Know Thy Enemy 2009: Indianapolis Colts - Sunday November 1
by Fooch on Jul 16, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
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And so a tough midseason run of the schedule continues with the Indianapolis Colts. If you look at the AFC South, where do you think it ranks top to bottom compared to every other division? If Jacksonville can bounce back this year, it's definitely in the running for one of the better divisions. Hard to match what the NFC South and East did this past year.
Anyways, on to the Colts. The Indianapolis Colts are represented at SB Nation by BigBlueShoe over at Stampede Blue.
Overview
While many consider the New England Patriots the gold standard of the NFL at this point, the Colts managed quite an impressive run under Tony Dungy. Under Dungy, the Colts were 85-27 with no fewer than 10 wins in any season and a Super Bowl title in 2006. The 2008 season saw the Colts offense continue to fire away, finishing 6th in the NFL. It's certainly interesting to note that they were 2nd in passing and 27th in rushing. The struggles of Joseph Addai hurt the running game, but the passing game kept on ticking. On defense, the team finished 10th overall, a bit of a fall from their #2 ranking in 2007.
The Colts looked quite impressive for the second half of last season winning their last nine regular season games including wins over New England, Pittsburgh and Tennessee. They then managed to stumble big time with a first round playoff loss to the 8-8 Chargers. If I was a member of the Colts I'd definitely enter 2009 with a sense of purpose.
Additions
As the stats above point out (and traditional counting stats show the same), the Colts rushing attack was pretty putrid in 2008. So, the Colts went out and drafted running back Donald Brown in the first round of the draft. Teaming Brown with Joseph Addai could make for one heck of a running back duo. I'm not a Colts fan, but I think that duo could be really fun to watch. Colts fans are also pumped about the additions of Fili Moala and Terrance Taylor as part of the defensive front 4. It looks like Moala will move into the starting lineup and Taylor will at least get some decent playing time. Free agency was actually quite quiet for the Colts, which isn't shocking since they are definitely in solid.
Subtractions
In terms of players, the Colts had a few notable losses, although none is particularly awful. Keiwan Ratliff had settled in as the Colts nickelback and Dominic Rhodes contributed, but in the end was particularly special like his first stint with the Colts. And of course they cut loose Marvin Harrison. Makes for good ink but Father Time has been approaching Harrison for some time (even with some ok 2008 numbers).
As for the big addition/subtraction for the Colts....
2009 Questions & Answers
From a national perspective, I'd imagine the change in head coach is the big news item. Exit Tony Dungy to save Michael Vick; enter Jim Caldwell, entering his eighth season in the Colts organization. Caldwell started as the quarterbacks coach and eventually was promoted to assistant head coach in 2005. Stampede Blue had two particularly interesting columns (one and two). There is plenty of debate about the values of an NFL head coach, so it will be interesting to see what kind of effect this change has on the 2009 Indianapolis Colts.
Among the actual players, it will be interesting to see if the addition of Donald Brown does in fact bring the rushing attack back to respectability. The Colts averaged 79.6 yards per game last season, good (or bad) for 31st in the NFL. Although the rankings will obviously be different in 2009, if they could move into the middle of the pack in rushing, that would constitute a tremendous improvement for an already potent offense.
Finally, on the defensive side of the ball, the team took a bit of a step back, although it wasn't exactly a monster step. However, the addition of two 300+ lb defensive tackles could certainly help boost that rushing defense. Something like that could mean big things for the defense.
vs. San Francisco
In what should come as no surprise, neither ProfessorBigelow nor I predicted a 49ers win over the Colts in our early schedule discussion. While the 49ers offense might be able to score on their defense, one has to wonder if it would be sufficient to keep up with the offensive attack Indy will be bringing to the table. While I don't foresee a 49ers win, I'd like to open this up more to what would need to happen for the 49ers to spring what would be a monster upset? And hell freezing over does not count as an answer.
Looking at the Colts, a potential rushing resurgence, combined with the existing passing attack spells trouble. Even if Manny Lawson has shown pass rushing prowess, I'd imagine he'll spend this game draped over Dallas Clark. Nate Clements will get one of the biggest tests of the season in Reggie Wayne. And there's always Anthony Gonzalez to cause some trouble. If the team can generate a serious pass rush and disrupt Peyton Manning, would that be enough? The 49ers rushing defense would have to really step up and take Addai/Brown out of the equation. In the end, we might just have to settle for a moral victory.
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Peyton Manning
Manning will be 33 1/2 by the time they play this game. That puts any NFL on the decline. The only chance we have at winning is if Manning is not under center by this point in the season.
by 49ers Rule on Jul 16, 2009 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah....No.
It will take a catastrophic injury to keep Manning from starting, Niners have a better chance to pick him off 5 times than not to see him under center on the first offensive snap. This will be a nice test for SF if they have a winning record when they faces Indy just to see if they will be a contender or pretender.
Mo'ped Money, Mo'ped Problems
by Scooter Ellis on Jul 16, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Colts are in the AFC South
not the NFC South.
Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.
Man, I need a life...
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: Snails can sleep for three years at a time.
by Cassieper on Jul 16, 2009 10:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No chance
The Defense would have to play like Pittsburgh’s in order for us to have a chance.
And we all know that’s not going to happen.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jul 16, 2009 11:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
9ers must get Fhysical to beat the Colts.
I’m going to assume the 9ers can neutralize Addai and Brown with their good run defense, but how do you stop Manning? By preventing the receivers from running their routes, and this starts at the LOS with Nate and Brown/Bly. Make R. Wayne spend a lot of time worrying about how hard Clements is going to hit him. Take a roughing penalty or two. Put together a zone blitz package that exploits any weaknesses in the OL – this is just the kind of game they are designed for. If the defense can keep the Colts under 28 points, we have a chance, and Special Teams may make the difference under those conditions.
by MontanaPass on Jul 16, 2009 11:44 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
I agree with this post. I also think that if Tarell Brown can be as physical of a player as he was in college he will have the Colts WRs running scared. As my name implies, I am more than confident in the Niners Physicality this season. Really truly I think that for once the Niners will have a shot at beating any team in the NFL this year. Not a great one necessarily, but a 50-50 one.
by Riding The F Train on Jul 16, 2009 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that strategy is a lot harder now that the illegal contact rules are actually enforced
but it worked great for the Pats before the competition committee reminded the refs of that rule.
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 17, 2009 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"If the defense can keep the Colts under 28 points, we have a chance"
You’re saying that like the 49ers have the offensive firepower to stay in a shootout with the friggin’ Colts.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 16, 2009 12:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He's saying
that the Niners have enough offense to put up more around 28 points against the Colts defense. I don’t know about you, but I don’t consider 28 points by the Colts a shootout. Whether or not our O has enough to put up over 28 points against the Colts D, I’m not familiar enough with their D to say. But given the recent history of the Colts, it does sound about right, and I’ll say between 21-28 is about the most the 49ers can allow the Colts to score to have a chance.
by Sebaz49 on Jul 16, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Averaging 28 points a game would rank you in the top 5 offenses.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 16, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never said anything
about averaging 28 points a game. Certainly when they play the Bears, we shouldn’t expect them to put up 28 points. But against the Colts D, I mean, it is a good defense, but again, if the Niners’ D can keep them in it, I think the 49ers’ running game can wear down the Colts enough to put up 28 or so points.
by Sebaz49 on Jul 16, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fearless Frog
While we won’t be in the top 5 offenses, let me just say this with regard to the Colts game. Gore, Davis, Bruce, Morgan, Jones (fast, physical, strong hands, athletic), Crabtree, Coffee. If these players can mesh together and play the way Singletary wants em to, this is one heck of a dangerous combination right here. Need I say more?
by Riding The F Train on Jul 16, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Need I say more?"
Yes, considering that almost all of them have question marks.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 18, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Four TDs is hardly a shootout.
Under 28 points means 3 TDs and a FG for the Colts, which I think would be a victory for our defense. And “a chance” does not equal probable – it means four TDs, which is likely the upper limit for the 9ers offense. I’m not a betting person so I don’t know what the over-under would be for this game, but 50 points in a 9er win doesn’t seem unreasonable. Do you or anyone else think the 9ers can hold the Colts to just 1-2 TDs? I don’t, so if the 9ers are going to win, they’ll have to put up some points.
by MontanaPass on Jul 16, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay.
My mistake.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 16, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
a chance
And to follow up on these other folks, a chance is not saying it’s going to happen. It’s just that, a chance, an opportunity. Maybe the 49ers get shutout that week, maybe that’s the week the offense puts it all together. He never guaranteed a thing.
by Fooch on Jul 16, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we will have a chance at beating the colts
like most teams that beat the colts. run it down their damn throat and keep manning on the side line. we can also spread out their d and put their weak dbs on the field but with freeny id rather run it. its worked for years
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
by rlott#42 on Jul 16, 2009 11:12 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Colts fans' hope this year
is that now that their starting defensive tackles don’t average 260lbs it’ll be much harder for teams to pound up the middle on them.
They brought back the 2007 starter at the 1tech (296lbs) and drafted two DTs (303lbs and 319lbs). Now Foster (265lbs) and Dawson (255lbs) are either getting cut or being 3rd down specialists instead of every down starters.
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 17, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh this part is horrible..........
While the 49ers offense might be able to score on their defense….
Fooch, didn’t you just say that they had the #2 defense in the league in 2007 and 10th best last year? That means that our offense should pretty much be able to score on any defense. And to win a shootout vs a #10 defense and #6 offense? NOT A CHANCE
by hudd07 on Jul 16, 2009 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Colts D bounces between great and mediocre
depending on if they have a big talented 1 tech DT who knows the system.
2002-2004, Larry Triplett and Josh Williams at 1 tech, bad to mediocre Ds.
2005, A morbidly obese Corey Simon was good enough for them to be a top D
2006 (regular season) Corey Simon got hurt in preseason, Montae Reagor who could have slid over from the other DT spot got in a car accident on his way to their 6th game and was done for the year, They traded for Anthony McFarland near the deadline who had to learn as he played. Horrific run D
2006 (playoffs) McFarland settled in, they benched a failed LB experiment for a steady veteran and Bob Sanders returned for a excellent D in the Superbowl run
2007 McFarland gets hurt in preseason, his backup quits football after just one year on the drive to training camp, BUT undrafted rookie Ed Johnson steps up into the lineup and is very good. #2 ranked D
2008 Ed Johnson gets arrested for Marijuana possession, he is cut (remember how I said he went undrafted, it wasn’t for lack of talent. It was for off the field issues in college, which is why the Colts put him on zero tolerance), The Colts start 265lb undrafted rookie Eric Foster at 1 tech. Poor run D, mediocre overall.
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 17, 2009 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
for those of you scoring at home
Colts DTs in the last 4 years have had,
2 season ending injuries in preseason
1 retirement while in route to camp
1 season ending car accident on the way to the stadium for a game
1 arrest while on a zero tolerance policy from the team
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 17, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually that's in 3 years
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 17, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No shootout
The team would need to the play Colts like the Jags play the Colts, drag them kicking and screaming into a ball control game. We would need a strong effort in the running game and hope to control the clock for most of the game to limit the Colts point output.
by bignerd on Jul 16, 2009 3:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You can also push the Colts around in the kicking game. I would not say it’s hopeless. Steelers, Chargers, Ravens and Jags have had some success against the Colts and I’d the say the 49ers have used those team’s blueprint. Unfortunately we are probably most like the Ravens who have had the least success of the four above but we have a better running game.
by bignerd on Jul 16, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you have a few things right there, but let me, a colts fan, bring you up to speed
the problem with the running game has alot to do with the players up front moreso than addai, despite what some other Colts fans may think. Yes, Addai was nicked alot, but for most of the season, the Colts had a revolving door at every offensive line position sans RT. Add to the fact that many of these linemen are inexperienced and young, with almost no continuity whatsoever, and you have a recipe for disaster.
Staying on the subject of offensive linemen, the Colts passing game was decent but did not live up to the expectations of Colts fans. Manning was sacked seldom last year, but was the most hit and rushed QB. The only reason he wasn’t sacked to many times, was due to his quick release. We as Colts fans, expect to see dramatic improvement in both pass protection and run blocking this upcoming season to bring the Colts offense back to its highly respected form of years like 2004 and 2005.
Defensively, the 10th ranked Colts defense wasn’t as good as the ranking would indicate. The only real bright spot on the team was the Colts fearsome pass rush coming from Freeney and Mathis. Despite the numbers they put up, however, Mathis and Freeney were limited in what they could do, due to a poor run defense and lack of help on the interior. The additions of Moala and Taylor are a boost, but the one key free agent signing, Ed Johnson (which didnt make much noise to the rest of the league, but did to the Cotls fan base), could help bring back the Colts to its 2007 form when they were ranked second in the league. If you recall, Johnson was formally with the Colts before being released on drug charges. If he gets his act together and plays at or better than he did in ’07 then look out for the Colts defense.
As for the Coaches, I think there will be few growing pains, mostly on the offensive side of the ball, even though both Mudd and Moore will resume their duties as consultants. I feel the smae way about the defense since Coyer will implement a few new packages, however, I think once the players are comfortable with his plays, the change at DC is for the better since the D wont be so vanilla (though they will still retain the Cover 2 as the base package). The one change in the coaching staff we are all happy about is Ray Rychleskie over Russ Prunell. Unlike Prunell, Rychleskie is acutally involved in the coaching and an improvement in the special teams department is expected with Rychleskies track record of improving porous special teams units.
Overall, there is alot of optimism and promise to this team. I may be a bit biased when you have followed this team and notice all the small and big flaws and then look on what the team has done to repair them, a superbowl title is a very real possibility.
by metal_militia on Jul 16, 2009 4:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but
as long as Goldson is healthy in this game, your little horses will go no further than horses on a merry go round. Round and round in little circles. If you run the ball, you can meet Bamm Bamm. If you throw the ball, you better keep one eye out for Goldson and Brown (both will lay you out like a limp mattress). If you kick the ball, you better beware or we’ll block it and run it back all the way. Apart from that, Andy Lee will put you in horrible field position. When we’re on offense? Well don’t pay too much attention to Bruce or we’ll throw it to Davis, Morgan, Jones, or Crabtree (or just check it to Gore). Smother all of those guys (unlikely)? Well then we’ll just run the ball with Gore and Coffee. Stop us short of the end zone? Well then deadly Nedney will pick you apart. Sorry little ponies, but this is one game you just can’t win.
by Riding The F Train on Jul 16, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
is that sarcasm?
I dont think that serious are you? I mean a team can lose any given day and I think the niners are on the rise now that Singletary is the coach, but no secondary, or defense for that matter, phases Peyton Manning. People can throw that “Manning’s kryptonite is 3-4 defenses” all they want, but the fact is, his numbers have greatly improved against them and he beat most of them last year. (Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens). You better hope the Niners can establish the run game, because if they are forced to pass, its game over. The cover 2, Or should I say Tampa 2 (they are different), is designed to stop the pass. Your QB will be devoured by Freeney and Mathis.
by metal_militia on Jul 16, 2009 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
i don’t know how to feel just now
and in his 4th season, VD broke through the wall, Niners fan rejoiced and all was well in the kingdom. Singletary 3:42
by 49erLou on Jul 16, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope this guy...
Isn’t old enough to Vote.
Ever.
Well, we're waiting....
by drummer on Jul 20, 2009 1:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Great stuff. You should do stand-up.
Yeah, so I sold out, do something about it! Like read my site Colts Chatter.
by KingRichard on Jul 17, 2009 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess...
If I were a Niners fan, I’d have to drink as much as you, too.
A word of advice, buddy, lay of the hooch when commenting.
by peytonsurdaddy on Jul 17, 2009 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone put this guy on suicide watch once he realizes how bad the 49ers pass-defense and offense is.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 18, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't worry.
He’s being guarded around the clock by our best guys.
Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.
Man, I need a life...
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This would probably happen to me if I ever won anything.
by Cassieper on Jul 19, 2009 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow!
the colts will easly win this game.
by vernonhowell on Jul 17, 2009 1:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
do any of you guys watch football?
Rookie DT’s are not enough to stop a potent running game. We have yet to prove that we will have one. However the niners can beat the colts if they can run effectively and control the clock. yeah we’re gonna be in troubleif we can’t get to manning. Our offense will not be enemic at this point in the season, unless our QB’s are playing below the norm (Hill that is swan Hill) The Colts will decline this season, they’re an aging franchise. manning won’t be hurt he is an iron man, but the whole team isn’t.
As proven in years before, running the ball keeps manning on the sideline and their defense is very enemic like let’s say the seaahawks last year. We put up 30 plus with a worse offense.
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
by rlott#42 on Jul 19, 2009 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the "aging Colts" always makes me laugh
they are one of the youngest teams in the league every year. They have 4 players of 53 over 30, counting their kicker and long snapper.
They have some star’s around 30, but every team does because players have to be around a while to become stars.
K Adam Vinitieri 36
C Jeff Saturday 34 (2 of the 3 Pro Bowl centers from the AFC were older last year)
LS Justin Snow 33
QB Peyton Manning 33 (far from old for a top QB)
DE Raheem Brock 31
WR Reggie Wayne 30
TE Dallas Clark 30
RT Ryan Diem 30
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 20, 2009 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
*5 of 53
That's big talk for a little guy,
but I'm walkin' without reply.
-Lil Wayne "Mr. Postman"
by shake n bake on Jul 20, 2009 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK so igore the fact that they always suck agaist the run
Also that Dungy is gone, and teams that have beaten them in the past have kept manning on the sideline
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
by rlott#42 on Jul 25, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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