SB Nation - Gary Brackett

Regular Season Grades

KingRichard — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:52:27 -0000

Peyton Sees All.

With the regular season coming to an end, I think we have a large enough sample size to objectively grade certain aspects of the team. This is not a two way conversation, I'll be the judge. However your insults and comments are more than welcome.

The areas to be graded have been narrowed down into the following categories: pass offense, pass defense, run offense, run defense, special teams coverage, special teams returns, and last but not least, coaching.

I prefer to leave the categories more broad than say breaking down the defense by groups like secondary, linebackers, etc, for the simple reason that the defense plays as a unit, not idividual sects. Everyone on defense plays the pass, not just the secondary. The secondary relies on the defensive line to smash quarterbacks when able, and the defensive line relies on the secondary to at least try to cover people (I'M PEERING INTENTLY IN YOUR DIRECTION TIM JENNINGS) so that they have ample time to smash said quarterback. Basically what I'm saying is, this is a team grade as it should be. Also, there are no plus or minus grades because those are lame. If someone can explain the difference between an A and A+ without making me laugh I'll consider it. Good luck with that.

Let's begin!

Pass Offense: A+

This is a no brainer really. Peyton Manning, while not having his best statistical season, is playing as good as ever. When you take into consideration that his #2 and #3 receivers have a combined 3 years experience in the NFL, what Peyton has accomplished this season is nothing short of amazing. The old argument of whether Peyton makes his receivers look better than they really are is kind of hard to figure at the moment, with this group anyways. Obviously Peyton is god and makes everyone around him better, but let's not diminish the accomplishments of Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie this season.

Put yourself in Collie's shoes for a minute. You're a rookie coming from a school that isn't known to be an NFL farm school and just happen to be drafted by a perennial Super Bowl contendor, the Indianapolis Colts. You start the season assuming the role as the 4th receiver on the depth chart expecting to see little if any playing time for quite some time. On opening day, the heir to Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez, injures his knee and you get thrown into the game having to play in the same offense that Peyton Manning runs. You don't know what the hell you are doing. You just run around like an idiot hoping you don't screw up too bad. Talk about pressure. I couldn't imagine being in that position, but Collie rose to the occasion. At times he looked like the next Brandon Stokely, which bodes extremely well for the future of this offense.

Pass Defense: A

If there was any aspect of this team could have or even should have been exploited it was the pass defense, specifically the secondary. No Bob Sanders, Marlin Jackson, and Kelvin Hayden at times, sounds like a recipe for disaster. No so fast my friend. Having a healthy Dwight Freeney, Gary Brackett, some stud rookie corners, and very good Melvin Bullitt certainly helped in preventing the pass defense as being the death knell of the team.

Run Offense: C

I'm sure you saw this coming but it's the truth. The run offense was pretty average all season and average was good enough, especially compared to last season where the run offense wasn't bad, it was awful. All the Colts need is a decent running game and the ability to run when they need to and they should be good to go. As I mentioned many moons ago, Addai has improved upon his disastrous 2008 season. He's stayed healthy all season, starting in all 14 games this season. This is the first time in two seasons Addai has played in every regular season game. Rookie running back Donald Brown wasn't so lucky, however. He's been banged up for most of the season which I believe did hurt the running game. His explosiveness is something the running game is in dire need of and hopefully he'll be good to go for the playoff run. If he had been able to stay healthy and contribute all season the run offense would have received a B.

Run Defense: B

If you aren't pleased with the run defense this season then I don't know what to tell you. Become a Steelers fan or something. Teams don't run for shit against them but yet they are 7-7. Hmm.

This group has really stepped it up compared to seasons past. There were only two instances where the run game looked like a sieve: The Wildcat game and this past Thursday night game at Jacksonville. The good news? Both games resulted in a win for the Colts. Granted, the run defense gave up quite a few 100 yard games to oppossing running backs, but you never really got the feeling that they were helpess in stopping the run. This defense had just as many goalline stands and 4th and shorts stops as any time I've ever seen. So while the the run defense might give up some yardage you can rest assured in knowing that when they have to get a stop, they can, and will.

Special Teams Coverage: C

That certainly wasn't the Russ Purnell lead special teams coverage we saw this season, but it wasn't that great either. I'll sum up the special teams coverage in one quick sentence: They did their job. They didn't give up huge returns in multiple games, and obviously didn't give up any touchdowns, but there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Special Teams Returns: D

Don't let that Chad Simpson TD at Jacksonville fool you, this area of the team sucks and is clearly the weakest link. The blocking has been horrible all season, T.J. Rushing is the king of the fair catch, and Chad Simpson loves running into massive piles of players in the middle of the field for whatever reason. The Simpson return last Thursday is what they should have been doing all season long, and is what a return should look like. The blocking was good and Simpson looked for a hole in the coverage and busted through it. If they continue to do that then they'll have better production in the return game, but I wouldn't count on it.

Coaching: Individual Grades

Head Coach Jim Caldwell: A
Assistant Head Coach / Receivers Coach Clyde Christensen: A
Defensive Coordinator Larry Coyer: A
Running Backs Coach Gene Huey: B
Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore: A
Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd: A for pass, C for run
Linebackers Coach Mike Murphy: A
Quarterback Coach Frank Reich: Just to be nice I'll give him an A but we all know this guy is the most useless coach on the team.
Special Teams Coordinator Ray Rychleski: C
Defensive Line Coach John Teerlinck: A
Tight End Coach Ricky Thomas: C. What's the deal with Tamme and Santi?
Defensive Backs Coach Alan Williams: A

Week 16: Wednesday Colts Injury Report

shake n bake — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:46:20 -0000

9 players missed practice today, 15 others on the report, including two returning from injuries that sidelined them for a significant period. Unfortunately Anthony Gonzalez was among the 9 missing practice despite working out on Monday. Gonzalez's window to return is closing fast. He needs to get on the field soon or else the season will be totally lost.

In brighter news Adam Vinatieri and Aaron Francisco are back at practice after being sidelined for extended periods. Donald Brown went from missing several games, to not even on the report (unless the second time they listed Bullitt was suppose to be him).

Did Not Participate: Keyunta Dawson (knee), Dwight Freeney (abdomen), Pierre Garcon (hand), Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Charlie Johnson (foot), Freddy Keiaho (personal), Robert Mathis (quad), Jerraud Powers (hamstring), Clint Session (knee)

Full Participation: Joseph Addai (knee), Antoine Bethea (foot), Gary Brackett (foot), Melvin Bullitt (chest)*, Mevlin Bullitt (shoulder), Ryan Diem (foot), Aaron Francisco (ankle), Mike Hart (ankle), Tim Jennings (ankle), Jacob Lacey (bicep), Peyton Manning (glute), Jamey Richard (shoulder), Chad Simpson (chest), Tony Ugoh (knee), Adam Vinatieri (knee), Reggie Wayne (foot).

*I think that's supposed to be Donald Brown. It's in the right place alphabetically and that Melvin is listed with Brown's injury (chest).

Colts.com link

Great Colts of the Decade: Undrafted player

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:43:52 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

2 months ago: Indianapolis Colts cornerback Melvin Bullitt (33) and teammate Jacob Lacey, right, celebrate after Lacey's interception and 35-yard run back for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Browse more photos »

This category was suggested by readers, and I agree that it is excellent. More so than any other teams this decade, the Colts consistently are able to find quality players that are not drafted. Arguably one of the greatest players ever to go undrafted is Jeff Saturday. But, he was brought to the Colts in 1999. So, Jeff is off this list.

However, defensive captain Gary Brackett, special teams co-captain and starting safety Melvin Bullitt, and longtime Colts running back Dominic Rhodes have all made significant contributions to this team this decade while not being undrafted by the Colts. Also, a special shoutout is in order for Nick Harper, who now plays for the Titans. While the Colts have used high draft picks in recent years on corners like Tim Jennings and Jerraud Powers, Harper has had a very distinguished career as a corner despite going undrafted in 2001. Actually, you could possibly make a strong argument that Harper was the best, most consistent starting corner the Colts had this decade.

Poll

Greatest undrafted Colts player this decade

Great Colts of the Decade: Linebacker

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:15:19 -0000

The philosophy of Bill Polian and the front office is to have a revolving door at linebacker. Because of the existing salary cap, emphasis and investment in certain key positions is vital to maintaining the core of your team. For a Tampa-2 style defense, safety and defensive line are much more important than linebacker. Thus, players like Bob Sanders, Dwight Freeney, and even Anthony McFarland were considerably invested in (aka, paid more money) over Colts linebackers.

Still, despite the revolving door, some very impressive linebackers have made their way through the Colts over the last decade. Many of these players played well in Indy, and then went on to play even better at other destinations. However, the focus here is on players who played well while in Indy. This includes a player like Marcus Washington, who went on to play in Pro Bowls for the Redskins. However, before his Redskins days, Washington was a vital player in Indy's AFC Championship run in 2003. Polian still refers to Washington, and later David Thornton, as linebackers that "got away."

Then there are the "solid" players; guys who gave consistent effort and dedication for long stretches. Players like Gary Brackett, Rob Morris, and Thornton fit this. Big play guys, like Cato June, were less consistent, but were often part of several HUGE plays that helped win football games for the Colts. I've also included Clint Session because he has been very impressive in his three years, moving from back-up to starter very quickly.

Whatever your criteria, the voting is below. Use the comments to write-in anyone who think was slighted.

Poll

Greatest Colts linebacker from 2000-2009

Recap Week Fifteen: Colts 35 - Jaguars 31

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:36:49 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

6 days ago: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne catches the go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Browse more photos »

After a while, the numbers start getting scary.

When you see them placed before you, in black and white with pretty charts to bracket their authenticity, you cannot help but stare at them as if they were an alien language unearthed somewhere in the Gobi desert by wandering nomads. They seem too fantastical, too unrealistic. Yet, they are reality. They are happening.

When the dust settled on the Indianapolis Colts 35-31 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the numbers from the game, and the accomplishments for certain individuals and the team, began to crystallize.

Only three team in NFL history have started a regular season 14-0: The 1972 Miami Dolphins (undefeated, won Super Bowl), the 2007 New England Patriots (undefeated regular season, lost Super Bowl), and now our Indianapolis Colts.
The win was Indy's 23rd straight win in the regular season.
It was the 7th fourth quarter comeback win of the year, also an NFL record.

And when you start looking at how the game, and the individual accomplishments in that game (Dallas Clark having the best season of any TE in NFL history, Reggie Wayne passing Raymond Berry for #2 all-time in Colts receiving, etc.), the numbers truly ring home just how special and talented this group of Colts really are.

But more impressive than the numbers and the stats was the drive, the passion, and the determination to win a game which, quite frankly, "meant nothing." All week long, we had wondered who was going to play, and for how long. Would Peyton Manning sit after a few series, or a quarter? By halftime, Manning was 12-12 with two TDs and the Colts up 21-17 on the road against the desperate and determined Jaguars team.

Though "meaningless," the Colts certainly did not play and coach this game as if they were simply looking to rest. The fought to win; truly win. And win they did. And after Jacob Lacey put the finishing touches on another brilliant come-from-behind victory, the win provided yet another bold claim for Peyton Manning to win his NFL record 4th MVP award.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Before we start jumping into all the wonderful positives that came out of this game, let's get some of the concerns out of the way. First off, concern-trolling, or hand wringing, about the defense at this point is silly. For fourteen friggin weeks, we've seen them play like a top 5 group. One game should not offer cause for concern, especially when you consider that this game was played only four days after the defense had one of it most physical challenges in ages against the Denver Broncos. The D was hurt, tired, and playing against a tough, physical opponent whose game plan was to take advantage of the Colts fatigue. Factor in that Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis only played on passing downs, and that Indy was without Jerraud Powers, and the performance through the first three quarters was not all that surprising.

Also, consider that in quarter four, the Jaguars were shut down and shut out by this fatigued defense, and that Maurice Jones-Drew was virtually a non-factor in the final quarter when his team needed big plays to win the game.

Then, there were the field conditions. Last night, they were in piss poor shape. Colts announcers Bob Lamey and Will Wolford commented on the conditions all evening, saying how how patches of field were getting ripped up all over the place. Players slipped and fell all game long. The field contributed to Pat McAfee's "meh" punts and kick-offs, and likely contributed to both teams doing a sub par job covering on special teams (with the Jaguars looking much worse than the Colts).

So, while some might moan and complain that the 31 points will hurt Indy's defensive scoring average, or others might fret that this game "exposed" the Colts defense, my response is to calm down, stop being such a stats loser, and look at the game with the proper perspective. This was a game of attrition. The opponent wanted to wear the Colts down, and beat them senseless in the fourth quarter. They failed, and a big reason why they failed is the Colts defense.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Last night's game saw several players step up and deliver in the clutch, something the Colts have seemingly re-written the history books doing this year. Much maligned by Colts fans this season, the game was a bit of a coming out party for Colts strongside linebacker Philip Wheeler. Wheeler was handed the starting job during OTAs, but after pre-season he was benched due to ineffective play in favor of Tyjuan Hagler. Several weeks ago, Hagler was placed on IR with a torn biceps muscle and Wheeler, one again, was the starter. While we have definitely seen flashes of improved play (like the forced fumble on the goal line again Laurence Maroney and the Patriots) overall Wheeler's play has been sub-standard.

That was, until his 11 tackle effort last night, with several of those tackles key plays to stop human-wrecking-ball-Jones-Drew.

There was also Eric Foster, who played at both DE and DT last night. Foster notched two absolutely HUGE sacks in the game, with one causing a Garrard fumble on the Jaguars opening drive that should have been recovered by Gary Brackett. It wasn't, and the Jags kicked a 50-yard FG. Foster earned his second sack with 3:03 left in the 4th quarter, ending a Jaguars drive as they tried to reclaim the lead following Peyton Manning's 65 yard TD bomb to Reggie Wayne, which ended up being the game-winner.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Speaking of Manning, this game, just like last year's contest in late December (almost to the day) against the Jaguars, might have locked up another MVP award for the best QB in the NFL. Other than Dallas Clark bobbling a sure first down that hit him square in the hands (with the deflection getting picked off by Daryl Smith), Manning was virtually flawless. For the second game in a row, he threw 4 TDs. His 134.4 QB rating in the game, against a playoff-caliber team on the road, is the kind of performance that locks up MVP awards. All the voters watched that game, and if they did not come away impressed they should have their voting rights stripped from them while a midget kicks them repeatedly in the nuts.

Unless Drew Brees looks equally impressive this Saturday (at home, not on the road like Manning) against the Cowboys, Manning likely has gained enough support to win his NFL record 4th MVP award.

Overall, I cannot shower enough praise on Colts coach Jim Caldwell, who managed this game exceedingly well. Freeney and Mathis are nursing injuries, and you have to think that if Tony Dungy were still coaching that both players would not have played. Caldwell placed the two stud pass rushers on a "pitch count," using them only on passing downs and in the fourth quarter. The result was David Garrard playing rather poorly.

Yes folks. He played poorly overall.

When you average 5.6 yard a completion, and 4.9 yard per passing attempt (as Garrard did), that is indeed playing poorly. 40 attempts and only 223 yards is pretty "ugh." Garrard also had a near disastrous fumble and he threw three INTs. The game was close because the fumble was not recovered by the Colts and two of Garrard's three INTs were dropped by Antoine Bethea and Kelvin Hayden. As many of you know, I'm not a Garrard hater or anything. I personally think he is a fine QB. But last night, he got lucky on several key plays. His luck ran out in the fourth quarter, where Garrard was simply pitiful. He had three chances to help his team score and possibly retake the lead, but instead was forced to punt once, took a key sack on the next drive, and on the final drive threw an INT to Lacey at the Colts 33 yard line.

To Garrard's credit, he is indeed a tough guy. He took a vicious hit from Eric Foster late in the game, and it seemed that for a couple of series, Garrard might have thought his name was "Batman." However, he didn't leave the game and didn't call a timeout to deal with the injury. Again, serious tough guy. Major props.

When all is said and done, you have to tip your hat to the Jags. We joked this year that they were "dumpster fires," but last night they played all out, guns blazing. They had fire, sans dumpster. They played the way a team desperate for a playoff spot should play. Special thanks to the Jaguars fan community at Big Cat Country for a fine week of blogging.

With the Colts 14-0 for the first time in franchise history, the discussion now will shift to "going for perfection." Myself and several of our writers here will pontificate on this subject for the next few days, and I'm sure many of you readers out there have your own strong opinions one way or the other. But, for me, after watching last night's contest, and seeing how this team has played all season long, my opinion now has changed somewhat.

The games "mean something" now, and I think the Colts should not rest any starters for Weeks Sixteen and Seventeen. This is a special group, and the deserve have the best players out there for four quarters these next two games.

Go Colts!

Week 15: Wednesday (Final) Injury Report

shake n bake — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:12:53 -0000

Finally we get a really look at who will be sitting Thursday Night.

Out: Donald Brown, Aaron Francisco, Anthony Gonzalez, Jerraud Powers, Adam Vinatieri

Questionable (practices): Eric Foster (1), Dwight Freeney (0), Charlie Johnson (0), Robert Mathis (0)

That's 9 players total in doubt, 8 who didn't practice at all. It's a pretty solid bet that those 8 will be your inactives.

Probable: Joseph Addai, Antoine Bethea, Gary Brackett, Melvin Bullitt, Keyunta Dawson, Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem, Pierre Garcon, Kelvin Hayden, Tim Jennings, Jacob Lacey, Peyton Manning, Daniel Muir, Jamey Richard, Tom Santi, Clint Session, Chad Simpson, Tony Ugoh, Reggie Wayne.

Week 15: Tuesday Injury Report

shake n bake — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:49:11 -0000

First actual report of the week. Everyone that the Colts estimated would have practiced yesterday practiced today, so expect them to go.

"Back" at Practice: Joseph Addai, Gary Brackett, Raheem Brock, Melvin Bullitt, Keyunta Dawson, Kyle DeVan, Ryan Diem, Pierre Garcon, Kelvin Hayden, Tim Jennings, Jacob Lacey, Peyton Manning, Daniel Muir, Jamey Richard, Tom Santi, Clint Session, Chad Simpson, Tony Ugoh, Reggie Wayne

Still Out: Antoine Bethea (foot), Donald Brown (chest), Eric Foster (back), Aaron Francisco (ankle), Dwight Freeney (abdomen), Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Charlie Johnson (foot), Robert Mathis (quad), Jerraud Powers (Hammy), Adam Vinatieri (knee).

Personally I expect most, if not all the guys that missed today to sit, and everyone that practiced today to go.

Pro Bowl Fan Vote: Absolute Joke

shake n bake — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:49:13 -0000

Paul Kuharsky has posted an update of the Fan Vote results for the Pro Bowl and results are disturbing. If the fan voting was over today, and decided the Pro Bowl invites alone Mike Pollak and Adam Vinatieri would be Pro Bowlers, Ryan Diem would be the first alternate at tackle. This while Gary Brackett would be left out yet again, Bethea would be fighting for the 3rd safety spot and Clint Session isn't in the top 5 among AFC OLBs. Brett Favre has more Pro Bowl votes than Peyton Manning!

I'd credit the fans with putting Dallas Clark atop the voting and showing appropriate love for Mookie Johnson (5th among AFC DTs) and Pat McAfee (3rd among AFC Punters), but the Pollak and Vinatieri results makes me think that it's just the IND next to their name that's drawing the votes.

Bad sports journalism gets bashed a lot around here, and at least to me the reason isn't because dumb sportswriting needs to be bashed on it's own merits, it's because bad sports journalism (and bad journalism in general) leads to a badly misinformed public. This is a result of the bad sports journalism that we bitch and moan about.

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

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