SB Nation - Anthony McFarland

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

Bucs on the verge of a Top 10 Pass Defense!

Niko Houllis — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:45:10 -0000

More photos » by Reinhold Matay - AP

One of the reasons the Bucs have improved in pass defense.

Browse more photos »

Before you go down your own "Life on Mars" checklist of possible causes of this unbelievable headline, know one thing. It is NOT a misprint or typo. Use whatever reasoning you want to in coming up with an explanation, (like the fact we have the 31st rushing defense) but the numbers do not lie. We are currently the 11th Passing defense, at 198.5 yards per game, and that's not the only statistic that the Bucs are better than the average bear in.

In what is exclusively an offensive catagory, the Bucs are tied for 14th in sacks allowed. This is easy to understand, as Josh Johnson is not easilly sacked, and the fact that our Offensive Line is one of our biggest assets.

Then you have probably the only catagory that both sides have to contribute to, the turnover margin. In this realm, the Bucs are a respectable 16th (Tied) at -1, meaning with one more interception by a Tanard Jackson or so, the Bucs will have given the ball away as often as they have taken it.

So what does it all mean? Well speaking of T-jack, it may be no mystery that since his return the Bucs pass defense has improved (along the lines of Jimmy Wilkerson and Styles White increased results in rushing the passers) in passing stats. Rushing stats however, the Bucs are virtually dead last, 31st, at 171.7 yards per game, absolutely absurd for an NFL team. Clearly the Bucs need to invest in their interior defensive line, somthing has really has not been news for several years now, going back to the weekly requests by former Head Coach Jon Gruden calling for more effort from his D line. One by one the stars on the line have gone, and have not been replaced adequately.

Simeon Rice ---> Gaines Adams---> Styles G White...

Warren Sapp--->Chartric Darby---->Anthony McFarland--->Ellis Wyms---->Jovan Haye---->Ryan Simms....

Brad Culppeper---->Anthony McFarland---->Chris Hovan....

Greg Spires---->Kevin Carter---->Jimmy Wilkerson

as you can see, only one, and that is probably debatable, is close to the same level as the guys who rushed the passer in the heyday of Franchise. Luckily, the 2010 draft of which the Bucs are stacked with an ultra high #1 and #2 pick, as well as an extra #2 pick of the Bears for the trade involving Gaines Adams. Expect youngsters like Roy Miller to get serious playing time for the rest of 2009 as Raheem Morris looks to see what he has from the latest picks.

Good morning, Sunshine! Welcome to bye week football

BigBlueShoe — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:35:30 -0000

More photos » by Tony Gutierrez - AP

2 months ago: Oklahoma staff assist quarterback Sam Bradford (14) after being injured on a sack in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Dallas. Bradford did not return to the game. Texas won 16-13. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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I feel sorry for Sam Bradford, re-injuring his shoulder against Texas. And while nutsacks like Mike Florio are laughing at Bradford for not entering the draft last year, where he surely would have been a top 10 pick, I think it was a smart move.

Bradford's "knocks" are his durability and the system they run at Oklahoma (spread offense). If he's had declared for the draft last year, he'd have come into the NFL as a sophomore (age 21). Sorry, but you throw a 21-year-old rookie QB out there, safeties like Ed Reed and pass rushers like Dwight Freeney won't give Bradford a bruised shoulder. They'd tear his arm off. If Bradford's injury shows anything it's that he is not ready, physically, for the NFL.

Sure, if he wanted a quick payday, not caring about whether he becomes a great QB or not, then the advice of a sleaze bag like Florio makes sense. However, if you are Bradford, and you are looking for a long and fruitful career in the NFL, your body must be able to take the pounding. This newly injured shoulder will allow him to rest, heal up, and (hopefully) help him come back to Oklahoma next season for his senior year, where he can prove he is durable and gifted enough to play NFL-style football. Because, seriously folks, professionals in the NFL hit a lot harder than the pampered Longhorns in Texas.

OK, enough college football. Today, the pros play. I'm looking forward to Giants v. Saints along with Ravens v. Vikings.

Some interesting trade rumor news:

Chiefs are looking to trade Glenn Dorsey, maybe.
Some idiot at FOX Sports thinks the Colts should trade for Terrell Owens. I personally wouldn't take that slow, washed-up, pass-dropping clown if YOU paid ME. Seriously, what have we seen from Owens in two years that shows he is better than Pierre Garcon, Anthony Gonzalez, or even Hank Baskett? Guy drops more balls than your blind cousin in a flag football game.
The Browns do not want to trade Josh Cribbs to the Colts or any other team.

In case you are wondering what I think on this (because I know you do), I do indeed think the Colts will make a trade before tomorrow's deadline. For two of the past three years, the Colts have made a major trade just prior to the deadline. They traded a second round pick for Anthony McFarland in 2006 and a 3rd rounder for John McCargo in 2008. The McCargo trade was voided after he failed a physical with the Colts, a move I still find a little dubious on the part of the Bills.

The current needs for the Colts are tackle, kick returner, and maybe a pass-rushing DT.

Open threads coming soon. Until then, chit-chat here.

Oh, and congrats to shake n bake, whose Iowa Hawkeyes are still undefeated. It's crap like this that makes me hate college football. How an undefeated Big 10 team is not ranked in the top 5, I don't know.

[UPDATE]: Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand speaking of trades the Colts, right on cue, we have news from Pewter Report that the Buccaneers are talking with the Colts about trading linebacker Barrett Ruud to Indy. Ruud is Tampa Bay's middle linebacker and is 6'2, 240 pounds. If Indy gets him, they will likely transition him to SAM backer.

2009 Colts Training Camp: Starting Nose Tackle

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:57:53 -0000

From the start last year, the defensive tackle position was an utter disaster. This was especially true for the over tackle position, commonly referred to as the nose tackle (NT). Traditionally, Indianapolis has not deployed a prototype nose tackle, ala Vince Wilfork, Casey Hampton, or Jason Ferguson.

Coming into the 2008 season, the Colts looked very deep at the position. The Colts had two young, potentially Pro Bowl caliber NTs returning in Ed Johnson and Quinn Pitcock. Coaches also liked what they saw in mini-camps from then-rookie Eric Foster out of Rutgers. But all that potential at the nose tackle spot for the 2008 Colts disintegrated before our eyes in less than two months.

Entering 2009, the Colts once again have a great deal of talent at the NT spot. But, will it last, and (more importantly) who will win the starting NT spot in camp. Our preview will breakdown who has the best shot, and why.

Nose tackles currently on roster: Ed Johnson, Antonio Johnson, Daniel Muir, Terrance Taylor, Fili Moala, Eric Foster, Adrian Grady

Nose tackles competing for starting spot: Ed Johnson, Antonio Johnson, Eric Foster, Terrance Taylor

The 2008 disaster at NT started the day training camp opened. On the way to Terre Haute (literally, like, in his car driving), second year DT Quinn Pitcock stopped his car, turned around, and retired from football. It was literally a WTF moment when the story broke as Pitcock was known as a fiery competitor at Ohio State and had played so very well in 2007. A little over a month later, after an embarrassing opening day loss to the Chicago Bears, starting DT Ed Johnson was arrested for speeding and marijuana possession. Days later, he was kicked off the team. This meant that rookie Eric Foster (who weighed roughly 270 pounds) was thrust in to play nose tackle.

Despite Foster's toughness and determination, teams ran the ball at will against Indy. In October, desperate for some stability at the NT spot, Bill Polian traded a ~~third~~ fourth round pick to the Buffalo Bills for John McCargo. But, the Bills tried to pawn a injured player to the Colts. It was discovered that McCargo had a bulging disc in his back. He failed his physical, which nullified the trade. Foster continued playing much of the year as the starting NT, with newly-signed second year DTs Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir backing him up.

NTs for the Colts are usually at or slightly under 300 pounds. They are not the 340-350 pound space-eaters other teams use. Quickness, speed, and power are all traits a Tampa-2 NT must possess. The prototype for a Tampa-2 NT was Anthony McFarland. For years, he anchored the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense and was critical to the Colts winning the Super Bowl in 2006. Under Tony Dungy, speed and quickness were valued the most, and that still has not changed as the Colts have transitioned to Jim Caldwell. Despite what many have written about the Colts "beefing up" their defensive line, the reality is they have (essentially) the same depth at NT they had going into 2008. The only NT that breaks the mold is rookie Terrance Taylor, a 6'0, 319 pounder out of Michigan.

Necessary attributes: Quickness; able to engage multiple blockers and still be able to attack gaps; strong burst; strong at point of attack; engage linemen to allow under tackle (or three technique tackle) to attack gaps and penetrate into offense's backfield

Ed Johnson

At A Glance
Position 1: NT	Height: 6'2
Position 2: DT	Weight: 296
Year: 3rd	Age: 26
Number: 66	Note: Recently re-signed after being kicked off team in 2008

Analysis: Big Ed is back in blue, and despite his run-in with the law in September of last year, the Colts decided to make a low risk, high reward offer to Johnson this off-season. They re-signed him to the team, but because of his legal issue he will be suspended for the first game of the 2009 season.

Prior to getting kicked off the team, Johnson was viewed by some to be a potential Pro Bowl-caliber DT. He took over the starting job at NT after Booger McFarland was injured in training camp n 2007. All throughout 2007, the Colts had a stout run defense. Had Dwight Freeney not gotten hurt, the Colts likely would have repeated. Their defense was that good.

Big Ed has the inside track to win the starting NT job mainly because it was his job in the first place. When Ed is on his game, he is a top tier DT. He attacks the point very well and shows exceptional football speed. At 296 pounds, he is the ideal weight for a Tampa 2 NT. He can take on multiple blockers, allowing the three technique tackle to penetrate gaps in the o-line and attack the ball carrier. Ed can also attack gaps himself, using his quickness to create rush on the QB.

The key for Big Ed is his mental toughness. Is he truly willing and able to clean up his life and focus on football? Many of us are pulling for Ed, but we all know that this is his last chance to make it in this league. If he has any kind of run-in with the law again, his career is finished.

Antonio "Mookie" Johnson

Image: Colts.com

At A Glance
Position 1: NT	Height: 6'3
Position 2: DT	Weight: 312
Year: 3rd	Age: 25
Number: 99	Note: Recently re-signed

Signed off the Tennessee Titans practice squad in an act of utter desperation by Bill Polian, Mookie Johnson seemed like all he could offer was a warm body in case anything happened to last year's starter at NT, Eric Foster. However, in December, we started seeing more and more of Mookie playing NT, and the results were encouraging. Though inconsistent game to game (he looked great against the Chargers in Week 14, but seemed to play poorly against the Texans three weeks later), it was understandable seeing as Mookie went from the practice squad of a rival team to (essentially) splitting time with Eric Foster. He had to learn a new defense with new coaches seemingly overnight.

Considering all that, Mookie's play in 2008 was pretty damn good.

Now, after an entire off-season working with line coach John Teerlick, new defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, and the trainers, Mookie has a real shot to win the starting NT spot. In many ways, he is similar to Ed Johnson, though he is taller (6'3) and bigger (312 pounds) than "Big" Ed. For someone so physically imposing, Mookie has good quickness and strong "pop" when he engages blockers.

Mookie impressed many scouts back in 2007, when he came out of Mississippi State. The Titans thought enough of him to draft him in Round 5 in 2007. [UPDATE: As reader project geo pointed out in the comments, Johnson torn his ACL in his left knee and was placed on Injured Reserve his rookie (’07) season.] In 2008, because the Titans had players like Albert Haynesworth and Tony Brown on the roster, they designated Mookie to the practice squad. Per NFL rules, any team can sign a player off an opposing team's practice squad, though few teams do this.

If Mookie has gotten more comfortable playing NT in Indy's Tampa-2, he could become a real force in the middle for this club, solidifying the position with a player with size, speed, and youth.

Eric Foster

At A Glance
Position 1: NT	Height: 6'2
Position 2: DT	Weight: 265
Year: 2nd	Age: 24
Number: 68	Note: Last year's starter

The unsung hero of the 2008 season was Eric Foster. If the NFL gave out a true "tough guy" award last year, this dude would have won it. At 270 pounds, this kid held down the fort at DT. Oh, and he was a rookie last year. Show me another rookie on this team who has ever performed better under such conditions. No play better exemplified Foster's toughness and determination than the hit he put on ~~Willie Parker~~ Mewelde Moore on the goal line in Pittsburgh, where the Colts beat the Steelers for the first time in 40 years.

In 2009, Foster may transition into more of a three technique tackle. This off-season, he's talked often about how he works hard in the video room, studying players and plays; working to get better. He sounds like the defense's Peyton Manning when he talks about tape study. He's also worked on his pass rushing skills, hoping to generate more pressure on the QB from the DT spot.

For Foster's long term health, he is best served playing three technique DT in the Tampa-2, not nose tackle. However, if he is needed in a pinch, he can be serviceable at NT. Hell, he might just be a playmaker at NT, as he was against the Steelers. But, realistically, Foster likely will focus on the other tackle spot, with a few snaps at NT sprinkled into the rotation.

Daniel Muir

Images: Colts.com

At A Glance
Position 1: NT	Height: 6'2
Position 2: DT	Weight: 312
Year: 3rd	Age: 26
Number: 90	Note: Recently re-signed

At 6'2, 312 pounds, Daniel Muir is one of the bigger players on the Colts. Again, despite what many have written, the Colts actually have a lot of "size" at the DT position. Muir signed with the team prior to Week One in 2008, rotating in with Foster, Mookie, and others. Muir was cut by the Packers when they trimmed to 53 in September 2008. The Colts immediately snatched him up. However, Green Bay ran a totally different defensive system than what Indy runs. Muir was also hampered by a hamstring injury much of the 2008, keeping him inactive for several games.

When Muir did play, he played quite well. The first Titans game and the Bengals game were good examples of what Muir brings to the table at NT. He's big, strong, and plays with a fiery temperament. In practices during OTAs this off-season, Muir was quite animated.

The Colts thought enough of Muir to re-sign him this off-season. If he can consistently play at a high level, as he did in a few games last year, his size and attitude could give him an edge over the laid back Ed Johnson.

Terrance Taylor

Image: Colts.com

At A Glance
Position 1: NT	Height: 6'0
Position 2: DT	Weight: 319
Year: 1st	Age: 23
Number: 62	Note: Rookie

The "wildcard" in all this is rookie Terrance Taylor, a 319 pound monster at DT who has a background in wrestling. After the draft, Polian said that Taylor was a "departure" from the norm for the Colts. Speed and quickness are not Taylor's strengths. He is big. REALLY big. Taylor's physicality and stoutness made him tough against the run. Where he lacks polish is his pass rushing.

Taylor might be more of a project at this stage. He doesn't move well, and seems slow off the line. But his size and power make him intriguing at nose tackle.

Thoughts Prior to Camp: Ed Johnson clearly has the inside track, but Mookie Johnson and Daniel Muir now have a full off-season to get comfortable with the system and the coaches. Look for them to push hard for playing time. Foster is likely transitioning to three technique tackle, and Taylor seems more of a three year project player.

Because of Ed Johnson' one game suspension, it is possible that all four of these NTs could make the 53 man roster, with one getting cut after Week One. We will follow the NT battle very closely in camp, and, like the rest of you, we will pray on our hands and knees that the NT position is not decimated by injuries as it was last year.

ROTB Community Mock Draft: With the 27th Overall Pick, the Indianapolis Colts Select...

Hawkwind — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:57:50 -0000

Evander 'Ziggy' Hood (DT), Missouri

6'3", 300

The Colts haven't used a first day pick on a defensive tackle since 2002 and throughout the past several seasons they've used Booger McFarland, Corey Simon, Ed Johnson and Antonio Johnson but none has produced sustained success. The result has been a run defense that's consistently been in the bottom half of the NFL over the past four seasons. If the season started today the Colts two starting tackles would be Keyunta Dawson (a 254 pound, 7th round pick from 2007) and Eric Foster (a 265 pound undrafted free agent in 2008). Needless to say that's an awful small defensive line that most likely wouldn't hold thier own against division rivals Tennessee and Jacksonville who love to run the ball. The answer to the Colts defensive tackles woes goes by the name 'Ziggy.'

Strengths: Hood's got good size and strength to compliment a non-stop motor. He's a natural athlete with good speed for his size and an explosive first step. He uses to hands well to defeat blockers and shows good lateral quickness to chase plays down the line of scrimmage. Above average instincts allow him to recognize plays quickly and blow up plays in the backfield before they get started.

Weaknesses: Hood's biggest problem is that he can play 'tall' at times and when he does he loses leverage and can neutralized rather quickly. He's also kind of stuck in the middle because he doesn't excel at any one thing, but he does just about everything well. Despite being a three year starter and improving every year he's never really produced 'eye-popping' production or dominating.

Many thanks to Irishcardinal for submitting this pick. The Eagles and AJBirdWatcher are now on the clock (e-mail to revengeofthebirds@gmail.com), with the Giants and ianbbc02 on deck. If anyone needs to refresh their memory on the draft order, check here.

Also guys, we're going to try to squeeze in a second round before the weekend of the draft so be ready with your picks. I'm going to try and send reminder emails to everyone in advance of your pick. Thanks to everyone, the involvement has been great.