SB Nation User Blog: Playoff Pride

Free-Agency 09

Playoff Pride — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:48:17 -0000

I know its early, but I just can't help myself. We all know Mr. Polian and co. are not the biggest players in free agency. With the Colts cap situation, they simply do not have the luxury to throw away big money like other teams owners, Dan Syder *cough cough*. So, I took the initiative to look at a few affordable players in the upcoming free-agent market that could help the Colts, and since some of these players will be resigned Im adding multiple players for each position of need.

Jovan Haye DT

Strengths- Haye comes from a similar defensive scheme in Tampa Bay. He led all NFL defensive lineman with 97 tackles in 2007 and has experience playing DE as well.

Weaknesses-He is a RFA (Bucs still havent made any push to resign him), may be slighty more than Polian is willing to shell out, and has a meager 285 playing weight.

Larry Tripplett DT

Strengths-Ok, we all remember this guy. He knows the system and was a very productive player during his final season in Indy.

Weaknesses-Hasn't shown much in his stops between Buffalo and Seattle.

Ryan Sims DT

Strengths/Weaknesses-Another player from the Bucs defense. Knows the system and has good size(6'4' 315). Not a great starter, but would provide some much needed depth.

LB's-After witnessing the sloppy tackling of lbers all season, any upgrade in this area couldn't hurt. However, after the Bart Scotts and Angelo Crowells of the world who are likely to command top dollar, there is a huge dropoff. A Clark Haggans type player might contribute, but Polian might be better served building this need through the draft.

CB's-If Kelvin Hayden is resigned and Marlin comes back healthy than I don't see a need to change this position. However, if Hayden is not retained Dominique Foxworth and Jabari Greer would be decent options. Both are young and Greer plays in a Cover 2 designed system in Buffalo.

OG-Although the combination of Lilja's return and the improvement of Richards/Pollack should be enough to fix the OL, Polian should not depend on this. Injuries are commonplace in the NFL and there has to be a next man up. If they cannot perform than a veteran like Kynan Forney could bolster the line.

Devery Henderson WR

Strengths-After spending a few years in the Saints high-flying offense, Devery has proven to be a tremendous deep threat, something the Colts sorely lack.

Weaknesses-Sometimes has a case of the stone hands and drops easy passes.

Bryant Johnson WR

Strengths-Good height at 6'3' and proved to be a reliable reciever behind Boldin and Fitzgerald in Arizona and again in San Fransisco when catching passes from the likes of JT O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill.

Weaknesses-Not a player you would count on to replace a first-ballot hall of fame reciever, but a solid addition to an already promising wideout corps.

Terrelle Smith FB

Analysis-The Colts have never needed a fullback by trade, so why start now you may ask. Well, ever since Peyton's knee injury the Colts running attack has morphed from a timely stretch play based game into a more power based running game. For this transformation to work, a decent fullback is required to help open holes for the RB to burst through.

Darren Sproles RB

Don't know if this really needs explaining, and frankly I'd be shocked if San Diego or some other team didn't pick this guy up immediately, but as a RB and a KR, the man is simply an explosive gamechanger.

Thats all folks. Realistically Polian is not going to go through free agency with a bidding sign, but if he were to address a couple needs on this team with just one or two of these players,it would go a long way in bringing another championship to Indy. Any other players you would like to see in Colts blue, or just think they would add good depth to an already talented team, please feel free to add. Go Colts!

Gumbel Steps Down

Playoff Pride — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:04:25 -0000

Play-by-play announcer Bryant Gumbel has stepped down from his duties of calling games for NFL Network. Many fans, like myself, think he is arrogant and never should have been calling games. Bryant would often stumble his speech(he called Tony Romo "Rick Romo") and has made racist comments in the past as well.

When speaking about the Winter Olympics Gumbel said,"Count me among those who don't care about them and won't watch them... So try not to laugh when someone says these are the world's greatest athletes, despite a paucity of blacks that makes the winter games look like a GOP convention."

Bye, Bryant. You will not be missed.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3342289

Random thoughts from around the League

Playoff Pride — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 02:11:28 -0000

Week one in the NFL is like no other sport. Headlines of all kinds are making the news(those dirty cheating Pats) after only a handful of games. These are some of the most intriguing ones.

-In an astonishing turn of events it seems Kevin Everett will someday be able to walk again. Everett has already recovered partial movement of his arms and legs. Just 48 hours ago doctors said that he may be paralyzed for the rest of his life. This is a miraculous recovery and a feel good story.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3014742

-Despite various reports claiming that Eli Manning would miss up to 4 weeks with an injury, he might be able to play this Sunday against the Packers. Eli reported to practice today, throwing lightly to refrain from aggravating his shoulder. If he can't play, Jared Lorenzen will start for the Giants.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80247a03&template=with-video&confirm=true

-What are the Browns thinking? They had to flip a coin during preaseason to determine whether Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson would be their starting quarterback. Now, after only one game, they trade him to Seattle following a bad outing against the Steelers. Derek Anderson did absolutely nothing to prove he deserved the starting job and now takes over for Frye. The Brady Quinn era might begin sooner than we thought.

Broncos place Warren on Trading Block

Playoff Pride — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 21:59:27 -0000

According to various sources including the Denver Post, the Denver Broncos are looking to trade 28 year old DT Gerard Warren. Warren is listed at 6 foot 4, 325 pounds and was a steady force in Denver's Cover 2 defense.

Warren would add a veteran presence to the Colts defense and would most likely only cost the Colts a second day pick in next years draft.

UPDATE: The Broncos are planning to trade or release Warren by Tuesday. Among the interested teams are the Colts and the Saints.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10293976

Colts tagged Freeney...what this means

Playoff Pride — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:22:24 -0000

There was never a question about Dwight Freeney's return to the Colts for the 2007-2008 season. He was Bill Polian's top priority. Freeney will not go to a team like the Redskins, where Dan Snyder would throw large amounts of money at him. Suzy Kolber reported that Dwight was tagged by the Colts. If another team wants Freeney, it will cost them 2 first round draft picks unless the Colts match that team's offer. FOX Sports recently interviewed Dwight and he expressed that he did not want to be tagged. Most players don't. He has played hard and wants his pay day.

"For what I do I definitely don't like it," Freeney said, referring to the franchise label. "I'm not one of those guys, a kicker or quarterback or someone who gets protected every single play. I am going out there and throwing my body around sacrificing everything to help this team win. The franchise tag would hurt me because of how hard I play, for what I give to this team. I'm not just taking on one guy, I am taking on two, three guys at a time. I am getting banged up every week. And if you are franchised, it's kind of like, all right well, do you risk it? This is a business (and) you have to take care of yourself injury wise. What if, heaven forbid, it is a career-ending injury? You are talking a difference of $15 million dollars vs. whatever the franchise tag is as a base. It's just a tough situation for a guy like me."

This means that Bill Polian has some difficult decisions to make. If Polian dosen't sign Freeney to a long-term contract, then he will be a free-agent next season. If you thought this offseason was bad, next is not any easier. Bob Sanders and Dallas Clark are free-agents next season.

Cato June, Nick Harper, Jason David, and many other players are still waiting to be resigned. There just isn't enough money to go around, but that is what puts the NFL on a level playing field.

Now the NFL offseason is underway and there is always news to report.

Last Jason Whitlock Article of the Year

Playoff Pride — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:47:37 -0000

I know everybody loves the insightful analysis Jason Whitlock provides. In Jason Whitlock's last commentary of the season, he comes up with some insane predictions about the next season. Here are some quotes I chose.

http://sports.aol.com/whitlock/nfl/_a/colts-could-be-more-formidable-next/20070208105209990001

"Indy's D should pick up right where it left off in the playoffs."

"If that happens, I expect the Colts to make a long run at the unbeaten '72 Dolphins because I don't have any doubt that Indy's offense will be improved next season."

"I'd like to see the Colts upgrade their No. 3 receiver spot. If the Saints release Joe Horn, he'd look awesome in an Indy uniform and make Indy's passing offense totally unstoppable."

"Talked with a retired and distinguished, should-be Hall of Fame defensive back after the Super Bowl. His No. 1 sentiment after watching the game:

"Marvin Harrison is soft. He has no heart."

"Lost in Indy's victory was another subpar Harrison playoff performance."

OK, first of all, the last position the Colts need to address is WR. There is little to no cap room left and even if we desperately needed another wideout, Joe Horn would not want to be a #3 WR.

We have already talked about Marvin Harrison after Peter King made some comments questioning Harrison's toughness. Marvin has been less than stellar in the playoffs throughout his career, but this time he gets a pass. Ty Law, Chris McAllister, and Asante Samuel are three of the games best CB's.

Finally Jason has to stop talking about football until next season. His predictions and analysis leave me confused.

Another Colts coach leaves

Playoff Pride — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 21:17:16 -0000

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2760040

The Miami Dolphins on Friday hired Indianapolis Colts defensive quality control aide Diron Reynolds as their new defensive line coach.

It marks the second consecutive day on which Colts coach Tony Dungy has lost an assistant from his Super Bowl XLI champion staff. On Thursday, defensive backs coach Leslie Frazier was hired by the Minnesota Vikings as their new defensive coordinator.

Reynolds has been on the Indianapolis staff since 2002, when Dungy hired him. A college linebacker at Wake Forest (1989-93), he began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1997. He moved to Indiana in 2001 and then to the Colts the following year.

No big deal right?

Cato June on the Dan Patrick Show

Playoff Pride — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:28:00 -0000

Cato June is an unresticted free-agent this offseason. When asked what is more important to him, money or the Colts, Cato did not hesitate to say the Colts. Cato June wants to be a Colt next year and the year after that. He wants to play for Tony Dungy. He wants to play for the city of Indianapolis.

It is rare to find players who do not chase the extra dollar. The Colts should lock him up. June said he isn't afraid to go to another city, if the Colts don't pay him. If they give him a reasonable amount of money, our best linebacker will return. There were some times this year where the toughness and effort of June was questioned. I know for a fact that Cato June works hard to be the best player that he can be. If the Colts want Cato June to be their WSLB next year, he will be.

Poll

When asked on The Dan Patrick Show what is more important to him, money or the Colts, LBer Cato June did not hesitate to say the Colts. Do you think Cato will be back with the Colts next year?

Yes, Polian will lock him up long term

42 votes

Yes, but a short term contract with incentives

58 votes

No, Polian has a long track record of letting free agent linebackers walk

21 votes

No, Cato's lying. He'll go for the green

20 votes

141 votes | Poll has closed

Jason Whitlock strikes again

Playoff Pride — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 20:04:15 -0000

In an attempt to criticize the team that defeated his Kansas City Chiefs, Jason Whitlock has become even more ignorant than I thought he was.

http://sports.aol.com/whitlock/nfl/_a/medias-manning-mania-doesnt-add-up/20070205092809990001

Here is my favorite part...

But the truth is Manning stunk in the playoffs. We're literally talking about the worst playoff run by a Super Bowl-winning quarterback in the history of the league. Go check the record books. I did this morning. Manning damn near made Trent Dilfer, Brad Johnson, Jeff Hostetler and Jim McMahon look like serviceable QBs.

Manning threw seven interceptions and three TDs in these playoffs. His first-quarter interception scared the spit out of Tony Dungy. The Bears lined up with two safeties deep and Manning flung the ball to Marvin Harrison down the sideline for absolutely no good reason. It was basic, telegraphed Cover 2.

Just like in the AFC Championship, Dungy took the ball out of Manning's hands in critical situations in Sunday's Super Bowl. Rather than let Manning wing it into coverage, the Colts ran the ball on third down in the red zone and settled for field goals.

Jason Whitlock is a blind moron. He forgets that without Peyton Manning the Colts wouldn't have beaten the 3-time champion New England Patriots. Last time I checked Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson didn't come back from defecits of 18 and 7 points to win a championship game. Also, Manning threw the ball 38 times. Obviously, the Colts ran the ball on 3rd and long a few times to kick easier field goals in the horrid weather.

Not everything is about stats. We know that by now. The Colts were 0-4 when trailing at halftime during the playoffs before they beat the Patriots. The Patriots were 12-1 with Brady in the playoffs. Brady had like a 22-2 record on field turf, and none of it mattered.

If Manning just wanted to fling the ball, Addai and Rhodes wouldn't have gotten 191 yards. If Manning just wanted to throw the ball, Addai wouldn't have scored the winning TD against the Pats and Manning wouldn't have snuck one in, which by the way dosen't affect QB rating totals or TD totals.

Folks, these kind of people like Jason Whitlock, Deadspin and KSK are Manning haters. This is an example of why Whitlock was fired by ESPN. He knows very little about the game he covers. Peyton Manning finally won the SB and it still isn't enough. They won the SB because football is a team game and if it wasn't, Peyton would have already won a championship.

Injury Problems

Playoff Pride — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:35:18 -0000

Robert Mathis and Jason David have been added to the injury list for the SB. Mathis left practice early with back spasms. David sat out practice because of a nagging abdomen injury that has bothered him all season. Dungy expects Mathis to play on Sunday. Nick Harper,also injured, will be a gametime decision.

http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9971212