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Last Updated: Sunday, 07-06-08 12:56 pm PDT

With Win over Oakland: Colts Clinch AFC South - (12/17)

Colts fans: it’s time to take off your jerseys, you can now wash them after wearing them for the first 14 weeks of the season. Put down your blue #1 foam fingers and for everyone’s sake lay off the blue body paint. No one wants to see it. I say this because you have four straight [...]

Colts Face a Bitter Baltimore Team - (12/06)

Clinging to the #2 seed in the AFC, the Colts prepare to face the angry, bitter Baltimore Ravens. Having a win stripped from them with under a minute left in last week’s loss to the Patriots, the Ravens are sure to put up a fight this coming Sunday. Another force driving the Ravens to a hard fought game [...]

Ask the experts - (12/03)

QUESTION: Living in the D.C. suburbs, the murder of Sean Taylor has been the top story all week. Did any Colts make it to the funeral? I figured maybe Reggie Wayne, since he went to Miami, but didn?t know if he left before Taylor attended school there. -- from Carlos, Fairfax, VA ANSWER: Reggie attended the funeral. Colts owner Jim Irsay allowed Wayne to fly down to Miami on his private jet. Wayne and Taylor did not play together at Miami, but Wayne said he and Taylor became friends while they worked out in south Florida during the offseason. QUESTION: Can you help me on the coach?s challenge rules? On the Ben Utecht challenge, coach Tony Dungy was challenging that it wasn?t a fumble. But the official came out and said it was an incomplete pass. How could he change something that wasn?t being challenged? -- from Gary, Arlington, TX ANSWER: Good question, and one I?m sure a lot of people asked. What people have to understand about a coach?s challenge is once a play has been challenged, it is subject to total review. On the Utecht fumble-or-not play, the official determined Utecht never had possession of the ball in the first place, so he couldn?t have fumbled it. Unless I?m mistaken, there was play a few years ago involving the Colts where someone challenged whether a receiver had possession of the ball in the back of the end zone before he went out of bounds. What the review determined was the receiver had stepped out of bounds before making the catch, so he became an ineligible receiver. Didn?t matter if he had possession. Dungy also explained that it?s possible for the officials to review a fumble-or-no-fumble play and notice that the defense had 12 players on the field. Even if the challenge didn?t involve the 12 players on the field, the official can rule on that after reviewing the play. QUESTION: Peyton Manning?s interceptions seem to have spiked in direct correlation to the reduction of Joseph Addai?s productivity. Seems the Colts are not trying to establish the run and have totally ignored Addai as a receiver. Your thoughts? -- from Larry van Ollefen, Egg Harbor Township, NJ ANSWER: Don?t know if I agree with you. The reason Manning?s interceptions have spiked ? 13 in 12 games after a career-low 9 in 2006 ? is he had six at San Diego. That?ll spike anybody?s interception total. Also, Manning?s protection has been pretty spotty as a result of the shuffling along the offensive line. He?s been sacked 17 times, including 12 times in the last four games, after being sacked just 14 times in 2006. Addai is a solid option, but I don?t have a problem with how often Manning throws to him. He ranks third on the team with 31 receptions. The Jacksonville game was the first time this season Addai has failed to catch a pass when he played. QUESTION: Do you see any way that the Colts will try to work out a way to get James Hardy next year? I think Peyton would really like a 6-7 target at wide receiver. -- from Kevin Garner, Alexandria, IN ANSWER: As you saw with the selection of Anthony Gonzalez in the first round of last April?s draft, the Colts always will look at adding a quality wide receiver to their roster. I just don?t know if that will be a priority next April. Providing Marvin Harrison comes back in good shape, Indy should be pretty well stocked at receiver ? Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Gonzalez and some of the young guys. And don?t forget Roy Hall. The Colts took him in the fifth round last April but placed him on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury. They really like his potential, and size. He?s 6-3, 240.

Injured Indy and the upside of going down now (not later) - (11/28)

While Indy?s Week 9 game against New England was the most hyped of this NFL season, Week 13 against Jacksonville is the most important in terms of how the playoffs will shape up. New England will be the clear number one seed in the AFC, but the Jags can make a serious run for [...]

Ask the experts - (11/27)

QUESTION: I?ve been a season ticket holder since 1994. I have sat in the same seats all those years. My question is when are they going to destroy the RCA Dome after the Colts move into Lucas Oil Stadium? Also, I would like to purchase my two seats at the Dome and bring them home to place in my home. Who do I contact to find out if this idea is possible? -- from Maurice Zuver, Bryan, OH ANSWER: The date of tearing down the RCA Dome has yet to be determined. As for whether you will be able to redecorate your family room with a couple of seats from the RCA Dome, that?s also undetermined. Pete Ward, the Colts? senior executive vice president, said there are several factors that must be considered ? cost, the fact adjoining seats share an armrest, so most seats actually only have one armrest, the seats don?t have a support to sit upright on their own, things like that. Stay tuned. I?m sure if it?s possible, the team and Capital Improvements Board would like to sell the seats to make a little money. QUESTION: I?m studying in Spain, so it?s a little tough to keep up with all the small details. I have a question about the roster. What happened to the fullback the Colts had at the beginning of the season? I think his name was Lawton. Whenever he was in the game, the Colts seemed to succeed with ease in short-yardage situations. I?ve had the pleasure to watch a couple of games here on the American sports channel. Did Lawton get waived after all the injuries? Are the Colts going to bring him back or did he get claimed? from Andrew, Sevilla, Spain ANSWER: You?re speaking of Luke Lawton and, yes, the team had to release him ? twice, in fact ? because it needed to sign players to address other areas hit by injury. That?s the bad news regarding Lawton. The good news is they just re-signed him. The team did not want to waive him either time, but had to sign a linebacker both times. You?re right, he played well when given the chance. He was effective as a lead blocker in short-yardage situations, and was a solid special teams player. Hopefully he?s back for good. I?m certain Luke?s tired of being jerked around. QUESTION: If Simeon Rice doesn?t step up, are there any other alternatives on that side of the football to improve the pass rush, or is Rice the best we?ve got? -- from Scott, Orlando, FL ANSWER: It was obvious to a lot of us that Rice wasn?t the answer after watching him play in two games. He was incredibly slow off the ball. The sack he got at Atlanta should have been awarded to Robert Mathis because Mathis ran Joey Harrington into Rice. Anyway, Rice no longer is in the mix. The Colts waived him Tuesday. The answer to a pass rush has to come from the players on the roster. You might see more of Raheem Brock at end, which might probably will lead to more of Keyunta Dawson at tackle in pass rush situations. It?s really going to be up to Brock and Robert Mathis to spearhead the pass rush. QUESTION: What?s the deal with Tony Ugoh? He practices all week and even is absent from the injury report, but still sits out on game day. When do you expect him back? And what is you guess on Marvin playing against Jacksonville? -- from Greg, Oklahoma City, OK ANSWER: I expect Harrison to play this week. I really do. It seems like this is the game he and the team has been targeting. If Harrison plays, it will be critical how the knee responds to the heavy work on the following day. As for Ugoh, he has been dealing with a neck injury, probably a ?burner,?? which is some type of nerve damage. From what I can gather, he has experienced a loss of strength in one of his arms from the injury and still is trying to get that back. He wasn?t on the injury report last week until the final one, and was added as questionable. It?s one thing to be able to practice with the type of injury he has, but another to have to play at full speed against 300-pound defensive linemen on game day. I?m sure when Ugoh and the team is convinced he?s ready to play, he?ll play.

A Look Ahead: KC at Indianapolis - (11/15)

As the Colts struggle to stay ahead in the AFC standings, how will they fair in this weeks match up against the Chiefs? Well, a few major factors will come into play if our team wants to move to 8-2. 1. Offensive Injuries: With the announcement of Freeney’s season ending injury, the Colts’ injury list keeps [...]

Ask the Experts - (11/15)

QUESTION: Is there any chance that if the interest is there on both sides, the Colts will be working toward signing Dallas Clark and Bob Sanders before they become free agents? -- from Doug, Felton, DE ANSWER: I hate to speak for the Colts, but rest assured they are very interested in retaining Clark and Sanders. I?ll go so far as to say both players will be here next year. The only question is how that gets done. Ideally, the Colts will sign Clark and Sanders to long-term contracts. Failing that, look for the team to sign one to a long-term deal and use the franchise tag on the other. However it unfolds, neither player is going anywhere. Owner Jim Irsay has made it very clear that when he has elite players, he will pay to keep them. QUESTION: What happens if the Colts run out of offensive linemen? It looked like we were down to our last five during the San Diego game. What if one more got hurt? Do they go with four? Have you ever seen a team in that situation? -- from Scott, Atlanta, GA ANSWER: At San Diego, the Colts were down to their last five offensive linemen ? Jeff Saturday, Ryan Lilja, Jake Scott, Michael Toudouze and Dylan Gandy. Had one of those guys gone down, tight end Ben Utecht probably would have been used as an offensive lineman. QUESTION: Do you think the Colts? propensity to draft or acquire smaller, quicker athletes has led to the rash of injuries the team has suffered since Tony Dungy has been there? -- from Anthony Philyaw, Morganton, NC ANSWER: I don?t buy that. Until this season, the team has been pretty fortunate with injuries. There always have been some ? Corey Simon, Brandon Stokley, Rob Morris, etc. ? but by and large the Colts have been able to avoid injuries to key front-line people. I?ve heard people say Bob Sanders gets hurt because he?s too small at 5-8, 206 pounds. But he missed 12 games last year after he injured a knee in practice. He landed wrong while trying to intercept a pass. The last time I checked, Dwight Freeney was an undersized end (6-1, 268) in 2002 when Indy drafted him, and hasn?t grown. He?s had a few minor injuries, but nothing major until the foot injury at San Diego. There might be occasions when size is a factor in injuries, but not this year in Indy. I just don?t see it. QUESTION: What is going on with our placekicker? Is it time to bring back Vanderjagt? -- from Randall Braddom, Philadelphia PA ANSWER: I hope you?re kidding. I have no answer for why Adam Vinatieri missed the 29-yard field goal at San Diego. It looked like he got a solid snap from Justin Snow and a solid hold from Hunter Smith. He just pushed the kick right. And I realize Vinatieri has missed three of his last five attempts. But I haven?t lost confidence in him, I?m sure he hasn?t lost confidence in himself and I know the Colts haven?t lost confidence in him. I?ve heard people say this is why New England didn?t re-sign him prior to the 2006 season, because he was washed up. I guess those people forget the five field goals Vinatieri hit at Baltimore. You know, the five field goals that accounted for all of the Colts? points in a 15-6 win? QUESTION: For the life of me, I?m having trouble fathoming what exactly could be wrong with Freddy Keiaho?s ear that could keep him out of games. An ear problem that is protected by the helmet, and he can?t play. Are we talking about an ear drum problem? Maybe severe ear ringing? Also, I?m tired of hearing that Marvin Harrison is out because of a bruise. It?s like saying someone with pneumonia has a bad cough. Do you have any specific information as to what the problem is other than a soft tissue bruising? -- from Phil Richey, Tampa, FL ANSWER: Trust me, if we had any specific information, we?d publish it. The Colts are very protective of medical information. Remember when they said running back Edgerrin James had a bruised back and he actually had three broken bones in his back? With Keiaho, I believe his ?ear?? problem is connected to the concussion he received Sept. 30 against Denver. He missed one game, came back and played, then suffered some type of relapse the following week in practice. Concussions are tricky things, and the Colts don?t mess around with them. With Harrison, to lean on a popular phrase, it is what it is. It?s my impression Harrison is experiencing some degree of soreness and swelling in the knee after he runs and works out with the medical staff and trainers. It?s clear to me the Colts are taking a long-term approach with Harrison?s situation. They would rather hold him out of these games if it means they have him for late December and the playoffs. Keep in mind this isn?t a team that?s hoping to make the playoffs. It?s a team that?s hoping to challenge for another Super Bowl title. To do that, it needs as many of its front-line players as healthy as possible for the postseason.

A Taste of Humble Pie for Colts? Fans - (11/13)

If there is one thing I have learned about being a Colts’ fan, or a fan of any team for that matter, it is: do not get comfy with your team and do not get cocky about your team. Sure, we may be the reigning World Champs, we may have an unstoppable defense, and we [...]

What the Game of the Year Taught Us - (11/08)

As the second half of the 2007 season is set to begin, it?s time to determine what we know so far. Probably not coincidentally, the biggest regular season game this year happens to have just taken place, and now that we?ve had time to let it all sink in, we know what we?re dealing [...]

Ask the Experts - (11/06)

QUESTION: After the Patriots game I was struck by the following irony: The Pats appear to have rebuilt their offense for the express purpose of winning in the RCA Dome. Mission accomplished, albeit barely. Their reward? Perhaps to face the Colts in New England in January. Wait a second, I thought a finesse offense couldn?t function in New England in January. The Colts? roster may actually be better suited to that type of environment than the Patriots' at this point. What you do you think? -- from Mike C., Monroe Township, NJ ANSWER: Can?t say that I disagree with you. I won?t buy into the fact New England?s offense won?t be effective in a playoff rematch if the weather is lousy, but the Patriots are much more dependent on a deep passing game than are the Colts. I like the way the Colts can go with the pass, or rely on Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith. In the snow and wind, a team has to be able to lean on its running game. I?m not convinced New England can do that. Laurence Maroney has shown bursts of being a solid runner, but he?s had trouble staying on the field. If the Colts and Patriots meet in the postseason, in snowy, chilly Foxbourgh, I won?t be surprised if the game mirrors Sunday?s game ? down to the wire. QUESTION: Well, now it?s started. The Patriots haven?t won with class all year, so now that the game?s over, is it any surprise that they?re at it again? They kept quiet all week leading up to the game, but now that it?s over, they want to talk about ?piped in?? crowd noise. It just seems so cheap, so classless, so . . . them. As a loyal Colts fan, I have to ask: Am I being too sensitive, or are they really all just horrible human beings? And secondly, did anybody else notice Randy Moss curling into the fetal position every it looked like he might get hit? I think he actually sucked his thumb once. Thanks for doing an awesome job. -- from Tim, Evansville, IN ANSWER: So, you don?t like the Patriots and anyone connected to the organization? Understandable. I believe the feeling is mutual. I?m not surprised another controversy came out of the game. Kind of goes with the territory. But it was much ado about nothing, and started by Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, who complained about the noise issue to the NFL after the game. As you should know by now, CBS fessed up that the ?problem?? was at their end and had absolutely nothing to do with the Colts or the RCA Dome. I didn?t notice Moss curling into the fetal position. I noticed him torching the Colts? DBs. It?s funny. People say the same thing about the way Marvin Harrison occasionally goes down after a catch. The idea for a receiver isn?t to see how big of a hit he can take. It?s to get as many yards as possible, then protect himself. QUESTION: What happened at midfield between Tony Dungy and Bill Belichick? Looked pretty terse and like Belichick said something to Dungy after they went their separate ways. Please find out and watch the tape of this to see what I?m talking about. -- from J. Harp, Carmel, IN ANSWER: I watched the clip and I suppose you can make out of it whatever you feel like making out of it. The bottom line is Bill Belichick isn?t a warm ?n fuzzy guy, at least with people outside his team. He?s all business and that really comes across in a setting like after Sunday?s game. I won?t say he dismissed Dungy, but neither did he hesitate to say ?Nice game. See ya in January.? We asked Dungy about the midfield meeting and he basically said it was nothing and it wasn?t for him to describe how it went. Dungy?s comment: ?Bill is fine. Bill is a good guy. That?s the way he is; he?s been that way with me win or lose. He?s no different anytime. He?s been very complimentary of us when we won and he?s just an intense guy out there.?? QUESTION: What did you think about the offensive play calling during the fourth quarter of the Patriots game? Also, I didn?t see Dallas Clark being a part of the passing game. I thought the Colts should have won that game. I think the defense did a great job, but we needed to convert those first-half field goals into TDs. Is it me or did they play more conservative because they didn?t have Marvin Harrison to draw the double teams to open up the passing game for Manning and create opportunities for the other guys? -- from Drew, Baltimore, MD ANSWER: The play calling in the fourth quarter didn?t bother me. Don?t forget the Colts took a 20-10 lead by scoring on their first fourth-quarter drive ? Manning?s 1-yard sneak. The problem was the execution on the final two drives. Two sacks-and-strips, two penalties on one drive, a dropped pass by Aaron Moorehead on the next drive. I agree with you, the defense did more than enough for the Colts to have won. The offense came up short. As for Clark, I think safety Rodney Harrison did a pretty good job on him much of the time. And there?s no question the absence of Marvin Harrison contributed to the success enjoyed by the Patriots? pass coverage. If Marvin?s on the field, the defense has to pay serious attention to him and less attention to other players, including Clark. QUESTION: The Colts presently need wideouts. David Ball is a free agent just released by the Chicago Bears, who have six excellent receivers. David broke all of Jerry Rice?s records in I-AA at UNH. Do you think they will be bringing in some more great hands? -- from Jim Segar, Montpelier, VT ANSWER: I doubt it, but that might change if Marvin Harrison is unable to play this week. I expect Anthony Gonzalez to miss a couple of games with the dislocated left thumb. On his Monday night radio show, team president Bill Polian gave no indication the team is considering bringing in another receiver. He said it would be difficult to sign a new receiver and have him learn the offense in time to be much of a factor. I think there?s a chance Craphonso Thorpe will get a chance to contribute while Gonzo is out, and especially if Harrison remains out. Also, maybe the team will sign Trent Shelton from the practice squad to the active roster.

How Indy Can Win the Game of a Lifetime - (10/31)

Well, it?s finally here. The most important question of the 2007 regular season, and seemingly the only one that really matters the way these two teams have secured their status in a league of their own, is about to answered. So who?s it going to be? The Indianapolis Colts or the New England Patriots? It [...]

Ask the Experts - (10/30)

QUESTION: Do you have an early indication on Marvin Harrison playing this week against New England? There?s been speculation that he actually had the knee scoped or they were holding him out for the game this week. -- from Artie Maston, Denver, CO ANSWER: I believe the latter is true. Tony Dungy said Harrison probably would have played last Sunday if that had been a playoff game. He also said the team didn?t want to play him, then have it be a problem the following week. The team decided to let him rest the knee with the idea he?ll be much closer to 100 percent this week. As for whether he plays against the Patriots, I?ll believe it when I see him practice. Marvin is a guy who always practices. Always. When he?s not on the practice field, there?s something definitely wrong. As for the idea Harrison had his left knee scoped, I asked Dungy about that and he insisted Harrison has not had surgery on the knee. QUESTION: Did Peyton suffer any aftereffects from being slammed to the turf against Carolina? The smelling salts were a little frightening and he left the game shortly afterward. Sure the Colts had a big lead, but it would be more typical of Manning to lead one more clock-eating drive instead of being pulled with almost 10 minutes left. -- from Mike, Monroe Township, NJ ANSWER: To my knowledge Manning was just fine after the game. He stood by his locker and talked to reporters for 10-15 minutes. Maybe Tony Dungy decided to pull Manning a bit earlier than normal because of the big hit. It?s never a good thing to see your franchise QB being driven to the ground. I expect Kris Jenkins to draw a fine for the play. QUESTION: The Colts have had to replace their starting offensive tackle, a halfback in their 1-2 punch, an outside linebacker and both cornerbacks, and they lost a starting defensive tackle and linebacker to injury. But it looks like guys are stepping up and have, in some cases, been upgrades. What do you think, position-by-position? -- from Bill, Shelton, CT ANSWER: Rookie Tony Ugoh has played well as Tarik Glenn?s replacement at left tackle, but he?s not even close to being in Glenn?s category. Yet. From what I?ve seen, he?s going to develop into a quality tackle. The loss of Dominic Rhodes hasn?t been a factor primarily because Joseph Addai has assumed a much bigger role and Kenton Keith, despite what the Colts contend, has been better than expected. Defensively, the front four has played very well, but I believe it would be stronger with Booger McFarland in the tackle rotation. The linebackers' play has been much, much better than last year. Freddy Keiaho, when he?s been on the field, has been more consistent than Cato June was in 2006. Tyjuan Hagler has played well whether he?s been asked to play weak-side or strong-side. And I really like how cornerbacks Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden are playing. They aren?t giving up the big plays in the passing game and have been outstanding in run support. Bob Sanders gets a lot of attention for the way he hits, but watch Jackson and Hayden. They?ll stick receivers with the best of ?em. QUESTION: The Colts defense looks great, but what about Grady Jackson? Are the Colts looking at him at all? He?s a huge body in the middle of the defensive line to replace Booger McFarland and make us even better. Plus, I haven?t seen any interest from other teams, so maybe he wouldn?t cost that much. -- from Scott, Atlanta, GA ANSWER: I ran Grady Jackson past Tony Dungy after Atlanta released him and Dungy told me the Colts liked the defensive tackles they?ve got. He made it sound like the Colts, even if they had some degree of interest, wouldn?t be pursuing him. I read recently that Jacksonville had serious interest in signing Jackson.

Ask the Experts - (10/26)

QUESTION: There is speculation that the Raiders will release Dominic Rhodes. Any chance the Colts would take a look at bringing him back? I know Kenton Keith has done well and provides a little power, but he can?t catch balls out of the backfield like Rhodes. What are you hearing? -- from K. Long, Wichita, KS ANSWER: I?ve read the same speculation, that Oakland isn?t exactly thrilled with Rhodes and might get rid of him. I?d be shocked if the Colts brought him back. Keith has been everything the Colts hoped he would be. And I?m not so sure Rhodes is a better receiver out of the backfield. The combination of Joseph Addai and Keith has been every bit as effective as Rhodes and Addai were last season. If you want the sheer numbers, Rhodes and Addai averaged 107.6 yards per game and 4.2 yards per attempt between them in ?06. Through six games, Addai and Keith are averaging 133.8 and 4.8. QUESTION: Where is Marv? I heard he was on a ?play count?? Monday night, but even before his injury he didn?t seem as involved in the offense as he was in the past. Is it safe to say Reggie is now the No. 1? Can we still look forward to Marv surpassing Jerry Rice?s records some day? -- from Adam Setmeyer, Joliet, IL ANSWER: Is it safe to say Reggie is now the No. 1 guy? Not around Marvin. It?s a nice debate, whether Reggie Wayne has surpassed Marvin Harrison as the Colts? No. 1 receiver. The fact remains, they?re both quality receivers. About the time people dismiss Harrison, he?ll go out and catch 10 balls for 150 yards and a couple of TDs. In the first three games before Harrison injured his knee, he had 16 catches for 223 yards and one TD. And if I?m not mistaken, Peyton Manning missed him on a couple of touchdown throws. Wayne had 16 catches for 269 yards and two TDs. That?s about as neck-and-neck as it gets. No way is Harrison the receiver he was five years ago, but I?m not ready to write him off. As for him passing Rice?s records, I never thought that was very likely. Harrison still needs 508 catches to eclipse Rice?s NFL record of 1,549. That?s a pretty wide gap. And the gaps are just as big in receiving yards and touchdowns. QUESTION: Is it me or has this question already been mentioned ? Who have the New England Patriots really beaten, other than Dallas? -- from Steve, Brownsburg, IN ANSWER: It?s been asked a zillion times. For the record, the Patriots are 7-0 against teams that are a combined 17-28 ? the Jets (1-6), San Diego (3-3), Buffalo (2-4), Cincy (2-4), Cleveland (3-3), Dallas (6-1) and Miami (0-7). The Colts are 6-0 against teams that are a combined 20-18 ? New Orleans (2-4), Tennessee (4-2), Houston (3-4), Denver (3-3), Tampa Bay (4-3) and Jacksonville (4-2). Clearly, the Colts have played a more difficult schedule. But I?m not going to knock New England. They?ve played a softer schedule, but they?re not winning 10-7. They didn?t need a Hail Mary to beat Miami. They?re going out and taking teams apart. That?s been pretty impressive.

Pats Scary, Colts Consistent - (10/17)

Six weeks into the craziest NFL season in recent memory, the success of the Colts is virtually the only circumstance of any team in the league that you would?ve believed if someone had told you it was going to happen back in August. Even in the case of the seemingly unstoppable Patriots, while it was generally [...]

Ask the Experts - (10/12)

QUESTION: It was nice to see Anthony Gonzalez worked into the game plan more last week and see the success that he had. His shiftiness and ability to make a move and get upfield at full speed so quickly reminds me a lot of Wes Welker. So, have you heard anything about the Colts utilizing Gonzalez on punt returns? Seems like he might provide a spark in that area and might be a good way to keep him more involved once Marvin Harrison is back. -- from Jesse, Indianapolis ANSWER: I haven?t heard any talk of the Colts using Gonzo in their return game. He spent some time at training camp handling punts and kickoffs, but at the time Tony Dungy mentioned it was just a way for Gonzo to stay sharp ?just in case.?? He did a little returning at Ohio State, but not a whole lot. The team is pretty satisfied with how T.J. Rushing and Craphonso Thorpe have returned punts and kicks. The Colts are in the middle of the pack in the league in each category ? 18th on punt returns (8.0) and tied for 15th on kickoffs (24.5). QUESTION: I wanted your impression of the Colts? defense after the first five weeks of the season. It seems to me that it has been improving each week. It also looks like all the pieces are in place with the offensive line. It looks like the team has cohesive units on both sides of the ball, especially after watching the Colts operate without six starting players and not miss a beat. -- from Drew, Baltimore, MD ANSWER: No real complaints so far. The defense has had a couple of slip-ups ? Denver rushed for 223 yards and Tennessee nearly pulled an upset in large part because it was able to convert 7-of-14 times on third down ? but overall it has played very well. Maybe even exceeded expectations when you consider the injuries to Rob Morris, Freddy Keiaho and Bob Sanders. What I?ve been most impressed with has been the lack of missed tackles. That was a major problem last year and contributed to the defense allowing a league-worst 173 rushing yards per game. As for the offensive line, it?s pretty much been business as usual. It had an off game at Tennessee, but other than that, it has remained one of the league?s elite groups. QUESTION: Have you any information on James Mungro? He was a hard runner that I really liked and I know the Colts? coaching staff really liked him, too. -- from Larry Jacobson, Coos Bay, OR ANSWER: You?re the zillionth Colts fan who has inquired about Mungro since the offseason. That shows how popular he was while with the team. As you know, Mungro missed the 2006 season after undergoing knee surgery during the preseason. He became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and remains unsigned. The Colts had some level of interest during the summer. They brought him in for a workout, probably to determine the progress he had made with the knee injury. The coaching staff decided to go with the guys they?ve got ? Joseph Addai, Kenton Keith, Luke Lawton and Clifton Dawson ? and thus far it?s difficult to argue with that decision. QUESTION: I watch all the Colts games and I get the fact that teams double-team Dwight Freeney, and that they occasionally keep a back in to help on him, too. And I hear all the time that teams fear Freeney and game plan to stop him. Fine. But doesn?t the guy still need to start producing ? not just pressures, but sacks and tackles? For the money he gets, the numbers aren?t there right now. All the great D-ends get extra attention. -- from R. Long, Wichita, KS ANSWER: I agree that Freeney needs to pick up his sack totals. After having 51 in his first four years and 63 games, he?s had 7 in the past 21 games. But I watch the guy every game. I?m still convinced he might be one of the most disruptive defensive players in the league. I might be in the minority, but I still rank Freeney ahead of Bob Sanders as far as the most important player to the defense. The gap is closing, but I still rank Freeney first. And you?re right, teams give him special attention. On one play against Tampa Bay, he first was blocked by the tight end, then a running back. The offensive tackle was waiting for a third shot. It?s so difficult to quantify Freeney's value to the defense. But it?s huge. Still, he needs more sacks to go along with his pressures. QUESTION: While the Colts are currently enjoying their bye week, coach Dungy cannot be excited about the idea of an away game on Monday night followed by another away game six days later. How does the team plan on preparing and keeping players fresh? -- from Chris Dalton, Baltimore, MD ANSWER: Dungy pretty much sticks to his routine. The players have three days off, then return for a practice Monday. They?re off Tuesday and Wednesday of next week, then get back on a normal pre-game routine of practicing Thursday, Friday and Saturday, a light workout Sunday before traveling to Jacksonville for the Monday night game. If they stick with their routine after Jacksonville, players will have Tuesday off. Then once again it?s the normal agenda ? practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, light workout Saturday followed by the trip to Carolina. It?s not ideal, but the Colts have faced more congested schedules in the past and lived to tell about it.

Ask the Experts - (10/04)

QUESTION: Losing five key players against Denver is obviously not a good thing, but our reserves played really well in their place, especially Kenton Keith. If these starters are questionable for the Tampa game, shouldn?t we hold them out and give them two weeks to heal since we have the bye week next? -- from Nick, Gloversville, NY ANSWER: If there?s one thing I?ve learned from Tony Dungy?s five-plus years as head coach it?s that if there is any question about a player?s health, that player won?t play. But if a player is healthy enough, he more than likely will play. I can?t get a real good feel on which players will play and which will be held out of Sunday?s game. Team president Bill Polian said early in the week that Ben Utecht would be ?doubtful.?? My hunch is Joseph Addai will play, but Bob Sanders won?t. Just a hunch. I have no clue on Marvin Harrison. In the past I?ve taken the approach that the team would have to put him in body cast to keep him off the field. The one that has me concerned is Freddy Keiaho?s concussion. Those can be tough to shake. If he?s out, after Rob Morris undergoing season-ending knee surgery, the linebacker group will be pretty thin, in numbers and experience. QUESTION: When is Booger McFarland due back, or is he out for the year? -- from Scott, Orlando, Fla. ANSWER: He?s done for the season. When a player is put on the injured reserve list, he cannot play for that team for the rest of the season. I haven?t seen Booger in the locker room since the season started. I assume he?s rehabbing at his offseason home, which I believe is Winnsboro, La. QUESTION: With Lucas Oil Stadium having a retractable roof, who decides the open/close question, and how soon before kickoff is the decision made? If a game starts with the roof open and Indiana weather unexpectedly turns nasty, can it be closed for the second half rather than delaying the game or risking lightning? -- from Paul Walorski, Columbus, IN ANSWER: I haven?t seen the plans for Lucas Oil Stadium, but I can give you the guidelines for Houston?s Reliant Stadium. The decision to have the roof opened or closed is up to the team and must be made 1 hour, 30 minutes before kickoff. If the roof is closed at kickoff, it stays closed for the entire game. If the roof is open at kickoff, it?s up to the game officials to determine if it should be closed during the game because of a change in the weather. If the roof is open with 5 minutes to play in the game, it remains open regardless of the change in the weather. Also, the Texans are following an ?80-50 Rule?? when considering whether to open the roof. If the projected outside temperature is between 50 degrees and 80 degrees and no rain is expected, the roof will be open. QUESTION: I noticed everyone is ready to crown New England Super Bowl champions. I know they look good so far, but who wouldn?t look good against the Jets, Bills, Bengals and Chargers? They are a combined 4-12. What gives? -- from RaleighColtsFan, Fuquay-Varina, NC ANSWER: It?s called a whole bunch of media types ? newspaper, TV and radio ? having a whole bunch of time to fill. This is how it goes every season. A month or so into a season and the media gets behind one team, or decides to bury another. Have you forgotten the 2005 season when the Colts got off to their 13-0 start? The media was wondering if Indy was one of the best teams in NFL history. New England probably will benefit from playing in what looks to be a mediocre AFC East. But I was impressed with how the Patriots handled San Diego and Cincinnati. It?s still early, but the Patriots look to be the real deal. They?ve got a couple of big games coming up ? Oct. 14 at Dallas and Nov. 4 at Indy.

Ask the Experts - (09/26)

QUESTION: Should we be worried about Freddy Keiaho?s elbow? Do you know if it is an injury that will be able to heal during the season? I can?t imagine how he plays with a dislocated elbow. -- from Brad, Plainfield, IN ANSWER: Worried might be a strong word, but the situation certainly warrants monitoring as the season unfolds. Keiaho wouldn?t be out there if the dislocated right elbow kept him from playing at a high level or if there is a possibility of him doing serious damage to the elbow. He started at Houston and finished with eight tackles. QUESTION: I love the fact the Colts are off to a 3-0 start. I just can?t understand why everyone is giving us no respect. We are the Super Bowl champs, and people around the country act like we didn?t make the playoffs last year. I understand New England is good, but we have won the last three meetings. People don?t think about the possibility that we are now in the Patriots? head. I would say their offseason spending spree would add to that. I would also like to know why, if we are $13 million under the cap, we don?t get some more players. -- from Allen, Indianapolis ANSWER: I don?t think it?s surprising the national media has focused on New England more than the Colts. Until the last three weeks, San Diego was getting a lot of attention as well. I believe it has a lot to do with the offseason. The Colts added no one and lost several significant players. New England, meanwhile, added a lot of big-name players. That always merits attention. And thus far, the Patriots? offseason acquisitions have had a huge impact. I?m looking forward to that Nov. 4 showdown in the RCA Dome. Both teams could be unbeaten. As for the cap, my unofficial figures have the team approximately $13 million under the cap. But having cap room and an owner having up-front money to sign players to help fill that cap room are two different issues. Besides, it?s not like a team can run to Wal-Mart and buy a running back or linebacker. Any player who?s out there at this time is out there for a reason. QUESTION: What is the deal with Quinn Pitcock? Is he hurt or not as good as they thought? For a third rounder, I would expect him to see a little action, but I don?t think he has even suited up for any of the games. -- from Laurence Foster, Bedford, TX ANSWER: You?re right. Pitcock has not been active for the first three games. The Colts have dressed only three natural tackles ? Raheem Brock, Ed Johnson and Darrell Reid. Rookie Keyunta Dawson has been the fourth tackle, but he?s really an end who can play tackle in pass-rush situations. Health isn?t an issue with Pitcock. Clearly, he?s playing behind Reid as the third tackle. Much of that probably has to do with Reid being one of the team?s top special teams players. I?m not too worried about Pitcock not dressing for the first three games. If it continues, though, you have to wonder about his development. QUESTION: It seems coach Tony Dungy has a horrible record when it comes to challenging calls. Can you enlighten us as to what his win percentage is on calls he?s challenged? And how he compares to the league average and the best and worst coaches in the league? -- from Aaron John, The Woodlands, TX ANSWER: You?re mistaken about Dungy?s record on coach?s challenges. By my figures, since 2002 he has challenged 20 plays and been correct 14 times. That?s a 70 percent rate. Across the league from 2002-06, there were 1,085 coaches? challenges and 447 reversals. That?s 41 percent.

Broncos Should Provide a Solid Assessment of ?07 Colts - (09/25)

While the Colts consistently end up on top at the end of their games, more often than not the scores are nail-bitingly close. I predicted after their blow-out of the Saints in the season opener that this year would be different, whereas in recent years the Colts seemed to only do what they needed [...]

Ask the Experts - (09/20)

QUESTION: I know this is early and not real relevant to the season, but I was wondering how many potential draft picks the Colts might receive for losing free agents last offseason? I was thinking maybe four or five. -- from Maurice Zuver, Bryan, OH ANSWER: I was thinking more along the lines of three or four. It?s a complicated formula based on the quality of free agent lost, including the size of the contract he signed and how well he played for his new team. The Colts should get consideration for losing Cato June (Tampa Bay), Nick Harper (Tennessee), Jason David (New Orleans) and Dominic Rhodes (Oakland). QUESTION: During last season?s playoffs, the Colts were prolific running the ball. You?ll recall they took most of the last seven minutes off the clock in the Baltimore playoff game by running against a stout offense. In the AFC Championship Game, on their crucial last drive, yardage was all on the ground. This past Sunday at Tennessee, that prior ability to wear down a defense was nowhere to be seen. Normally the Colts? line manhandles the opponent?s line late in a game. There didn?t appear to be any attempt to do that this time. Are the Colts saying anything about getting away from the way they played in last year?s big wins? -- from Mike, Franklin, Ind. ANSWER: First a correction. The Colts? game-winning TD drive against New England wasn?t all running. The last three plays were all Joseph Addai, including the 3-yard TD, but the first three plays of significance were passes ? 11 yards to Reggie Wayne, 32 yards to Bryan Fletcher, 14 yards to Wayne. As for the Colts? running in the first two games, I haven?t really seen a problem with it from a production standpoint. They?re averaging 122.5 yards per game, 4.8 per attempt. Last year it was 110 yards per game and 4.0 per attempt. The problem most of us had with the running game against the Titans was not running on the final drive to make Tennessee use its final timeouts. The Colts decided to throw when Tennessee crowded the line of scrimmage. I?m sure there will be games down the road where the Colts will run more than they have the first two games, but if they continue to average 122.5 yards per game on the ground, what?s the problem? That would be their highest per-game average since 2001 (122.9). QUESTION: After reviewing the 2008 opponents for the Colts, a home game with the AFC East is listed. Does that mean if the Colts and ?you know who?? both finish first in their divisions, they will play yet again in 2008? -- from Brad, Plainfield, IN ANSWER: Yep. If the Colts and New England win their divisions again, the Patriots would visit Indy for a second straight time during the regular season. It?s just one of those quirky deals in the scheduling formula. It would be a measure of payback for the Colts having to go to New England for the regular season in 2004 and ?05. QUESTION: When are NFL owners and union reps going to get smart and implement a rookie contract cap for dollar amount and length? To have Jamarcus Russell potentially making the same as Marc Bulger is insane. Just in case they don?t have any ideas, I am willing to offer this one: maximum length of contract 4 years and maximum salary will start at $10 million for the No. 1 pick over 4 years and go up 3 percent yearly. That way, agents cannot destroy the NFL like they are now doing. -- from Daniel, T., Bluffton, SC ANSWER: In my mind, one of the biggest problems with the NFL is the way top draft picks warrant so much money before they ever step on the field. It?s ridiculous. Will it ever change? Doubt it. The owners attempted to put a cap on rookie salaries and bonuses when they installed the salary cap in the early 1990s, but agents quickly found a way around that with pro-rated signing bonuses and escalators and other loop holes. While I?m sure the players union would prefer more money be funneled to veterans who?ve proven themselves and less to players who have nothing but potential on their side, I?ll be shocked if that?s something it actively pursues. And that?s a shame. QUESTION: Although many Colts fans may say ?Who cares??, what has happened to Mike Vanderjagt since he was cut by Dallas? Also, I?ve been a Maryland-based Colts fan since 1975. I go to all the Colts-Ravens games here. Do you know if there are many Colts fans in Maryland and do they get together to watch games? -- from Greg Weimann, Crofton, MD ANSWER: It?s kind of amazing that Vanderjagt basically has fallen off the radar screen. Hard for me to believe he can?t land a job somewhere. He still wants to kick and had a recent tryout with Jacksonville, which was looking for a temporary replacement for Josh Scobee. The Jaguars signed veteran John Carney. Maybe Vandy surfaces later in the season. As for the Colts? fan base in Maryland, I imagine it would be a pretty secretive group. From the many times I?ve been to Baltimore for Colts games, it?s clear a decent segment of the city still loathes the Colts. But, no, I don?t know of any routine gatherings of Colts fans in the Baltimore area.

Belichick Gives the Colts? Legacy a Generous Boost - (09/14)

As if being a complete jerk twenty four hours a day weren?t enough, Bill Belichick has made the decision between the Colts and Patriots as the team of this era even easier this past week, with, at the very least, one confirmed, undeniable instance of foul play. That?s right, Bill Belichek, the defensive mastermind, [...]

Ask the Experts - (09/10)

QUESTION: I was visiting some friends on the East Coast during the Saints game and wanted to brag a little about the Colts. I know the Colts have had quick starts for the past few seasons. When was the last time they were below .500? -- from Wes, Monticello, IN ANSWER: Good question. But it really hasn?t been that long. Remember the 2004 season opener at New England? They lost 27-24: 0-1. Before that, you?ve got to go back to 2001. The Colts got off to a 2-0 start ? hammering the Jets (45-24) and the Bills (42-26) ? before losing three straight. The first of those three consecutive losses was at New England. Tom Brady?s first NFL start resulted in a 44-13 Pats win. The Colts then lost to Oakland (23-18) and again to New England (38-17). QUESTION: I knew all about Montae Reagor?s SUV accident last year and was under the impression that he had a lot of healing and facial surgery ahead. Imagine my surprise while watching him sack Green Bay QB Brett Favre on Sunday. How did the Colts let him get away if he was healthy? -- from Ike Hood, Indianapolis ANSWER: If memory serves me correctly, I don?t believe Reagor was fully recovered when the Colts decided to terminate his contract. The team never gave an explanation of why it let him go. I assume part of the reason was the uncertainty of Reagor being able to make a full enough recovery in time to play in ?07. Also, he was due a hefty base salary of $2 million. The team apparently wasn?t willing to wait until July or August to see if Reagor would be healthy enough to play. Too bad. He was a solid player in the defensive tackle mix and a great leader in the locker room. QUESTION: What is the status of Quinn Pitcock? I noticed that he was inactive for the Saints game. -- from Bob, McCordsville, IN ANSWER: He?s in the defensive tackle mix, but wasn?t one of the top three for the opener. The team only kept Raheem Brock, Ed Johnson and Darrell Reid active for the game. I don?t know that that represents a serious statement against Pitcock, but I was surprised the Colts only dressed three tackles and was surprised he wasn?t one of the three. One thing in Reid?s favor is he?s a huge contributor on special teams. Watch that guy fly down the field and you?ll see why he dresses for every game. QUESTION: Could you tell me who is on the Colts? practice squad? Haven?t seen it announced anywhere. -- from Mark Laplante, Lewiston, ME ANSWER: We published it the day after the practice squad was named ? QB Josh Betts, RB Decori Birmingham, WR Aaron Brown, G Travis Leitko, G Joe Lobdell, TE Gijon Robinson, WR Trent Shelton, G Sam Wilder. Also, former IU player Ben Ishola, a defensive end, is on the practice squad. He has a season-long roster exemption. One thing to keep in mind about the practice squad is it changes almost week to week. Either a team will sign a player off the Colts? practice squad, or the Colts will have to bring in another player at another position for practice purposes because of an injury. QUESTION: Why is Rob Morris still on special teams? Don?t you think they might be using him a little too much? He?s not exactly a spring chicken and he will be needed at the end of the year. -- from Paul, Pittston, PA ANSWER: Unless I missed it, Rob was only on the punt coverage unit. He?s the ?up?? back in the punt formation, the last line of defense for punter Hunter Smith. I doubt it?s going to wear down Morris if he plays on only one special teams unit.

Somehow I Think the Colts Will Manage - (09/08)

I’ll admit I’m just as guilty as everyone else: when defensive players who started in the Super Bowl for the World Champions started disappearing left and right, I was concerned. Nick Harper, Montae Reagor, even Booger McFarland later on, those really hurt. Then, on the other side of the ball, the only [...]

What Will Really Happen in the 2007 NFL Season - (09/06)

Well, it’s time. The countdown to the kick-off of the 2007 NFL season is now just a few hours away. So what’s going to happen this year, I hear you asking? The answer to the big question should come as no surprise, I’m going with the Indianapolis Colts to win Super Bowl XLII. [...]

Joseph Addai?s Big Break - (08/26)

With veteran running back Dominic Rhodes gone from the Indy backfield, all the pressure, and hopefully, the glory, will soon fall on second year man Joseph Addai. He had as impressive a rookie season as one could hope for last year, leading all NFL ‘06 rookies with 1,081 rushing yards, tying an NFL rookie [...]

Ask the Experts - (08/23)

QUESTION: I may as well be the first to ask. What is the likelihood that the Colts take a look at Jeremiah Trotter now that he has been released from the Eagles? -- from Wayne, Boston, MA ANSWER: You were neither the first nor the last to mention the Colts and Jeremiah Trotter in the same email. Just knowing how the Colts operate, I?m confident Trotter?s name came up during personnel discussions. These guys go over every possible option. Maybe I?m wrong, but I doubt they'll go that direction. They generally like to fill linebacker needs from within. Also, although Trotter has started the past two seasons in Philly, he apparently has some health issues. I wouldn?t mind seeing the Colts bring in a veteran linebacker considering that outside of Rob Morris, the group is awfully young. QUESTION: I was curious as to what your gut feeling is on the rookies/free agents that have a good chance of making the roster this year? Also, typically how many players do the Colts keep per position on the active roster once they get trimmed down to the final 53? -- from Damon Moore, Indianapolis ANSWER: Because of the top-heavy nature of the Colts' payroll, the team needs to find three or four rookie free agents each season, and the personnel staff does a good job. This year, I like defensive tackle Ed Johnson and wide receiver Trent Shelton. Johnson is a lock to make the roster. He?s played well in two preseason games. Shelton has played and practiced well, but it might be tough for him to crack the top five receivers. Last year, the Colts? position-by-position breakdown went like this: QBs (2), RBs (3), O-line (9), TEs (4, including long-snapper Justin Snow), WRs (6, including kick returner Terrence Wilkins), D-line (9), LBs (8), DBs (10) and Ks (2). QUESTION: I?m a big Dallas Clark fan. Where do you think he ranks among tight ends in the NFL? I don?t think he gets a lot of respect nationally. I don?t know why he?s underrated, but you hear Vernon Davis this, Greg Olsen that. Mark Witten?s so great, Todd Heap?s one of the best . . . Maybe I?m ignorant, but outside of Antonio Gates, Clark is second to none in my book. Shockey, Crumpler, Watson . . . I?ll take Dallas Clark. What?s the knock on him? -- from Don S., McAllen, Texas ANSWER: I don?t believe Clark is underrated or ignored nationally. Anybody who watches and understands the game realizes that he is an elite tight end. The problem with Clark and the Colts? Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Joseph Addai and Edgerrin James before him. With that type of receiving talent on the roster, it?s very difficult for a tight end, even one as talented as Clark, to get more than 40-45 receptions in a season. But Clark was the Colts' MVP in the postseason last year. Take him out of the mix, and they don?t reach the Super Bowl. I doubt if Clark ever will make the Pro Bowl while he?s here, but he?s critical to the offense. And the team realizes that. QUESTION: For the same reason Colts fans are writing in asking if Indy is looking at Tank Johnson, Michael Vick WILL be playing again in the NFL. He?ll need to muster up an emotional press conference, full of apologies to garner fan forgiveness, but in the end some general manager in need of a quarterback will look past Vick?s history. What do you think? -- from Don MacGillivray, Newmarket, Ontario ANSWER: If history tells us anything, it?s that the NFL and pro sports in general are very forgiving . . . as long the player seeking forgiveness has unique talent. I expect Vick to miss at least the next three seasons with jail time and a following suspension by the NFL. He?ll be 31 or 32 when he?s ready to play, and should still be an outstanding athlete. I will be stunned if some team doesn?t take a shot with him. The problem is that teams probably will be looking at Vick as a backup, and he doesn?t fit that mold. He?s such a unique player that it?s hard to see him fitting into a structured offense and stepping in if the starter goes down. No way would he fit in a Colts offense built around Peyton Manning. The same goes for so many offenses in the league. But I still expect some team to give him a chance. That?s the way it goes in the NFL.

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