SB Nation - Michael Okwo

Laundry List of Mediocracy: Stuff Since the Bears Super Bowl

Dane Noble — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:09:57 -0000

When a season opens up with as many high expectations as the Bears did, it's not hard to start the finger-pointing game when things go wrong. We have all taken the time to try and pin-point things, but that task can be a bit overwhelming.

Enter Bears writer Jeff Dickerson: (an excerpt):

Football is the ultimate team game. You win as an organization, you lose as an organization. Instead of simply blaming one person (Ron Turner) for the Bears being 20-22 since the Super Bowl, take a step back and look at the big picture: It's been a collective effort, from the front office down to the players. Nobody should be immune from criticism, because everybody played a part in this mess.

Dickerson goes on to try and quantify (and qualify) why the boat is not only rocking, but also sinking since the Super Bowl:

After trading Thomas Jones to New York, the Bears handed the starting running back job to Cedric Benson (bust) in 2007.

Mark Anderson is promoted over Alex Brown in 2007 -- Anderson clearly couldn't handle the assignment.

Nathan Vasher got hurt versus Dallas in 2007 -- he never recovered.

Brian Urlacher dealt with major back issues in 2007, and missed almost all of 2009 with a dislocated wrist.

The Bears drafted Dan Bazuin (bust) in the second round in 2007.

The Bears drafted Michael Okwo (bust) in the third round in 2007.

The Bears drafted Garrett Wolfe (reach) in the third round in 2007.

And that's just 2007. Make sure you check out the full article for his complete run down.

Did he leave anything out? What do we need to see, starting right now, to right the ship before it is completely capsized?

2009 Colts Mini-Camp: The Defense

BigBlueShoe — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 23:55:31 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

6 months ago: Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, left, calls a play for the defense including, Mike Tauiliili (59) and Pat Kuntz, back center, as the NFL football team practiced in Indianapolis, Thursday, May 28, 2009. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Browse more photos »

We talked offense. We dissected special teams. Now, we chew the virtual fat on the defense.

Just like the special teams, the Colts are working with a new coordinator as we move forward into the Jim Caldwell era. Gone is longtime coordinator Ron Meeks, who is now coaching for the Carolina Panthers. Early reports say players in Carolina like Meeks and are responding well to him. The same is true for new Colts defensive coordinator Larry Coyer with Indy's players. Whether it's defensive captain Gary Brackett or super-star Dwight Freeney, Colts players are taken by Coyer's knowledge and experience.

"Larry has a lot of energy. He’s an older gentleman, but he has a wealth of football knowledge," Brackett said. "You’re just blown away every time you meet with him. You’d better have a notebook because there will be a lot being said."

Reading between the lines, the Colts will run the same base Tampa 2 defense they've had since 2002. The wrinkles they will add are likely new blitz and coverage packages aimed at generating more turnovers.

Defensive Ends

The Colts sport the best DE tandem in football with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Both are Pro Bowlers. Both are studs. Both are effective stopping the run, despite what many an idiot pundit who doesn't watch the games says. Raheem Brock is the under-the-radar DE who often gets little recognition for just how very good he is rushing the passer and stopping the run. He can also switch inside to defensive tackle, though his days as a DT are likely over. Remember, Brock was the starting DT during Indy's Super Bowl run in 2006, but the wear and tear of playing DT at 275 pounds is making Brock susceptible to more nagging injuries.

Likely, the starting DEs will be Freeney and Brock, with Mathis coming in to play significant nsaps at both LE and RE.

Backing up the three headed monster are promising second year players Marcus Howard and Curtis Johnson. Both players are lighting quick speed rushers, in particular Howard. Howard is actually faster than Freeney, and the Colts' defensive line John Teerlick is developing Howard into another Robert Mathis. In very limited playing time last year, Howard amassed 1.5 sacks and 19 tackles. He needs to develop a few pass rushing moves before he can showcase his true potential, but Howard has all the talent to develop into a special player.

Due to the development of Howard and Johnson, no one player at defensive end is on the "hot seat." The Colts typically carry five DEs on the active roster, and they seem very happy with the five DEs they currently have.

One to Watch: Marcus Howard

On the Hot Seat: No one

Defensive Tackle

"Defensive tackle" is very nearly a four letter word with Colts fans. For eight years, this team has tried to find consistency at the DT position, but ultimately failed. Booger McFarland was the best DT this club has ever had, but his career ended in 2007 when he blew out his knee just two days into training camp.

In 2009, the Colts decided to shift their focus to fixing the DT dilemma. Despite the hard, tough play of Eric Foster, Keyunta Dawson, and Antonio "Mookie" Johnson last year, the Colts were not happy with how well the DT position played.Their first action was to draft two promising young tackles from two big time college football programs. Fili Moala was drafted in round two to play the under tackle spot, which requires the tackle to penetrate the gaps in the o-line and create havoc in the opponent's backfield. The other tackle taken was Terrance Taylor. Taylor is more of a traditional "nose tackle," or over tackle in the Tampa 2 scheme. His job will be to occupy multiple blockers so that the other tackle and the DEs can pressure th opponent's backfield. Of the two, Moala could have the biggest immediate impact. Barring some kind of setback, look for him to start Week One.

The other key moves the Colts made on draft day were rookie free agent signings. Indy signed talented rookie DTs in Adrian Grady and Pat Kuntz. Both are "under tackle"-types, using speed, leverage, and quickness to generate pressure. Of the two, Grady seems to have the most talent. Grady's knock is he's battled injuries all throughout. Kuntz is a tough kid who plays 100% all the time. He could quickly become a coach's favorite.

The final move the Colts made to shore up the DT spot is the re-signing of Ed Johnson, a player they had kicked off their team back in September 2008. Big Ed's second go-around with the Colts could see him doing what he did before: Playing over tackle, and playing it well. In 2007, Ed Johnson started every game at DT, replacing Booger McFarland, who worked with Ed dissecting game film while he tried to rehab his knee. The Colts run defense was outstanding when Big Ed played DT. With his head seemingly screwed on straight, Big Ed could return to being a dominant force in the middle for this Colts defense.

Now, all the players I just touched on did not play for Indy in 2008, save for Ed Johnson (who played just one game). Prior to Indy adding these players, they already had four DTs on the roster, each with significant playing time logged in 2008. Raheem Brock also played several snaps at DT, but with the pool of talent now injected into this team, Brock's days at DT are likely over. For a time, he was the best DT Indy had.

Antonio "Mookie" Johnson was signed from the Tennessee Titans practice squad last November. He was thrust into the starting lineup almost immediately, and quickly showcased his talents as a nose tackle. Considering he had all of seven days to learn the defense before he started, I'd say Mookie played outstanding. With a full off-season and training camp under his belt, Mookie could very well retain his starting DT spot. The team is also very high on second year man Eric Foster. Foster seems a natural under tackle but had to play nose tackle much of 2008 due to injuries to other players. At 270 pounds, Foster did his best to hold his own, but often was not successful. He might have more success and development as a under tackle.

The guys seemingly left out in the cold are Daniel Muir and Keyunta Dawson. Muir is an over tackle who spent much of 2008 hurt. Dawson is the whipping boy for many a Colts fan. At roughly 255 pounds, he is a very small DT. But, despite what people think, Dawson has played very well despite the fact he had no true nose tackle playing next to him. The team might consider moving Dawson to DE, as it is doubtful they will retain him as a DT.

With so much talent in the DT position, it is hard to imagine the run defense not improving in 2009. The big question is "Who will play?"

One to Watch: Fili Moala

On the Hot Seat: Keyunta Dawson

Linebackers

The Colts entered 2008 with Freddy Keiaho at WILL, Gary Brackett at MIKE, and Tyjuan Hagler at SAM. They ended 2008 with Tyjaun Hagler at WILL, Freddy Keiaho at MIKE, and Clint Session at SAM. In 2009, the starting linebackers heading into camp are Clint Session at WILL, Gary Brackett at MIKE, and second year player Philip Wheeler at SAM.

This means one-time starters Freddy Keiaho and Tyjuan Hagler are now back-ups.

The Colts also dabbled in free agency a bit, which is extremely rare given that they NEVER signed a free agent linebacker during the entire Tony Dungy era. Indy signed reserve linebacker Adam Seward to back-up at MIKE and SAM. With Hagler, Keiaho, and now Seward, the Colts have one of the deepest corps of linebackers this blogger has ever seen in his three years covering the Colts for SB Nation. With both Seward and Wheeler, the Colts also have a bit more size at the SAM spot. Both backers are 6'2, 240-245 pounds.

The Colts also have speedy Michael Okwo, who they poached from the Chicago Bears, and solid WILL linebacker Jordan Senn (who is a good special teams player as well. The team also signed Ramon Humber, Mike Tauiliili, and Tyrell Sales. Humber and Sales seem like camp fodder, but the team seems to like Tauiliili (though I think the team's jersey and marketing department don't).

One to Watch: Philip Wheeler

On the Hot Seat: Ramon Humber and Tyrell Sales

Cornerbacks

The Colts are VERY deep at cornerback, though they have some guys who need to start proving they can do something to help this team. They also have two significant players returning from major knee surgery, and their status come week one will go a long way to determining just how deep the corner position is.

The Colts re-signed Kelvin Hayden to a big contract this off-season. Hayden is the best corner on the roster. He's big, physical, and can run with anyone. He can also tackle and is a threat to score anytime he gets his hands on the football. Just ask the Bears. Returning, rather dramatically, from major knee surgery is Marlin Jackson. Jackson blew out his knee last year but, astonishingly, he is now running with the team and participating in OTAs. Hayden and Jackson, when healthy, are an excellent corner tandem able to match-up with most receivers.

The nickel back spot, so critical to a Tampa 2 defense, has Tim Jennings penciled in. Jennings started several games last year after Marlin Jackson was hurt. Jennings will likely face stiff competition from another player returning from injury: T.J. Rushing. Rushing developed into a pretty good nickel corner in 2007, but missed all of 2008 after a knee injury in training camp. The Colts also drafted Jerraud Powers in round three of the draft this year, indicating the Colts expect big things from him. Third round picks are expected to make immediate impacts, not simply sit on the sidelines and learn.

The two guys who really need to show something are`Dante Hughes and Michael Coe. Coe has battled injuries for two years, and missed all of 2008. Hughes is the one who REALLY needs to step up. He looked very good in 2007 as a rookie, but seemed to find his way into Tony Dungy's doghouse in 2008. Hughes and Coe need to show they have something to offer this team or both 2007 picks could be camp casualties. Guys like Nick Graham and Travis Key are camp fodder. Brandon Foster is a good special teams player but he hasn't shown much ability to cover anyone.

One to Watch: Jerraud Powers

On the Hot Seat: Michael Coe and Dante Hughes

Safeties

Like the cornerback position, the Colts are stacked at safety. Like the DE position, they have two starters who are Pro Bowlers. Bob Sanders and Antoine Bethea could be the best safety tandem in football. Bob, when healthy, is the best safety, period. Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu are great players, but neither has Bob's ability to flat out destroy ball carriers. Bob Sanders scares people when they run near him. Bob's problem is he cannot stay healthy. He's missed significant portions of the 2004, 2006, and 2008 seasons. With Bob, it seems odd-numbered seasons are his healthiest.

Backing up both safety spots is Melvin Bullitt, who could start for many teams and play at a Pro Bowl level. Bullitt is a speed demon who hits like a boxer. Larry Coyer will likely implement coverage packages in 2009 that feature Bob, Antoine, and Melvin on the field together.

Matt Giordano is also a back-up safety for this team that could start for many other teams. Giordano is more suited for strong safety, but he can run with anyone and is known as a violent hitter. Because this area is so deep with high quality talent, no one player is really on the hot seat. Indeed, if anyone is under the microscope, it's Bob Sanders. He needs to play a full season healthy again.

One to Watch: Melvin Bullitt

On the Hot Seat: No one

So, do you feel better about the Colts' linebackers?

BigBlueShoe — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:57:10 -0000

By re-signing Tyjuan Hagler, the Colts will enter the draft with Hagler (WILL, SAM), Clint Session (WILL, SAM), Adam Seward (MIKE, SAM), Gary Brackett (MIKE), Philip Wheeler (SAM, MIKE), Michael Okwo (WILL), and Rufus Alexander (SAM, WILL) are the primary linebackers. Gone are Freddy Keiaho and Buster Davis, both were starters the last month of the 2008 season. Replacing them are Clint Session (moving from WILL to SAM) and Philip Wheeler, who will now start at SAM. Hagler used to be the starting SAM, and the Colts seemed to have very high hopes for him. But last year, as 18to88 so accurately put it, the Colts treated Hagler like "toxic waste."

The one element Hagler does bring to the table is speed, experience, and a little size. Hagler is roughly 6'0, and played a lot of time at WILL last season. He hits hard, supports the run well, and hustles.

As we stated a few weeks ago, the move to sign Seward, coupled with promoted Wheeler and cutting Davis, might be a sign that Colts are focusing a bit more on size as opposed to quickness. This is not to suggest Seward and Wheelers are "slow." They aren't. But while Buster Davis and Freddy KO lacked height, they had quickness, burst, and power. In close quarters, they could knock out a rhino. But, despite their hitting power, they just weren't good enough to support the run on a consistent basis.

John Ohser at Indy Football Report doesn't necessarily agree that cutting Davis is a sign the Colts are looking to get taller at linebacker. Maybe. But with most of the 5'11 and shorter LBers gone, and with two 6'2 backers added, it's hard to argue that the Colts aren't looking to get taller at linebacker.

I think we'll get a firmer answer in the draft, espeicaly if Polian goes for someone like Western Illinois' Jason Williams (6'2) or Wisconsin's DeAndre Levy (6'3). Regardless, depth at linebacker actually looks pretty good. Do you expect Bill to pick any linebackers?

Who the Hell Will They Draft 2009: David Bruton

mgrex03 — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:51:49 -0000

We have focused quite a bit on 1st and 2nd round selections for the Colts here at Stampede Blue, but I want to focus on one of the many 2nd day selections the Colts could take in the draft: Notre Dame S David Bruton. I've had the pleasure of watching Bruton play every game over the past 4 years, and I'm very excited about the possibility of him becoming a Colt. He's also they only ND player that is draftable this year, so any excuse to profile someone from my alma mater is gladly appreciated.

Now, I know what you are thinking: Why would the Colts take another Safety in the draft? Safety is (arguably) the deepest position on the team, with Sanders, Bethea, Bullitt, Giordano (if he's resigned), and Silva, so why should we draft another? I'm loaded with reasons, so here goes...

Let's look at the measurables, which are all from the combine:

	Height	Weight	40 Time	Bench	Vertical	Broad	3-Cone	20 Shuttle	60 Shuttle
Stat	6'0"	219	4.46	19	41.5"	11'0"	6.60	4.28	10.96
Rank (S)	N/A	N/A	2 (21)	7 (20)	T1 (20)	1 (20)	T2 (18)	11 (18)	1 (3)

Looking at these numbers, Bruton looks to be a workout wonder, as he was 1st or 2nd in 5 of the 7 categories tested at the combine. His 40 time was better than all CBs that were there, which is lightning quick. What do the Colts base their entire defense on? Speed, and Bruton is the cream of the crop this season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Vertical is also a very good measurement, as a DB needs to be able to get up to knock down passes. Overall, I think Bruton helped his cause at the Combine.

While all these numbers are great, how did he play on the field? Here are Bruton's career stats:

Year	Tackles	FF	INT
2005	13	0	0
2006	18	0	0
2007	84	0	3
2008	95	2	4
Total	210	2	7

It's pretty obvious he was a 2 year starter at ND, playing behind Bengals S Chinedum Ndukwe and Ravens S Tom Zbikowski. As a Junior and Senior, he finished in the top 3 on the team in Tackles, and led the team both years in Interceptions. Now I'm not going to lie to you, the ND defense has not been the best of units the last 2 years, but Bruton has shined through, even with all the young guys playing around him.

These stats, however, do not take into account his greatest strength, which the Colts need desparate help in: Special Teams. Bruton was a fixture on Special Teams all 4 years, mostly as a Gunner. Remember that speed I talked about earlier? He is fantastic as a Gunner because he can get down the field fast, and has the closing skills to actually make the tackle. Nothing is worse than having a fast guy get downfield, and blow the tackle due to bad technique. ND finished #1 in the country in Kickoff Coverage last season. Oh, and his coach? Brian Polian. I'm guessing him and his father have had a conversation or two about Bruton.

With NFL gameday rosters only at 45 guys, it isn't very feasible to have a guy who only plays Special Teams on the roster (or more than 1, as Justin Snow fits this as well), so Bruton would have to be valuable on the defensive side as well. As I mentioned before, Safeties are already 2 deep + 1, and I can't see the Colts having 6 Safeties active. So for the Colts to draft Bruton, I think some DCE needs to occur. How about a move to LB? If Bruton could put on just 6 pounds of muscle, he'd be the exact same size as newly signed LB Michael Okwo, and bigger than Jordan Senn. He obviously has the Coverage skills, which is probably all he'd be asked to do early in his career. With his ability on Special Teams, it would be a good risk for the Colts to take.

SBNation's Mocking the Draft hasn't profiled Bruton yet, but a couple other sites have some info on Bruton:

Draft Countdown (Emphasis mine)

Strengths:
Superb natural athlete...Good size and bulk...Very physical...Active and aggressive with a non-stop motor...Great tackler...Does a fantastic job supporting the run...Plays fast and has a burst to close...Good range...Outstanding leaper...Great footwork...Will deliver the big hit...Nice instincts...Will create big plays...Very productive...A phenomenal special teamer...Smart... Mature ...Hard worker... Leader.

Weaknesses:
Timed speed is just average...Does not have very good hands and drops too many interceptions...Has a thin lower body and needs to get stronger...Is not very fluid and doesn't flip his hips well...Will struggle to match up in coverage...Can be too eager at times and will get fooled.

Notes:
Two-year starter who took over for Chinedum Ndukwe...Team captain as a senior...Possesses the tools to be a force against the run as well as in coverage and could develop into a starter at the next level...Has Pro Bowl potential as a gunner on special teams...A better pro prospect than Tom Zbikowski, who was a third round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 Draft.

NFLDraftScout, via NFL.com (Emphasis Mine)

Positives: Centerfielder with good height and upper-body build. ... Nice straight-line speed and overall athleticism for his size. ... Usually able to track down ballcarriers from behind, although he will usually take the correct angle to prevent the catastrophic play. ... Covers a lot of ground in the deep half, with the ability to high-point the ball on the sideline for the interception. ... Good hands make to quarterbacks pay for overthrows. ... Also moves inside-out well to get to ballcarriers on stretch plays, either behind the line of scrimmage or working through trash. ... Breaks down well, getting low to make the tackle in the open field. ... Long enough to wrap up in space and get a hand on the ball to force the turnover. ... Major special teams contributor for the Irish as a gunner, winning hand-play at the line, beating the double team, showing good speed down the field and securing the tackle. ... Good leader and hard worker.

Negatives: Stiff in the hips. ... Has trouble flipping open in transition. ... Adequate closing on underneath patterns and staying with tight ends, but struggles manning up against quicker receivers. ... Needs to improve reading quarterback so he can be involved in more plays. ... Not physical enough against the run or in coverage. ... Often loses hand battles and fights for the ball with receivers. ... Doesn't explode into tackles, but is more of a catcher. ... Running backs drive through his arm tackles. ... Will whiff in the open field when ducking his head instead of seeing what he hits.

Bruton started out in the Rounds 4-5 range, but is slowly moving up, and now (most likely) will be a 3rd round selection. He would give the Colts much needed help on Special Teams, which we all know is desparately needed. He works his tail off, and is the kind of leader the Colts look for.

I couldn't find a highlight video, but NFL Network did a story on Bruton during the Combine.

Bears Release 3 More!

Adam T — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:58:54 -0000

The latest players cut from the Bears as they work toward their final roster are:

LB Michael Okwo

DB Leonard Peters

RB P.J. Pope

Peters and Pope probably never had a real chance to make the team, but the Okwo release is still a bit surprising. Okwo was a 3rd round selection just two drafts ago, for him to be let go now must say the Bears saw little to nothing from him.