Dime Package: Patriots and Colts Renew NFL’s Best Rivalry

Bears-Packers? Please. Giants-Cowboys? Nice try. No, right now the best rivalry in football is the annual tilt between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots.

The NFL knows this which is why the league has, yet again, scheduled the AFC showdown for November sweeps. Time to look at the big questions concerning this year’s match up.

10. Before we begin, exactly why is this rivalry the best in football right now?

The strength of a rivalry depends on the strength of the teams involved. There are rivalries like the Bears-Packers and Cowboys-Giants that have historical significance, but the games aren’t always exciting because one or both teams involved either lack star power, have a boring style of play, or just plain stink.

This is the first reason the Colts and Patriots have such exciting matchups. Both teams have a style of play that fans enjoy. Both teams like to throw the ball around.

Another reason the games have appeal is because of who is actually throwing the ball around. Depending on who you ask, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are typically the best and second best quarterbacks in some order in the league.

Only Drew Brees has any merit to enter in a discussion of best quarterbacks right now. Manning and Brady have both rewritten the record books in recent years, and you wouldn’t dare turn the channel if either has the ball in the fourth quarter needing a touchdown to win.

The rivalry intensifies because of the protectiveness each fan base has toward their quarterback. Nothing can spark a more heated debate than asking the question, Manning or Brady?

9. So, Manning or Brady?

Manning, of course.

Seriously though, you could definitely argue it’s a matter of taste, but Manning has forever put the greatness stamp on his career with his play over the past two seasons.

Manning has seen his offense change significantly since the end of the 2007 season. Future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison is gone. Young players such as Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have been brought into the offense. So much as changed that the Colts were one of the powerhouses favored to fall from grace in 2009. Instead, Manning has never played better.

Manning has always been a fantastic quarterback. However, his early career resembled the career of Dan Fouts. Fouts was a solid quarterback that put up fantastic numbers. I’m a huge Fouts fan, but you can’t deny that Fouts never broke through from being a great quarterback to being one of the all-time elite. Manning seemed to be heading that way as well, but his game has changed in recent years.

Suddenly, Manning is the type of quarterback capable of winning any game. When the Colts looked dead in the water last year at 3-4, Manning put them on his back and led the team to nine straight victories.

This is no knock on Brady. He’s still in the discussion as one of the best quarterbacks of all-time. The major knee injury that knocked Brady out of 2008 also knocked down his status it seems, though I’ll always be convinced Brady is a top-tier quarterback.

8. There was a time when New England owned this series. But since 2005, the Colts have won four of five. What’s been the change?

I think the change comes from how Manning has evolved as a quarterback. The storyline of this game used to be how Belichick could get into Manning’s head.

Some of Manning’s worst performances came in games against the Patriots prior to the 2005 season. Since then, Manning has played solid football in every game, even the loss in 2007. When Manning took his game to another level, this no longer was a one-sided series. It became a true rivalry.

7. What are the keys to game for the Colts’ offense?

Believe it or not, the key to the game may be the health of Colts’ rookie Donald Brown. If Brown can play, the Colts can have a legitimate one-two punch with him and Joseph Addai. Some resemblance of a running game is needed to keep the Patriots’ defense honest.

If Brown is out again, expect Manning to approach the 50 pass attempts he had against the Texans. The Colts will use a lot of the same set they had last week that featured three wide receivers.

Then, Dallas Clark becomes a key to the contest. The Texans did a good job containing Garcon and Reggie Wayne, but couldn’t contain Clark in the middle. The relatively young Patriots secondary could have the same problem.

Most likely, the Colts will rely on the short passing game to be their running game and Manning should take several shots down field to keep the safeties at bay.

Finally, they need to finish drives. Field goals won’t cut it on Sunday night.

6. How can the Patriots’ defense counter the Colts’ offense?

The Patriots are not pressuring the quarterback very well this year, ranking just 26th in quarterback take-downs.

Manning has been sacked just seven times, but five have come in the last two games. If the Patriots can pressure Manning, it will keep Wayne and Garcon from putting pressure on the defensive backs through deep routes.

If the Patriots can’t get to Manning, expect them to be physical with the Colts receivers. A lot of the Colts’ routes rely on timing, so knocking the Colts’ receivers out of rhythm could disrupt the flow of the offense.

5. On offense, the Patriots seem to be hitting their stride. Who will be the big factors for the Patriots?

This will be the ultimate test for Brady and just exactly how close he is to being back to 2007 form. Brady’s 16 touchdowns are impressive, but nine came against the Titans and Bucs. Brady’s numbers were solid last week against the Dolphins, but a little skewed thanks to Moss’ break away touchdown that covered 71 yards.

Is Brady back, or is he still more like the quarterback we saw against the Broncos, a solid player but not the near immortal we’ve seen in the past?

If the Patriots win, it’ll be because Brady played a near-perfect game.

His main target is likely to be Wes Welker. Last week Dallas Clark had a career high 14 catches. I would not be surprised to see Welker end up with a similar catch total. The Colts will be happy to give up some underneath routes, a Welker staple. The difference will be containing Welker after the catch.

4. How can the Colts’ defense counter the Patriots’ offense?

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis need to make plans to meet at Tom Brady several times. Getting to Brady has never been more important.

Whether he shows it or not, Brady could get out of sorts if there’s a lot of bodies flying around him. Even if it doesn’t result in a sack, the Colts need to get some hits on Brady and let him know they’ll be around all day.

After that, the Colts need to be consistent tacklers. The Patriots will get guys open in the short passing game. The Colts have to limit the yardage gained on those plays, and just as importantly, get off the field when they can get the Patriots in 3rd-and-long.

3. How will special teams play a factor?

Neither team has a potent threat in the return game, and both have played very good kick coverage so far this year.

Both teams have good kicking games. Matt Stover has yet to miss in a Colts’ uniform, and Stephen Gostkowski is one of the league’s better young kickers.

The difference, then, falls to the punters. The early part of the game may be used to let each team get a feel for the other’s game plan. The punters will need to be on their game to give their opponents as long a drive as possible.

2. Could the Colts’ recent struggles be a good thing?

In a way, yes. It’s obvious the Colts will need to score touchdowns to win this game. Eighteen and 20 points will not get you a W against the Patriots. However, the Colts have had to win games in the fourth quarter through clutch drives and the defense has had to keep the games close until the offense got on track.

It’s hard to practice those types of situations in practice. The Patriots are a much better team than the 49ers or Texans, but this game is liable to be close just like the last two have been. The Colts have shown they can handle the pressure, and that may be a blessing should they need a stop or a score late in the fourth quarter.

1. Prediction?

I really tried to take my heart out of this one. Which team is better?

Both have defenses that can give up yardage, but seem to limit points. Both are led by great quarterbacks. Neither has a running game to speak of. The edge, as I see it, is the Colts ability to put pressure on the quarterback. In the end, that should be the difference.

Colts 27, Patriots 24.

Enjoy this one, it should be another epic.

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Dime Package: Colts Win, but Struggle Against Texans

There’s something somewhat comforting about reaching the midway point at 8-0. It means that even a 4-4 meltdown to end the season would mean the Colts would reach that historic 12-win mark. Still, there’s plenty of questions for a team that’s yet to taste defeat in 2009.

10. So much for the offensive fireworks, huh?

There should have been plenty of fireworks to start the game. The first four Colts offensive positions got inside the Texans’ 35 yard line. Four deep drives netted just 13 points. The Colts could have killed the Texans early. Instead, they let them hang around and a lot of blood pressure levels went up in Colts nation.

9. Why the offensive struggle?

There were some strange play calls. There was the doomed play action on fourth down on the opening drive, and the odd screen play where Austin Collie got a pass interference call, but the play didn’t result in a first down anyway. They moved the ball effectively, but as Coach Jim Caldwell put it after the game, they simply didn’t “finish” early.

8. And things went from bad to worse, right?

A lot of people will point to the surreal Ryan Moat’s fumble that tight-roped the sideline and rolled to the end zone line. It stopped what looked to be a sure Texans touchdown. Key play? Sure. Turning point? Hardly. The Colts offense hit rock bottom after this play. Peyton Manning’s interception after the fumble hit the Texans’ Bernard Pollard in stride. The first two possessions resulted in a quick punt and a horrible looking interception by Reggie Wayne on a failed reserve option. Needless to say, Wayne is no Joseph Addai.

7. So what finally won the game?

Three things. First, the defense, again, kept the Colts in it. You aren’t going to shut an offense as talented as the Texans’ down for the entire game. The Texans got some good drives in the second half, but the defense did a remarkable job holding them to two points.

The second is Manning. Somewhere inside of him there has to be another level that automatically turns on in a one possession game in the fourth quarter. Manning calmly led the drive midway through the fourth that resulted in the winning points. He got help from Addai, who gained 23 yards on his four carries in the drive, including breaking two tackles to score the game-winning touchdown.

The third was Defensive Coordinator Larry Coyer’s blitz call on the Texans’ next to last drive. Gary Brackett came in on a slightly delayed blitz. Unblocked, he hit Matt Schaub’s arm and Clint Session came up with the interception. The Texans were nearly in field goal range, and Kris Brown might have been successful on an attempt that wasn’t rushed.

6. Is that the end of the ultra hurry-up?

No, not necessarily. It did work. The Colts had their best package on the field (Clark, Wayne, Collie, Addai, Garcon) and the Texans couldn’t substitute or make a lot of adjustments. The Colts were simply moving too fast, and despite what you would think, they had good time of possession in this style of offense. Basically, the offense did what it had to do. It got into scoring position, but two field goals and one lone touchdown in four trips won’t cut it if you have dreams of playing in February.

5. Why is Manning passing the ball 50 times?

Without Donald Brown, the Colts really only have one legitimate running back in Addai. No offense to Chad Simpson, but he’s nothing more than a special teams player. Since Addai can’t handle 20 carries a game, the Colts need to use the short passing game as their running game. The Colts obviously have the weapons in the passing game to make this work.

4. But?

You still need a running game that can be consistent. I can’t share Bill Polian’s enthusiasm about Addai’s performance. Addai was great in the game winning drive, and on paper 63 yards on 14 carries is a strong average, but 38 yards came on his last six carries. Until the fourth quarter, Addai was ineffective at best. At least he saved his best for last. But this team needs the one-two punch of Addai and Brown to be consistent.

3. Much was said about the Colts’ defensive losses in the week leading up to the game. Any sign the replacements won’t be able to handle the pressure?

None whatsoever. I haven’t been this excited about a defense since the 1995 squad that made the miracle run to the AFC Championship game (which was as much about a solid defense as it was about Captain Comeback).

Sure, Andre Johnson, one of the league’s premier receivers, caught 10 passes, but barely averaged 10 yards per catch. All his routes were underneath routes and I’m sure the Colts were happy to give up those types of plays.

Even today I heard a comment about how Tom Brady has to be salivating at the thought of the Colts starting two rookie cornerbacks. That tells me that whoever makes that comment hasn’t watched Jacob Lacey or Jerraud Powers play. They are simply playing great defense. Rush ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have never played better in tandem than they are now. This is a very good defense that could be great come playoff time.

Now, just don’t get me started on Tim Jennings and the zip code he calls a cushion in pass coverage.

2. What did the win mean for the Colts?

It pretty much all but wraps up the division. The Colts take games one at a time, and rightfully so, but the Texans are four out with eight to go. The Colts aren’t liable to let such a division lead slip away.

Also, it’s a good start to the toughest four game stretch of the year. The Colts entertain New England next weekend then travel to Baltimore and Houston. Realistically, 3-1 would be fantastic in this stretch; 4-0 may be the springboard to something special.

1. Last question, what about the matchup with the Patriots?

That’s for another day. There’s a reason this game was saved for the sweeps month. Like so many other years, this one is liable to be a classic. We’ll dissect the game in a special Dime Package on Thursday.

 

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Want to Play Defense for the Colts? Applications Now Being Accepted

It’s been somewhat of a tough week for the Indianapolis Colts’ defense. I’m almost positive that there were less casualties in the first 15 minutes of Saving Private Ryan than what the Colts have had in the past week.

Before we discuss it, here’s a run down of this week’s injury list.

Tyjuan Hagler, out for the year.

Kelvin Hayden, out at least a month.

Marlin Jackson, out for the year.

Bob Sanders, out for the year.

Feeling left out, the offense lost Anthony Gonzalez for another two to three weeks because of his knee injury.

The Colts have always relied on their “next man up” philosophy, but no one has mentioned what happens when they get to the end of the line.

Anyone out there with some defensive experience? How long before we start looking at the UFL for defensive backs?

Glancing around Colts’ fan sites, I was expecting to see a lot of doom and gloom posts. Instead, I see a remarkably calm fan base that has bought into the next man up mantra.

And really, when you stop and think about it, this team is built to withstand injuries. Every NFL team must endure through a time during the season where the training facility resembles a M.A.S.H. unit.

The Colts seem to be one of the NFL’s best at persevering through those times.

I discussed Hagler’s injury in my previous column. I believe Hagler can be easily replaced with Philip Wheeler. In fact, the defense played better once Wheeler came into the 49er game (though defensive adjustments had a lot to do with that, though).

Wheeler is raw, but very talented. With Gary Brackett’s leadership, Wheeler should become a solid player in the defense.

Behind him is Freddie Keiaho. Keiaho was actually the Colts’ leading tackler last year. Though he’s been demoted, he still has enough talent to provide quality minutes when he plays.

The linebacking corp may not be spectacular, but they are solid and their play has been much improved this year.

Where the injuries have really hit has been the defensive secondary.

Sanders, who has played in half of his regular season games, has been lost for the rest of the season due to an elbow injury.

Though he has a reputation of being one of the league’s toughest defenders, Sanders possesses a body seemingly made out of Papier Mache. His body can’t handle his intense style of play, so the Colts will lose his talent for a majority of the season once again.

Hayden, who has already missed several games himself this year, is struggling with a knee injury that is likely to sideline him at least another four weeks.

Last year, the Colts lost Jackson to a right-knee injury sustained during practice. This year, Jackson repeated history, albeit injuring his left knee this time around. At least there’s not a third knee to injure next year.

Personally, it’s a hard loss. Many fans, like myself, have a deep appreciate of Sanders, Hayden, and Jackson considering each played considerable roles in the run to the Super Bowl in 2006.

For me, Hayden’s Super Bowl interception return will forever be one of my favorite all-time Colts’ plays.

But, as difficult as it is to fathom the loss of three defensive backs in one week, I have to ask this question.

Name a significant play either of them has made this year.

You can’t, because they haven’t made any. Losing them all at once isn’t the sudden tragedy it would seem to be. Sanders only recently came back before being lost again. Hayden and Jackson have been off the field more than they’ve been on it this year.

The fact is, The Colts pass defense is one of the best in the league not because of those three men, but because of the play of unsung heroes like Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt and the outstanding finds in rookies Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey.

Bethea, especially, has emerged as a true defensive leader this year. Unlike Sanders, who leads a lot through his bravo, Bethea has been leading by pure example.

While there are several safeties in the league who grab headlines with bone-jarring hits, it’s difficult to name more than one or two that are playing better than Bethea.

Sanders to Bullitt? The media may play that as a huge loss, but if they do, then they obviously haven’t watched Bullitt play. He’ll make plays anywhere, line of scrimmage, deep pass routes, and he’s quietly consistent.

Even more amazing is the fact that the Colts have allowed only three passing touchdowns this year while often having two rookie corners in the game.

Lacey and Powers have been nothing short of outstanding in their ability to make plays in the passing game. Both have the ability to break up passes and neither seems to be rattled when asked to lineup against the likes of Larry Fitzgerald.

2009 has already been a season of surprises. Backups and rookies have been playing with the maturity and poise of 10-year vets. This is all led by a first-time NFL coach who had a losing record at Wake Forest.

Either the stars are aligned, or Bill Polian is some sort of demi-god.

Maybe the Colts don’t need those applications after all. No one wants to see their favorite team’s injury report be filled with more names than Heidi Fleiss’ client list, but if there’s ever a team that can actually survive, it just may be this year’s Colts team.

 

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Dime Package: Colts Keep Perfect Start Going

After a tough win over a better-than-their-record 49ers team and with the improving Texans looming, there’s a lot of Colts football to discuss.

10. A Wednesday recap? Seems the Colts aren’t the only ones struggling.

The flu season has officially hit our household. For only the third time in Manning’s career, I missed a home game. I’m blaming my strep on a curse placed upon me by angry Favre fans. Hey, I love the guy! Maybe that will buy me a few healthy weeks.

9. Why did the Colts struggle to an 18-14 win over San Francisco?

It came down to a lackluster offensive performance, especially in two areas.

A lot has been said about how a 3-4 defense gives Peyton Manning fits. While Manning went without a passing touchdown, it’s hard to say he struggled when he put up 347 yards.

No, the 3-4 really poses problems for the offensive line. The Colts really struggle in setting up their pass protection in a 3-4. Part of that, though, is an excellent game plan by 49er coach Mike Singletary. Often, the 49ers were standing up as Manning was making his last-minute adjustments. It was hard to tell where the pressure was coming from. The result was three sacks. That represented 60 percent of the sacks against Manning all season.

This other issue was the game plan of the Colts’ offense. In the first half, the Colts seemed content to run stretch plays and throw the ball deep. Very few intermediate routes were run. Without Donald Brown, it became pretty predictable that the Colts would only run outside with Joseph Addai. This time, the result was a bland offense that generated only six points.

8. So what led to the offensive turnaround?

First, Josh Morgan gifted the Colts the field goal at the end of the half. Morgan should be reprimanded severely by Singletary for his silly unsportsmanlike foul. It gave the Colts a short field and a chance to score. It gave an offense that had struggled for 29 minutes a needed shot of confidence.

In the second half, the Colts made some adjustments. They let the short passing game become the running game and started finding players in the zone between the linebackers and defensive backs. The Colts moved the ball better, even if it only resulted in 12 points.

7. It’s hard to win an NFL game by scoring just 18 points, isn’t it?

Very, which is why most of the credit for the win should go to the defense. They really only had two moments of suspect play.

The first was on Frank Gore’s 64-yard touchdown run. On the play, safety Antoine Bethea got caught up in traffic and was a little out of position. Without a secondary to slow him down, Gore broke it for a long gain.

The second was on the 49ers’ touchdown with less than a minute left in the half. The Colts couldn’t get a rush and the defensive backs were playing softer than normal. Alex Smith looked sharp, but that’s easier to do when you have time and your receivers are free to release.

However, by the second half the Colts put the clamps down on San Francisco. Gore managed just 27 yards on his other 12 carries, phenomenal for a back of his quality. Smith ended the game with very pedestrian numbers, 19-for-32 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. The Colts registered four sacks, with the defensive end tandem of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis both recording one each in the second half.

Defenses win championships. Maybe even in Indianapolis.

6. Final thoughts on the game?

For the 49ers, I hope they give Singletary time. He was one of the most respected linebackers in his playing days and it’s obvious he’s got the team believing they can win any game. They have now taken both Indianapolis and Minnesota to the wire. They need more offensive talent, but this team can win by next year.

As for the Colts, they need to play in these types of games sometimes. We’ve seen it before when teams win a lot of easy games. Some complacency can set in and some teams can panic under fire. I know this team has a reputation of not panicking, but it’s nice to see it demonstrated nonetheless.

5. A couple of Colts related news items during the week so far. The first, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler is out for the year. Big impact?

I feel bad for Hagler. He had been playing the best football of his young career.

From the Colts’ standpoint, it’s a loss they can handle. Philip Wheeler will step up. Wheeler played well in the 49er game, registering a sack. He’s fast and can make plays. He’s very similar in style to Clint Session, who has been playing very well. I’d like to see a little more discipline in Wheeler on his pursuit angles, but otherwise he’s the next man up.

4. Edgerrin James was released by the Seahawks. With Brown being hurt, any chance in the Colts signing him?

There’s a better chance of me being invited to a Viking tailgate party.

Seriously, the only way the Colts sign the Edge is to one of those ceremonial one-day contracts when James decides to hang it up.

That said, I don’t think James is ready to. Nor should he. Maybe it was the emotion of the moment, but in spot duty, I thought James looked to have some gas left in the game against the Colts.

Remember, Seattle’s line is in shambles right now. Adrian Peterson would struggle with that line. A playoff team in need of quality back to carry the ball 10-15 times would do a lot worse than James.

And as much as I’d hate to admit it, he’d be a good fit for Pittsburgh right now.

3. On to the Texans, who are suddenly 5-3 and looking good. Are they contenders in the AFC South?

Possibly. I can’t see the Colts dropping four or more games and the Texans winning out.

In the next four weeks, the Texans and Colts match up twice. I believe the first game, this Sunday in Indianapolis, is for the division. The second, on Nov. 29 in Reliant Stadium, will be for the Texans’ playoff chances.

If the Colts win this Sunday, it puts them four games up in the division with the initial tie-breaker against Houston. The division may be essentially over by Sunday night.

If the Colts also win the Nov. 29 game, the Texans suddenly have five losses in a very competitive AFC.

If the Titans can split, then their schedule is suddenly very favorable. They could conceivably be 10-4 going into their last two games (at Miami, home against New England).

2. How do the Colts matchup with the Texans?

Very well. I’ve jokingly referred to the Texans before as Indy Lite. They rely on a talented passing game and their running game is built to be efficient, not dominating. Defensively, they are anchored by a pass rushing defensive end and focus on team speed to make plays.

Sounds a little like Indianapolis, doesn’t it?

Offensively, the Colts are better in nearly every area. Manning is more consistent than Matt Schaub. Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson are premier receivers flanked by underrated contributors, the Texan’s Kevin Walter and the Colts’ Austin Collie.

The key to both passing attacks, though, is tight end. Both Dallas Clark and Owen Daniels are quality tight ends capable of making plays and opening up space for the wide receivers.

Because of that, the season-ending injury to Daniels could be the deciding factor of the game. Daniels is second on the team in receptions and leads the team in touchdowns. His productivity will be missed. Walter and Johnson will have to step up for Schaub to continue is record-setting yardage pace.

Steve Slaton, who torched the Colts last year, seems to be in coach Gary Kubiak’s doghouse, which is probably good news for Indianapolis.

Defensively, I do like the Texans’ linebacking corps. DeMeco Ryans is one of the league’s best MLBs and Brian Cushing is one of the leading candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Still, they don’t generate a lot of pass rush, they have 11 sacks on the year (Freeney and Mathis have a combined 14). They allow 4.7 yards per rush. Despite their talent, this is a defense that can  give up some yardage.

1. Your Prediction?

The 18-14 score of last week may be passed by halftime. Expect an aerial show by Manning and Schaub, with the quality of Manning come through in the end.

Colts 35, Texans 27.

 

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Dime Package: Questions and Answers After Indianapolis Colts Win Over Rams

The bye week is behind us and the Colts picked up where they left off, playing well in 42-6 blowout over the St. Louis Rams. Time for another edition of the Dime Package, 10 questions following the Colts’ win.

 

10. 42-6 win. Score surprise you?

Maybe the final margin. I know some hate it when you say that a team can win if they just show up, but that was the case in this one. If the Colts just showed up and played an average game by their standards, they would win it going away. The Colts played a better than average game, and the Rams, well, the Rams are just a bad football club. Still, with Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson, I was surprised they were kept out of the endzone the entire game.

9. How impressive was the Colts defense?

Fantasy Football Update: About two days before the game, I asked a buddy if he’d swap the Colts defense he had for my Seahawks defense. Luckily, this guy just looks at stats (the Seahawks have had two shutouts, so their stats were inflated) and not at matchups. I got the Colts and decided I’d start them this week.

I figured they’d do OK against the Rams. They didn’t. Instead, they were fantastic.

The defense totaled three sacks and two interceptions. One interception was returned for a touchdown. They held Bulger to 140 yards passing.

Sure, Jackson got 134 yards rushing, but never did his break away ability come into play. For the most part, they held Jackson in check. He never took over the game, which is key if you are going to beat the Rams.

8. How did Bob Sanders look in return?

He was, understandably, a little rusty. The Rams played up his aggressiveness to play the run on a flea flicker that resulted in a 50-yard gain.

Sanders was rotated out at times as it was obvious the Colts wanted to minimize the number of plays he had. He ended up with just one tackle, but that tackle was classic Sanders. On a Jackson inside run, Sanders came up in support and stuffed the much bigger Jackson.

It was nice to see that type of play again.

7. Defensive play of the game?

Easily Jacob Lacey’s interception return for a touchdown. Lacey made a great read on a quick pass by Bulger. He broke in front of the receiver and raced 35 yards for the score.

The unsportsmanlike call against him for his slide and “safe” wave afterward was a little cheap though. 

It was a great play by the undrafted rookie who continues to shine every chance he’s given.

6. How did they look on offense?

For a bit, I had nightmares of 2007 dancing in my head. It was a year notorious for injuries to offensive play makers. At one point both Reggie Wayne and Donald Brown had left due to injuries, though at least neither seem severe.

Peyton Manning just kept rolling with whoever he had.

Manning may have had his “worst” game yardage wise. It was the first game this year that he failed to crack the 300-yard mark. But Manning was still magnificent, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers and earning a passer rating well in the hundreds.

Without Brown, Joseph Addai was forced to carry the load in rushing the ball. He only had 64 yards on 20 carries, but he was effective when he needed to be, even picking up some key first downs on short yardage when the Rams had stacked the line.

5. Why is Manning off to such a great start?

I think it boils down to one thing, addition by subtraction.

In Marvin Harrison’s declining years, it seemed Manning would keep throwing to Harrison because he was part of the offense. I don’t think Manning was trying to keep Harrison happy. More so, Harrison was a target because defenses didn’t fear him anymore.

With Harrison gone, the defense now has to adjust to multiple play makers. Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Brown, and Addai are all capable of scoring on long plays. In fact, Addai is the only one who doesn’t have a reception of over 35 yards. This offense has big play capability and Manning is free to pick out any weapon he chooses.

He’s simply better now that he has a relatively no name bunch of receivers. It’s made Wayne and Clark better offensive leaders, and it’s brought the young guys along fairly quickly.

Manning must be salivating at the prospect of getting another weapon when Anthony Gonzalez comes back.

4. Offensive play in the game?

With less than four minutes before halftime, the Colts faced a 3rd-and-1 play on the Rams’ 19. The Colts’ offense had stalled recently. Its previous two possessions results in punts. Addai took the third down hand-off and got the first down. Three plays later, Addai scored to push the lead to 21-3.

It’s a small play, but a key play. Had the Colts settled for a field goal, the Rams could have taken some momentum to halftime. Instead, they went to the locker room down 18.

3. Let’s talk MVPs. Who was the Defensive MVP?

Daniel Muir. There was a lot of worrying around Colts’ nation, myself included, about the defensive line play after the release of Ed Johnson. Muir stepped into the starting lineup and played very well. He recorded seven tackles and got half a sack. Muir looked strong on the line, and it was the middle of the line that Jackson had the most trouble picking up yards.

2. Offensive MVP?

Again, let’s go to the line for this one. I’ll give the O-MVP to the entire offensive line. Manning was left clean today. He was rarely pressured and never sacked. Also, the line provided some solid holes that let Addai pick up good yardage between the tackles. Solid game for the offensive line.

1. What’s coming up for the Colts?

The Colts hit the ground running and came out of the bye looking just as good as they did before it. The Colts now return home to play the 49ers, a team that will be desperate for a win having dropped two games in a row after a 3-1 start.

It will be another week and another test for the Colts run defense now that the 49ers have talented Frank Gore back. These 2009 Colts look to be up to the challenge.

 

 

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Dime Package: Questions and Answers After Indianapolis Colts Win Over Rams

The bye week is behind us and the Colts picked up where they left off, playing well in 42-6 blowout over the St. Louis Rams. Time for another edition of the Dime Package, 10 questions following the Colts’ win.

 

10. 42-6 win. Score surprise you?

Maybe the final margin. I know some hate it when you say that a team can win if they just show up, but that was the case in this one. If the Colts just showed up and played an average game by their standards, they would win it going away. The Colts played a better than average game, and the Rams, well, the Rams are just a bad football club. Still, with Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson, I was surprised they were kept out of the endzone the entire game.

9. How impressive was the Colts defense?

Fantasy Football Update: About two days before the game, I asked a buddy if he’d swap the Colts defense he had for my Seahawks defense. Luckily, this guy just looks at stats (the Seahawks have had two shutouts, so their stats were inflated) and not at matchups. I got the Colts and decided I’d start them this week.

I figured they’d do OK against the Rams. They didn’t. Instead, they were fantastic.

The defense totaled three sacks and two interceptions. One interception was returned for a touchdown. They held Bulger to 140 yards passing.

Sure, Jackson got 134 yards rushing, but never did his break away ability come into play. For the most part, they held Jackson in check. He never took over the game, which is key if you are going to beat the Rams.

8. How did Bob Sanders look in return?

He was, understandably, a little rusty. The Rams played up his aggressiveness to play the run on a flea flicker that resulted in a 50-yard gain.

Sanders was rotated out at times as it was obvious the Colts wanted to minimize the number of plays he had. He ended up with just one tackle, but that tackle was classic Sanders. On a Jackson inside run, Sanders came up in support and stuffed the much bigger Jackson.

It was nice to see that type of play again.

7. Defensive play of the game?

Easily Jacob Lacey’s interception return for a touchdown. Lacey made a great read on a quick pass by Bulger. He broke in front of the receiver and raced 35 yards for the score.

The unsportsmanlike call against him for his slide and “safe” wave afterward was a little cheap though. 

It was a great play by the undrafted rookie who continues to shine every chance he’s given.

6. How did they look on offense?

For a bit, I had nightmares of 2007 dancing in my head. It was a year notorious for injuries to offensive play makers. At one point both Reggie Wayne and Donald Brown had left due to injuries, though at least neither seem severe.

Peyton Manning just kept rolling with whoever he had.

Manning may have had his “worst” game yardage wise. It was the first game this year that he failed to crack the 300-yard mark. But Manning was still magnificent, spreading the ball around to eight different receivers and earning a passer rating well in the hundreds.

Without Brown, Joseph Addai was forced to carry the load in rushing the ball. He only had 64 yards on 20 carries, but he was effective when he needed to be, even picking up some key first downs on short yardage when the Rams had stacked the line.

5. Why is Manning off to such a great start?

I think it boils down to one thing, addition by subtraction.

In Marvin Harrison’s declining years, it seemed Manning would keep throwing to Harrison because he was part of the offense. I don’t think Manning was trying to keep Harrison happy. More so, Harrison was a target because defenses didn’t fear him anymore.

With Harrison gone, the defense now has to adjust to multiple play makers. Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Brown, and Addai are all capable of scoring on long plays. In fact, Addai is the only one who doesn’t have a reception of over 35 yards. This offense has big play capability and Manning is free to pick out any weapon he chooses.

He’s simply better now that he has a relatively no name bunch of receivers. It’s made Wayne and Clark better offensive leaders, and it’s brought the young guys along fairly quickly.

Manning must be salivating at the prospect of getting another weapon when Anthony Gonzalez comes back.

4. Offensive play in the game?

With less than four minutes before halftime, the Colts faced a 3rd-and-1 play on the Rams’ 19. The Colts’ offense had stalled recently. Its previous two possessions results in punts. Addai took the third down hand-off and got the first down. Three plays later, Addai scored to push the lead to 21-3.

It’s a small play, but a key play. Had the Colts settled for a field goal, the Rams could have taken some momentum to halftime. Instead, they went to the locker room down 18.

3. Let’s talk MVPs. Who was the Defensive MVP?

Daniel Muir. There was a lot of worrying around Colts’ nation, myself included, about the defensive line play after the release of Ed Johnson. Muir stepped into the starting lineup and played very well. He recorded seven tackles and got half a sack. Muir looked strong on the line, and it was the middle of the line that Jackson had the most trouble picking up yards.

2. Offensive MVP?

Again, let’s go to the line for this one. I’ll give the O-MVP to the entire offensive line. Manning was left clean today. He was rarely pressured and never sacked. Also, the line provided some solid holes that let Addai pick up good yardage between the tackles. Solid game for the offensive line.

1. What’s coming up for the Colts?

The Colts hit the ground running and came out of the bye looking just as good as they did before it. The Colts now return home to play the 49ers, a team that will be desperate for a win having dropped two games in a row after a 3-1 start.

It will be another week and another test for the Colts run defense now that the 49ers have talented Frank Gore back. These 2009 Colts look to be up to the challenge.

 

 

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Brett Favre Shows His True Self to Vikings in Loss

At one point, it was really hard to hate Brett Favre. Unless you were a fan of his current opponent, there was something to love about Favre’s game. He’s been labeled a gunslinger, and it was that mentality that made many admire Favre.

Sure, he was turnover prone, but more so than not Favre has a tendency to will his team to victories. Even in defeat, you always felt Favre gave it his all.

Not anymore.

Favre’s reputation has taken quite a hit in the past two years.

First, there was the ugly divorce with Green Bay. The constant waffling on his retirement. His initial success, followed by collapse with the New York Jets. Another ugly divorce. More waffling. Final goodbye. And then he signed with the Vikings.

After a 6-0 start, all seemed forgiven. In fact, I can even probably get over Favre’s actions over the past two years. It’s not like the sporting world isn’t rife with egomaniacs.

But Favre’s actions in the loss to the Steelers, the Viking’s first of the year, are indefensible.

He’s in it just for himself.

It took all of two plays to show Favre’s true colors. Both resulted in Pittsburgh touchdowns.

In the first play, Favre was stripped of the ball. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley scooped up the ball. Yes, he had several blockers with him. But Favre made a feeble effort to get to him. When he failed, he jogged away from the play and stopped.

He stopped!

It’s one thing to be egotistical and constantly draw attention to yourself with the media. But it’s a completely different story to simply give up on a play.

Watch the replay. Several Vikings had caught up to the play by the time Woodley scored. Favre would not have made the tackle, but he could have slowed up Woodley enough to allow someone to catch up. Instead, he just jogged himself out of the play.

Favre does this again at the end of the game. When a screen pass intended for Chester Taylor ends up in Pittsburgh’s Keyaron Fox’s hands, Favre again gives up on the play.

Sure, he runs with them for awhile. Again, instead of trying to slow up the play, Favre slides. His slide had no hope of getting to Fox, but looked as if it were intended for one of Fox’s blockers.

I understand that Favre could risk injury by attempting to make a tackle. But for someone that has alienated two franchises in 24 months, you think he would do a little more to help his current franchise.

Instead, Favre showed the Vikings and his fans that he has no desire to sell himself out to save a play.

You’d think he’d be used to selling himself out by now.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Brett Favre Shows His True Self to Vikings in Loss

At one point, it was really hard to hate Brett Favre. Unless you were a fan of his current opponent, there was something to love about Favre’s game. He’s been labeled a gunslinger, and it was that mentality that made many admire Favre.

Sure, he was turnover prone, but more so than not Favre has a tendency to will his team to victories. Even in defeat, you always felt Favre gave it his all.

Not anymore.

Favre’s reputation has taken quite a hit in the past two years.

First, there was the ugly divorce with Green Bay. The constant waffling on his retirement. His initial success, followed by collapse with the New York Jets. Another ugly divorce. More waffling. Final goodbye. And then he signed with the Vikings.

After a 6-0 start, all seemed forgiven. In fact, I can even probably get over Favre’s actions over the past two years. It’s not like the sporting world isn’t rife with egomaniacs.

But Favre’s actions in the loss to the Steelers, the Viking’s first of the year, are indefensible.

He’s in it just for himself.

It took all of two plays to show Favre’s true colors. Both resulted in Pittsburgh touchdowns.

In the first play, Favre was stripped of the ball. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley scooped up the ball. Yes, he had several blockers with him. But Favre made a feeble effort to get to him. When he failed, he jogged away from the play and stopped.

He stopped!

It’s one thing to be egotistical and constantly draw attention to yourself with the media. But it’s a completely different story to simply give up on a play.

Watch the replay. Several Vikings had caught up to the play by the time Woodley scored. Favre would not have made the tackle, but he could have slowed up Woodley enough to allow someone to catch up. Instead, he just jogged himself out of the play.

Favre does this again at the end of the game. When a screen pass intended for Adrian Peterson ends up in Pittsburgh’s Keyaron Fox’s hands, Favre again gives up on the play.

Sure, he runs with them for awhile. Again, instead of trying to slow up the play, Favre slides. His slide had no hope of getting to Fox, but looked as if it were intended for one of Fox’s blockers.

I understand that Favre could risk injury by attempting to make a tackle. But for someone that has alienated two franchises in 24 months, you think he would do a little more to help his current franchise.

Instead, Favre showed the Vikings and his fans that he has no desire to sell himself out to save a play.

You’d think he’d be used to selling himself out by now.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Brett Favre Shows His True Self to Vikings in Loss

At one point, it was really hard to hate Brett Favre. Unless you were a fan of his current opponent, there was something to love about Favre’s game. He’s been labeled a gunslinger, and it was that mentality that made many admire Favre.

Sure, he was turnover prone, but more so than not Favre has a tendency to will his team to victories. Even in defeat, you always felt Favre gave it his all.

Not anymore.

Favre’s reputation has taken quite a hit in the past two years.

First, there was the ugly divorce with Green Bay. The constant waffling on his retirement. His initial success, followed by collapse with the New York Jets. Another ugly divorce. More waffling. Final goodbye. And then he signed with the Vikings.

After a 6-0 start, all seemed forgiven. In fact, I can even probably get over Favre’s actions over the past two years. It’s not like the sporting world isn’t rife with egomaniacs.

But Favre’s actions in the loss to the Steelers, the Viking’s first of the year, are indefensible.

He’s in it just for himself.

It took all of two plays to show Favre’s true colors. Both resulted in Pittsburgh touchdowns.

In the first play, Favre was stripped of the ball. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley scooped up the ball. Yes, he had several blockers with him. But Favre made a feeble effort to get to him. When he failed, he jogged away from the play and stopped.

He stopped!

It’s one thing to be egotistical and constantly draw attention to yourself with the media. But it’s a completely different story to simply give up on a play.

Watch the replay. Several Vikings had caught up to the play by the time Woodley scored. Favre would not have made the tackle, but he could have slowed up Woodley enough to allow someone to catch up. Instead, he just jogged himself out of the play.

Favre does this again at the end of the game. When a screen pass intended for Adrian Peterson ends up in Pittsburgh’s Keyaron Fox’s hands, Favre again gives up on the play.

Sure, he runs with them for awhile. Again, instead of trying to slow up the play, Favre slides. His slide had no hope of getting to Fox, but looked as if it were intended for one of Fox’s blockers.

I understand that Favre could risk injury by attempting to make a tackle. But for someone that has alienated two franchises in 24 months, you think he would do a little more to help his current franchise.

Instead, Favre showed the Vikings and his fans that he has no desire to sell himself out to save a play.

You’d think he’d be used to selling himself out by now.

 

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

How Bob Sanders’ Return Will Help the Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have just announced that Bob Sanders will play on Sunday versus the St. Louis Rams. Colts’ Coach Jim Caldwell has even stated there’s a possibility that Sanders could start.

So, what does this mean for the Colts? Plenty.

What’s the biggest impact of Sanders’ return?

His mere presence adds a lot to an already solid defense. Sanders is a vocal player, and it’s obvious the defense is energized when he’s on the field.

The benefit of his absence is that the defense was forced to establish its identity without him. Outside of the Miami game, the defense has been solid. Defensive Coordinator Larry Coyer has obviously focused on fundamentals as the Colts are tackling better than they have in recent history.

Now that Sanders is back, the Colts defense gains a game changing performer. Sanders’ style of play is similar to that of Pittsburgh’s Troy Polamalu. Sanders is a gifted pass defender, and despite his small size, he is tremendous in run support.

Without Sanders, the Colts have the seventh ranked defense in yards allowed and rank an impressive second in points allowed. Adding the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year to this squad has to have Coyer excited.

How should Coyer use Sanders?

Expect Sanders to be involved in all aspects of Coyer’s aggressive defense. I remember a game during the 2007 season against the Titans when Sanders was asked to blitz Vince Young at times. Sanders recorded 2.5 sacks in that game. It was one of the few times Tony Dungy used someone other than the lineman to put pressure on the quarterback.

Imagine Sanders in Coyer’s blitzing defense.

Sanders can be used to put pressure on the quarterback. He’s got natural pass rushing ability and offenses will have to account for him. He could also be used as a blitzing decoy.

By lining him up on one side, and blitzing a linebacker from the other, offenses will have a tough time setting the correct pass blocking schemes. Sanders’ presence will add to the chess match that the Colts’ defense plays against their opponent.

How can the Colts keep Sanders healthy?

I’ve mentioned this is some discussions with other Colts’ fans, but the best way to preserve Sanders for the regular season and beyond is to take a page from the Atlanta Falcons.

In 2008, the Falcons came up with a plan to keep their defensive end John Abraham fresh and healthy. Atlanta rotated Abraham in and out of the lineup. When Abraham played, he was fresh and stayed healthy. The result was a season with 16.5 sacks.

The luxury the Colts have is that Sanders’ reserve, Melvin Bullitt, is a very good player. Bullitt is able to provide run support and is a solid pass defender. By limiting the number of plays Sanders is on the field, the Colts may be able to preserve him for when they need him the most, January and, hopefully, into February.

Also, it may not be a bad idea at times to plays Sanders and Bullitt together with fellow safety Antoine Bethea. Last year, the Colts were prone to give up big plays against draw plays on second and third and long. With three run stuffing quality players on the field, the Colts could prevent such plays from happening.

In the end, I will admit I was someone who thought Sanders was commodity we could no longer afford to keep, not just because of his proneness to injury, but because we knew we had a capable replacement in Bullitt.

However, now that he’s back, I am excited about what he adds to a talented unit. If the defense can take another step with Sanders, then 2009 may turn out to be a very special season.

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