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Recap Week Fifteen: Colts 35 - Jaguars 31

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

1 day 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)

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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!

Quick Recap: Colts 35, Jaguars 31

shake n bake — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:30:09 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

No offense Chad, but I think we all need this photographic evidence that the return TD happened (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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The Colts played it like the first 13, and just like the first 13, they won it.

Without corner Jerraud Powers and with Freeney and Mathis in limited roles the Colts D struggled for 3 quarters allowing a score on every Jags drive and only holding to a FG once. 31 points in 5 drives. The story changed in the 4th quarter when the Jags were forced into their first punt of the game, then the 2nd, and the 3rd, before their last chance drive was ended by the Jacob Lacey interception. 4 drives, 0 points.The bright spot of the D was Eric Foster stepping into the pass rushing void left by Freeney and Mathis' limited PT with 2 sacks and a fumble forced.

The Colts O put up the offensive fireworks we've come to expect with 4 TDs in 7 drives. Peyton Manning completed 23 of 30 passes for 308 yards and 4 TDs. Clark and Wayne were the primary targets combining for 227 yards and 3 TDs on 12 receptions.

Special teams put up 7 points that were crucial to the victory, but were also a major factor in the D's struggle, as well as holding back the offense. I guess it's only fitting that a game between Russ Purnell's former and current employers featured awful ST play all around.

The Colts have gone to 14-0, now the (depressing) question is, at what cost? Pierre Garcon left the game with a bruised hand in the 1st half and didn't return (despite the Colts reporting his return as probable). Melvin Bullitt missed several series before returning. Chad Simpson left and didn't return with a chest injury (return was reported as questionable). The game was won, but the suspense isn't over yet.

[UPDATE]: Colts swept the AFC South, arguably the best division in football, in the regular season for the first time since 2005. Colts win their 23rd straight regular season game. Colts are 14-0 for the first time in franchise history. Colts also won their 7th fourth quarter comeback victory this year, also an NFL record.

Bob Lamey reported on HANK FM that Garcon has a bruised hand. Bruised chest for Chad Simpson. --bbs

Poll

Week 15 game ball:

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.

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 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

Week 10 Statistical Preview: Colts vs. Patriots

mgrex03 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:11:24 -0000

The Colts end their 3 game home stand tonight when they take on the evil Patriots. Does it feel weird to anyone else that this game should have been last week, seeing as how each of the previous 4 season they've played in Week 9?

Coming into this week, the Colts are ranked 2nd Offensively, 14th Defensively, and 3rd Overall, according to the Winning Stats Power Rankings. The Patriots are 1st, 10th, and 2nd respectively. Talk about two nearly identical teams.

On to the stats, and why the Colts will win tonight...

Here are the season stats for the Colts and Patriots:

	Colts				Patriots
Statistic	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank	Offense	Rank	Defense	Rank
DSR	78.4%	1	67.2%	10	77.7%	2	67.0%	9
ANPY/A	8.043	2	3.890	3	7.417	5	4.887	8
Turnovers / Game	1.00	3	1.88	8	0.88	1	1.88	8
Yds/Drive	40.04	1	28.55	16	38.52	2	28.12	12
ToP/Drive	2:54.5	6	2:54.6	25	3:12.2	2	2:33.7	11
Yds/Play	6.343	3	4.676	4	5.931	5	4.987	9
First Downs/Drive	2.19	2	1.69	22	2.22	1	1.63	15
3rd/4th Down	50.5%	2	44.5%	30	45.4%	5	38.5%	15
Avg Start Pos	28.7	21	26.1	3	31.4	8	27.3	9
3 and Outs / Game	2.38	2	3.75	19	2.75	4	3.88	16
RZ Eff	68.5%	12	60.5%	10	63.0%	22	68.9%	22
Plays/Drive	6.313	2	6.106	29	6.494	1	5.639	21
Penalty Yds / Play	0.655	4	0.846	14	0.717	11	0.919	7
RB Success	47.5%	11	47.9%	20	55.3%	3	44.9%	15
Yds/Carry	3.73	27	4.30	17	4.14	18	4.45	23
Net Punts Yds/Game	40.66	11	42.21	27	36.37	31	36.14	2
Overall	2		14		1		10

Some thoughts and keys to the game:

While the Patriots are no slouch when it comes to passing and defending the pass (ANPY/A), the Colts are better both offensively and defensively. I know it is cliche at this point, but whichever team can get to the Quarterback the most will win. Freeney vs. 6'8" Rookie Vollmer? I'll take #93.
Time of Possession / Drive is worrisome. The Colts defense is still having some issues getting off the field in a timely fashion, and we all know the Patriots can sustain 10+ minute drives. Those will be Colt killers today.
Getting some 3rd down stops is also critical. Look for a few well-timed blitzes on 3rd down, and watch for the draw play to Kevin Faulk. I'm looking at you Eric Foster. Make it happen.
I think today's game will come down to which team scores Touchdowns in the Red Zone, and which one kicks Field Goals. The Colts have struggled getting in the end zone the past 2 games, but the Patriots have struggled to get in the end zone all year. There should be quite a few yards put up between the 20s, but the team who scores TDs in the red zone will win.
Score? Colts 28, Patriots 20. Can the game get here already?

Week 8: Friday Injury Report

shake n bake — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:21:08 -0000

The news is good as 5 injured/sick players returned to practice today. Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Eric Foster, Jacob Tamme, and Ramon Humber were back practicing fully. Missing a 3rd practice this week were Donald Brown, Anthony Gonzalez, Marlin Jackson and Adam Vinatieri.

Bob Sanders was back at practice after a day off. Tony Ugoh got the day off and taking part of today off to rest was Peyton Manning, a quite rare sight.

OUT: Anthony Gonzalez, Marlin Jackson, Adam Vinatieri

DOUBTFUL: Donald Brown

QUESTIONABLE: Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Eric Foster, Jacob Tamme

Week 8: Thursday Injury Report

shake n bake — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:43:30 -0000

Not a pretty injury report. None of the 7 that sat out yesterday returned to practice today. They were joined by a sick Ramon Humber, Jacob Tamme with a hamstring injury and a resting Bob Sanders. Recapping the 7 that missed a second day:

Donald Brown (shoulder), Eric Foster (shoulder), Dwight Freeney (Knee), Anthony Gonzalez (knee), Marlin Jackson (knee), Reggie Wayne (groin), Adam Vinatieri (knee).

Brown, Gonzalez, Jackson and Vinatieri have been expected to sit. Foster, Freeney and Wayne's status remain up in the air. I'll be very interested in Friday's report to check on the status of those three.

Colts.com link