I noticed Fox Sports has a good depth chart posted on their website. 

They have the Colts O-Line as AC--The Real Big Ben--Saturday--Pollak--Diem. Having AC and the Big Dog plugged in for the next several years on the left side is the answer to all of our prayers. I am (as well as all of Colts Nation) is still very, very nervous about Pollak. Come on Pollak, prove us all wrong!!!!!

The starting D-Line include the Bookends, Fili and Mookie. They also have Ernie Sims ahead of Conner at LB. Everything else is pretty much status quo. 

QB: Peyton Manning

RB: Joseph Addai

WR: Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie

OL: Anthony Castonzo, Kyle DeVan, Jeff Saturday, Mike (don’t buy a house in Indy) Pollak, Ryan Diem

TE: Dallas Clark, Brody Eldridge

DL: Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, Antonio Johnson, Fili Moala

LB: Gary Brackett, Pat Angerer, Ernie Sims

CB: Jerraud Powers, Jacob Lacey

S: Antoine Bethea, Melvin Bullitt 

P: Pat McAfee

K: Adam Vinatieri

I see a few opening and backup spots being battled for before we open at Houston on 9/11. The 2nd running back is going to be very interesting. Brown vs. Carter. I like Brown’s running style, but the dude cannot pass block to save his life. On a side note, I would love to see the Colts try to package Brown for another DB. Gonzo and AC will battle for minutes at the slot. However, anyone else think Collie stays healthy and goes to the PB this year?  The O-Line is just looking to stabilize. The biggest question is how long before Big Ben steps in and knocks Pollak out of that starting RG spot? I am also curious to see the battles on the D-Line and at LB. Can you believe it Colts fans?  We should actually be excited about our D-Line!!!!! I can certainly see Tommie Harris, Drake Nevis and Colts fans favorite Eric Foster pushing for more minutes on the D-Line. Brackett and Angerer are guaranteed starters barring injury. These 2 playing together really excites me. These are 2 very smart football players who know how to hit and how to tackle. I look forward to seeing Sims and Conner battling it out for the other LB spot.

Do we have a status on Powers foot injury? I know this topic has floated around over the last few weeks. Is he going to be ready to go @ Houston? This is one of those injuries that just makes me nervous. Foot problems plus cornerbacks equal long term trouble. I really hope I am wrong on this one. He is certainly a big part of our defensive and losing him for any extended period of time would be concerning. 

Each year I spend a few hours looking over the Colts schedule with the intention of "predicting" our record. Last year, I had us going 13-3. The losses I had for the Colts included @ Titans on 10/11; @ Houston on 11/29; and @ Jacksonville on 12/17. As we all know, the Colts stepped up big in all 3 of these games and turned in some classic performances. I still think the Titans game on 10/11 was one of my favorites. 

I have looked this year's schedule over and decided once again on a very comfortable 13-3, with the losses coming     @ Houston 9/12; Home against the Pokes 12/5 and Home against Tenn. 1/2/11.  

The first thought is probably going to be about us losing our first game against Houston. I am looking at this a couple different ways. This is a big, big, big game for the Houston Texans. Probably the biggest game in their franchise history. Opening with the mighty AFC Champion, Colts at home. They are going to be pumped. All that aside, this is a damn good football team. Very good QB, good enough OL, one of the best WR and TE in the game and a young, agressive defense. I just think the stars are aligned for this one.  However, we all know the formula. Get to Schaub early, stop the run, neutralize Johnson, let Manning do his thing and presto put another one in the "W" column for the shoes. 

My other two losses against Dallas and the Titans are a little more predictable. I do not like our match up against Dallas and the Titans game will probably feature Curtis Painter taking most of the snaps. I am sure everyone can figure that one out. 

Dwight Freeney, Bob Sanders, Kelvin Hayden, Robert Mathis, Antoine Bethea and of course the captain, Gary Brackett. 

Have the Indianapolis Colts ever had this much talent on the defensive side of the ball? These guys are all in the prime of their careers. You also have to look at a very promising group of young players on defensive as well, including Powers, Session, Muir, Johnson, Wheeler, Lacey and Bullitt. 

I like this group. I honestly believe last season and that painful Super Bowl loss has caused this defense to rally away from that "bend don't break" nonsense and become one of the better defensive teams in the NFL. I can't wait to see them show it this season.

I can't remember when the Colts have had more depth at key positions (WR,DE,OL) than this season.  I certainly interpret this as a very good thing. I think making good draft picks and signing good UFAs will really start to pay off from a depth perspective this season. 

I am curious to know which positions will have the biggest battles heading into this season. Here are my thoughts:

1. #2 Wide Receiver. Yeah, no duh. We have only been talking about this since March. A lot of folks are assuming Gonzo will easily slide back into his #2 role. Not so fast. Garcon will really push him as the #2 receiver for this team. Should be an interesting battle.

EDGE: Gonzo. People tend to forget how good this guy was before his injury. Ran great routes, good speed, smart, great hands and a student of the game. I believe he was on the verge of a 100 reception season last year. This year could be that year. 

2. Starting Left Guard. This is the only position on the OL up for grabs. I believe the other 4 positions will be CJ, Saturday, DeVan and Diem.  There is still some talk about DeVan, but the guy can flat out play. I am not as worried about his size as others. The top candidates for our starting LG include:  Pollack, Alleman, Richard, Peat, Thomas and McClendon. 

EDGE: McClendon. OK, full disclosure. I just like this dude. I like that he is as strong as a freaking Ox. I like that he is very smart. I like that he went to the same school as Manning. I like his attitude during interviews. I like what other players and coaches say about him. I have that same feeling towards this guy as I did towards last year's 4th round pick, Collie. He just seems like a natural Colt.  I know, it is tough for us not to see our former second round pick Mike Pollack step in and be the starter here. I just think McClendon is the right man for the job.

3. Strong Side LB.  I am going to get killed for this one. I know Wheeler played well after he replaced Hagler in the starting lineup. However, I don't think he simply walks back into his starting spot. We all hope he continues to work hard in the offseason and becomes the player we thought we drafted. We have a nice crop of young LB's which could push Wheeler as a starter. Angerer, Vuna, Conner, Glenn and Brandon Renkart. We have some interesting talent at LB on this roster.

EDGE: Wheeler. I think Wheeler comes in and makes a huge impact on this defense. Remember how exicted we were when we figured out the type of player we had in Clint Session? Perhaps this year is Philip Wheeler's year for that? 

I know some of you are going to say, "what about Ugoh and CJ at starting Left Tackle"? Can we all just stop talking about Ugoh and Johnson?  The job belongs to Charlie and Ugoh is a bust. Any questions? 

It is safe to say Austin Collie was the 2009 draft darling for the Colts. I still think he was shafted out of ROY by Percy Harvin. Sorry. Look at the numbers. Look at the offense. Harvin is awesome, but Collie should have won ROY. Not that I am bitter or anything!!!!!!!!!  We could argue for Powers, Brown or even our guy Pat Mac. All had great rookie seasons and will be huge contributors to the team for years to come.

I am curious to get some thoughts on this year's potential draft surprise. I really like the first 2 picks, but it is hard to figure a 1st round pick as a surprise. Sometimes a 2nd rounder can surprise, but only when the player has an off the charts season. This will be hard for Angerer with the current talent ahead of him at LB. I am still on the fence with our 3rd and 5th round picks. Not to discount the 7th round picks, but they are typically practice squad guys who can evetually move up to the squad. My early draft  "darling" is our 4th round pick, Jacques McClendon. Maybe I am just hoping this guy becomes that stud, earth moving OG we have been looking for. Or maybe I think the 4th round has harvested some decent players for the Colts(Collie, Clint Session, Ryan Diem, Jason David, David Thorton, Bill Brooks). Yeah, I know more stinkers than hits, but you get my point. Regardless, I like the kid. He run blocks well, can lift a freaking house (check out his weight lifting accomplishments, and is smart.... Economics major, 2 time All-SEC academic. At worst, this guy will push our current crop of OGs for a starting spot on either side. I don't think either side has a definite starter. DeVan closed the season at starting RG and we cut Lilja. Looks wide open to me.

I was thinking about 5 specific players who are going to be under the microscope this season. These are 5 players we drafted with high hopes and are looking for high returns this season. In no specific order.............

1. Tony Ugoh. Traded a 1st round selection to nab him in the 2nd round. Has had some high and very low points. Remember the whiff on Merriman in his first year during the playoffs? I never will forget Dan Dierdorf saying Ugoh let Manning down when he needed him the most. Yikes. This will be his last year to prove his worth. I hope he proves everyone wrong and becomes the stud LT Polian drafted him for. 

2. Mike Pollak. Another 2nd round pick. I loved this pick when we made it. I remember Pollak at ASU. He played aggressive, smart and looked like a great pro prospect. However, when I think of Mike Pollak, I think of one word.... Pancake. This guy has spent the majority of his career getting shoved into the backfield and on his backside. He is another guy I would like to see as our starting LG in this year's Super Bowl. 

3. Phillip Wheeler. 3rd round pick in 2008. Had a great career at Georgia Tech. Slide into the starting lineup after Hagler's injury. I am expecting big things from Wheeler this season. This year's 2nd round pick, Pat Angerer, could push him for a starting spot. 

4. Anthony Gonzalez. 1st round pick in 2007.  I already feel all the hate coming from our die hard AG fans!!! Gotta love us Colts fans. We are the best. Let me try to explain why Gonzo is on the list. I don't think we can assume he will simply walk back into his starting #2 receiver position. These injuries take some time to recover from and we had a couple guys, Collie and Garcon (heard of these two?), put together "decent" seasons. I think the WR corp going into this season is the best it has ever been. I really hope Anthony comes back 100% healthy and has an awesome season. 

5. Fili Moala. 2nd round pick in 2009. I remember when he was a top ten prospect after his Junior year at USC. Like Pollak, I loved the pick when we made it. This was classic Polian. Wait and get the player we want under the radar. This guy was one big question last season. Is he hurt? Why isn't he playing? Is he a bust? Is he in the doghouse? What is going on with this guy? 2nd round pick from a great program like USC, who played in just a couple games. I am very, very nervous about this guy. Why isn't he starting? Why are 2 guys (Johnson and Muir), who we signed off of the wire, starting over him? Lots of questions this year for Fili. I sure hope he is ready to answer them. 

I have noticed a lot of conversation around the Colts making some moves within the free agency market towards aquiring another wide out.  

I have been thinking about our options for another wide out in this year's draft. There are some great receivers in this draft,  including: Bryant, Tate, Williams from SC and Thomas from GT. I don't think the Colts would use a 1st round pick on a receiver they think they can get in the 2nd or 3rd round. I would be curious if they Colts are interested in Jordan Shipley, Gilyard or Benn from Illinois. There is also Riley Cooper from Florida or LeFall from LSU who could be an interesting later round draft pick for the Colts.

Honestly, I cannot see the Colts going through this year's draft without drafting another receiver. Especially with AG coming off that knee injury from last season.  

The Colts appear to be making all the right moves so far in this offseason. Getting defensive captain and leader, Gary Brackett, resigned to a long term deal was definitely a step in the right direction. Next up is getting Manning's contract extended.  They also made some great decisions in extending tender offers to Pro Bowl Safety Antoine Bethea, Left Tackle Charlie Johnson, super sub, Melvin Bulitt and the dynamic DT duo of Muir and Mook Johnson. 

They have had to make some tough roster decisions on Raheem Brock, Jim Sorgi, Marlin Jackson and Tyjuan Hagler, while not so hard decisions on Tim Jennings, Aaron Francisco, T.J. Rushing, Dan Federkeil, Freddy Keiaho, Michael Toudouze and Hank Baskett (hope no one bought any of these jerseys last year). 

I am sure we will see a few more moves before the draft. I am still standing by my initial thoughts on where the Colts are looking in this year's draft:

1. A couple Offensive Tackles who can pass protect and pancake defenders on the run. 

2. Additional depth on the defensive line, for both DT and DE.

3. A stud LB to develop under Brackett and Session. Watch your back Phillip Wheeler,  your days could be numbered.

4. A return man who can move the ball further than 5 yards per return.  

I have heard a couple Colts fans ask the following question over the last week.....  Should the Colts try to trade Reggie Wayne? First of all, I am a huge Reggie Wayne fan and was a little taken back when I first heard this. Then, I gave it some more thought and came to the conclusion it may not be a horrible idea. Looking at our current receiver corp and assuming Gonzo comes back 100% from his injury, the Colts could make this move and be in a great situation. Now, I am not saying the Colts try to trade to get Ochocinco, Andre Johnson, Brandon Marshal or some other big name receiver. You look at Gonzo, Collie, Garcon, Clark and maybe another young receiver we draft or pull off waivers and the Colts could be very successful without Wayne.

Reggie turns 32 this season. He probably has 2 more 100 reception seasons left in him. His stock is as high as it is going to be. Perhaps the Colts try to move him for another top ten first round pick in the this year's draft. If the Colts are thinking another wide receiver perhaps could make a move to get Dez Bryant or one of the several great defensive players in the 2010 draft. 

I am interested in knowing everyone's thoughts on this. Is this something to consider or should I keep my thoughts to myself and go back to sulking over the Pacers horrible season? 

Are we calling this guy a bust? On the inactive list for today's playoff game. Minor contributions throughout the season.  Would he have been cut by the Colts if he was not a second round pick? I thought the guy was going to step in and ultimately be our starting DT by the end of the year. Seeing him inactive is a little concerning.

Any other thoughts on where the Colts are going with him?

First, let me fully disclose I am NOT a Marvin Lewis fan. I have always thought he is a horrible coach who makes terrible decisions and has never had control of his team or players.

OK, with that out of the way. I thought this was a misprint when I first read it. Marvin Lewis? Really?? Marvin Lewis over Sean Payton? Marvin Lewis over Jim Caldwell? Marvin Lewis over Brad Childress? Marvin Lewis over Norv Turner? This is a ridiculous, charity case of an award and the NFL should be ashamed.

Sorry so harsh, but come on. This makes no sense.

What a great rivalry these two future HOFers have had over their careers. I am really looking forward to this game. The Ravens did a great job preparing and shutting down Brady and NE. Lewis brought a high energized, well prepared defense into Foxborough.

Look for Manning and the crew to have some tricks up their sleeves for the Ravens.  I will go ahead and predict a Colts victory of 31 to 10.  GO COLTS!!!

33 games into this season and the Indiana Pacers are a pathetic 10-23. This team is sad. They are uninspired, unmotivated and the roster is stacked with busted draft picks, crappy offseason aquisitions, over paid "character" guys and Danny Granger (who is hurt and doesn't play defense, but at least you could watch him play without wanting to vomit).  I have been a diehard Pacers fan for a long, long time. However, is this the worst Pacers team ever? There was the 1982-83 team that won 20 games. Or, the 1984-85 team with 22 wins. These both were really, really bad teams.

But, were they the worst Pacers team ever? Sound off!!!

There has been much speculation and conversation about what the Colts are going to do in the next two games. This post is not about the games we play, rather which players, who we have not seen much of this year, would you like to see? I will be looking for more of Donald Brown, Hank Baskett, Tom Santi, Jacob Tamme, Chad Simpson, Mike Hart, Fila Moala, Jamie Silva and Cody Glenn. I believe all of these guys should get some significant playing time over the next 2 games. Should be interesting to see how they perform with their opportunities. 

What a distraction it must be for a team like the Colts to be constantly hounded about the "perfect season". We have all heard both players, coaches and management from the Colts organization talk about how hard it is to just win 1 game in this league. Either way, a point I would like to make is about the type of game this team will play Thursday night in Jacksonville. First, it's all wrapped up. Another AFC South banner, home field advantage through the playoffs, etc., etc.... This is one of those character type games where we will really see what this team is about. We have seen this before. Remember at Miami earlier this season? That unbelievable comeback against the Pats? This is what I talking about. I guess we will see....

This is Gary Brackett's last season under his current contract with the team. I was curious to know everyone's opinion and thoughts on whether or not the Colts should resign him. Most of the things I hear and read are leaning towards the Colts NOT keeping him. All of this is speculation of course since the team has not made any official comments on their position with him. 

I will offer my thoughts. I think the guy is worth signing to another contract for a couple reasons. First, he is a heck of a MLB and leader of our defense. I noticed some serious issues with our defense last season without him in the game. Second, Brackett is a Colt, Plain and Simple.  From his Impact Foundation to his leadership in the locker room, this guy is a pure definition of who we want on our team. I couldn't even imagine the Colts without #58. I may even start a "Keep GB58 in Indy" petition to Mr. Polian and Mr. Irsay if it doesn't seem like we will be re-signing him.

Thoughts???? 

It has been hard to hide the success and immediate impact from our Rookies. You start looking at Collie, Brown, McAfee, Powers, Lacey, Devan.... Can anyone think of a Rookie class with more of a positive impact for their respective team? 

My one question remains around 2nd Round pick Fili Moala. 1 tackle in 9 games. Is he a bust? Is he injured? Is he not getting the system? I expected much, much more from him. Living on the west coast I watch a lot of Pac-10 football and this guy was a monster for SC. 

I have been an Indiana Pacers fan for a long time. Although the last few years have been tough, this team has always been entertaining to watch. So far,  this season is best described as "painful". Simply put, this team stinks. They are leading the league in turnovers, they do not play defense and worst of all they look unprepared and uninspired. 3 games, 3 blowouts. Where is this team going and how are they going to end the season? Things are not looking good in Pacer land.

Another 6-0 start for the Colts. Aren’t we spoiled? While many NFL teams remain in a tailspin (Browns, Titans, Ram, Lions, Bucs and Chiefs), the Colts keep chugging along winning games by double digits.  Although the Colts are in a great place right now, I still believe there are a couple burning questions:

1.       What is going on with Tony Ugoh? Another non-injury inactive game? Perhaps it’s time to cut our losses and poke around on the waiver wire for another back up LT to C. Johnson? I have a strong feeling Mr. Polian will be looking for another LT in this year’s draft.

2.       Shouldn’t Bob Sanders earn his staring spot back from Mel Bullitt? Bob is awesome and has an NFL defensive player of the year trophy at home, but perhaps a little healthy competition for the SS starting position could help bring “Bobzilla” back for our defense. 

3.       When do we get Gonzo back? I know it has been easy to forget AG, but he is our #2 receiver and I can’t wait till he is back in the lineup. What a bummer, the guy works all season developing a rapport with Manning and is hurt in the first game 1.

4.      We all know Manning and Wayne are having All Pro seasons, but how about: Clark, Saturday, Diem, Lilja, Bethea, and Session? All of these guys are having great seasons.

[From the FanPosts, davis3217 offers up his thoughts about the Pacers with the preseason behind us. Love hearing thoughtful observations of the team from others. -TL]

Most of the sports news media have the Pacers finishing around 10th or 11th in the East this season. The top 3 teams are a lock with Cavs, Celtics and Magic. After that, you have teams like the Hawks, Wizards, Bulls, Philly, and Miami, who most "experts" have rounding out the Eastern conference playoff picture. Which is fair, based on the players they have and their performance from the past couple seasons.  I believe the Pacers have an outside shot of sneaking in at a 6,7 or 8th seed this season. However, there are some obvious things that have to happen with this team.

1. Big Roy has to get this foul situation under control. This is guy is one of my favorite players. Great work ethic, great teammate, and a ton of potential. We have to figure out a way to keep him on the floor. A stronger presence from Hansborough, Foster and Jones at the PF should help. 

2. Time for Granger to go to the next level. I believe Danny Granger is one of the top 10 players in the NBA right now. Offensively, the guy is a flat out scoring machine. However, we need some work on defensive and getting his teammates involved more in the offense. 

3. Brandon Rush establishes himself as the second scorer on this team. I just don't see MDJ coming back and having the year he had a few years back. I don't know if we need him t be that type of player. Like Big Roy, B. Rush has the potential to be a real player in this league. He can score. He can play defense. He is a smart player. But, there a times during the game where he still looks just lost. Anyone have Reggie Miller's number? What a great mentoring opportunity. If I were Brandon Rush, I would call Reggie and beg him to show how Reggie prepared during the off season. Rush did say he wanted to be the next Reggie Miller. The opportunity is there.

I have to admit I was excited when the Pacers drafted AJ Price in the 2nd round of this past draft. He is a nice sized PG, 6'2 190 lbs with decent quickness. Based on what I have seen at his time with UCONN and with the Pacers (summer league and preseason) he can score, pass, play defense, run an offense and lead a team. Also, I believe his off the court problems he experienced at UCONN are far behind him. 

My question is whether AJ Price can be the future point guard of this team? A future starting lineup of: Price, Rush, Granger, Hibbert and Hansborough looks interesting. 

Any thoughts on this? Perhaps I am wishing over my head on this one?