"It evens out because [Justin] Tuck and Osi [Umenyiora], those guys get their chance as well. I think once Eli was drafted and you started doing the math, we knew this would be an every four-year thing. I hope to make it to that 2014 game. I’ll probably be out of eligibility by the time 2018 comes around. It’s unique. I think we try to enjoy it. There is no question it’s an important game for both teams. [The] Giants are coming off a big win, we’re coming off a disappointing loss. I think it will be a really good ballgame.”

Transcript of Manning's comments were provided courtesy of  Paul Kuharsky

Not sure how Colts fans take this comment, but I'll take whatever I can from Peyton in regards to how long he'll play in the NFL.  As mentioned above, he hopes to make it to that 2014 game against Eli and the Giants.  Considering this, 4 more years for Peyton after this year would be a blessing for me as a fan.  By that time, he'll be 39 years old with all of Brett Farve's records either broken or almost broken.  If his next contract is around a 4 to 5 year deal, I really believe he'll play it out.

As the Colts head into training camp here in the next couple weeks, there are a few questions that I have thought about.  Some of these questions cannot be answered now or until training camp is over, however, I would like my fellow readers to give their thoughts and opinions on each question if possible.  I apologize if any of the following issues are repetitive or have already been discussed:

1)  Will Dwight Freeney be healthy enough to participate on the first day of training camp or will he enter training camp on the PUP?

2)  In the event Reggie Wayne misses the first week of training camp due to a holdout, how big of an effect will this have on the offense and its rhythm?

3)  Which CB will step up and take control of the 4th spot behind Jacob Lacey?

4)  Who will be starting at the guard spots at Week 1?

5)  Will Fili Moala be an impact player on defense this year?

6)  Will Manning's contract get done before camp starts?

Please follow the jump as I share my thought on each question.

Continue reading this post »

Here’s another fun Colts mock draft to freely criticize/praise at. 

Just a few thoughts before you go ahead and view the mock.  As much as I would like the Colts to draft an OT with either of their first couple picks (assuming value is there), I find it unlikely that it will happen unless possibly Charles Brown is still on the board in the 1st or Saffold/maybe Ducasse is there in the 2nd round.  Since I think they will be gone by the time the Colts pick in the respective rounds, I do not have a possible OT prospect until the mid rounds.  Also, I rather not assume the Colts will trade up/down to get an OT.

Continue reading this post »

Typical ESPN at it again on a report claiming a second man filing a suit against Harrison.  Here's the link:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4359721

This long article goes on and on about the claim and the incident that Harrison was "allegedly" involved in.  When they mentioned how Harrison was not charged by Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham , they flipped it  thereafter and mentioned how a police "source" claims that Nixon's statements were consistent when he eventually started cooperating and that they had much confindent in his account.  Please see the following quotes:

A Philadelphia man who claims he was caught in the crossfire during a shooting rampage by Marvin Harrison is suing the former All-Pro wide receiver, saying that a bullet fired by Harrison is still lodged in his back.

But a law enforcement source who has seen Nixon's statements to police disagrees. The source told ESPN that while certain elements of Nixon's story changed, his identification of Harrison remained consistent after he began cooperating. Indeed, police were so confident in his account that they placed him in protective custody for two weeks last spring. Nixon left the custody voluntarily.

Harrison, a 13-year NFL veteran with possible Hall of Fame credentials

Can anyone tell me the difference why ESPN would make such a large report on a suit against Harrison on an incident that happended over a year ago but yet no charges were filed and the small "hesitant" report on Big Ben and a suit filed against him rapping another women?  ESPN is very inconsisent with their reporting and has lost much credibility when it comes down to that.

You know it's been a long offseason when I'm writing about Tom Brady, but his injury status has me thinking a bit.  I may be way off on this, but wouldn't it be irrelevant to compare Bradys recovering time + perfomance for the start of the '09 season to Palmer's recoving time + performance during the start of his '06 season?  I could be wrong, but it seems like I've been hearing the comparisons of, "oh look how Palmer performed, it took him 8-10 weeks to start playing good the following year after he got injured so it will be the same with Brady".  Ok not quite like that but you get my point.  Even though Palmer injured his knee the last game of the season for his team, he started the first game the following year with a difference of a about 8 months in between.  Palmer did not start playing like his usual self until say week 10 of that same year which is an additional 2 months for a total 10 months all together since his knee incident.  Palmer threw for 10 tds with only 2 ints between weeks 10-13 and threw for an average of 306 yds per game during that same span in '06 the year after his serious injury.  It would be well over 10 months for Brady when he makes his first start back ( about 1 year for all you geniuses) including training camp reps. Granted every player heals differently especially with this type of injury, it's not out of the question for Brady to produce at a very efficient level still.  I'm really not looking for Brady to stuggle as much as say Peyton did last year to start the season.  Even though Brady's injury was more serious, the timing for Manning's injury was worse when comparing the start of Manning's season last year to the start of Brady's season this year.  With that said, to say Brady will compete for his '07 passing records like some "experts" have mentioned is crazy and shows how these "experts" have short memories.  Manning wasn't even close to his 49 TD record the following year  just because NFL teams adjust, plain and simple.  I really have no conclusion so Go Colts!

With Owens, Lee Evans, James Hardy, and Josh Reed, the Bills are looking to trade Roscoe Parrish according to John Clayton.  Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4057069

Parrish, 26,  was drafted in the 2nd round back in '05 and is going into his fifth year.  He's not the biggest, 5'9 171 pounds, but he could be that slot wr/return specialist the Colts could possibly need.  He's more affective returning punts than kickoffs, in which he has returned one punt for a touchdown the past 3 years and is one of the best in the league in that category.  I'm not sure what the Bills are asking, but I wouldn't go lower than a 5th for him (if the Colts even have Cap Room to get him).  He's been arrested before back in '08 when charged for DUI, so that should possibly slim the chances.  Even though he's an explosive player, I do not see the Colts making this type of move.  What do you guys think?

Here is my mock that consists of players who I think may be on the board by the time the Colts pick and then who I think the Colts could/should/hope select:

1st Round:
DT: Peria Jerry, Evander Hood, Ron Brace (early second), Jarron Gilbert (early second)
LB: Clay Matthews, James Laurinaitis
OT: Andre Smith (very unlikely…but still has time to make his stock fall), Jamon Meredith, Phil Loadholt
WR: Percy Harvin, Hakeem Nicks, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Kenny Britts
CB: Darius Butler, D.J. Moore, Alphonso Smith

Colts Pick: Polian and the Colts have been known to hold off on the DT position until the mid rounds, and them doing it once again this year would not be really surprising.  Polian has mentioned that usually dominating DT’s go within the first 15 picks, so maybe holding off and getting a quality DT in the mid rounds will not be all that bad. The tandem of Ugoh and Diem for at least one more year season while having C. Johnson as the back up for either side may not be bad, but is something I could see the Colts adjust to within the next couple of seasons.  The Colts have more than likely lost two LBs due to free agency in that of Keiaho and Hagler, however, the addition of Seward will not only help the depth but will also help the ST unit.  It has been said by Caldwell already that Seward will be the backup MLB.  I can see Polian and the Colts taking a LB with any of their first 3 picks though, who has taken a LB with the first pick before with Rob Morris. With the loss of Marvin Harrison along with the Colts draft history with receiving threats, many “experts” believe that Polian will draft a WR. If a WR is the BPA at a positional need (WR is debatable whether it is a need or not), then Polian will not hesitate to take one.  A CB is a possibility with questions marks on Jacksons recovery and him maybe leaving due to Free Agency in '10 along with Jennings being an upcoming FA in '10.  If Vontae Davis and Malcolm Jenkins are gone, I do not think there will be a CB that will have the size and physicality that the Colts look for in a CB with their first pick.  I really hope this year is an exception when it comes down to the draft and their first round pick.  The DTs above that could be on the board are all very intriguing, and possibly dominating.  My prediction with the Colts first pick on behalf of my hope and opinion is:  DT EVANDER "ZIGGY" HOOD (Missouri)- Ran under the 5.00 mark in the 40 (4.91), very strong (35 reps at 225 pounds), good size (6-3, 300 pounds), and effective at stopping the run and pressuring the QB.

2nd Round:
DT: Sen’Derrick Marks, Fili Moala, Chris Baker
LB: Clint Sintim, Gerald McRath, Jason Phillips
WR: Brian Robiskie, Juaquin Iglesias, Louis Murphy
CB: Victor Harris, Jairus Byrd, Mike Mickens

 The Colts could go Defense heavy early and often in this upcoming draft, or at least I hope.   The passing game will still be very effective with the loss of Harrison (just look at the stats when he didn’t play) and the running game should hopefully get better with a more healthier line next year, so I do not anticpate any offense early with the exception of maybe an OT.  The prospect that I like in the second round is Gerald McRath at the WLB IF he's there.  He's quick (4.61 in the 40 yard dash), decent size for Colts standard (6’2, 231), and could possibly take over the MLB position when Brackett eventually leaves.  But if he is off the board, then the Colts could select: CB VICTOR HARRIS (Virginia Tech) - This may not be a sexy choice and could be a reach at that, but until the Colts show me that they are willing to move Bethea as the starter at the CB position (there were 2 or 3 games where he could have started with Hayden and Jackson both out and Sanders and Bullitt both playing, but instead the Colts used Ratliff and Jennings as the starters), the Colts may need an additional player for depth and a possible future starter next to Hayden.  Harris had a poor 40 time at the combine, but followed that up with a surprising and fast 40 time of 4.46 at his pro day.  He was a great playmaker at Virginia Tech, producing 6 Ints returning 2 of them for TDs in '08.  During his time at VT, he had a total of 15 Ints while returning 4 of them for TDs.  He best fits in a Cover 2 system, but is not bad in man to man coverage.  He has the physical presence that the Colts look for at around 6'0 and 195 pounds, and also has the ability to stop the run.

3rd Round:
DT: Alex Magee, Dorrell Scott, Sammie Lee Hill, Vance Walker, Terrance Taylor
LB: Jason Williams, Tyrone McKenzie, Marcus Freeman, Zack Follett, Darry Beckwith, Dannell Ellerbe
WR: Derrick Williams, Brandon Gibson, Kevin Ogletree
CB: Mark Parson, Captain Munnerlyn, Asher Allen, Keenan Lewis, Morgan Trent

Colts Pick:  I would not mind at all if the Colts select 2 DTs to compete with the current ones the Colts already have, even though I think Antonio Johnson is a capable starter.  There are 3 solid DTs the Colts could chose from if available with their 3rd pick in my opinion: Magee, Scott, and Walker. Dorrell Scott is the biggest at 6’3 and 312, and also ran the fastest during the combine clocking under the 5.00 mark with a time of 4.92. Statistically though, Magee and Walker put up better numbers than Scott. Walker intrigues me because he can get to the QB with his size along with stuffing the run. Even though his sack total was down in ‘08, he registered 8.5 sacks the year before. He’s 6’2 and around 300 pounds, similar size to what the Colts look at. I think the Colts could select: DT Vance Walker (Georgia Tech) – size, can stuff the run game (8.5 TFL), and can get to the QB (8.5 sacks in ’07).

Alternative Pick:  If DT is not wanted in the 3rd because the Colts would have already drafted Hood in the 1st round: WLB Jason Williams (Western Illinois) (stock is rising though) - another LB that I really like who has a lot of good characteristics that should fit the mold of a Colts LB.  He's 6'1 at 241 and ran a freakin 40 in the time of 4.49 at his pro day, benched 225 pounds 26 times (more than Laurinaitis and Maualuga, and put up 8 sacks and 16.5 TFL at Western Illinois.

4th round: WR Mike Wallace (OleMiss) - 4.33 40 time, potential return man and deep threat, scored a TD in about every 5 receptions his last two years at OleMiss

4th round: RB Glen Coffey (Alabama) - slow 40 at the combine, but showed in college that he can breakout long runs (87, 78, and 51 yard runs his last year), averaged 5.9 yard/carry, needs to work on his hands in order to be a receiving threat, part of a winning team at Alabama while rushing for 112 yds on 21 carries and a TD against Florida in the SEC Title Game.

Recap:  I know this is an unconventional Mock, but the players that I mentioned for the Colts are players that I could see them selecting in the given rounds, but also wouldn't mind.

1st: Hood

2nd: Harris *Maybe McRath

3rd: Walker *If Hood is taken in round 1 and a LB is not taken in the first two rounds, then I wouldn't mind Jason Williams from Western Illinois if available.

4th rounds: Wallace and Coffey

I'm not the one who's going to question the moves made by the best GM in the league in that of Polian.  We can question whether Hayden was overpaid while still being unproven, but the fact is that Polian is showing comittment to the Defense and avoiding yet another good player walk in free agency.  I look at Hayden's signing more as a positive than a negative, and should now secure the Colts as one of the best secondaries in the league.  At age 26, he still has room to become even better while still having the experience that he has gained thus far.  We don't know whether the Hayden signing is a good-bye to Harrison, Saturday, etc.., but yet can only speculate.  I'm more on the let's wait and see rather than the thinking of damn, the Colts are going to  lose Harrison, Saturday, and Keiaho.  With that said, the D in my opinion will be better next year than the '05 and '07 defenses not only because of this signing, but because of having pretty much everyone back and plus some.  Adding a DT or two in the draft should solidify that position along with A. Johnson, Foster, Dawson, and Brock (on passing downs).  Hopefully now with some Polian magic, the Colts will be able to retain Saturday and Harrison...and with a little bit more of a dose, lets add a "Edge" to it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ys-draftposranks021009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

I was impressed with this on how they break down players...3rd down back, slot reciver, DE for the 3-4, DE for the 4-3, etc...

QUARTERBACKS
1. Mark Sanchez, USC (6-3, 225)
2. Matthew Stafford, Georgia (6-3, 236)
3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State (6-6, 248)
4. Nate Davis, Ball State (6-2, 218)
5. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech (6-2, 205)
6. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State (6-2, 216)
7. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M (6-3, 216)
8. Pat White, West Virginia (6-0, 192)
9. Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas (6-1, 214)
10. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State (6-2, 222)

RUNNING BACKS
1. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia (5-11, 208)
2. Chris Wells, Ohio State (6-1, 237)
3. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh (5-11, 210)
4. Shonn Greene, Iowa (5-11, 235)
5. Donald Brown, Connecticut (5-10, 210)
6. Javon Ringer, Michigan State (5-9, 205)
7. Jeremiah Johnson, Oregon (5-9, 208)
8. Andre Brown, N.C. State (6-0 224)
9. Rashad Jennings, Liberty (6-1, 232)
10. James Davis, Clemson (5-11, 207

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THIRD-DOWN BACKS
1. Devin Moore, Wyoming (5-9, 191)
2. Mike Goodson, Texas A&M (6-0, 198)
3. Tyrell Sutton, Northwestern (5-8, 210)
4. Kory Sheets, Purdue (5-11, 203)
5. Marcus Thigpen, Indiana (5-8, 198)

FULLBACKS
1. Quinn Johnson, LSU (6-1, 260)
2. Conredge Collins, Pittsburgh (5-11, 232)
3. Tony Fiammetta, Syracuse (6-0, 238)
4. Travis McCall, Alabama (6-2, 276)
5. Brannan Southerland, Georgia (6-0, 245)
6. Eric Kettani, Navy (6-0, 242)
7. Mark Hafner, Houston (6-2, 235)
8. Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas (6-2, 248)
9. David Johnson, Arkansas State (6-2, 250)
10. Jorvorskie Lane, Texas A&M (6-0, 278)

WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (6-3. 214)
2. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri (6-1, 200)
3. Percy Harvin, Florida (5-11,195)
4. Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina (6-1, 210)
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland (6-2, 206)
6. Kenny Britt, Rutgers (6-4, 215)
7. Derrick Williams, Penn State (6-0, 200)
8. Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma (6-0 204)
9. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State (6-2, 200)
10. Louis Murphy, Florida (6-2, 205)

SLOT RECEIVERS
1. Mike Thomas, Arizona (5-8 187)
2. Quan Cosby, Texas (5-9, 191)
3. Deon Butler, Penn State (5-11, 168)
4. Sammie Stroughter, Oregon State (6-0, 189)
5. Jordan Norwood, Penn State (5-10, 174)

POSSESSION RECEIVERS
1. Patrick Turner, USC (6-5, 221)
2. Ramses Barden, Cal Poly (6-6, 227)
3. Jamarko Simmons, Western Michigan (6-2, 241)
4. Aaron Kelly, Clemson (6-5, 193)
5. Greg Orton, Purdue (6-3, 210)

TIGHT ENDS
1. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State (6-6, 260)
2. Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi (6-5, 242)
3. Chase Coffman, Missouri (6-6, 252)
4. James Casey, Rice (6-4, 235)
5. Jared Cook, South Carolina (6-5, 242)
6. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin (6-3, 237)
7. Cornelius Ingram, Florida (6-4, 245)
8. Brian Mandeville, Northeastern (6-6, 255)
9. Davon Drew, East Carolina (6-4, 258)
10. Ryan Purvis, Boston College (6-4, 255)

OFFENSIVE TACKLES
1. Eugene Monroe, Virginia (6-5, 315)
2. Andre Smith, Alabama (6-4, 340)
3. Jason Smith, Baylor (6-5, 300)
4. Michael Oher, Mississippi (6-5, 320)
5. Eben Britton, Arizona (6-6, 310)
6. William Beatty, Connecticut (6-6, 310)
7. Jamon Meredith, South Carolina (6-5, 289)
8. Fenuki Tupou, Oregon (6-5, 332)
9. Troy Kropog, Tulane (6-6, 316)
10. Augustus Parrish, Kent State (6-5, 300)

OFFENSIVE GUARDS
1. Duke Robinson, Oklahoma (6-5, 335)
2. Herman Johnson, LSU (6-7, 335)
3. Tyronne Green, Auburn (6-2, 309)
4. Andy Levitre, Oregon State (6-2, 318)
5. Trevor Canfield, Cincinnati (6-5, 305)
6. Seth Olsen, Iowa (6-5, 304)
7. T.J. Lang, Eastern Michigan (6-4, 312)
8. Kraig Urbik, Wisconsin (6-6, 323)
9. Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State (6-4, 324)
10. Jaimie Thomas, Maryland (6-4, 331)

CENTERS
1. Alex Mack, California (6-4, 314)
2. Max Unger, Oregon (6-5, 305)
3. Eric Wood, Louisville (6-5, 308)
4. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama (6-5, 305)
5. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas (6-5, 314)
6. Cecil Newton, Tennessee State (6-2, 295)
7. A.Q. Shipley, Penn State (6-1, 297)
8. Alex Fletcher, Stanford (6-3, 302)
9. Brett Helms, LSU (6-2, 282)
10. Jon Cooper, Oklahoma (6-2, 292)

4-3 DEFENSIVE ENDS
1. Brian Orakpo, Texas (6-4, 260)
2. Robert Ayers, Tennessee (6-3, 273)
3. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-7, 260)
4. Paul Kruger, Utah (6-5, 265)
5. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati (6-4, 255)
6. David Veikune, Hawaii (6-2, 255)
7. Phillip Hunt, Houston (6-1, 261)
8. Michael Bennett, Texas A&M (6-4, 271)
9. Brandon Williams, Texas Tech (6-5, 252)
10. Lawrence Sidbury Jr., Richmond (6-3, 267)

3-4 DEFENSIVE ENDS
1. Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State (6-5, 287)
2. Tyson Jackson, LSU (6-4, 295)
3. Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa (6-6, 305)
4. Ra’Shon Harris, Oregon (6-4, 300)
5. Kyle Moore, USC (6-5, 273)
6. Zach Potter, Nebraska (6-7, 277)
7. Pannel Egboh, Stanford (6-6, 272)
8. Khalif Mitchell, East Carolina (6-5, 317)
9. Jeremy Navarre, Maryland (6-3, 285)
10. Bobby Greenwood, Alabama (6-5, 280)

NOSE TACKLES
1. B.J. Raji, Boston College (6-1, 325)
2. Ron Brace, Boston College (6-3, 326)
3. Fili Moala, USC (6-5, 305)
4. Dorell Scott, Clemson (6-3, 310)
5. Terrance Taylor, Michigan (6-1, 314)
6. Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman (6-4, 331)
7. Terrance Knighton, Temple (6-3, 324)
8. Myron Pryor, Kentucky (6-0 310)
9. Marlon Favorite, LSU (6-1, 208)
10. Louis Ellis, Shaw (6-2, 315)

THREE-TECHNIQUE TACKLES
1. Peria Jerry, Mississippi (6-3, 295)
2. Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn (6-1, 295)
3. Evander Hood, Missouri (6-3, 295)
4. Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU (6-3, 290)
5. Mitch King, Iowa (6-2, 275)
6. Corvey Irvin, Georgia (6-3, 289)
7. Alex Magee, Purdue (6-3, 295)
8. Vance Walker, Georgia Tech (6-2, 295)
9. Chris Baker, Hampton (6-2, 308)
10. Clinton McDonald, Memphis (6-2, 289)

4-3 OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
1. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest (6-2, 246)
2. Brian Cushing, USC (6-4, 243)
3. Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida (6-2, 235)
4. Marcus Freeman, Ohio State (6-1, 238)
5. Zack Follett, California (6-2, 238)
6. Mortty Ivy, West Virginia (6-1, 236)
7. Nic Harris, Oklahoma (6-3, 233)
8. Lee Robinson, Alcorn State (6-2, 249)
9. Jonathan Casillas, Wisconsin (6-1, 226)
10. Brian Toal, Boston College (6-1, 238)

3-4 OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS
1. Everette Brown, Florida State (6-4, 252)
2. Aaron Maybin, Penn State (6-4, 238)
3. Clay Matthews, USC (6-3, 246)
4. Larry English, Northern Illinois (6-2, 254)
5. Clint Sintim, Virginia (6-3, 249)
6. Cody Brown, Connecticut (6-2, 242)
7. Orion Martin, Virginia Tech (6-2, 248)
8. Victor Butler, Oregon State (6-2 241)
9. Moise Fokou, Maryland (6-2, 233)
10. Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin (6-5, 253)

INSIDE LINEBACKERS
1. Rey Maualuga, USC (6-2, 260)
2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State (6-2, 240)
3. Darry Beckwith, LSU (6-1, 235)
4. Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh (6-1, 240)
5. Frantz Joseph, Florida Atlantic (6-2, 243)
6. Worrell Williams, California (6-0, 250)
7. Gerald McRath, Southern Miss (6-3, 220)
8. Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia (6-1, 236)
9. Jason Phillips, TCU (6-1, 235)
10. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina (6-2, 265)

CORNERBACKS
1. Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State (6-0, 200)
2. D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt (5-10, 184)
3. Sean Smith, Utah (6-3, 215)
4. Vontae Davis, Illinois (6-0, 205)
5. Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest (5-9. 190)
6. Coye Francies, San Jose State (6-0 179)
7. Asher Allen, Georgia (5-10, 198)
8. Jairus Byrd, Oregon (6-0 200)
9. Darius Butler, Connecticut (5-11, 187)
10. Victor Harris, Virginia Tech (5-11, 195)

FREE SAFETIES
1. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan (6-0, 196)
2. William Moore, Missouri (6-1, 226)
3. Rashad Johnson, Alabama (6-0, 190)
4. Derek Pegues, Mississippi State (5-10, 195)
5. Sherrod Martin, Troy (6-1, 193)
6. Brandon Underwood, Cincinnati (6-1, 192)
7. David Bruton, Notre Dame (6-2, 210)
8. Darcel McBath, Texas Tech (6-1, 198)
9. Troy Nolan, Arizona State (6-1, 207)
10. Curtis Taylor, LSU (6-2, 208)

STRONG SAFETIES
1. Patrick Chung, Oregon (5-11, 210)
2. Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest (6-2, 214)
3. Kevin Ellison, USC (6-1, 228)
4. Emanuel Cook, South Carolina (5-10, 205)
5. Michael Hamlin, Clemson (6-3, 206)
6. Stephen Hodge, TCU (6-0 214)
7. Trimane Goddard, North Carolina (5-11, 195)
8. Otis Wiley, Michigan State (6-2, 210)
9. Courtney Greene, Rutgers, (6-1, 211)
10. Kevin Akins, Boston College (6-2, 224)

SPECIALISTS
1. K/P Louie Sakoda, Utah (5-9, 171)
2. K/P Graham Gano, Florida State (6-1, 192)
3. LS Jake Ingram, Hawaii (6-3 235)
4. K Jose Martinez, UTEP (5-9, 200)
5. P Thomas Morstead, Southern Methodist (6-4, 228)
6. P Kevin Huber, Cincinnati (6-1, 224)
7. K Pat McAfee, West Virginia (6-0 228)
8. K Ryan Succop, South Carolina (6-2, 224)
9. K Sam Swank, Wake Forest (6-0 202)
10. LS Mark Estermyer, Pittsburgh (6-1, 247)

This quote was made by Polian during his weekly show and the transcipt can be found on Colts.com.  I thought this was interesting yet refreshing on the free agency of Kelvin Hayden:

"Secondly, players who are entering new contracts may not receive anything but a 30 percent increase year to year. In (cornerback) Kelvin Hayden’s case he’s a free agent who we will very likely re-sign. He can receive no more than a 30 percent increase over his first year for every succeeding year of his contract, which means obviously that his first year will have to be very, very cash heavy and very cap heavy."

 

Right away, my eyes just keyed on the part of "we will very likely re-sign him."  I really haven't heard Polian in the past come out and say that regarding one of his own free agent players.  If Hayden will indeed be locked up by the Colts this offseason, then I would think the secondary would have to be one of the best in the league...most likely THE best.  However, after reading what else he had to say about this offseason and the issue regarding the cap, I am not so confident that Saturday will be re-signed.  I hope I am wrong, but I'm thinking that they will try to use Lilja as the number one option at center while Johnson, Pollak, and Richard fight for the guard positions.

Heres the link on what else he had to say:

http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=ebaa563c-f80b-48eb-b515-50abd4eddcb1

Say what you want (everyone already has I believe), but the "case" involving Harrison has been dropped by the DA and so he wasn't charged, arrested, nothing but some bad publicity by ESPN who has a bunch of sources named Bob, Joe, and Dick.  In other news today, Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers was arrested today.  He decided the best way to get prepared for the Steelers in the Divisional Playoff Game this weekend was to get wasted and then drive off somewhere at 2 o'clock in the morning.  Im not the one who likes to bash other teams players (espcially from a team who just knocked out the Colts), but how stupid can a player get.  I just thought I would give an example on the differerce between a player getting arrested and not getting arrested.  Its a coincidence but yet funny that these two stories were reported today...please express your comments.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3814251

For those who needs to be cheered up just a bit, here's an article from ESPN that predicts emerging stars from each division in the NFL...our own Melvin Bullitt represents the AFC South:

Melvin Bullitt spent his second year in the NFL relying upon things out of his control. To see regular playing time, he needed Bob Sanders or Antoine Bethea on the sideline.

And he certainly wasn't rooting against Sanders, the NFL's defending defensive player of the year, or Bethea, a 2007 Pro Bowler. But a knee issue for Sanders opened the door for Bullitt, who started eight games in his place and a ninth as the Colts' fifth defensive back.

Bullitt might not be most naturally a nickel or dime, but he played awfully well in his chances, grabbing four interceptions while playing soundly in the Colts' scheme and spending time in those roles when the safety positions were otherwise occupied.

Where is there room for him going forward? It's hard to say. But as Colts president Bill Polian, coach Tony Dungy and the staff plan for 2009, they're going to be looking for ways to allow Bullitt to contribute.

Paul Kuharsky, AFC South blogger

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?page=predictions09/nfl

I thought Bullitt took advantage of his opportunity in the NFL and now has his name known...plus as a safety, the name Bullitt just has a good ring to it.  I think his ability will let Sanders become even more of a playmaker (given that Sanders is on the field) and will give the D in general more options to play with.  Any thoughts on his role next year and how he affects the defense?

Im not saying I'm "pro" resting the starters, but you can't compare this year to the years of 2005 and 2007.  I would say its more like 2004 when the Colts rested players that last game (Manning could have thrown more than 49 TDs that year if it wasn't for that last games rest)...that year they killed the Broncos 49-24 in the first round, but lost to a better team in the Patriots the following week.  So the beat down on the Broncos showed that they can come off and beat their opponent that first playoff game on the scenario of resting players the last game of the regular season.  In 2005, the Colts rested players weeks 16, 17, and then their playoff bye (so essentially 3-4 weeks).  Last year they rested players week 17 and then their playoff bye, however this year, they do not have a playoff bye and so the layoff period is shorter (essentially just a bye week).  Again, I rather see the starters play the whole game, but it is not essential to see Bob Sanders or our RBs play the entire game and risk injury.  I say rest the players who need the rest, but at the same time play most of the starters the entire game.  It is important to keep that rythm going on offense, but also lets keep

Its easy to say that we would rather see the Broncos in the playoffs....but like I read earlier from BBS, anything can happen.  I'm sure the Broncos will be a lot more tough knowing that people are counting them out.  I learned my lesson from last year when I did this same exact thing and wanted to play the Chargers in the divisional round (Colts were double digit favorites).  Im not falling for the same trap this year...lets play the Steelers or Titans that first playoff game if all I care (even though that can't happen but you get my point).  I have confidence in the Colts that they can beat any team at their venue so it doesn't matter who the Colts play.  My goal this postseason is to not worry about the team we play (whether the opponent is easier than another team or not) because if the Colts go to the Super Bowl, it will be because they are the best team and it is meant to be.

Here's an article that briefly explains what Dungy will do IF the Colts win on Thursday...quoted by Dungy

“That’s going to be our focus to the players. We win this game, that will put us at the [No.] 5 spot. And nothing the following week could [change]. We can’t get to 4 and we couldn’t drop to 6.

“So if that happens, then we’ll play [the Tennessee game] like we’ve played all those games in that situation,” he said. “We’ll rest the guys [against the Titans] that need rest and we’ll play the guys that need to play. If we don’t win this week, then next week becomes a must-win and that’s how we’ll approach it. So we’re looking at [the Jacksonville game] as being like a playoff game for us, getting ourselves in.”

Now after hearing this, I am a little disapointed that the Colts will not play the Titans (if Colts win Thursday) with their full potential arsenal...thus giving the Titans a shot at winning the number 1 seed.  Not sure if that would help the Colts or not...still disapointing though.  Everyones  thoughts?

I was just scrolling around online and witnessed a poll question...Which team is the best in the AFC?  You would think right away the Colts should at least be an option to pick from with their 4 game winning streak and their overall record of 7-4...but nope.  Heres the link http://www.sportsline.com/nfl.

Poll

What team is the best in the AFC?    Jets Ravens Titans Patriots Steelers

Right away, I noticed that the Colts have beaten three teams on there... Ravens (handily), Patriots, and at Steelers.  Also, as of now, the Colts have tiebreakers for the wild-card over both the Ravens and Patriots (Pats wouldn't even make the playoffs if it started today).  I really do not understand the whole poll question when they don't even mention the actual BEST team in the AFC...thats right the Colts.

I really can't give you a site or link, but I just heard over on ESPN that Edge James has just asked the Cardinals for a release...however he got denied.  It is very possible though that he will get released over the offseason due to his large contract and lack of playing time.  Does anyone see a chance that he could land a job in Indy next year?  If he does take a paycut, I could see it a possibility with Rhodes as the one who will be left out probably (I can dream right).  Here's a possible controversial question, if the Colts could keep or take only one player between James and Harrison, who would you take?

Here is what Bill Polian had to say regarding Sanders knee and his status overall for those who have not listened or read the transcript from colts.com:

Q: What happened with safety Bob Sanders last week? Why did he miss the game?

A: Bob had some swelling in his knee that developed on Friday after he had practiced on Thursday. His normal routine is to rest on Wednesday, practice Thursday and Friday and play Sunday. The swelling was such that he didn’t feel like he could go. There has been consultation off and on all weekend between (Doctor) Jim Andrews down in Birmingham, Ala. – who operated on Bob back in the early fall – and our physicians. I’m not sure I can give you a definitive answer right now as to what specifically is wrong and what kind of a prognosis they can give other than they told me that none of the doctors believe there is anything structurally wrong. In other words, there is no ligament damage. There is nothing of that nature. They believe it to be some type of irritation inside the knee joint. That’s a very vague and incomplete answer, because I don’t know what the specific answer is at this point and I can’t tell you what the prognosis is. The one thing I can definitely say is they’ve been in contact with Doctor Andrews and together, they’ll try to develop some sort of regimen of treatment.

Q: Might he have to cut down practice time in order to play on Sunday?

A: It’s conceivable, but it would be premature to jump to those conclusions. This has to be governed by the doctors and how they view the problem and what’s causing it.

After reading this, I am not too confident he will be back this week but hopefully I am way wrong on this.  Let me know what you guys think and whether there are any updates on his status.

We all know that Peyton Manning stuggled early on that eventually lead to a few bad losses.  You can say it was his early knee problems, injured front line, no running game, or a lack of possessions with the ball to get into a rythm.  I say all of the above.  Experts have ruled Manning and the Colts as either done, old, or teams have just caught on to what they do after 10 years.  Sterling Sharpe from NFL.com recently answered a question in a chat (at this link  http://chat.nfl.com/front/archived_chat/47) about their stuggles this season: 

Hi Sky. Peyton Manning has had that year that we really didn't want him to have. It's just not there. People have caught on to what they are and what they do. It's no longer Manning to Marvin Harrison. It's now Reggie Wayne. Where they used to be able to balance the field between Harrison and Wayne, they can't win that way anymore. Harrison can no longer beat people.

There is no denying that Manning and the Colts offense has been inconsistent thus far.  The combo of Manning to Harrison has not been what we are use to, and  you can also say that Reggie Wayne is the number one receiver now.  But to say that people have caught on to what they are and what they do is a comment that is not expertise.  Teams already knew who they were and what they did, but it came down to execution and Manning and the offense wasn't doing that early on probably due to the problems I mentioned earlier.  Harrison can STILL beat people, but for some reason him and Manning can not just connect.  Going back to last week alone, Harrison had his guy BEAT several times whether it was on the sideline, down the middle, and in the end zone but the plays still went for incompletions  Two of those occassions the pass could have been just a bit better in my opinion.  The Colts can still win whether Harrison brings that balance to the field or not.  The Colts still won 13 games without that balance last year when Harrison was hurt, so again, Sharpe made another comment that is not expetise.

 When it is all said and done at the end of the season, Peyton will have his usual statistical year and the Colts will go to the playoffs.  Since the bye week, Manning has thrown for at least 2 touchdown passes while his interception total the last couple of weeks is at a stalemate.  He will have around 30 TDs and less than 14 INTs and if you look back at his overall Hall of Fame career, it would be just another season in the book.

For those of you who remember or have seen highlights of the game, the fourth quarter of yesterday's game and the 1996 AFC championship playoff game against the Steelers were very similar (but with different outcomes obviously).  In the playoff game, the Colts had the lead throughout the fourth quarter but the Steelers scored late in the game to force Captain Comeback to run a 2 minute offense.  I believe the Colts had the ball around the 30 or 35 yard line when Jim had to throw that hail mary as time was expiring, but barely failed to convert.  This time around, the Colts scored late and forced Ben to throw the hail marry (almose around the same field position) but barely failed to convert.  Anyways, I thought it was a coincidence on how both games played out similar, but with better results this time around for the Colts.

Come someone please give me better information about Jackson and his injury that occured in practice yesterday according to Sheftner.  The injury report that the Colts displayed said that he did not participate in practice yesterday.  Still a little confused on the matter.

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Alright everyone, obviously I am not the only frustrated Colts fan around.  My brother and I were pounding anything that was close to us as the Colts made a mistake throughout the game.  I would describe myself as a pretty pessimistic guy and could easily consider this season as a waste, while the end of Manning's career comes closer by.  However, I am not throwing in the towel yet until it is statiscally proven. 

Question:  What has led to Tony Dungy's previous 3-4 starts as a coach?  ......Answer:  PLAYOFFS!

Those starts let to eventual playoff berths between the 1999-2001 seasons with records of 11-5, 10-6, and 9-7.  I'm not saying a 9-7 record will get the Colts into the playoffs, but you get the jist of my point   Anything can happen from now until the Colts 16th game against who?...well, lets not talk about it until the game rolls by.  Dungy has been in this situation before, so lets ride the ship and see what happens.

According to ESPN, Ed Johnson will be waived.  Here's the website:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3580135

This is what Polian had to say within the article from ESPN:

"Ed was well aware that his past history required him to be in complete compliance with club rules," Polian said in a statement Wednesday. "He was repeatedly told this during the off-season. Along with his teammates, he was reminded as recently as yesterday of coach [Tony] Dungy's rules of behavior. Unfortunately, he chose to violate those rules. Given the circumstances surrounding Ed's original employment with the Colts, we feel in this case that we have no choice but to take this action"

This is not a good start for the Colts this season, however, a blowout win Sunday could make things better.

The Houston Texans has just cut 21 players including LB Rosevelt Colvin that could come to a suprise to many.  The article had to say this about Colvins cut:

"Colvin is the biggest name. The Texans signed the veteran to be a pass rush specialist, but Gary Kubiak said Colvin's work wasn't good enough to justify keeping him for such a narrow role over a player who could contribute on special teams."

During the offseason, the Colts did have interest in him thus taking a physical for the team.  However, whether it was for financial reasons or not, Colvin chose to play for the Texans.  Now, Colvin could appear back in Colts rumor as a potential backup LB due to injuries at the position.  However, I do not see him in a Colts uniform unless he takes a significant financial cut and accepts the fact that he could play a less significant role with the team.  Also I could be wrong on this one, but I thought the Colts were going to use him at DE as a pass rusher and not at LB which seems even more unlikely with the emergence of C. Johnson and M. Howard.  All in all, he could be a player to look at after Saturdays cuts but that's about it.  But you never know with Polian and the Colts.

Heres the link to the ESPN article:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/0-3-175/Texans-cut-21--including-Colvin.html

With all the injuries that have occured this offeseason with the Colts, it seems that they are being downplayed just a bit when it comes down to Super Bowl contenders.  As I have been reading season predictions from espn.com and nfl.com, the majority of the experts have the Chargers going the Super Bowl and then the Patriots in respect to the AFC.  Actually, maybe even the Jaguars have been picked more than the Colts to make it the Super Bowl.  One ESPN analyst when predicting the Chargers season mentioned this:

"Provided Philip Rivers recovers fully from knee surgery, the Chargers are on the short list for the AFC championship. One question: Can their defense stop the Patriots and/or Jaguars?"

Alright, there's something wrong with that last sentence of his when talking about whether the Chargers defense will be able to stop the Patiots and/or Jaguars.  One question:  WHAT ABOUT THE COLTS?.  Since when has the Jaguars offense been more deadly than the Colts.

If you want to read the actual comment go to the following link and look for Kevin Seiferts prediction towards to middle of the page:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/preview08/team?team=sdg

ESPN as well has a section for the Colts that was really interesting to read when you have a chance.

According to ESPN, TE Santi removed his bursa sack in his knee roughly 2 weeks ago.  I was just curious if someone observing training camp could oversee Tom Santi and his recovery process and maybe give us an update eventually so we can kind of get an idea how long it would take Manning to get back on the field.

Heres the link for a better description of the article:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afcsouth/0-2-87/Santi-a-resource-on-Manning--just-not-publicly.html

I was trying to get some info on some of young players and how they did within the NFL combine way back when, and found it interesting on how they compared to some of the elite players in the draft.  For example, I was looking at the top speeds within the 40 yard dash and found a few of our late round and undrafted players in the top 10 within their respective position. 

- Defensive Line:  Marcus Howard (1st), Curtis Johnson (5th)
- Tight End: Jacob Tamme (2nd)
- Running Backs:  Chad Simpson (5th) - ahead of a slew of 1st and 2nd round picks
- Wide Receivers: Pierre Garcon (10th)

I know there is a lot more to a player besides speed, but I would not have known that Chad Simpson was up there in his 40 time and ahead of many elite running backs.  I think it also impressive that we attained two of the top fastest defensive line players in the draft with Marcus Howard and Curtis Johnson.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/top-performers?tabIndex=0