First off - Go Pack Go!  While I'm a Colts fan by day, I'm a Cal alumna and HUGE fan of Aaron Rodgers... so I'm definitely rooting for the Pack to take the big prize this year!

Now to the help I'm looking for.  I know you are all painfully aware of the injuries suffered by the Packers this year, and the unnaturally large IR list.  You probably also heard about the similar fate suffered by the Colts,

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I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to Mrs. McNabb, whose line "Donovan!" in the old Chunky Soup commercials is still something I call out whenever I watch an Eagles Redskins game.  I admit I'm a McNabb fan, and though I was sad to see him traded away from DeSean Jackson, am also a believer in league parity.  It sure looks like he's given the Redskins a spark... but I hope the Colts are the second AFC South team this year to march onto Fedex Field and walk away with a victory.

GO COLTS!  TOMAHAWK THE REDSKINS!

FROM THE SADDLE

Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com) Manning and the team are still seeking consistency
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com) Wednesday notebook
• The Colts give back
• Videos / Media
  • A minute with Caldwell
  • The Colts players talk about the upcoming game against the Redskins

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I'm a football fan.  And by that I mean, I'm a football fanatic.  I would rather watch a broadcast of the local high school teams duking it out on the gridiron than tune in to playoff baseball.  I planned my wedding for the offseason so I wouldn't miss a beat.  Even though I originally subscribed to Sirius satellite radio for Howard Stern, the only station I listen to now on my very short commute is NFL Radio.  So as I'm writing up this edition of Luke Links, and my husband requests that we watch the SF Giants play the Atlanta Braves, in the middle of Monday Night Football and one of my favorite announcers, Jon "He's a Real Football Player" Gruden... I cringe.  Why is there even baseball ON at this point?  Why can't baseball remain in the realm of "the boys of summer?"

This isn't even a rant of "my team isn't in the playoffs any more."  This is just a rant of I love football give me football.  I'll watch baseball when football isn't on.  But it's October for goodness' sake... football time.  Ok, enjoy today's links.

FROM THE SADDLE

Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • The Colts expected a tough game and are still fighting for their identity
  • reminds us that NFL victories don't come easy
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com) 
  • Colts-Chiefs Notebook, including thoughts from S Antoine Bethea, RB Mike Hart and K Adam Vinatieri
• Craig Hammel (Colts PR) recaps the game's key moments
• Videos / Media
  • Caldwell's post-game comments
  • Caldwell's Monday press conference
  • Sounds of the game

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I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to the high level of (mostly friendly) chatter this week between Colts and Chiefs fans.  It's been fun to watch the Chiefs fans who, after witnessing several years of mediocrity, once again have swagger... and with good reason.  Despite what Colts fans may want to believe, and despite what the analysts say, the Chiefs are the team to beat here.  They are the ones who have gotten it done and are already the only remaining unbeaten team.  In a league as difficult in the NFL, that has to be respected.

Just as the Colts suffered every week last year through (a) Deion Sanders predicting a Colts loss, and (b) the "what did the Colts' opponents do wrong to lose" and "what is the latest on Tom Brady's [insert any word here]," as opposed to "what did the Colts do to take control of that game," I've seen lots of Chiefs fans already reflecting that their team is not yet respected for their accomplishments.  So far the focus has been on the Chargers, the Browns and the 49ers.

I know I watched that Monday night opener when the Chiefs took on the Chargers and thought at the time they might be playing above their ability.  But the fact that they beat two more NFL teams causes me a little pause.  One thing I know is that I won't be predicting a blow-out win the way I did against the Jags (because that turned out so well).  I can only hope that the Colts will regroup, have a solid game plan, and execute with discipline and consistency.

GO COLTS - SCALP THE CHIEFS!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • Caldwell hopes the team will harness their frustration and turn it into wins
  • The Colts will find a way to backfill at safety
  • Javarris James has had a whirlwind week, but he's here for at least 3 weeks now
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com)
  • Compiles Thursday's Colts Notebook
• Videos / Media
  • A minute with Coach Caldwell
  • Locker room interviews after Wednesday's practice
  • The players give their thoughts on this weekend's game
• If you are going to the game and want to feel special, check out this VIP Tailgate
• Go run the NFL Fit for You 5K the day prior to the October 31st game against the Texans

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Ok I'm going with a different tactic.  I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to trying to pump up our defense.  These guys need to shake off the disappointment, learn from their mistakes, and get back to the discipline and performance of just a couple of weeks ago.  Even their performance against the Broncos, while allowing far too many yards, was acceptable.

I'm also going to point out that Todd Haley hinted that if Cassel sees DaJuan Morgan on the field (a real possibility with Sanders out and Bullitt injured), he will be instructed to target him.  So DaJuan this is my personal plea to you, young man... please, please, please listen to what the coaches tell you.  Watch as much tape as exists of this Chiefs team.  And finally... just get an interception or two... great - thanks!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • The team had lots of opportunities, but just couldn't seal the deal
  • A .500 team is what the record says, but Caldwell thinks the Colts are better than that
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com)
  • Colts Notebook for the game
• Videos / Media
  • Caldwell's post-game press conference
  • Post-game locker room interviews
  • Caldwell's Monday press conference
  • Sounds of the game

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I'm dedicating this edition to rooting on the Colts against the Jags this weekend.  That's it... enjoy the links.

GO COLTS!  CLAW THE GLITTER KITTIES!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • Peyton Manning expects the Jags game to be competitive
  • Austin Collie just plans to continue working hard
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com)
  • Tuesday's Colts Notebook focuses on Jeff Linkenbach and Peyton Manning
  • Wednesday's notebook focuses on Tyjuan Hagler and Blair White
• Videos / Media
  • Caldwell talks about preparing for Jacksonville
  • Locker room interviews with Peyton Manning, Gary Brackett and Dwight Freeney
  • More thoughts from players on the upcoming game
• Press Release: Colts-Jaguars
• Bill Polian answers questions about the game against Denver
• Colts PR
  • Manning is a FedEx Air NFL Player of the Week finalist
  • Robert Mathis was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month
  • Wanna be the Colts' "Ultimate Displaced Fan?"

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Many people noticed today that, in his story about DB Kavell Conner, ESPN's Paul Kuharsky actually started with a mention of Bob Sanders:

The Colts are hopeful they’ll be able to keep Bob Sanders on the roster and he can make a late-season return and have an impact. He had biceps surgery after the opener and the team believes he could resurface after eight or 10 weeks. I chatted with Bill Polian Wednesday and he said the team will have a better sense about Sanders soon, as he’s got a key checkup or benchmark in his rehab upcoming.

Unfortunately, the phrase "eight or 10 weeks" caused a bit of confusion - some read it to mean Sanders could be back by Week 8 or Week 10... others read it that he could be back within 8-10 weeks post-op (versus the original estimate of 10-12 weeks)... and the final option was that it would be 8-10 weeks from today.

I followed up via Twitter with Kuharsky, and his somewhat snarky response was:

10 to 12 from surgery is 8-10 now, right?

So, I take this to mean that Sanders is still on track per the original timeline, pending a key checkup (timing of that was not revealed).  This would optimistically put Sanders back in time for the November 28th game against the Chargers, to as late as the December 9th game at Tennessee.

I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to the 3rd game of the season, where we saw not the worst Colts team (@Houston), not the best Colts team (v. the Giants), but some blend in between (@Denver).  Ok, maybe the analogy is a stretch, but hey, it's what I got today.

One of the things that really struck me as I reviewed the print and media coverage was how truly business-like the Colts are.  It's something that's been impressed on me week after week, year after year, but after a really hard-fought win, the guys still say there is room for improvement, a lot to learn, and it's back to work.  In a way, I'd really like to see more emotion from the team, but I think their approach keeps a little energy submerged just below the surface, where it's ready to explode in a game.  THIS is where we need the Colts to break loose - not in pre-game chants, not in press conferences, and not in locker room interviews.

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • Fili Moala continues to look ahead
  • Prior to the Broncos' game, the Colts were looking to return to their winning ways on the road
  • Coach Caldwell characterizes the win in Denver as a great team win
  • "Next man up" - more than just a mantra around the Colts
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com)
  • Monday's Colts Notebook focuses on Austin Collie and Pat McAfee
  • The defensive leaders praise the goal-line stop of Maroney
• Videos / Media
  • Post-game locker room interviews
  • Coach Caldwell's post-game press conference
  • Coach Caldwell's Monday press conference
  • Sounds of the game
• Press Release: The Colts partner to build a school playground

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I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to the Colts team as a whole.  I know what they've said in interviews, that they didn't do anything differently last week to prepare for the game against the Giants, but it sure looked like it on the field.  The team was finally firing on all cylinders last week, if you can count offense, defense, special teams, and even coaching as cylinders.  Congratulations, and I'm looking forward to more of the same against the Broncos.

As to whether I'm still concerned, the answer is yes, but decidedly less so now that I've seen the first solid proof that the team can sustain its performance for more than a couple of plays or series.  I look forward to seeing more wins of the kind we saw last Sunday night.

GO COLTS - STOMP THE BRONCOS!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com) You can't look to either Game 1 or Game 2 to define the season
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com)
  • Tuesday's Colts Notebook focuses on Pat McAfee and the pass rush
  • Antoine Bethea is aware that the Colts must bring their 'A' game against the Broncos
    
• Bill Polian offers his thoughts on the Giants game
• Colts v. Broncos press release
• Videos / Media
  • Caldwell talks about preparing for Denver
  • Tuesday locker room interviews with Peyton Manning, Antoine Bethea, Dwight Freeney, and others

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Yesterday, Paul Kuharsky, who follows the AFC South for ESPN, highlighted who he thought was the division's "High Energy Player of the Week."  By his definition, that player is the one "who gave his team a significant boost in Week 2." The player who earned that distinction?  the Colts' 2010 fifth-round selection TE Brody Eldridge.

When Eldgridge was drafted, he was identified by many as the best blocking tight end in the draft.  Fans got excited because Eldridge represented a versatile addition to the team's O-Line woes - not only could he provide a boost in protection, but stories emerged during training camp that he also had soft, if yet untested, hands.

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With a good case of insomnia, and the Seattle-Denver replay at my fingertips, I got a chance last night to get a glimpse of the Colts' next opponent. 

Denver won their matchup in what seemed like decisive fashion - 31-14, but on closer review I chalk this one up to more about the mistakes made by the Seahawks than extraordinary play by the Broncos.

Seattle had 3 turnovers in the first half alone, and added another in the final minutes just for good measure.  Hasselback, who I still believe is a good quarterback, was definitely not on his game.  He had three picks, 2 in the red zone... reminiscent of San Francisco's performance last night against the Saints.  Orton was serviceable and consistent, but that's really all the Broncos needed.  My 3 keys to beating Denver after the jump...

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I'm dedicating this link to those of us who have passed 40 and already begun to experience "senior moments," like the one I did last night simply forgetting to post... the Luke Links.  My apologies, though I suppose it gave me time to find even more stories about last night's excellent drubbing.  Go Colts!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • The team put in a... team effort... in the win
  • Coach will continue to have the Colts looking forward
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com) Monday's Colts-Giants Notebook focuses on the run offense and pass defense
• Videos / Media
  • Coach Caldwell's post-game press conference
  • Post-game press conference from the locker room
  • Caldwell's Monday press conference

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I'm dedicating this edition of Luke Links to the fact that the Colts are not giving up on Bobzilla.  After having surgery yesterday to repair his torn biceps, the Colts announced that they would continue to carry Bob Sanders on the active roster until he can return to the field, or until it is deemed he is unable to return this season.

I wrote enough about this to be its own story, so won't repeat it here.  On with today's links!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • Coach Caldwell reminds us that the season is a long haul
  • There is no guarantee that, despite history, the Colts will win one after a loss
  • A common theme even after wins, the Colts are determined to move forward
• Craig Hammel (Colts PR) Relive Week 1 quarter-by-quarter
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com) Tuesday's Colts' Notebook focuses on Fili Moala and Melvin Bullitt
• If you're going to the game Sunday, be sure to buy Josh Bleill's inspirational book, complete with his autograph
• Bill Polian reflects on last week's game and looks ahead to next week
• Videos / Media
  • Coach Caldwell's Monday press conference
  • Jeffrey Gorman interviews Coach Caldwell as he prepares for the Giants
  • Hear from some players (Manning, Saturday, Freeney and others) as they prepare for the Giants

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After having surgery yesterday to repair his torn biceps, Bob Sanders will remain on the active roster until he can return to the field, or until he is deemed unable to return this season.  The move is reminiscent of what the team did last year with both Anthony Gonzalez and Adam Vinatieri, so fans will likely worry that the roster spot is being "wasted."  They will also be frustrated - especially as we get closer to the stated 10-12 week mark - if they continue to hear that Bob is "week to week" or there is no update at all. 

But the reality is that there are no young, healthy Pro Bowler-caliber safeties sitting around at home waiting for a phone call.  Also, the NFL's version of the DL can be useful in this situation - there are always 8 players listed as inactive for each game.  Bobzilla will simply occupy one of those 8 spots every week for the next 10-12 weeks, if his past recovery history can reliably inform this situation.

I am personally thrilled that the team is giving Bob this opportunity, and not just for the potential that he can return near the end of the season when the team may be in a playoff push.

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I really wanted the Dr. Blue series to be quiet this year, but the reality of the NFL is otherwise.  Remember, I am NOT a doctor.  These articles are based on my ability to find, read and interpret information on-line.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR
Date of Injury: September 12, 2010
Nature of Injury: High ankle sprain
Typical Rehab Process/Duration: Depends on severity; could be a few weeks to several months.
Players who have suffered similar injuries: Bob Sanders, Max Starks, Michael Turner

Luckily or unluckily, I was able to dust off my very first Dr. Blue FanPost to find information on high ankle sprains.  A high ankle sprain injures the ligament above the ankle that joins together the tibia and fibula in the lower leg.  It occurs when that ligament is stretched or torn.  Recovery from this injury depends (naturally) on the severity of the damage.

If the damage is minimal, and the patient's lower leg bones are stable, the patient can wear a simple cast for a few weeks while the ligament repairs itself.  If the lower leg bones are found to be moving around more than they should, surgery may be indicated to essentially fasten the leg bones in proper place while the ligament heals.  If surgery is required, the patient may have to wait 3 months before starting rehab, and another several months of rehab thereafter, up to 6 months for the non-athlete.

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So apparently the phrase of the week is that "it's a marathon, not a sprint."  Two Colts' players used this phrase in the post-game locker room interviews, so I'm guessing that this was Caldwell's phrase, and things of that nature.

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com) The Colts agreed that they didn't perform against the Texans
  
• Craig Hammel (Colts PR) Relive Week 1 quarter-by-quarter
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com) Some positives from the game
• Videos / Media
  • Coach Caldwell speaks briefly after the game
  • Post-game locker room presser (a must-watch for Brackett's stylin' suit, some awesome beards, and a hint as to the phrase of the day)
    

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I'm usually pretty even-handed in presenting my position on nearly every topic.  Not today.  After today's loss, plenty of people have issued cautions against turning Chicken Little: "It's only one game," "At least it happened now and not Week 14," "All these problems are fixable," and my personal favorite, "Don't worry - many Super Bowl winners, including the Colts, have dropped their first game."  My response to that?  A big SCREW THAT!

The first game of the season is INDEED important.  A game against a division rival is ABSOLUTELY a must-win.  While we patted the proverbial heads of Texans fans as they called this game their "Super Bowl," most Colts fans trusted that the preseason didn't matter, that "The Sheriff" would march into town and grab the win, that the offense and defense would somehow come together and prove overwhelming for the Texans.  Well that didn't happen and the Colts now sit at the bottom of the division, looking up.  Think about that for a second.

I am well aware that there are 15 more games to play, and that "anything can happen," but I'm not going to justify my way out of why I think this game was so important.  More after the jump...

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I admit to being a broken record this offseason... the O-Line has been my #1 concern and it remains my #1 concern.  I even claim this as a concern since well before the final game of last season, when Polian famously called out the unit and raised fans' expectations of improvement.  I could tell during all of the Colts' games last year (and the year before... and the year before that), that the O-Line needed heft and push.  While the Alleman and Terry experiments failed, I was disappointed, but felt that at least something was done to TRY to improve the line.

Still, I was not panicked at the thought that CJ would return to LT, Ugoh might play LG, Saturday would anchor the center, and DeVan and Diem would round out the right.  Now?  Well let's just say I'm trying to avoid being Chicken Little, but yeah, I'm reaching for the brown paper bag while I hyperventilate.  I was not joking when I tweeted yesterday that "Colts OLine + B. Pollard = Manning better be wearing knee braces Sunday."

I am holding out hope that Linkenbach turns out to the be next Tarik Glenn (minus the obvious alma mater distinction), and that Eldgridge turns out to be the blocker he was heralded to be coming out of the draft.  Regardless of the team's performance, though, I'm mostly hoping for an injury-free game (and yes, that means for the opponent as well - to wish injuries on other teams is just wimpy).  Go Colts!

FROM THE SADDLE
Official Team News

• John Oehser (Special to Colts.com)
  • It was a nerve-wracking weekend for undrafted rookies
  • Adam Vinatieri appreciates having had the offseason to prepare
  • It's time to forge the 2010 identity
• Jeffrey Gorman (Colts.com) catches up with Coach Caldwell
• Jake Thompson (Colts.com) The Colts' defense is ready to face the Texans' weapons
  
• Videos / Media
  • The Colts are ready for a challenge
  • Hear from various players as they prepare for the Texans
    

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My #1 concern for the Colts for most of the offseason and preseason has been the O-Line.  Without a healthy, capable line, the Painter-Brandstater debate is moot.  Without a healthy, capable line, the Addai-Brown debate is moot.  Hell, without a healthy, capable line, the Brady-Manning debate could wind up being moot.  I know that Manning has a quick release and still shows escapability, but without a healthy, capable line, chances are Manning will be more exposed to risk of serious injury.

With that as a backdrop, let's look at the recent decisions to release OT Adam Terry from the team, and sign OT Xavier Fulton to the practice squad...

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