SB Nation - Hank Baskett

Monday "Practice Estimation"

shake n bake — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:20:19 -0000

Thursday night game means that to comply with the leagues requirement of 3 injury reports teams need to give a "Practice Estimation" on Monday, reporting which players they'd expect to hold out of practice if they were conducting a practice today. As you'd expect for the day after a game, the lists are long. Really it's more telling to look at who isn't listed. In the Colts case that list is actually shorter and we'll start with that.

Players Not Listed (count on them playing)

Curtis Painter, Mike Hart, Jacob Tamme, Gijon Robinson, Dallas Clark, Austin Collie, Hank Baskett, Micheal Toudoze, Mike Pollak, Jeff Saturday, Ryan Lilja, Antonio Johnson, Fili Moala, Erwin Baldwin, Philip Wheeler, Freddy Keiaho, Ramon Humber, Cody Glenn, T.J. Rushing, Jaime Silva, Devon Hall, Justin Snow, Pat McAfee, Matt Stover

Players that would've rested (likely playing)

Dwight Freeney, Antoine Bethea

The Injured (who knows?)

Joseph Addai (knee), Gary Brackett (foot), Raheem Brock (back), Donald Brown (chest), Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), Keyunta Dawson (knee), Kyle DeVan (shin), Ryan Diem (hamstring), Eric Foster (back), Aaron Francisco (ankle), Pierre Garçon (knee), Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Kelvin Hayden (knee), Tim Jennings (ankle), Charlie Johnson (foot), Jacob Lacey (Biceps), Peyton Manning (glute), Robert Mathis (quad), Daniel Muir (hamstring), Jerraud Powers (Hamstring), Jamey Richard (Shoulder), Tom Santi (hand), Clint Session (calf), Chad Simpson (back), Tony Ugoh (hip), Adam Vinatieri (knee), Reggie Wayne (foot).

Colts.com link

Know Your Colts History: Indy's Best Non-Peyton Passers of the Decade

JakeTheSnake — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:29:45 -0000

A day without #18 lining up behind center is like a day without sunshine. Of the 5,484 passes attempted by a Colts passer this decade, 5,312 were attempted by Peyton Manning. In other words, if you watched any pass since the start of 2000, 96.9% of the time Peyton was the one that threw the ball. Of the 3.1% of passes left, all were the result of Peyton either taking a backseat on a trick play or watching from the bench during a game that had no meaning or the late stages of a blowout.

Still, those relatively few passes have meaning to diehard fans like us. As the decade nears its close, we'll take a look back at the seven players beside Peyton Manning who were lucky enough to throw a pass for the blue and white this decade and see who comes out on top.

7. Reggie Wayne

His place as one of the greatest Colts receivers of all-time will never be in question, but you can't do much worse as a quarterback. The interception he threw against the Texans in Week 9 against the Texans is the only pass he has thrown in his career. When you have a career interception percentage of 100, you're going to find yourself at the bottom of just about every passing list you can find.

The Colts have another player with a 100% interception percentage in Hank Baskett, who threw his interception while with the Eagles. Who did he throw that interception against? Yep, it was the Colts.

Other notable players with a 100% interception percentage include: Cris Collinsworth, Travis Henry, Reggie Bush and another current Colt, Matt Stover.

6. Hunter Smith

He's become quite the offensive force in Washington this season, running in one touchdown and throwing for another. Unfortunately, he didn't have the same success in Indianapolis, despite having more time to work on his passing, since he didn't have to pass too much. In his time here, he only threw one pass and it ended up being an incompletion.

5. Mark Rypien

Like Hunter Smith, Mark Rypien saw his best days as a Redskin. He was in the twilight of his career in 2001 when he signed on as a backup for Peyton Manning. He is most famous for being the player who stepped in for the one play in Peyton's career that he had to sit due to injury. He ended up fumbling that snap, but he had a decent outing in garbage time against the Patriots a few weeks before. In the outing Rypien completed 5 of his 9 passes for 57 yards.

Someone on the opposing team got their first start as a quarterback in the same game, but for the life of me I can't seem to remember who it was.

4. Brock Huard

Huard appeared in two games the Colts won by a combined 65 points in 2003. He completed 2 of his 3 passes for 22 yards. The numbers may not blow you away, but he had no turnovers and also managed 8 rushing yards.

It might take a lot statistically to get on this list, but I'll put Brock Huard's numbers up against JaMarcus Russell's every day.

3. Ken Dilger

In a 2001 game against the Jets, Dilger hooked up with Marvin Harrison for a 39 yard touchdown pass that gave the Colts a lead in the 4th quarter. His efforts would be in vein as Vinny Testaverde led the Jets back down the field to win the game. His perfect completion percentage is nice, but it doesn't take the place of a loss.

2. Jim Sorgi

Years from now when you look up "career backup" in the dictionary, a picture of Jim Sorgi holding a clipboard will accompany the definition. It's only fitting that he ends up as the backup on this list as well.

His shoulder injury and subsequent placement on IR means he won't be able to pad his stats anymore this season once the Colts clinch home-field advantage (All you had to do was put the clipboard in your other hand, Jim! Split the workload 50-50!). Still, his body of work during this decade speaks for itself. In 14 appearances, he's completed 63.5% of his passes, throwing 6 touchdowns and only one interception. Not bad for a career backup.

1 Joseph Addai

Every pass he's thrown in the NFL has gone for a game-winning touchdown. It doesn't get any better than that. Why isn't he starting at quarterback?

Week 14: Friday Injury Report

shake n bake — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:27:37 -0000

No suprises, the only players ruled out have missed significant time, all the newer injuries have returned to practice (minus Diem who is backsliding after practicing Wednesday).

Out: Donald Brown (chest), Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Aaron Francisco (ankle), Adam Vinatieri (knee)

Questionable (days of practice): Keyunta Dawson (3), Ryan Diem (1), Charlie Johnson (2), Robert Mathis (1), Daniel Muir (1.5), Clint Session (2), Tony Ugoh (2),

Probable: Hank Baskett (baby), Gary Brackett (foot), Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), DeVan (shin), Hayden (ankle), Tim Jennings (ankle), Peyton Manning (glute), Jamey Richard (shoulder), Tom Santi (hand), Reggie Wayne (foot).

IFR relays Mathis, Diem and Dawson's strong beliefs that they will be on the field Sunday

Hank Baskett and wife Kendra Wilkinson have baby boy

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:31:41 -0000

Kendra Wilkinson and Colts wide receiver Hank Baskett. Image: www.topnews.in

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Sort of lost in the shuffle a little bit was the news that Colts receiver Hank Baskett's wife, former Playboy Playmate Kendra Wilkinson, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Wednesday at an Indianapolis hospital. Baskett was absent from practice most of this week for "personal" reasons. Now we know why.

The couple named the boy Hank Jr., and he weighed in at 9 pounds, 5 ounces and was 22 inches long at the time of birth.

Damn! That's a big friggin baby!

Now, the obvious take on this news would be to make fun of the fact that the story was lost in the shuffle... kinda like Hank Baskett's tenure in Indy with the Colts. Or, I could make fun of their oh-so-original name for the boy (named after Baskett's father, Hank Baskett IV). Or, we could laugh at this massive, gigantic baby that Kendra required a C-section to birth into this world.

But, to be honest, all that crap is just a bit too juvenile.

And while the male frat contingent continues to chuckle and laugh that a "nobody" like Baskett is married to a Playboy Playmate, the truth is the couple seem happy together. And now they have a healthy baby boy together just in time for the holidays. It's actually kind of sweet, even though cynical football bloggers like me are totally incapable of feeling anything remotely close to sweetness.

Congrats Hank and Kendra.

Small side note: Baskett has played well this year for the Colts, especially on special teams. Bill Polian praised Baskett recently on his radio show, saying he practices hard and that the reason we haven't seen much of him on offense is the Colts rarely go to a 4 wideout package.

Horse Tracks 12/11/09 - Bruton makes limited return; Colts RT Diem misses practice

Douglas A. Lee — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:39:55 -0000

NFL Films - Week 14: Broncos at Colts Preview - Broncos TV

DB - Week 14 - Thu: McDaniels - Broncos TV

DB - As Fundamental As They Come - Zach Eisendrath
"After not participating in Wednesday’s practice, David Bruton (thigh) was a limited participant on Thursday...After not practicing on Wednesday, DB Antoine Bethea (rested), DE Dwight Freeney (rested), T Charlie Johnson (foot), LB Clint Session (calf) and T Tony Ugoh (hip) were full participants on Thursday. After not being listed on Wednesday’s Injury Report, WR Hank Baskett (personal reason) and T Ryan Diem (hamstring) did not practice on Thursday and DT Daniel Muir (hamstring) was a limited participant."

LTC - Broncos tackle Colts, streak - Brian Howell

DPP - Burden of perfection for Colts' season record - Mike Klis

DPP - Louisville asks for Dumervil's input on coach - Jeff Legwold
"Thursday, left tackle Ryan Clady was fined by his teammates for being named one of the 26 players on USA Football's All-Fundamental team." Excellent - it's good to see the kangaroo court is in full effect...

NFL - Rookie of the Week
Not sure if this already went out, but we've got a few more hours left to vote for Knowshon...

DB - Bailey and Teammates Host Broncos Christmas Party - Broncos TV

DB - Showing Support During the Holidays - Gray Caldwell

AP - Broncos Might Have Right Formula To Beat Colts - Arnie Stapleton

Colts News

IS - Interactive: Colts Matchup - Phil Wilson

IS - Need to fly down the field to score? Colts know the drill - Phil Richards

IS - Reid finds a home in Denver's defense - Phil Wilson

IS - To Addai, 'want to' matters on final drives - Phil Richards

IS - Wayne's take? Let's play until the end - Mike Chappell

IS - Boxers or briefs? Fulmer knew all about Jackson - Mike Chappell

IS - How The Star's writers see Sunday's game

NFL - Colts in the market for a third QB

NFL Results

NFL - Pittsburgh Steelers 6 at Cleveland Browns 13
Wow, if you saw this one coming...my hat is off to you!

NYT - Friday Morning Quarterback: What the Steelers’ Loss Means - George Bretherton

AFC West News

SDUT - Turner’s star still shines bright in Texas - Chris Jenkins

SDUT - Offensive line building chemistry - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Chargers change tack on stadium - Matthew Hall

SDUT - LT has to do less, but loves it more - Kevin Acee

SDUT - Merriman dismisses grudge - Kevin Acee & Chris Jenkins

CBS - When it comes to December, Turner's Chargers are a perfect 10 - Clark Judge

SFC - Guard Gallery shelved for remainder of season - David White

SFC - Resolute Russell ready for a rebirth - David White

KCS - Vrabel adjusts to being out of contention - Adam Teicher

KCS - NFL gives Chiefs another day to sell out game - Randy Covitz

KCS - Chiefs notebook | Flowers sits out of practice - Randy Covitz

NFL News

NFL - Thursday Injury Reports

NYT - Football Broadcasts Reflect More Serious Tone on Concussions - Alan Schwarz

NFL - Patriots LB Thomas 'dumbfounded' by being dismissed by Belichick

NFL - Titans QB Young aggravates knee but expected to play vs. Rams

NFL - Saints hope CB Greer will be ready for playoffs after hernia surgery

FH - Chad Ochocinco Will Be Changing His Name Again - Will Brinson

Y! - Chicago bar visit leaves Steelers fan blind - Charles Robinson

NFL Opinion

FH - Predicting The Playoffs: Who's In, Who's In Trouble - J.J. Cooper
"The key games for the tiebreakers are the final three for the Broncos (all three are common games and two are division games) while the next two games and the final game of the season are common games for the Chargers."

NFL - AFC playoff predictions: Patriots won't be a part of postseason action - Vic Carucci
"Despite the difficulty of their remaining schedule, the Broncos should land a wild-card spot."

NFP - Supplemental revenue sharing is a key issue - Robert Boland

NFP - Player's Picks: Week 14 - Matt Bowen
"Colts 24 Broncos 19"

SI - The Peter King Challenge
"Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 23, Denver Broncos 21"

NFP - Who's the best corner on the top defense? - Matt Bowen
Champ, Woodson or Revis?

NFL - Clady-Freeney battle one of Week 14's key matchups - Gil Brandt

SI - Green Bay Packers could be Super Bowl sleeper - Kerry J. Byrne

SI - Hiring Super Bowl-winning coach offers no guarantees of NFL title - Don Banks

NFP - Diner morning news: Reid right man for Eagles - Mike Lombardi

NFP - Tavern talk: Jury still out on Smith - Mike Lombardi

CBS - Quarterly Report: Bengals, Zimmer use D to bring A-game - Pete Prisco

NFL - As Bengals and Vikings square off, coordinators take center stage - Steve Wyche

SI - Brett Favre is popular because he helps fans understand NFL - Joe Posnanski

SI - Percy Harvin eludes rookie learning curve to help Vikings - Jim Trotter

SN - Saints' Brees, Colts' Manning stand out in four-man MVP race - Vinnie Iyer

FH - Thursday and Long: Enough Already With the Jaguars - Dan Graziano

ESPN - Timing's right for Reid, Eagles - John Clayton

ESPN - Cowboys shouldn't have passed on Norv - Matt Mosley

FOX - Chargers, Cowboys remain on playoff track - Adam Schein

FH - Matt Millen Doesn't Know the Rules - Matt Snyder

FOX - 5 Questions with FOX analyst Troy Aikman

NFP - NFP’s 2009 SEC all-prospect team - Wes Bunting

NFP - NFP’s 2009 Pac-10 all-prospect team - Wes Bunting

Pierre Garçon is well on his way

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:56:21 -0000

More photos » by Paul Connors - AP

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garçon. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

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I agree with emiller17. We are seeing second year wide receiver Pierre Garçon grow up right in front of our eyes.

While many Colts fans complain about his lack of consistency or the flags he sometimes draws or the trash talking we see him do on occasion, the fact is Garçon adds an element to the Colts WR corps that they have sorely lacked the last two years.

Big play ability.

Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are big play machines. However, as we saw in the game against the Patriots, when teams focus their defense on shutting down those two players, it requires players like Garçon, Austin Collie, or perhaps Tom Santi to step up. Against the Patriots, it was Garçon's impressive 29 yard, over-the-shoulder TD catch in the fourth quarter that started Indy's dramatic comeback. Against the Ravens, Garçon's 66 yard reception set up Indy's TD near the goal line; a mind blowing, one-handed TD grab by Dallas Clark.

While players like Collie and Santi have shown dependability, and while Reggie Wayne continues to absolutely dominate the NFL at the receiver position, Garcon has provided a spark for the Colts offense which has been missing since Marvin Harrison injured his knee in 2007. Teams are now forced to take him seriously, respecting his speed and physical play. This has opened up more opportunities for others, like the before mentioned Tom Santi.

A few days ago, we compared Garçon's development with Reggie Wayne during his second year in the league (2002). Back then, Wayne was used much the same way Garçon is today. Qadry Ismail (who today is one of the better talking heads on ESPN's football post-game shows) was the second receiver, starting alongside Marvin Harrison at that time. Wayne, who battled injuries in 2001 and 2002, played outside and in the slot (again, like Garçon today).

After 11 weeks, check out Garcon compared to Wayne in 2002:

Garçon (2009)- 32 catches, 511 yards, 16 yards per reception, 3 TDs

Wayne (2002)- 49 catches, 716 yards, 14.6 yards per reception, 4 TDs

It's also important to keep in mind that wide receivers typically take three years before they develop into truly good players. It took Larry Fitzgerald that long before he started dominating. The same is true for Andre Johnson, who plays tonight against the Titans. Garçon's numbers look even more impressive when you compare him to Anthony Gonzalez's second year numbers (57 catches, 664 yards, 11.4 yards a reception, 4 TDs).

Also worth noting: All the receivers I have compared Garçon to in this story are first round picks. Garçon is a 6th rounder who played college ball at Division III Mount Union. I know we all know this fact, and that it is taking on a status similar to "Marcus Pollard only played basketball in college." But when you really look at what this kid is accomplishing, when you REALLY step back and look at the big picture, it is hard not to be impressed.

This is why I don't get caught up in the moments of inconsistency. Young receivers screw up. This is why coaches like Bill Belichick hate playing young receivers. They run the wrong routes. They drop easy passes. They forget assignments. Garçon is no different, and we have seen him screw up and look foolish in certain moments. However, what this kid has also shown is resilience, and you can tell players like Peyton and Reggie are impressed with him.

So, consider me fully on board the Pierre Garçon bandwagon. I think this kid is a keeper, and likely the longterm solution as the #2 receiver. With Anthony Gonzalez likely to return to the practice field this week, this gives the Colts five excellent WRs (including Hank Baskett) to really spread the field. Throw Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai in there, and the passing game starts looking even scarier.

Week 11 Colts-Ravens Friday Injury Report

shake n bake — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:07:49 -0000

Colts

OUT: Kelvin Hayden, Anthony Gonzaelz, Adam Vinatieri, Aaron Francisco, Dan Federkeil,

Questionable (days of pratice): Dwight Freeney (1), Antoine Bethea (0.5), Eric Foster (1), Pierre Garcon (2), Gijon Robinson (0), Jim Sorgi (0),

Probable: Hank Baskett, Justin Snow

Colts.com

Ravens

OUT: DE/OLB Terrell Suggs, RB Matt Lawrence

Questionable: TE Todd Heap (no practice), DT Haloti Ngata (limited all week)

Probable: C Matt Birk, LB Tavares (T-Good) Gooden, QB Joe Flacco, LB Jarrett Johnson

BaltimoreRavens.com

Wednesday Injury Report

shake n bake — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:33:27 -0000

Troublingly long injury report today. Kelvin Hayden, Anthony Gonzalez, Adam Vinatieri and Jim Sorgi are still out. They were joined by Hank Baskett (Illness), Antoine Bethea (Foot), Dan Federkiel (concussion), Eric Foster (back), Aaron Francisco (ankle), Pierre Garcon (ankle), Gijon Robinson (concussion), Justin Snow (elbow).

Colts.com link

Anthony Gonzalez might go under the knife

BigBlueShoe — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:46:21 -0000

More photos » by AJ MAST - AP

3 months ago: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez is helped off the field after being injured in the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, Indianapolis. The Colts won 14-12. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

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The rumor mill is buzzing that Anthony Gonzalez's season may be over:

The word is that [Gonzalez is] asking Dr. James Andrews, who is likely to confirm that he's got more than sprained PCL. The thought is that it is likely torn.

The long term health of Gonzo is important, and I do not want to see the Colts pull a 2007 Marvin Harrison with Gonzo's injury. If he can't go by December, IR him and use the roster spot on someone who can help the team. Right now, Gonzo is not helping the team.

With the emergence of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie, along with the signing of Hank Baskett, the loss of Gonzo is not that severe. I know some are "worried" that Garcon is too inconsistent, and others are pissed Baskett dropped a few balls against the 49ers Sunday. Calm down. Relax. The wide receivers are fine. We don't have Aaron Morehead back there anymore. We actually have guys who can, you know, do stuff.

Back to Gonzo, I'd very much love it if he can play again this year. If he can't, the team has the talent to move on.

49ers-Colts: Five questions with BigBlueShoe

Fooch — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:00:30 -0000

This Sunday will see the 49ers square off in what I believe is their toughest match-up of the season. The Colts have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, which is sure to give us an even better idea of where the 49ers really are as a team. As we approach the game, we've had some great discussion in the Q&A FanPost. However, as is often the case, I wanted to ask five more directed questions of BigBlueShoe from Stampede Blue. He was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer some of my questions.

NN: Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark continue to impress. However, younger receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon have started to impress. Can you tell us a little more about the two youngsters?

SB: Sure. Pierre Garcon is a second year player who, as some know, played Division III college ball at Mount Union. He went there because he lacked the grades, and the pedigree, to go to the bigger college schools. Regardless, he dominated Div III football so much that the Colts used a 6th round pick on him in 2008. At roughly 6'1, 210 pounds, he is a big dude playing WR. He also has Marvin Harrison-like speed, as Peyton Manning described during Training Camp. Garcon likes getting physical after catching the ball, stiff-arming players and bowling over people rather than using his speed to shake them out of their shoes (like Marvin used to do). Pierre is also a little cocky. He's been flagged a bit too much for taunting, which is something Colts fans absolutely detest.

Austin Collie is pretty much a clone of Brandon Stokley. Stokley is, arguably, the best slot receiver ever to play football, and his best years were with the Colts. Collie is running the same patterns and doing the same things out of the slot that Stokley did. He's a very smart kid who does not play like a rookie. Very cerebral player who understands running in space and positioning himself on a route to make a big catch. It's been fun watching these young players grow and develop throughout the season. This area used to be a problem area for the Colts. In the past, it was Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Brandon Stokley, and then... not much of anything. Now, with Pierre, Reggie, Austin, Anthony Gonzalez (who will return from injury soon), and the recently signed Hank Baskett, the Colts might have the deepest WR corps in football.

After the jump we run through four more questions about the Indianapolis Colts...

NN: Donald Brown seems to be making a bigger impact in the rushing attack than Joseph Addai. Is he on his way to becoming the #1 guy, or is it likely to stick as a 2-person running back by committee?

SB: Looks are deceiving, and no. He isn't going to replace Addai. Donald Brown is an electric back with some serious speed. We haven't seen breakaway running like Brown's since the days of Marshall Faulk. As wonderful and awesome as Edgerrin James and Dominic Rhodes were, they never had great breakaway speed. Brown has that.

What Brown doesn't have is durability, nor does he have that sense to "feel" his way through traffic. Edge, Rhodes, and Addai are masters of that. This season, with an offensive line that has been very spotty in terms of run blocking, Addai has had to fight for more yards. He's done all the tough running. Addai ahs also been outstanding in pass block blitz pick-up and cathcing the ball out of the backfield. Brown still isn't there in those things yet.

What I do see is that the two work very well as a tandem, which is why Brown was drafted. We say this a lot at Stampede Blue, because the numbers and the stats seem to back it up: The days of the 25-30 carry a game running back are over. Emmitt smith wouldn't last 16 games in today's NFL. Safeties are too big, too fast, and hit to hard for one back to carry an offense's load anymore. Teams absolutely must have two quality backs who split carries. Otherwise, one of the backs will wear down (example: Michael Turner with the Falcons).

NN: Peyton Manning just keeps on kicking year after year. Aside from a lack of mobility, is there really anything the 49ers can look to in trying to stop Manning?

SB: I don't understand this "lack of mobility" knock. When I think "lack of mobility," I think Bernie Kosar, Dan Marino, and Drew Bledsoe. Peyton isn't like that guys at all. He runs pretty well, and throws on the run much better thna he did five or six years ago. He's also nimble in thep ocket, able to slide away from pressure while still looking downfield. Manning, in many ways, kind of moves like Joe Montana did in the pocket. So, if Manning "lacks mobility," Montana must have as well.

As far as "stopping Manning," you can't. No defense can stop him. Defenses can, however, throw off the timing of the offense by getting consistent pressure up the middle. Outside pressure can be controlled because, again, Manning can move well in the pocket. If you get pressure up the middle, no quarterback can survive.

NN: According to Football Outsiders, you guys have the 23rd ranked rushing defense and 5th ranked passing defense. Everyone knows about Dwight Freeney, so can you tell us about some of the more under-appreciated aspects of the Colts defense?

SB: FO's numbers really don't do the rush defense justice. The Colts run defense is very good, and the 23rd rank is skewed by that Miami Dolphins game, which was a fluke. As we saw this past weekend with the Saints, the Dolphins "Wild Cat" racks up a ton of rushing yards. The problem is that in today's NFL you MUST be able to throw the ball to win. Running the ball is now secondary to throwing it. A team like the Dolphins can rack up all the rushing yards they want. The reason they are 2-4 is because their passing game, and their pass defense, stink.

In four games this year, the Colts have held opponents under 100 yards rushing. In three of those games, they held them under 70 yards rushing. Take away that fluke Miami game, and the Colts have a top ten run defense. In almost all their games this year, the Colts have been able to stop the run early, build a big lead, and then tee-off on the opponents' QB. This past Sunday, the Colts stoned the Rams rushing game in the first half. They came out of halftime with a 21-3 lead. Knowing the Rams were down three scores, Indy ran a vanilla Tampa-2 in the second half, preventing the rams from throwing long and making any big plays. The Rams responded to this by running the ball.

Again, down three scores, and the Rams... run? They racked up 80% of their 155 rushing yards in the third quarter. The result was an additional 3 points, and the Colts continuing to pad their lead.

So, I personally think the run defense for this team is under-appreciated.

NN: Both are teams have new head coaches (new enough in the case of the 49ers). What are Jim Caldwell's strengths and weaknesses as head coach?

SB: Well, for Caldwell right now it is difficult to say. The team is 6-0. So, it's hard to point out any coaching "weaknesses." I guess NFL inexperience as an NFL head coach is probably his biggest "weakness," but I must say I am very impressed with how Caldwell has conducted himself. He does seem to get it. Also, many of his bigger decisions have turned out to be brilliant judgements. He benched starting left tackle Tony Ugoh for a utility player named Charlie Johnson. The results are Peyton Manning only being sacked twice in six games.

Caldwell also, essentially, fired former-defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and special teams coach Russ Purnell. He replaced them with Larry Coyer as the DC and Ray Rychleski on special teams, and both coaches have helped improve both those areas. The defense is giving up only 12.8 points per game, and special teams play is vastly improved.