Stampede Blue: FanPosts

Help I can't play videos from colts.com

2009-11-21T23:59:01Z

Does, anyone have the solution to playing the videos on Colts.com? Whenever I click on the link or pic, I get a blank screen where the video should be playing with a little green and white icon in the upper left corner. Nothing I hit or browse over seems to allow the video to play. Help i'm missing a historic season worth of footage! By the way, jason Lafora from NFL Network said that Gonzo should returnto practice next week! Go Big Blue!

College Football- Open Thread

2009-11-21T17:22:15Z

Hello everyone! The college games have started already, and as there were no open threads as of 12:18 PM EDT, I decided to make one(Shake, if you post an open thread, feel free to delete this one). Please talk about today's football action(and maybe LOLcats) here. Some of the early games include:

Minnesota @ 13 Iowa

10 Ohio State @ Michigan

Duke @ 10 Miami

and Chattanooga @ 2 Alabama

Iowa needs a win to lock up a berth in the Capital One Bowl, while a win over the Buckeyes would ceratinly help Michigan's chances for a bowl game.

College Open Thread #2

2009-11-21T17:25:22Z

Ok here you all go, i am a little late as i decided to sleep in and ( our resident steeler fan LV steelersfan just beat me two it but a few min). but here is your forum to talk about whatever you happened to be doing on the other thread you would like to continue lol. however i see there are not a ton of great games on yet but here is the link to THE BEGGINING OPEN THREAD IF YOU WANT so go ahead and have at it like usual and even talk about the Colts if you feel like it.

Matt Stover!

2009-11-21T15:04:44Z

First, I'd like to say he's great. He's off to a 6-6 FG start, and 13-13 Extra Points.

Matt Stover however, had a historical Career at Baltimore, as he is their Franchise leader in points with over 1400 points! He is also 5th all time in scoring, which is a great point to be for a kicker.

So I'm just curious about what your opinion is. I Do NOT believe in guys "Throwing" a game when playing their old team, rather i think it makes them want to win more! But i still have my doubts, so ill ask you guys what you think.

I'll put this in a situation form question.

Ok. Were down 2 points. 4th and 2 or 3. Were at the 35. There are about 40 seconds to go and we have a timeout to go. Would you guys want to kick it? Matt is great, and i believe he can, but will it be too much? He played 12 years there, and has to go back and hit an emotional game winner against the pressure of his HOME crowd? If its 45 or under i'd kick. But with wind, pressure, old team, and 45+ yards, if its 4th and 1 or 2 i'd go for it.

One more thing. Now that i got out of the way, I would say that i actually would probably kick, only because were down. So also answer this question, same situation, but were tied. Baltimore has a shaky offense, so if were tied, with a 52 yard field goal and 40 secs, do we go for it?

More bad journalism (read at your own risk)

2009-11-20T19:13:03Z

Well, I'm ashamed I'm doing this and normally I try to be the bigger man, but I have to rant about more bad journalism. I came in today and turned the TV on, which happened to be on ESPN2 as a 1st and 10 segment was airing. I generally don't watch, but it just happened to be on, and Rob Parker and Skip Bayless were debating whether or not Philip Rivers is a top 5 NFL QB. They also had their own lists. It was like a car wreck. You know it's going to be bad, but you have to watch.

Skips argument was for Rivers inclusion, and part of his basis was that he "outplayed" Peyton twice in the playoffs. That lit the fuse. Here are the stats from those two games:

2007:

Rivers: 14/19, 264 yds, 3 TDs, 1 pick, 128.6 rating. Manning: 33/48, 402 yds, 3 TDs, 2 picks, 122.5 rating. Statistic-wise, Rivers was slightly better, but the Colts D played very poor, and did not have Freeney or Mathis. Add that in with Harrison's fumble deep in SD territory, ending a likely TD drive, and Manning's pick that went through Wayne's hands, also in SD territory thwarting a likely scoring drive. It's debatable, but Rivers did not technically "outplay" Manning.

2008:

Rivers: 20/36, 217 yds, 0 TDs, 1 pick, 91 rating. Manning: 25/42, 310 yds, 1 TD, 0 picks, 131.7 rating. Here, it's not even debatable. Rivers sucked, Manning did not. And Manning did that despite their punter putting 5 punts inside the 15, and 4 inside the 10 (one went to 5, one went to 1). Our D and Special Teams got their ass kicked by Darren Sproles' 328 total yards and they won the coin toss. Manning did not touch the ball in OT. A bunch of crappy calls by the refs gave SD their winning drive.

So although SD outplayed us, or to be biased, we beat ourselves, but Rivers did not outplay Manning either game. Also in the segment, Bayless and Parker listed their top 5 QBs. Bayless picked Brady 1, Manning 2, and Parker picked Manning 1, Brees 2, and Brady 3. This annoyed me moderately, just b/c it was Skip, but didn't send me into a rage. Skip's next comment, however, did. He asked Parker why he put Manning 1 over Brady. He asked in the same tone one would use if asking, "Why would you eat a Big Mac right before running a marathon?" Then Parker acted like it was only because he didn't think Brady was healthy (basically indicating a healthy Brady is better). Skip then got fiery and started the "rings" and postseason BS. Parker moderately shot that down by saying it's been a long time since that Super Bowl win, but still was soft in Peyton's defense. I swear, I feel ESPN rigged that "debate" just to try and put down the factual Manning>Brady debate that was settled last Sunday.

So far this season, Skip has undermined the Colts by saying (1) they're facing too much change---a stupid argument that has long since been proven false; (2) Losing Sanders and Jackson for the season would torpedo us---He clearly did not know Sanders had been out all year and played limited in 2 games, or that Powers played in front of Jackson all year (EDIT from previously); and (3) saying the refs probably got the 4th down call wrong and Wayne should have been flagged for pass interference.

Sorry for yet another one of these annoying "ESPN is evil" posts. I have basically shrugged off the disrespect most of the season, but the lack of respect (as in none at all) we received for the come from behind win all this week has been frustrating to say the least, and the moronic Bayless comments was the final straw. Regardless of the game's outcome and the Hall of Fame QB poll, ESPN chooses to keep ignoring the Colts unless they are undermining them and Peyton. I am certain if the Colts and Pats had their roles reversed this season, the media would already have crowned NE champs for this season and next. Hopefully, we can shut all these clowns up once and for all in February.

EDIT:

I had attempts and completions in the opposite fields, so it screwed up. In 2007, Manning had 97.7 rating and Rivers had a 133.2, while in 2008, Manning had a 90.4 and Rivers had a 61.9. So rating wise, in 2007 the edge Rivers held over Manning was much larger, and vice versa in '08. Thanks to P0RSKIN2.

Okay.....Phew! Got that out of my system.

Gonzo update

2009-11-20T17:37:24Z

This is according to ESPN Insider, so not sure how many of you guys/girls have heard this yet, so I thought I would share it...

"Anthony Gonzalez says he is getting near a return, but as Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star writes, we've heard this before. Maybe Gonzo needs to watchthis video with Grover for a refresher.

Of course, with the Colts firing on all cylinders without Gonzalez in the lineup, there hasn't been much pressure for him to rush back. It's a smart move, and will ensure he's ready for their run in the playoffs."

Jerraud Powers: Old Man

2009-11-20T16:03:37Z

There are a number of reasons why the Colts are currently 9-0. Peyton Manning, Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Robert Mathis, just to name a few, are the primary reasons the Colts are undefeated. But the contribution of the youngest player on the Colts roster has also been vital to the Colts success. I am, of course, referring to Jerraud Powers, the rookie cornerback taken from Auburn in the 3rd round of the 2009 draft.

Before I begin, I should probably explain the headline. For those who missed Phil Richards article on Powers or were simply unaware, his nickname among the Colts playing group is "Old Man". The reason for this is explained by Jim Caldwell:

Jerraud acts as if he's been here on this earth before. He is just wise beyond his years in terms of the way in which he acts and functions.

A feeling echoed by Gary Brackett:

Out there talking with him, it's almost like we've played before. The way we communicate and we can talk football language as far as route combinations and what things we should be alert for, he's ahead of his years.

Powers' maturity is noticable both on the field and off it when he is in front of the media, and I believe it is one of the reasons he has played well through the first half of the season.

Before looking at the impact Powers has had, I thought it would be a good idea to go back and review the reactions of us Colts fans to this pick. First a pre-draft scouting report :

Strengths:

Above average athleticism...Okay speed...Quick with a burst...Smooth with fluid hips...Great hands and ball skills...Decent leaping ability...Is technically sound...Good footwork and uses his hands well...Physical and aggressive...Sufficient instincts and awareness...Solid production.

Weaknesses:

Does not have the ideal height or bulk that you look for...Isn't very strong...Not a great tackler...Struggles to get off blocks...Won't offer much in run support...Takes too many chances...Durability concerns.

Coming out of college Powers was seen as having good coverage skills but lacking in size, tackling ability and physicality in general. As BBS stated this was puzzling given that corners who play in the Tampa 2 have to be able to tackle. This pick was also confusing given the depth of the Colts secondary. The Colts already had their two starting cornerbacks in Kelvin Hayden and Marlin Jackson, a solid nickelback in Tim Jennings and two young developing corners in Michael Coe and Dante Hughes. As a result Colts fans, myself included, were left scratching their heads at this pick. To quote a few of the responses:

I dont know about this guy

Does he have good coverage skills at least?

People said his scouting report is eh. I dont like this pick

I'm not a fan now

I need to see him tackle in preseason if I will ever like him.

Powers was off my radar entirely. But it’s scary having to rely on Jennings, Hughes, Coe and/or Powers as potential starters if our two outside corners go down. I’m not sure that any CB drafted would have alleviated that fear, so I guess we’re just going to have to hope that BP thinks this guy can develop into a potential starter or NB next year.

The general feeling among fans was that this was a wasted pick and as a result BBS gave this pick "Low Marks".

So far this season, Powers has been anything but a wasted pick and appears to be another Polian gem. After outplaying Tim Jennings and the other CBs through the preseason and as Marlin Jackson gradually returned from a serious knee injury, Powers was a first week starter at right corner. After Marlin suffered another serious knee injury and Hayden was injured, the Colts were forced to rely on Powers and another rookie in Jacob Lacey. Although neither has starred, both have played well enough to minimise the impact these injuries could have potentially had. Through 8 games this year, each of which he has started, Powers has: 45 tackles, 1 interception, 7 pass defence, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recovery’s. Although not jaw-dropping numbers, they are solid. Simply watching him play reveals that he is much more then the numbers indicate. Some of his highlights to date include:

An 8 tackle game against the Cardinals
A forced fumble and fumble recovery against the 49ers
10 tackles, 1 interception and a heads-up fumble recovery for a touchback against the Texans.
A great game against one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL (New England). Almost (and probably should’ve) had a game winning pick.

Through his 8 games he has also played against some of the top receivers in the league including: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Nate Burleson, Andre Johnson, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker. Against these elite receivers he has more then held his own. Although his play has gone somewhat unnoticed, there is little doubt in my mind that Powers is a future star, a thought shared with Melvin Bullitt:

In my opinion, he's a future Pro Bowler.

Gary Brackett

2009-11-20T02:00:47Z

This is Gary Brackett's last season under his current contract with the team. I was curious to know everyone's opinion and thoughts on whether or not the Colts should resign him. Most of the things I hear and read are leaning towards the Colts NOT keeping him. All of this is speculation of course since the team has not made any official comments on their position with him.

I will offer my thoughts. I think the guy is worth signing to another contract for a couple reasons. First, he is a heck of a MLB and leader of our defense. I noticed some serious issues with our defense last season without him in the game. Second, Brackett is a Colt, Plain and Simple. From his Impact Foundation to his leadership in the locker room, this guy is a pure definition of who we want on our team. I couldn't even imagine the Colts without #58. I may even start a "Keep GB58 in Indy" petition to Mr. Polian and Mr. Irsay if it doesn't seem like we will be re-signing him.

Thoughts????

Cool Video on Sunday's Game

2009-11-20T01:25:13Z

The Manning Miracle

Link above to a video NFL network calls the Manning Miracle.

I was going to do a fanshot on this, but I figured more people would see it if I made a fanpost.

This video concentrates on the greatness of Peyton Manning, not on the ins and outs of Belichick's brain.

I don't know about you, but I can't get enough of seeing clips from the game. I believe this one will go down in history as a classic match up. Both teams had 2 turnovers, both teams had trouble stopping TD passes. Both teams have the best QB's ever to play the game.

Regardless of whether or not you felt this was a lucky win, you can't argue the facts-

Out defense got turnovers when we needed them. Our team never quit. Our team showed character like I've never seen before.

If you're already sick of hearing about this game, my apologies, I personally still haven't come down off my high.

Question: What is Deion Sanders issue with Peyton & the Colts?

2009-11-20T00:20:17Z

I really do not understand where Deion's attitude is coming from:

For years I have listened to Deion Sanders go out of his way to minimalize any accomplishments made by Peyton and the Colts. In fact, if you carefully observe him on NFL Network he becomes very quiet and distant when others on the show sing any praises at all for the Colts, and Manning in particular. I just do not understand what he has against this team. I saw him almost pained in 2006 when the Colts won the Superbowl. What gives? Does anyone have any insight or history to share that could clear this up for me? He seems just the opposite regarding Brady and the Patriots. Why?

Thursday Night Football Open Thread

2009-11-19T23:53:55Z

Well, this will probably be rolled into something on the front page (right you are -shake), but I'm bored now so I wanted to start the open thread now. Please feel free to talk about basically anything, even football if that's your fancy. Some people might ask that you limit pictures of cat's and other memory killers. I'm not one of them. We have one of the best open thread communities in all of SB Nation and therefore anywhere, so let's stick with what got us here.

It'll be up to Sticky Ricky and Pat White to run the Phins wildcat with Ronnie Brown IR'ed

Also on the docket are our game against the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, and there seems to be plenty to talk about. Injuries, matchups, smack talk, Baltimore whining about losing a team they acted like they cared about but really didn't, Mayflower trucks, and more.

So guy's, let's get ready for some ~~LOLCats~~Football!

colts are the best ever

2009-11-19T20:58:12Z

ok...dude come on iam in the 8th grade and people talk about my colts all day long...1 word haters their mad because the colts are one of the best teams ever and have a kickass quarterback Peyton Manning...their 9-0 because of that last second touch down for 1 yard from peyton manning to reggie wayne with 11 seconds left on the clock

one word pressure but peyton manning lacks that..................thanks for making the colts 9-0 bill i really love your 4th and 2nd play oh yeah melvin GREAT TACKLE

Poll

who's better peyton manning or tom brady i think its Peyton manning

The Onion - Patriots Lead Colts at Halftime

2009-11-19T20:51:24Z

The Onion - Patriots Lead Colts at Halftime

Hilarious article.

Barring an almost inconceivable and utterly out-of-character mistake by head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have virtually secured a week 10 win against their closest rivals for AFC dominance.

"If you're going to wait for Bill Belichick to get overconfident and screw up, you're in for a long day," Caldwell added. "Just doesn't happen."

The Colts offense, however, with Manning's young receiving corps, has committed several significant errors. But the Indianapolis defense has fared even worse, and has only been able to stop pass plays of four yards or fewer, an insignificant advantage that a seasoned coach like Belichick will find easy to avoid.

Oh man, classic stuff.

Has Jason Whitlock been Taken Over by His Son

2009-11-19T18:12:54Z

I used to like Whitlock's writing, but good God, look at this from his Weekly NFL Truths column:

5. I'm almost willing to guarantee right now that neither the Colts nor the Saints will play in the Super Bowl. They're on borrowed time.

Ignoring current records, here are the top teams:

1. Vikings: Brett Favre should be the league's MVP, and Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen will deliver Favre to the Super Bowl.
2. Bengals: Swept the Steelers and the Ravens. What more can a team do to prove their Super Bowl worthiness?
3. Patriots: Indy embarrassment is probably exactly what Belichick and the Patriots need to regain their focus.
4. Eagles: Philly will back into the playoffs, advance to the NFC Championship and then it all just depends on whether Andy Reid screws it up with bad strategy.
5. Saints: Mark it down, New Orleans is going to lose three of four during their Patriots-Redskins-Falcons-Cowboys stretch.
6. Steelers: Never count out Big Ben in the playoffs. His ability to stay alive in the pocket keeps Pittsburgh in games.
7. Colts: The wheels come off this week in Baltimore.
8. Ravens: I haven't given up on Ray-ven Lewis. As DeAngelo told us in season 1, da king stay da king.

This is ludicrously insane

I love his "What more can a team do to prove their Super Bowl worthiness?" line. I don't know, Jason. Maybe win all their games, period?

The Final Word on the "Juggle"

2009-11-19T14:51:14Z

Here is a fantastic post from another Colt's site:

In-Depth, Rule Book analysis of 'the juggle'

First, I need to define some terms. Rule 3, section 2, article 7 of the 2009 NFL rule book is my source for this. I have no online source because it isn't publicly linkable. There are forums out there where you can obtain it but linking to other forums is prohibited.

Rule 3: Definitions
Section 2: Ball in play, dead ball
Article 7: Player Possession

Copied and pasted from the 2009 NFL rule book:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger Goodell Article 7 A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds (See 3-2-3).

To gain possession of a loose ball (3-2-3) that has been caught, intercepted, or recovered, a player must have complete control of the ball and have both feet completely on the ground inbounds or any other part of his body, other than his hands, on the ground inbounds. If the player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any other part of his body to the ground or if there is any doubt that the acts were simultaneous, there is no possession. This rule applies in the field of play and in the end zone.

The terms catch, intercept, recover, advance, and fumble denote player possession (as distinguished from touching or muffing).

Note 1: A player who goes to the ground in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball (with or without contact by a defender) must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, there is no possession. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, it is a catch,interception, or recovery.

Note 2: If a player goes to the ground out-of-bounds (with or without contact by an opponent) in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball at the sideline, he must retain complete and continuous control of the ball throughout the act of falling to the ground and after hitting the ground, or there is no possession.

Note 3: If a player has control of the ball, a slight movement of the ball will not be considered loss of possession. He must lose control of the ball in order to rule that there has been a loss of possession.

A catch is made when a player inbounds secures possession of a pass, kick, or fumble in flight (See 8-1-3).

Note 1: It is a catch if in the process of attempting to catch the ball, a player secures control of the ball prior to the ball touching the ground and that control is maintained after the ball has touched the ground.

Note 2: In the field of play, if a catch of a forward pass has been completed, and there is contact by a defender causing the ball to come loose before the runner is down by contact, it is a fumble, and the ball remains alive. In the end zone, the same action is a touchdown, since the receiver completed the catch beyond the goal line prior to the loss of possession, and the ball is dead when the catch is completed.

I have bolded the sections that I will be using in my explanation.

For those that might be wondering, 3-2-3 explains a 'loose ball'. It basically says that a loose ball is no longer a loose ball when someone secures possession.

Here is the explanation:
1: 'If a player loses the ball while simultaneously touching both feet or any other part of his body to the ground or if there was any doubt that the acts were simultaneous, there is no possession.' Faulk catches the ball, but both hands come off of the ball. Therefore, by rule, he does not have possession of the ball.

Here is where it gets tricky: does he have possession when he gets that left foot down, or when he hits the ground? I think the rule book is fairly clear on this point, though you do have to interpret slightly:
2: 'A player who goes to the ground in the process of attempting to secure possession of a loose ball (with or without contact by a defender) must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone.'

No forward progress can be awarded to a player who has not established possession (not directly stated in the rule book, but this not a huge logical leap). As the hit by Bullitt caused him to bobble the ball and at least one foot is off the ground (both hands are completely off the ball for a short time), it is very reasonable to assume he is 'going to the ground', in which case he is not in possession of the ball until he completes the catch by controlling the ball through hitting the ground. There is no 'forward progress' argument because once he bobbled the ball with Bullitt wrapped around him, there is absolutely no way for him to demonstrate official possession of the ball until he hits the ground.

Spread the word....don't let anyone continue to use this as an excuse. The call was correct, under the rules.

Summary: 1) the bobble meant no possession 2) since he was in the act of going to the ground as the bobble occurred, possession could not be established until he hit the ground. __________________

Saints acquire veteran DB McAlister

2009-11-19T02:36:21Z

Saints acquire veteran DB McAlister

I wanted the Colts to get him when Jackson went down so he could keep jennings on the bench and mentioned it in the thread where everyone got together and cried about the 3 IRs. If he plays great for the saints like Sharper has or even half that, which would be better than Jennings has ever dreamed of playing, then I'll be so mad at the colts for picking up Anthony Madison when they could've had him.

NFLN Colts/Pats Replay Open Game Thread

2009-11-19T01:03:21Z

Some people expressed interest in having an "Open Game" Thread for the replay that is just now starting. Well here it is!

Keys to the game:

The Colts need to limit the big plays by Brady and Moss.

They need to get pressure on Brady and protect Manning.

It's always a close game between the Colts and Patriots so they need to play a full 60 minutes.

Most importantly, Bullitt need to stop Faulk short of the first down when Belichick goes for it on 4th and 2.

Go Colts!

Pereira Wishy-Washy on Official Review

2009-11-19T00:58:58Z

The NFL gave everyone reason to continue debating whether the Pats actually converted on the infamous 4th down by featuring Mike "it could have gone either way" Pereira. He praised the ref for making a decisive call, but said that the call would not likely have been overturned regardless of how it was called on the field.

So I'm being a bit sarcastic here, because in fact I agree - I don't think the call could have been overturned. Nevertheless it would have been nice to hear that the call was 100% the right one.

Ben Utecht cut

2009-11-19T00:04:29Z

Ben Utecht has been cut by Cinnci. It's not secret the Colts have holes to fill and he is only 28 and was productive behind Dallas just a few years ago. Of all the Ex-Colts recently cut, he seems to still fit their system best. As far as I know, the Colts liked having a big target across the middle, he just wasn't worth 10 million to them. I need to get to 75 words.

Sebastian Vollmer had help on Freeney 36 out of 44 passing attempts

2009-11-18T22:23:52Z

Dwight Freeney straight sack streak ended on sunday night but my respect and admiration for him just grew a bunch more.
Many people including blogers, writers and Patriots fans were making quotes like this one after the game on sunday night:

Sebastian Vollmer who laid the wood on Dwight Freeney Sunday night, shutting him out without a sack for the first time in nine games.

Vollmer was completely shutting down Freeney solo.
I got a round of applause on the Pats forum when I suggested he start over Matt Light.

Sebastien Vollmer - the rookie LT for the Pats
shut down Freeney…..he was insanely good

I was intrigued if in fact Vollmer was able to handle Freeney without help, i was surprised that NFL.com writers had not come with a "Sebastian Vollmer Shuts down Freeney" article as late as Tuesday. We all saw the game but camera angles changes and theyre not as good as a coach film of the game. So i thought he was getting help from the guard but i wasnt sure of how often.

Well how about 36 of 44 pass attempts, the playbook crew of nfl network were as intrigued as me, but they do have access to the birds eye angle film and they break it out on their show. For some reason this segment dont make the cut of the show upload to nfl.com and it is not available online so i recorded it from a stream and uploaded it myself.

Final conclusion: The credit to stopping Freeney from a sack or a tackle goes 20% Vallmer 80% Offensive Coaches plan. You need more than a 6' 8" overseas rookie to shutdown Freeney and even double teamed he was able to pressure brady.

Im buying a #93 jersey in this moment.