SB Nation User Blog: BetterD

Recap of the 9ers game

BetterD — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:36:05 -0000

The right side of the O-line was a sieve, most of the game. Pollak looked terrible. Diem had help from the TE and still the 9ers were in the back field most of the game. Manning was getting rid of the ball very quickly and was still getting hit a lot. I was very disappointed in the right side of the o-line.

The offense looked out of sync, this can be attributed to the fact that the O-line, right side, was not able to handle the rush. The 9ers did a good job getting pressure on Manning using just 3 and 4 guys. This made it hard on receivers, the deep routs were taken a way, and Manning didn't have the time. The medium and short routs were crowded with 7 and 8 guys dropping back into zone.

Manning, did a good job considering he had no time and had to hurry most throws. The porous o-line affected the rest of the offense. Addai look ok, when he had some room to run, which was not often. The receivers didn't have time to get in and out of their routs. Both Garçon and Clark had some costly drops and I think Collie may have had one also. Wayne is the definition of Awesomeness he made the big plays when needed.

Pollak's play is starting to become very concerning, the more games like this we see, the more the opposing defenses are going to focus on this guy. He needs to get it together in a hurry.

The Defense looked good. They missed a few tackles and gave up a couple of big plays, but for the most part, they controlled the offensive line, hurried the passer and took a way running lanes from Gore.

I love Muir and Mookie starting, hurray for "two fatties in the middle," they looked good. They anchored down the d-line and allowed the awesome ends to do their thing. Foster also looked good coming in on passing downs and helping apply pressure up the gut. Mathis and Freeny both got sacks and made life tuff for Smith.

The LB's missed some tackles, but, did an ok job in zone and run support. Haggler had a costly missed tackle. I keep waiting for Session to have a big impact on a game, I think he is doing ok just not as well as I thought he would. Besides the one run up the middle I think Bracket also did ok, nothing spectacular.

The secondary continued to look good, no matter who is in there.

Special teams, the coverage units look ok keeping the returner’s in check and not allowing any big returns. The return units still have trouble blocking. Silva had a scary moment, but didn't turn the ball over. Simpson had an ok day; he at least gets the ball out to the twenty, and didn't have any turn overs. He is not awesome, but I'll take it.

The cramps have been covered pretty well by BBS, I will add that the rule needs to be changed. If play is stopped for an injury then that player should have to leave the game for the rest of the quater.

All in all it was not a pretty win, but a win is a win and I'll take and move on.

Tim Jennings, time to give this guy a break

BetterD — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:36:42 -0000

For most of his career Tim Jennings has been a favorite whipping boy for Colts fans. It seemed that any and all problems with the secondary can be attributed to TJ. If the Colts gave up a big play, it must have been TJ’s fault. If the Colts lost a game it must have been TJ’s fault, hell if we could we would blame this guy for all the worlds’ problems.

He has been burnt and has given up some big plays, he has been picked on by opposing QB’s, there is no arguing that, but he’s a CB and those guys get burnt and give up big plays, it happens it’s part of being on the island that is an NFL CB. Champ Bailey, Darrel Green, Ronny Lott, all are considered great shutdown corners, and all of them have been burnt and given up long TD’s it’s part of the job.

This year, Tim is quietly having a good year. He has been playing quite a bit and playing well. He is second on the team with 22 tackles and first on the team with 3 passes defended, and hasn’t given up many big plays. As injuries in the secondary mount, the coaches call on him as the next man up, and he keeps responding by playing solid football.

He was drafted by the colts in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft, he has battled injuries during the early part of his career, and that might have stunted his development. He struggled last year, but seems to have learned a lot from those struggles and is now playing good football. The only thing left is for the hard core Colts fans to recognize that he is no longer the goat and is now playing like a 2nd round draft pick. So Colts fans, give this guy some love.

Gonzo thoughts - Info on: Patten, Hacket and Jackson

BetterD — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 04:26:40 -0000

Any one else a little skeptical when comes to injury reports form the Colts? Didn't Marvin Harrison miss, like, a whole season with a knee "bruise?" That's not the only time the FO has been misleading with IR info, it's just the one that pisses me off the most.

So knowing that the FO isn't exactly the boy souts when it comes to IR info you have to look at their actions. My feeling has been that if they bring in a vet from the out side, there is a strong possibility that Gonzo will be gone longer than 6 weeks. It takes at least a few weeks to learn the offense and longer to earn trust with PM. So bringing in a vet for a short stint makes no sense.

Reports are they are bringing guys in for tryouts, so there is a good possibility that that sprain could really be a Marvin type "bruise." If they sign one of these guys, it could indicate that they think Gonzo cold be gone for more then five or 6 weeks, or they are worried about the ability of the young guys to step up and be a #2 WR. So hang on it could be a crazy ride. Hopefully Garcon or Collie will step up and these guys won't be needed.

After the jump we'll look at the three guys that they have reportedly brought in for a work out.

David Patten - yeah that David Patten, who had a carreer day agaisn't the Colts back in the 2001 playoffs, he caught,ran, and threw for a TD. He's 35 and may not have any thing left but he has experience. He's got 24 career TD's and over 4700 yards receiving on 324 receptions.

DJ Hackett he's 28 years old and still has some experience, at one point he was expected to earn the starting job at Seahawks No.2 WR, that never happend and now he is looking for work. He has good size,6'2" 208lbs. He had one decent season, with 45 receptions for 610 yards and 4 touchdowns. Reportedly runs decent routs, but, not great speed, 4.53 forty pre draft.

via www.projo.com

Chad Jackson - 2nd round draft pick of the Pats in 2006. He is 6'1" 207lbs and ran reported 4.32 at the '06 combine. He battled injuries his entire career. He tore his ACL against the colts, in the AFC championship game in 2006, was on PUP all of '07 and released befor the 08 season started. He got picked up by Denver in October '08.

If they do pick up some body I kind of hope it would be Chad Jackson, he may have some big play ability and may be able to stretch the field, if the ACL healed properly. The smart money is on Hackett, he is still in his prime and has at least one year of decent production.

Poll

What do you think the Colts are going to do about the Gonzo situation?

Go Next man up and not sign any body

13 votes

Sign David Patten

0 votes

Sign DJ Hackett

5 votes

Sigh Chad Jackson

6 votes

24 votes | Poll has closed

Mayo out 6 to 8 weeks, sprained MCL

BetterD — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:42:49 -0000

Mayo out 6 to 8 weeks, sprained MCL

Jerod Mayo out with a grade 3 MCL sprain. This looks bad for a defense that gave up 24 points against a team that doesn't have an NFL caliber tackle on their team

Which Undrafted Free Agent makes the colts roster this year?

BetterD — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:47:35 -0000

Every year the Colts seem to find a diamond in the rough from the UDFA scrap heap. For the past couple of years I have spent some time and tried to ~~guess~~ choose who might make the squad and contribute. Last year I chose Colin Farrell and Chad Simpson. Simpson ended up making a contribution near the end of the season, but Colin Farrell was a disappointment. The year before I chose Melvin Bullitt and some body else that I can’t remember, Bullitt made the squad, participated on special teams, got a start on defense near the end of the season and even got a pick in that game. Of course we all know how Melvin’s second year turned out, I'm still feeling pretty good about that one.

Looking at the UDFA's can give you a feel for which direction the team is heading, for instance OG. The colts drafted a huge guard named Jamie Thomas, in the 7th round, thirty pounds heavier then the guards/centers they drafted last year. One player is not a trend, but, look at the two UDFA's picked up to compete for an O-line position and you realize both are much bigger then last years drafted guards/centers. Conclusion they want a big guard on the interior of the O-line and want to get better at running the ball.

Another trend I noticed was at CB, this year, 3rd round draft pick, Jerraud Powers, is smaller and faster then Coe and Hughes, two CB's drafted the previous year. Once again one player is not a trend, but, look at the UDFA’s and both of those guys are smaller and faster. Conclusion, they’re looking for another corner that can cover one on one, to allow the LB's and safeties to blitz more.

As much info as I could find about this years UDFA's after the jump.

Brandon Anderson DB 5’10” 179 Akron, has decent speed 4.42 forty, 10’3” broad jump. He has played both Safety and corner. Ok production, but, nothing special 42 tackles as a senior. Not athletic enough to beat out any of the current safeties on the rosters. If he makes the team it will be at corner back, the depth there isn’t as strong as safety; even then he is a long shot to make the team or the practice squad.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=569

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=brandon+anderson+akron&aq=0&oq=Brandon+Anderson+&aqi=g10

http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=508030

Colin Cloherty TE 6’2” 245lbs Brown, Decent speed 4.63ish forty time and athleticism, 4.20 20yrd shuttle, good for a guy his size. Earned second team all Ivy League honors (hey it’s better then all neighborhood.) Had decent production, 99 receptions for 1211 yards and 9 TDs. The coaches like smart players, because of that and his athleticism he has an out side shot at making the practice squad.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=570

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=80531&draftyear=2009&genpos=FB

Chis Crane QB 6’4” 236lbs Boston College, he has more picks then TDs. Good size for a QB, but, lets face it would take divine intervention for this guy to make the practice squad.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=584

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=9102&draftyear=2009&genpos=QB

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/qb/Chris-Crane.php

Adrian Grady DT 6’1” 298lbs Louisville, Good box numbers, 31 reps on the bench, 4.18 forty time and 33” vertical jump. Has good strength, good quickness and is able to stay really low and play with good leverage. Has a good bull rush and is able to collapse the pocket.

Has had trouble with injuries, that’s why he will be 25 at the start of camp. Will probably be a UT, he dose not stand up well at the point of attack, but, he does have good quickness. He has some up side; the coaches could really see a lot of improvement in this guy, during camp, as long as he can avoid injuries. Has a legitimate shot at making the practice squad, and an outside shot at making the roster, he just needs to stay healthy.

Vid links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1moP0_Swmno

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=571

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=61405&draftyear=2009&genpos=DT

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/Adrian-Grady.php

http://www.nfldraftbible.com/Players/List/2009-Big-Board/-226.-Adrian-Grady.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2009/draft/players/14471.html

Brandon Harrison SS 5’9” 197lbs Michigan, couldn’t find much in the way of box numbers, he has a reported 4.5ish forty time. He seems to be more of a run support guy, opposed to a cover guy. There is just too much depth at safety for this guy to make team or the practice squad.

Info Links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=572

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=57274&draftyear=2009&genpos=CB

Ramon Humber OLB 5’11” 232lbs North Dakota State, All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first team as a senior, has great box numbers, 4.56 forty time. He had 93 tackles as a senior, from the SAM position. Has good speed and quickness and is able to cover a lot of ground. Although he played the SAM in college he appears to be a natural fit at the WILL.

He is a good athlete, very productive, and has a good shot at making the practice squad, not going to make the team unless there are a slew of injuries at OLB.

Vid links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWCiDdBgIQ0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXw0ZfVAT8g

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=573

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81427&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2009/draft/players/47606.html

Pat Kuntz DT 6’2” 285lbs Notre Dame, he was pretty productive with 93 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. He also has pretty good box numbers with 31 reps on the bench, 5.05 forty, 32” vert and 4.37 20yrd shuttle. He led the nation in passes batted down.

He is a decent athlete with decent production, has a shot to making the roster or the practice squad.

Vid links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to2nV6ISW5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuB_3FWbHes

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=574

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=74074&draftyear=2009&genpos=DT

Jacob Lacey DB 5’11” 177lbs Oklahoma State, has decent strait line speed 4.41 forty time and a 41” vert, witch is awesome. Jacob has good cover skills with 7 career picks and 36 passes defended. He also seemed to be solid against the run with three FF and 186 career tackles.

Jacob has good athleticism, good ball skills, and good production; he has a good shot of making the roster or practice squad.

Vid links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33NfdO2oFls

Info links:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=72672&draftyear=2009&genpos=CB

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2009/draft/players/40742.html

Cornelius Lewis OG 6’3” 332lbs Tennessee State, he is ginormas, he played both tackle positions at Tennessee State, but, projects to OG for the Colts. Has good box numbers, with a 5.22 forty and 29 reps on the bench. He had 6 knock downs three times in 5 games. Started his college career with Florida got dismissed from the team for fighting and rules violations.

Has great size and bulk, good athleticism with quick feet. Has a nasty streak and offers some versatility. This guy probably gets drafted early on the second day if he wasn’t such a screw up. If Cornelius can stay out of his own way, and act like a professional, he will make the roster or the practice squad. He has all the tools he just needs to grow up.

Info Links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=576

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=56586&draftyear=2009&genpos=OT

http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/og/Cornelius-Lewis.php

John Matthews WR 6’0” 200lbs San Diego, extremely productive, 195 rec. for 3615yrd and 50 TDs for his career with USD, but, may not be athletic enough to make it to the next level. He has average speed 4.54 forty time and average vertical jump of 32.”

He has an up hill battle because of the depth at WR, but could make the practice squad.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=578

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=73056&draftyear=2009&genpos=WR

Brett McDermott WR 6’0” 201lbs Holy Cross, fairly productive at Holy Cross with 15 TDs and 1736 yards, but, again may not be athletic enough to make it to the next level. Couldn’t find out much info except the 4.58 forty time, not good for a WR of his size. He probably won’t make it out of training camp.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=579

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=86011&draftyear=2009&genpos=WR

Tom Pestock OG 6’6” 317lbs Northwest Missouri State, his forty time, 5.02 looks like he may be a good fit for the Colts zone blocking scheme. Has the frame to carry more weight would be a long term project and start off on the practice squad.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=580

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=79549&draftyear=2009&genpos=OG

http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20090109/?pg=5

Tyrell Sales LB 6’2” 230lbs Penn State, played in a system at Penn State that is similar to what the Colts run. He has decent box numbers, 4.58 forty time 4.3 twenty yard shuttle and a 33” vert. He also had ok production, as a two year starter, with 154 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, three sacks and three forced fumbles. Played the SAM at Penn State and is strong enough to handle the TE in the pros, but, he also has enough speed and athleticism to play the WILL also. He may earn a spot on the practice squad.

Info links:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=bio&player_id=581

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=56942&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/2009/draft/players/40975.html

Poll

Which Undrafted Free Agent is going to make the roster? I would have choose two, but, I'm not sure how.

Brandon Anderson DB 5’10" 179 Akron

0 votes

Colin Cloherty TE 6’2" 245lbs Brown

1 votes

Adrian Grady DT 6’1" 298lbs Louisville

26 votes

Brandon Harrison SS 5’9" 197lbs Michigan

2 votes

Ramon Humber OLB 5’11" 232lbs North Dakota State

2 votes

Pat Kuntz DT 6’2" 285lbs Notre Dame

14 votes

Jacob Lacey DB 5’11" 177lbs Oklahoma State

3 votes

Cornelius Lewis OG 6’3" 332lbs Tennessee State

40 votes

John Matthews WR 6’0" 200lbs San Diego

1 votes

Tom Pestock OG 6’6" 317lbs Northwest Missouri State

5 votes

Tyrell Sales LB 6’2" 230lbs Penn State

9 votes

Brett McDermott WR 6’0" 201lbs Holy Cross

1 votes

104 votes | Poll has closed

New Bronco D Ried switching to OLB from DT, WTF

BetterD — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:02:35 -0000

New Bronco D Ried switching to OLB from DT, WTF

Ok I have some spare time on my hands and I'm board. So I stumbeled accross this and was a little shocked.

Well our old buddy and special teams ace and reserve DT Darrell Reid has been asked to switch to OLB for the broncos, I thought well maybe there moving to ILB, ala teddy bruski, nope to OLB he goes. He is losing weight and lined up with the starting unit at the team OTA's. It's true check out the link.

Freeny give Garrard worst/best hit

BetterD — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:43:29 -0000

Freeny give Garrard worst/best hit

Trying to get this right but I am not having much luck

Freeny give Garrard worst hit

BetterD — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:39:27 -0000

Freeny give Garrard worst hit

Thought you might like this article.

Vanderjagt as an emergency option if Vinatieri can't goe.

BetterD — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:02:33 -0000

That is pretty much the theme of an article written at BR, it is also a reoccurring nightmare for me. There are a few things that I don't ever want to see happen, at the top would be Peyton Manning dawning another teams jersey. the pats or the Steelers winning another super bowl and of course; Mike (I'm a giant deuchbag) Vanderjagt ever attempting another field goal in a colts uniform, would have to be right up there.

The fact is Adam Vinatieri had hip surgurry in the offseason, that is serious, but I can't believe Vanderjagt, would be a viable option. He may have been the most accurate kicker in NFL history, but his reputation as a choker in playoff games is what I remember most about him. Against Miami and Pittsburg he had a chance to win those games or get them into overrtime and he failed. He has embarrised him self and the colts with his comments and his actions. I wold think Bill P. would rather have John Daily attempting field goals instead of Mike Vanderjagt, at least Daily is likeable.

I'll look at the article some more after the jump.

The reality of the situation is that it is very likely that Adam Vinatieri could return from hip surgery, have a long rehabilitation process, suffer complications and setbacks, and then re-injure or aggravate the injury during the course of the season, leaving the team and its fans without a proven kicker on their roster.

I think it’s time for the Colts to consider a backup plan and his name should be Mike Vanderjagt.

The colts did draft a kicker Pat McAffey and signed a free agent or two; so there is some concern, but, if these young guys don't work out, Polian will sign some body but it won't be Vanderjagt. Mike, like him or not, is 39 and his last year in the CFL he made around 75% of his FG attempts, not close to his NFL record life time average of 86.5% and not good enough by NFL standards. He's not getting any younger and not any more accurate.

Adam Vinatieri is 36 years old, which is not terribly old for a kicker, but he's certainly nearing the end of his career. Since joining the Colts in 2006, his field goal percentage has dropped dramatically from 89.3 percent in 2006 to 79.3 percent in 2007 to 80.0 percent in 2008.

He doesn't ever say Vanderjagt's field goal percent last year in the CFL, so I looked it up, he hit right at 75%. Vinatieri out preformed him last year, with a bad hip. There is no reason to think this guy has anything left not to mention he suffers from the "million dollar leg, and the five cent brain" syndrome. If a playoff game is on the line, I would rather have Vinatieri hobble out there with a "walker" then put VanderChoke back out there.

Vanderjagt can still come in and perform at a high level, and it is not really a matter of money since Vanderjagt has been playing for the Canadian Football League, which generally pays significantly less than the National Football League.

He hasn't preformed at a hight level since 2005, why is he going to start now. His last memorable kick as a Colt was on the Letterman show. I'm sure Bill P. loved that episode. Add to that the off field stuff and there is no way Bill P. signs this guy, He'll sign King R. before he signs Vanderdeuch.

The offseason is really dragging on, people are getting board and conjuring up articles, no way Bill P. would ever consider signing him again. I trust that Bill P. can find a better option then the return Vanderpuke.

Poll

Is Mike Vanderjagt worth the trouble to bring back if Adam Vinatieri isn't ready to go in August.

yes

17 votes

no

135 votes

152 votes | Poll has closed

SB Nation User Blog: BetterD

Recap of the 9ers game

more in on Ed Johnson at 18to88

more in on Ed Johnson at 18to88

Tim Jennings, time to give this guy a break

Gonzo thoughts - Info on: Patten, Hacket and Jackson

What do you think the Colts are going to do about the Gonzo situation?

Go Next man up and not sign any body

Sign David Patten

Sign DJ Hackett

Sigh Chad Jackson

Mayo out 6 to 8 weeks, sprained MCL

Mayo out 6 to 8 weeks, sprained MCL

Which Undrafted Free Agent makes the colts roster this year?

Which Undrafted Free Agent is going to make the roster? I would have choose two, but, I'm not sure how.

Brandon Anderson DB 5’10" 179 Akron

Colin Cloherty TE 6’2" 245lbs Brown

Adrian Grady DT 6’1" 298lbs Louisville

Brandon Harrison SS 5’9" 197lbs Michigan

Ramon Humber OLB 5’11" 232lbs North Dakota State

Pat Kuntz DT 6’2" 285lbs Notre Dame

Jacob Lacey DB 5’11" 177lbs Oklahoma State

Cornelius Lewis OG 6’3" 332lbs Tennessee State

John Matthews WR 6’0" 200lbs San Diego

Tom Pestock OG 6’6" 317lbs Northwest Missouri State

Tyrell Sales LB 6’2" 230lbs Penn State

Brett McDermott WR 6’0" 201lbs Holy Cross

New Bronco D Ried switching to OLB from DT, WTF

New Bronco D Ried switching to OLB from DT, WTF

Freeny give Garrard worst/best hit

Freeny give Garrard worst/best hit

Freeny give Garrard worst hit

Freeny give Garrard worst hit

Vanderjagt as an emergency option if Vinatieri can't goe.

Is Mike Vanderjagt worth the trouble to bring back if Adam Vinatieri isn't ready to go in August.

yes

no