SB Nation - Chad Simpson

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

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

Early speculation on who will not play against the Jaguars

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:56:58 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

11 days ago: Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai (29) makes a catch during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Indianapolis, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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There are no injury updates from yesterday. So, don't even bother asking. We likely won't get any injury meaningful information until Bill Polian's radio show later this evening on HANK FM (a local Indianapolis radio station that, for some reason that defies logic, does not stream the show live on their website).

However, if I know the Colts, there are certain players who you just know will not play based on their recent history of injury, including the nixes and bumps certain players received yesterday against the Broncos.

Likely out:

Jerraud Powers (hamstring)
Jacob Lacey (hurt in Broncos game)
Charlie Johnson (foot)
Robert Mathis (quad)
Melvin Bullitt (shoulder)
Chad Simpson (hurt in Broncos game)
Dallas Clark (hurt in Broncos game)
Ryan Diem (hamstring)

With so many injuries incurred in the secondary, do not be surprised if Simpson, Tom Santi, or Jacob Tamme are cut to make room for another DB, perhaps even Keiwan Ratliff. Right now, only Antoine Bethea, Jamie Silva, Tim Jennings, Kelvin Hayden, and T.J. Rushing are healthy enough to play in the secondary. Aaron Francisco has sat out the last couple of games with an ankle injury, but he is more a special teams guy than a coverage safety.

If Santi, Simpson, Tamme, or anyone else is cut, don't fret too much. I don't think players signed now to shore up depleted areas will make the playoff roster.

The situation at offensive tackle is also a bit worrisome. Both Charlie and Ryan are hurt, and absolutely need rest to recover from these nagging issues. This means Tony Ugoh and newly re-signed Michael Toudouze might play extensive snaps against the Jaguars.

Regarding Dwight Freeney, look for him to get used on third down only. His snaps will be limited. Other than Peyton Manning, the Colts absolutely cannot afford to lose Dwight Freeney for any length of time.

And then, of course, there is the situations involving Adam Vinatieri and Anthony Gonzalez. Both have been out for extensive periods of time, and if both are in line to play in the post-season, we need to see them start working again in live games. Basicallly, we need them healthy, like, NOW!

Also, Donald Brown better be back and healthy this week. With Joseph Addai nearly decapitated on several big hits by the Broncos yesterday, I would not be surprised to see him limited against the Jaguars. Addai has cared this running game all season, and now is the time for Donald Brown to prove why he was drafted in the first round.

[UPDATE]: Jerraud Powers' Facebook page gives us an update as to his status (Tip to Z.Pain):

“Just a lil hamstring strain…nothing to be concerned about folks, but we definitely wanted to be safe than sorry. The trainers and staff here are already doing a great job getting me back to 1000%. All your support and words of encouragement certainly does help and I thank everyone of you for following me during this first rookie season.”

Also, for those of you looking to listen to the Bill Polian Show, but don't live in the Indy area, Indcolt18 offers some alternatives:

I have an iPhone and I have a couple of radio apps that I use to listen to stations in Indiana( I live in Florida). One is Wunder Radio and the other is “Pocket Tunes”. I like pocket tunes the best and I use it to listen to Hank FM. Also, PT has a record feature so that I can save the shows if I want to listen to them later.

Colts mull possible return of Dominic Rhodes

BigBlueShoe — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:50:23 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

4 months ago: Buffalo Bills' Dominic Rhodes runs with the ball during NFL football training camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y., Wednesday, July 29, 2009. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

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From Aaron Wilson at National Football Post:

The Indianapolis Colts auditioned former starting running back Dominic Rhodes today, according to a league source.
...

The Colts, who also tried out quarterback Shane Boyd today, have a couple of roster openings after cutting defensive end Josh Thomas and defensive back Anthony Madison earlier today.

Thomas getting cut (again) seems to signal that either Dwight Freeney or Keyunta Dawson are likely available for Sunday showdown with the resurgent Titans. But releasing Madison, who was a reserve defensive back and special teams contributor, is a bit puzzling. Though it likely (and hopefully) means that the reports are true that Kelvin Hayden will return to the starting cornerback spot after missing several weeks with injury, the big question is who will take Madison's spot on special teams. It certainly won't be Hayden.

These questions are the only reasons I can think of as to why the Colts would work out Dom Rhodes. I'm on record as saying Dom is one of my favorite all-time Colts. He is a wonderful NFL story, and the kind of player that really epitomizes what it means to be a member of this team. He was an undrafted player out of Midwestern State in 2001, and by 2006 he was working in tandem with then-rookie Joseph Addai, racking up 113 yards an a TD in Super Bowl 41. He is one of the best "diamond in the rough" players Bill Polian has ever found, and his career is a testiment to his hard work, dedication, and determination. Factor in that the guy is flat out LOVED by everyone in the locker room and in the organization, I am not surprised that Indy is giving him a look.

However, conventional thinking among Colts fans is that with Keiwan Ratliff (another former Colts player from last season and a solid DB and special teams contributor) sitting out there after his release from the Steelers a few weeks ago, Polian and company should sign him to bolster Indy's injured secondary. To date, no information has surfaced that the Colts are interesting in re-signing Ratliff.

Dom worked out yesterday, and since we have received no word on him getting signed, it's likely that the team just wanted to work him out in case anything happens to Addai, Donald Brown, or Chad Simpson. Still, with at least one roster spot open, you have to think someone is going to get signed soon.

Tip to LovinBlue

Quick Recap: Colts 35 - Texans 27

BigBlueShoe — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:17:11 -0000

More photos » by David J. Phillip - AP

25 days ago: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon (85) makes a 9-yard touchdown reception as Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard, right, defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Like so many games this year, this was a tale of two halves. The first half, the Houston Texans had their way with the Dwight Freeney deprived Colts. Matt Schaub utilized the play-fake nearly to perfection, and on two well executed first quarter drives, the Texans were up 14-0. They tacked on a field goal and were leading 17-0. Peyton Manning looked mortal. The Colts pass rush was atrocious. Tackling was awful. Defensive line was getting blown off the ball. Schaub was winking to his coaches on the sideline. And longtime blog contributors Colt Homer and metal_militia were all but conceding the game, openly wondering how much the Colts would get blown out by, posting in full, fledged freakout mode (it's OK you two, I forgive you)*.

Then, the Colts woke up.

Indy went on a 35-3 run, including 28 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarter. It started with an amazing 9 yard TD catch by Pierre Garçon. After that, the Colts feasted off Schaub turnovers (2 INTs, one fumble). Things got so bad for the Texans that when Schaub was intercepted by Clint Session in the fourth quarter, and the INT returned for a TD at the 8:09 mark, Texans fans emptied out the stadium!

Chad Simpson, on a very tough run, scored on a 23 yard run to make it a two score game with 2:52 left. The Texans added a TD late, but simply ran out of time. Without Dwight Freeney, both Robert Mathis and Raheem Brock really stepped up in the second half, scoring one sack each and consistently pressuring Matt Schaub. And the Clint Session INT for a TD was just one of those WOW! plays that blows your mind.

The game was the 5th consecutive fourth quarter comeback win for the Colts (an NFL record), and it is also the fifth consecutive comeback win by less than 10 points (also an NFL record). If the Jaguars lose later today to the 49ers, the Colts will clinch the AFC South for the sixth time in seven seasons. The Colts have won at least 11 games for the seventh straight season.

Even though they don't want to hear praise from us Colts fans right now, big props to the Texans for coming out swinging. Clearly, their game plan was not something the Colts were ready for. But, if there is yet another lesson to learn from this game, NEVER give up on this team. They just know how to close out opponents, and they never, ever quit.

Here is shake n bake's recap again:

The Colts play 60 minutes. After the Texans raced out to a 17-0 lead in the first 20 minutes and went into the half up 20-7 they were held without another point until a garbage time score in the final 20 seconds down 15. Meanwhile the Colts O (and Clint Session) put up 4 2nd half TDs.

The Colts gained 114 yards on the ground averaging over 5 yards a carry. Peyton Manning converted over 75% of his passes with 3 TDs and 2 INTs (one when his arm was hit on the throw, another in a desperation drive at the end of the 1st half).

On D the Colts made a dramatic turnaround. After allowing back to back TDs in the first, the Colts held the Texans to back to back FGs on their next two drives. The Texans were stopped on their next 5 drives with 3 turnovers and 2 punts. The Texans only 2nd half points came in the final minute, after the game had been put out of reach.

Celebrate 11-0 GO NINERS

Too true. Go Colts!

*Colt Homer and metal_militia are great Colts fans. I'm just ribbin' them because I told them the Colts would come back, which they did. They certainly weren't the only ones disgusted by the first half play. Also, I started Pierre Garçon over Steve Slaton in a fantasy league today. Garçon gave me 12 points, Slaton 9. Me is happy.

Week Eleven Preview: Colts at Ravens

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:23:22 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Indianapolis Colts quarterback and supposed John Unitas clone Peyton Manning (18) uses the Vulcan head touch to sap the knowledge from Senior Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore's brain. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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(Warning: This Colts v. Ravens preview is sans Mayflower trucks because, quite honestly, we've been there and done that. Most rational, civilized, well-adjusted people are over it already. Those that aren't need a life).

We made a big brew-ha-ha earlier this year about Baltimore native Barry Levinson's well produced but painfully flawed ESPN documentary titled ~~The Band That Wouldn't Let It Go~~ The Band That Wouldn't Die. The doc's story centered on the old Baltimore Colts marching band and their efforts to keep the spirit of football alive in the city of Baltimore after the Colts left town in favor of Indianapolis in March of 1984. ESPN probably should have waited until this week to air the doc, as it would have likely stirred up the fanbases in both Baltimore and Indy just in time for the now-seemingly annual Colts v. Ravens showdown.

Since 2004, the Colts have played the Ravens at least once a year. With this Sunday's game, the Colts will have played in Baltimore four times while the Ravens have traveled to Indy twice. In all the previous contests, the Colts have flat out owned the Ravens. Whether under the night lights of primetime TV, or in the pressure-packed moments of the playoffs, the Colts have consistently put their foot on the throats of the Ravens and strangled the life out of them each and every time.

Yet, despite the seemingly annual match-up, there does not seem to be any sort of animosity or hatred between the two teams. The reason for this: Peyton Manning. Baltimore fans and players seem to respect Peyton Manning more than any other QB in the league. I've heard more than a few fans from the "City of Firsts" say that Peyton Manning is as close to a clone of Johnny Unitas as they've ever seen. He even walks like unitas did, they say. There is also mutual respect from Colts players towards greats like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Ravens coach John Harbaugh (brother of former-Colts quarterback Jim Harbaugh, a longtime fan favorite).

With this year's match-up, the rivalry now has the added dimension of a potent Ravens offense, led by a very impressive QB named Joe Flacco, and a Colts defense that, right now, is playing better football than the Ravens defense has this season.

John Unitas; quite simply, THE man

Image: pictopia.com

First and foremost, I'm a huge Joe Flacco fan. He's a better QB than Matt Ryan, absolutely no question about it. While Ryan is a cool customer who shows an impressive knowledge of the game of football, there is nothing Ryan does better than Flacco. In fact, from what I have seen, Flacco has a better arm and has been able to do more with less than Ryan has.

The Ravens offense is one of the best in football, averaging roughly 25 points per game behind a passing attack from Flacco that has generated 12 TDs and only 7 INTs. The Ravens also boast an impressive ground game behind (arguably) the most under-rated RB in all of football: Ray Rice. Baltimore's rushing attack averages 4.3 yards a carry and has scored 12 TDs. Just like when the Colts had to travel to Tennessee earlier this season and shut down all-world runner Chris Johnson, stopping Rice and the Ravens ground game will be top priority for the Colts defense.

Raymond Berry, one of my favorite players of all time

Image: www.profootballhof.com

What has been odd of late has been the play of Baltimore's defense. Though they are only surrendering 17 ppg (ranked 5th in the league), there have been some games this season where the Ravens D has fallen way short of the high expectations we fans set for them. They lost three in a row in October, allowing teams like the Patriots and Vikings to score seemingly at will on them. They righted their ship by defeating the then-undefeated Broncos, but have been a bit erratic ever since. The recent loss of Terrell Suggs will hurt their D, and while they certainly miss the play of departed linebacker Bart Scott (who signed with the Jets this past off-season) you absolutely cannot discount a defense with Lewsi, Reed, and all-galaxy defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who is the cousin of Colts rookie Fili Moala.

Keys to the game:

Stop the run. In the Ravens two loses to their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore's running game was limited. While Flacco is certainly capable of flinging the football around with the best of them, if you take away the running game and force him to throw more than he is comfortable, the results are often turnovers.
Robert Mathis v. Michael Oher. Oher's story is certainly worthy of a movie, but even if he did not come from abject poverty, Oher's story as an impressive rookie is very much worthy of respect on its own. Still, with Dwight Freeney likely to get loads of attention, Mathis must beat Oher and pressure Flacco. Mathis' play Sunday night was a big difference, flustering Tom Brady and hurrying his throws. Mathis must have a similar impact against Flacco.
The Patriots focused their defense on Dallas Clark, and the Ravens might do the same. Ed Reed might glue himself to Clark in an attempt to take away Peyton's ace. The Colts must counter this by either moving Clark around (playing him outside, in the slot, or as an H-Back), dictating to the Ravens how they should cover him. Clark is currently third in the league in catches with 64 and 5th in the league in yards. Clark's a tight end, folks. I don't know if I've ever seen a tight end have these kinds of numbers.
Ray Lewis is a student of the game, and he is correct in his praise of the Colts running game. Indy has made it a point to stick with the run, especially in the fourth quarter. The results speak for themselves. For three straight games, the Colts have used good, smart, hard running to close out games in the fourth. With rookie Donald Brown back from his shoulder injury and Chad Simpson flexing his muscles a bit as a running back (36 yards on 4 carries last week), Joseph Addai might finally get some help carrying the load for this team. Also, the decision to start Kyle DeVan at right guard over Mike Pollak has made a difference. Running plays to the right are no longer the lost cause they were earlier in the year.

Gino Marchetti (89) was Dwight Freeney long before Dwight Freeney was Dwight Freeney

Image: assets.espn.go.com

Sunday's game will also feature the return of Ravens legend Matt Stover, who spent 13 seasons in Baltimore as their kicker. The Ravens let him go this past off-season, and it was a decision they now openly regret. Stover has been damn impressive filling in for an injured Adam Viantieri. Meanwhile, the Ravens cut the kicker they replaced Stover with, and are now handing the kicking job to journeyman Billy Cundiff.

After a whale of a comeback against the Patriots last week, traveling to Baltimore will prove another tough physical and mental hurdle for the Colts to overcome. They've done this kind of thing before this season, winning a thriller against the Dolphins and then going on the road to face the Cardinals, who they spanked in their house. This will be Indy's first road game in nearly a month. You could really say this is Indy's first road game in almost six weeks. Their last "road" game was at St. Louis against the Rams, where it seemed there were more Colts fans in the stands than rams fans. Indy's last true "road game" was Week Five at Nashville against the then 0-5 Titans.

This road test will likely prove a strong one for the Colts as the Ravens are a very good football team. For more insight into the game, please visit Baltimore Beatdown, SB Nation's outstanding Ravens blog.

The end is nigh for Tony Ugoh and Mike Pollak

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:28:22 -0000

In possibly the biggest game yet for the 2009 season, Colts coach Jim Caldwell left 2007 second round pick Tony Ugoh and 2008 second round pick Mike Pollak inactive for the game. They were not hurt. They were not disciplined for an off-the-field incident. They seemed to be left inactive because... well, they just plain suck right now.

Their replacements on the line (Charlie Johnson and Kyle DeVan, respectively) allowed only one sack and blocked for a running game that averaged 5.1 yards a carry during the game.

While most of you know that Charlie Johnson is a 6th round pick from 2006 while Kyle DeVan was playing Arena Football in Boise last year, the fact that essentially two "nobodies" can beat out two highly drafted young players speaks volumes as to how well managed the Colts are as a team. Yes, Ugoh and Pollak are busts. They are stains on an otherwise Hall of Fame drafting resume for Bill Polian. Their lack of production has cost this football teams wins in the past, and with them both being healthy scratches for the biggest game of the year (so far), I'm pretty confident in saying their futures with the Colts stand at "Not For Long."

Sunday night, there was a noticeable difference with Kyle DeVan on the right side blocking on run plays. Chad Simpson had some hard runs, and (once again) Joseph Addai was masterful running the ball hard in the 4th quarter against a gased Patriots defense. Addai's 4 yard TD run and his 9 yard run to the goal line prior to Reggie Wayne's game-winning TD grab are the kinds of runs a team needs to beat a squad like the Pats.

By the way, the Addai TD run was to the right, with DeVan providing an excellent block on Vince Wolfork and Jerod Mayo.

In his weekly Monday press conference, Jim Caldwell confirmed that DeVan has won the starting job over Pollak, and then went on to praise DeVan's work ethic and ability to "fight" as a lineman. Clearly, Pollak did not play with the consistent toughness and tenacity DeVan has played with. This lack of toughness and fight is the same thing that cost promising tackle Tony Ugoh is starting job in Training Camp.

So, while I'm sure you all are upset like me that, essentially, two very high round draft picks were wasted on these two crappy players, the positive is we root for a team that (as Jim Caldwell states) will put ego aside to honestly evaluate their roster. As a result, the people who are playing the best actually play, as opposed to the people drafted the highest.