plays later, Manning found Ricky Williams (not that Ricky Williams) for a 17 yard TD.  The Saints go 3 and out, and 8 plays later Manning finds Harrison for a 14 yard TD, making the game 14-0, and the rout was on.  The Saints had run 5 offensive plays, and were already in a deep hole.

The Saints finally put a decent drive together, only to send their again kicker John Carney on a fake field goal end around, which did not work, giving the Colts the ball back.  The Colts probably would have made it 3 TDs in 3 drives if not for a holding penalty on Adam Meadows, negating a 17 yard play on 3rd and 7.  Hunter Smith punted (he hasn't played much in any of these games), and the Saints also punted, giving the ball back to Manning.  He wasn't happy with the last drive, so he decided to get in the end zone on 1 play, a 79 yard pass to Harrison, making it 21-0.

The Colts added a FG, and the Saints got on the board before halftime, with the score 24-10.  Manning was "perfect" at halftime, with these numbers:

He picked up right where he left off, leading scoring drives on the first 4 possessions of the second half; two long, sustained drives, and 2 short drives set up by turnovers inside the Saints 20 (Again, and INT from Jim Nelson.  That is half his career INTs in one game.  If there was a list of Nelson's greatest games, this would definitely be #1).  Manning found Dominic Rhodes for a 12 yard TD, Harrison for a 32 yard beauty (that's 3 TDs for Marvin:  one of the 8 mentioned here), and Dallas Clark for an 11 yard TD.  

That makes 6 TD passes for Manning, a career high.  Did I mention that Clark scored with 0:10 left in the 3rd quarter.  Manning's day was through after 3 quarters (bonus points if you know who played QB in the 4th quarter, without looking), and, had the Saints had any semblance of an offense, could have tied the NFL record with a 7th TD pass.  Dwight Freeney capped off the Colts scoring with the only TD of his career, rumbling 19 yards after a fumble recovery for the score.  Here are his final stats, staying "perfect" for the 3rd time in his career, an NFL record at the time (he has 4 now):

Manning was emotional charged coming into the game, and he certainly put on a show for the fans that loved his dad.  He made it look so easy too.

Here is the NFL.com Gamebook:

In Game #4, Manning leads a great 4th quarter comeback, and goes record-breaking at the same time...

Justise Hairston Photo: AJ Macht

I think pretty much off of us still think that one of the first cuts during the pre-season will be Colts back-up RB Kenton Keith. With Dominic Rhodes back on the roster and with a promising rookie like Mike Hart waiting in the wings, K2 (and his inability to catch the football when thrown to him) is expendable. But with Indy's latest trade with the Philadelphia Eagles (something that has become almost a yearly act), everyone's favorite fullback, Luke Lawton, was sent to the city of brotherly love for a conditional draft pick in 2009.

Because of the Lawton trade, it is very possible Kenton Keith could stick around, with Mike Hart taking up Lawton's role as third down, short yardage specialist. This would give the Colts this stable of running backs: Joesph Addai, Rhodes, Keith, Hart. That's pretty damn good!

Left out of this mix is Justise Hairston, a guy who spent most of last season on and off the Colts practice squad. He was originally drafted by the Patriots. Tony Dungy has sung this guy's praises after the minicamps and the OTAs.  At 6'1, 220 pounds, perhaps Hairston impressed coaches so much playing the FB spot it made Luuuuuuuuuuuke expendable. From an Eagles fan's POV, trading for Lawton seems to suggest the whole Dan Klecko to FB experiment isn't working.

And speaking of Dominic Rhodes: Have I mentioned that I love having this guy back on the roster? I have? Well, I'll say it again: I LOVE having Dom back. One of the biggest reasons why Dom's return is so important is his persona in the locker room. Teammates love him as much as we fans do. People love Dom, despite his many faults, because he is the ultimate team player. He will literally do anything the team asks of him and not complain. And Dom also takes nothing for granted:

"I assume nothing," Rhodes said. "Everybody assumed I was just going to be the backup. I go into this thing fighting for not just backup, but every job. I want Joe to be the best he can be, so I’m going to push him as hard as I can. I’m going to make sure every play I do looks as good as the play he does. That’s how I’ve always been. Everybody knows that when I go to camp, I’m going in fighting to try to start.

"That’s my mentality. My mentality is to go in and fight. I don’t ever put myself at the level when it’s, ‘I’m a backup.’ I don’t feel like a backup. I feel like I can run the football in this league as good as anybody.

"That’s how I think about it and that’s how I’m always going to be."

The highlighted part of the quote is something every fan has got to love. You want people like this on your team, and people who do not embrace position competition should not be on your team (hint, hint, Cedric Benson).

Regardless of who starts or who plays in goal line situations, the Colts are going to have tremendous depth at running back going into the 2008 season.

Big, huge, MASSIVE props to Football outsiders for grabbing an online interview with Colts President Bill Polian. Tip to shake n bake for posting here about it. It is extremely hard to get such a thing with Polian because 1) He doesn't like the press, and 2) He works for a living. But, because FO offered some very good questions, Polian was gracious enough to answer. Outstanding job by FO.

It's now been well over a month, and no charges filed in the shooting in Philadelphia involving Marvin Harrison's gun. Just like last month, Harrison has not been charged with any crime, nor is he even a suspect by the police. I guess I have a better chance dating Megan Fox than I do getting shallow punks like Mike Florio to apologize for spreading false rumors about Harrison when he, in fact, did nothing wrong or illegal.

Attendance for OTAs is very high. Dungy is pleased with veteran turnout and with the development of the rookie. Another positive from OTAs:

A reduction of "boredom" among veterans.

"It was really done to help the young guys more than anything," Dungy said. "When we had so many of the veterans involved and we did all teamwork, it was kind of boring for the vets if it went slow and then it was too fast for the rookies if we got up to speed on what the veterans did. The coaches tended to want to try new things. 'OK, we’ve got our veteran group here. Let’s see this thing we want to get incorporated into training camp, something we’ve thought about in the offseason.’

"This year, I think our veteran guys know when they come and we put them through their conditioning or something on the field, it’s really tailored to them, but we aren’t going at such a fast pace that the rookies can’t keep up."

Very interesting tidbit from Polian's online interview regarding Edgerrin James getting worn down during his tenure as "feature" RB for the Colts:

Bill Polian: I definitely think Edgerrin was worn down in 2004 and 2005. No question about it. Since we went to the two back system in 2006 with Dominic Rhodes and 2007 with Kenton Keith I think we have been more effective.

The "feature" back no longer exists in the NFL, and this tidbit from Polian proves it for me. Edgerrin James has always been one of the hardest working players in all of pro football. He is in incredible shape, takes care of his body, and understands the game. Yet, despite all these advantages, even he can't "carry" the RB load. Tomlinson can't do it either. He was worn down in 2006 and 2007. Teams must now have multiple RBs who can get the job down. If they don't, and rely too much on one back, they are toast.

Our own Colts Homer (aka Sam) is now head blogger over at Naptown's Finest, a Colts blog that is part of the Fan-Sided network of sports blogs. Congrats Sam!

Shak'n'Backen predicts the records for all the NFL teams. So does Mocking the Draft. In fact, MoD's writer Dave Gardner goes a step further and says the Colts will play in the Super Bowl this season. Along the way, they're supposed to beat the Patriots in the second round and then the Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game.

Colts killer Travis Henry was cut by the Broncos because he's a complete dumbass. If he signs with the Falcons, who already have Colts bane Michael Turner, Atlanta would still not win much, but they'd likely beat the Colts.

Nice article on Charlie Johnson. I know many here think he sucks, but I disagree. I think he's a solid o-lineman who just had a bad year in 2007. Johnson is penciled in as the starter at OG, replacing Jake Scott. If rookie Mike Pollak doesn't beat him out, Pollak was a wasted pick. Pollak was drafted to play right now, and if he loses out to a converted tackle, Pollak's got problems.

Hope everyone had a fun and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. I know I needed a break. I wish I could say I spent the time catching up on Colts news, but the truth is I spent most of the three-day weekend doing absolutely nothing... and it was GREAT!

And speaking of Colts news, we've got a healthy share for you today:

• Thanks to metal_militia for posting the story that the Colts brought former Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin in for a physical recently, and that he passed. I sounds like Dungy wants Colvin on the roster, and both Colvin and his agent are looking to either iron out details with Polian, or shop around a bit before finally "settling" on Indy. Regardless, if Colvin is on this roster, the Colts have stated he will be here as a pass rushing DE. This is ideal for Colvin, who is not an every down player.


• Speaking of DEs,  Pro Football Weekly has some interesting news regarding rookie Marcus Howard:

Word out of Indianapolis is that the Colts plan on undersized (6-0, 237) rookie DE Marcus Howard alleviating some of the pass-rushing burden from Dwight Freeney, who will make his return from a season-ending foot injury. Howard is incredibly raw, but we’re told the coaches will be looking for him to be nothing more than a pass rusher, a role in which the Georgia product could excel with his blistering speed. Strictly from a speed and quickness perspective, Howard may even be superior to Freeney.



• Pro Football Weekly (again, this is PFW, not PFT) also has some news on rookie TE Jacob Tamme:

  With the uncertainty surrounding Colts WR Marvin Harrison — both in terms of his rehabilitation from the knee injury that sidelined him for most of ’07 and his possible connection to a Philadelphia gunfire case — we’re hearing that the Colts are planning on expanding the already significant role of their tight ends in the passing game. Currently one of the most dangerous tight ends in the game today, Dallas Clark will continue to line up throughout the formation to exploit his size-speed gifts. But it won’t be just Clark who will be asked to shoulder a receiving load at the TE spot. Word out of Indianapolis is that the team has big plans for rookie Jacob Tamme. An intelligent, wiry player with great hands and poor blocking ability, Tamme won’t provide much help to the running game as Clark’s bookend in the twin-TE sets, but the coaches are scheming ways to utilize his natural receiving abilities. With a dearth of legitimate WR depth, look for Clark and Tamme to act as de facto wideouts in a good number of offensive sets.

  I can understand talking about Marvin's status in terms of his rehab, but this insistence on bringing up this Philadelphia thing when He. Is. Not. Even. A. Suspect. in the incident (let alone getting charged with anything illegal) is now beyond the point of stupid.


• One minute, AOL Fanhouse is bashing the city of Indianapolis for getting the Super Bowl in 2012. The next, they are praising Indy, and bashing those who bash the Hoosier capital. Here, The Sportz Assassin takes a shot at ESPN resident idiot Gene Wojciechowski:

  Boo-hoo. The Super Bowl won't be held in Miami, New Orleans, Phoenix, Houston or Southern California. Places that the surrounding madness of the game loves to go. Media guys and fans long for taking a vacation doing their job in the best possible weather and to hell with everyone else. Indianapolis, a beautiful city, can't have the game because the people covering it will miss out on the sunny games.
  
  Oh, and spare me the "experience of a lifetime" for fans blast. Real fans can't go to the Super Bowl. It's about you, the media guy and the business partners that populate Super Bowl cities like locusts.

  Curious how Sportz Assassin did not reference a writer in his own network (Ryan Wilson) who had bemoaned Indy getting a Super Bowl site bid.


• And finally, for those of you that care, Dominic Rhodes and Melvin Bullitt have switched numbers, at least according to Colts.com's roster chart. Dom has #33. Bullitt has #38. Melvin better have gotten some serious bread from Dominic for giving up that number.

Later today, look for me to take a few shots at our favorite punching bag in Tennessee, Vince Young. He said something recently that pretty much sums up why he is a total bust of a QB, and why the Titans need to cut his fat, sorry butt if they want any chance of winning a Super Bowl in the next 10 years.

The Colts 2008 minicamp for veterans and rookies wrapped up yesterday, and all signs point to a very productive three-day event. Lots of info was revealed on why the Colts drafted the way they did, how the injury progress is going with players (like Dwight Freeney), and how certain players have grown and impressed coaches.

One thing I think we all fell pretty good about: This is a stacked team with a ton of depth at key positions, with the exception of the QB position. I still hold out hope that if a veteran like Chris Simms gets cut during training camp, the Colts will make a move to get a good back-up QB. Sorgi just can't do it, but we've been over that. Back-up QB aside, the Colts addressed almost all their off-season needs and look primed to make another run.

Dungy singled out Reggie Wayne, Dante Hughes, Ramon Guzman, Clint Session, Roy Hall, and Tony Ugoh as players who looked impressive during camp. Dungy typically does not evaluate players during minicamp, but these guys showed up ready to work and showcased some things. Roy Hall is the most interesting prospect. At 6'3, 240 pounds, he could add a very potent weapon to this offense if indeed he has taken that next step. The one thing Roy seems to have worked on is his hands. He went to a hands clinic over the summer, and seems dedicated to becoming a real, big time WR.

CB Dante Hughes, #20

Photo: Chris Hall

Dante Hughes seems ready to win the nickel corner spot from Tim Jennings. Jennings doesn't suck as badly as some suggest or say, but Hughes really excelled in the nickel as a rookie, and if he has made progress he should outright win the spot. Jennings still has value as a dime corner and a special teams player. I still shake my head when i think of how deep this secondary is.

On offense, I'll second mgrex30's post. Mike Hart might have been a major steal in the 2008 NFL Draft. And as much of a steal as Hart was, Dom Rhodes might be as big a steal in free agency. Teams needing a RB will regret not taking a shot at Dom after he was cut by Oakland. Since the beginning of the 2006 playoffs, Dom has turned it on. When given chances, he ran very well behind a bad Oakland offensive line. Here, comfortable in his back-up role and hungry to prove to people that he is a good back, he will help this team. Hart is shaping up to spell Addai on the goal line seeing as he never fumbles and is a battering ram in traffic.

Finally, there's Marvin Harrison. To quote Reggie Wayne:

"I can tell you it’s definitely hurting him not being able to be out there," Wayne said.

Rhodes also echoed Wayne's remarks on Harrison, and took them a step further. Dom said teams better "look out" because Marvin Harrison is very determined to prove he can still dominate. Marvin has never been one who has had to use his play to shut up critics. When someone has been dumb enough to criticize his (Keyshawn Johnson in Tampa Bay back in 2003), Marvin has a habit of exploding his production and making said idiots (Keyshawn Johnson) look even dumber than they normally do. Doctors also expect Marvin to be 100% ready for Chicago in Week One. For Harrison, it is important for him to come out of the gates fast. He needs to re-establish himself and prove he is healthy.

Other players that Indy coaches seemed to giggle with glee over are rookie free agent DT Eric Foster and rookie OG Mike Pollak. Foster is a high motor guy known for getting to the QB from the DT position. Pollak, learning a new position after playing OC in college, is challenging one-time OT Charlie Johnson for the starting OG spot. Johnson was magnificent in 2006, filling in numerous times at RT for Ryan Diem. In 2007, he took a step back and did not produce. Now, it looks like the Colts are trying him at OG. I like Charlie, and I think a virsital player like him is valuable for this team, but Pollak better beat him for the starting OG position. If Pollak doesn't, he's a wasted pick IMHO. Second round OGs better beat converted tackles for starting positions on the o-line.

DT Eric Foster, #68

Photo: Chris Hall

So, there you have it: the 2008 minicamp in review. Absent from practices were rookie Marcus Howard (rib), Dwight Freeney (foot), Bob Sanders (shoulder), Marvin Harrison (knee), and Gary Brackett (knee). It will be interesting to see how Howard looks at Training Camp, which is only two months away! Though it is only May, we Colts fans have to feel very good about this football team. Anything can, and likely will, happen in 2008, but Bill Polian has done his job creating a potent roster able to win another Super Bowl.