Archive for January, 2010
Friday, January 29th, 2010
The Indianapolis Colts have become the equivalent to a parent’s “best friend.” From the top of the franchise to the bottom of the 53 man roster, the Colts organization is full of individuals that parents can embrace. Although I cannot attest for all, based on opinion and insight it seems clear that the majority of the “stars” for the Colts are players that parents can feel comfortable with as role models for their children. From Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne to Tony Dungy and Jim Caldwell, the Colts franchise is littered with not only good football talent, but good people.
In today’s world children grow up envying athletes, Lebron James, Peyton Manning, and Albert Pujols are just a few of the superstars that children look up to and dream of one day becoming. However, just as the Colts have a plethora of role models, the Saints have an abundance of national support. The Dallas Cowboys have long been known as America’s team, but after hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, America’s hearts swung in favor of the Saints. This Super Bowl doesn’t offer the usual “hero-villain” matchup that fans love to see. Instead it offers a clash of the “good guys” of the NFL, the Tim Tebow’s and Tyler Hansbrough’s of pro football. Sure you might hate their success or be opposed to their message, but at the end of the day you respect their desire and passion for the game.
Thus, come Super Bowl Sunday many football fans may be conflicted as to who to root for or who to root against. In my opinion the majority will eventually find themselves in the corner of the Saints, not necessarily rooting against the Colts, but rooting for the Saints and for a memorable Super Bowl. As an Indianapolis native it seems a bit unfair that the national media and population may sway towards the Saints, I cannot blame them. Although the Colts have been great for the state of Indiana, nothing compares to the positive influence the Saints have had on their community after hurricane Katrina. At least for this game we won’t have to listen to the New York media build up a team of their own for an entire two weeks.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Ever since Drew Brees has come to town, the New Orleans Saints have become known throughout the NFL for their high-powered offense. Led by their All-Pro quarterback, Drew Brees, and masterminded by their head coach, Sean Payton, this offense is certainly amongst the best in the NFL. Now, couple one elite offense from the Bayou against Peyton Manning and company, and you have the makings for a game that many people believe will turn out to be an offensive shootout of NFL elites. However, the real key to this game may be put on the shoulders of two defenses that are overshadowed by their respective offenses. The Colts are led on defense by players, such as, Gary Brackett and Dwight Freeney, players that have proven themselves on the biggest stage. On the other hand, New Orleans has never been to a Super Bowl, and the playoff inexperience can be seen throughout the entire roster. The defensive side of the ball for the Saints does have several players with experience in the NFL, Scott Fujita, Darren Sharper, Jonathan Vilma, and Will Smith have all been in the league for a number of years, and played at high levels throughout their careers. But in my opinion this defense is led by two men, Jonathan Vilma and Darren Sharper, to defensive playmakers who have reemerged with the Saints.
From his days with the Green Bay Packers, Darren Sharper has been a playmaker capable of changing a game at any moment. The Minnesota Vikings let Sharper walk at the end of last season, and he has played with a chip on his shoulder the entire year. Jonathan Vilma was another playmaker that was left for done after suffering a slew of injuries with the New York Jets. After being traded to the Saints, Vilma has been reenergized and returned to his old form at the middle linebacker position. The middle linebacker position is especially important for all NFL teams, because they are like the second quarterback on teams. They are in charge of making adjustments, giving the play calls, and bottling up big plays. Without a good middle linebacker it is very difficult to win in this league, but the Saints have certainly received quality play from Vilma who recorded 110 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions.
In the Super Bowl, Peyton Manning must be aware of Sharper at all times, and cannot allow him to play his typical “ballhawking” type of game. In regards to the middle linebacker, Manning will be having a constant chess match with not only Vilma, but also defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. It will be important to keep this aggressive Saints defense guessing, and the key will be how well Manning does at masking plays at the line of scrimmage. Granted the Saints are not as strong of a defensive team as the Ravens or Jets, but they are certainly not a group to be taken lightly. If the Saints are able get to the quarterback and hit Manning as they hit Kurt Warner and Brett Favre in previous weeks, it could be a long game for the Colts.
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Monday, January 25th, 2010
Unless you have been living in a cave for the past 24 hours or deprived from any connection with the sports world, you are aware that the Indianapolis Colts will be heading to the Super Bowl to face the New Orleans Saints. This will mark the Colts’ second trip to the Super Bowl in the past four years, coincidentally both of which have been held in Miami. Both of these teams staggered into the playoffs on multiple game losing streaks, and neither were the sexy choices to win the Super Bowl. Teams like the Chargers, Jets, Vikings, and Cowboys were being chosen left and right as favorites to make it to the Super Bowl, but all stumbled along the way. Ironically the two teams playing the worst football at the end of the season were the two that would ultimately represent their conferences.
All week leading up to the conference championships the media was enamored by the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets. With Brett Favre under helm attempting to make it back to the Super Bowl with his second team, and Rex Ryan supplying more than ample comments for the media to stuff into their reader’s faces it seemed that a Vikings-Jets Super Bowl was inevitable. However, both number one seeds prevailed, and now we have a Super Bowl consisting of one of the greatest quarterback match-ups of all time. Drew Brees has never been in this position and Peyton Manning has only been once, but unlike Manning’s last Super Bowl against the Chicago Bears this game has another quarterback that can also put up points in bunches.
In Super Bowl XLI the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in Miami, during a game that was dictated by poor weather conditions and poor offensive play. The Colts now find themselves in Super Bowl XLIV, also being held in Miami, in a game that will certainly have more offensive production. For the past two weeks the Colts have faced defensive oriented teams that pound the football in the Jets and the Ravens. For their next matchup the Colts will have to scrap the blueprint that worked so well against those two teams, and will be forced to stop a team that is very similar to their own. The Saints, like the Colts, are led by their quarterback, Drew Brees is asked to do the same things for the Saints that Manning does for the Colts, win games. However, the similarities go deeper, both teams have a plethora of receiving threats that can make big plays at any point of a game. For the Saints Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey, Robert Meachem, and Reggie Bush supply Brees with multiple options on every pass. The Colts and Manning have their options as well, with Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark, all of whom have shown the potential to post 100+ yard games. On the other side of the ball the Saints and Colts are also very similar. Each team relies upon the play of their safeties, while using their front seven to fly around, hit the quarterback, and take advantage of quick starts from their offense’s.
Bill Polian, Jim Irsay, and Jim Caldwell threw away the chance of a perfect season in order to, hopefully, increase their chance at making it to the Super Bowl. Even though the Colts have not won, it appears that the people in charge of this franchise have a pretty good idea of what they are doing. Well either that or the Colts may just be really attracted to Miami and play much better whenever the opportunity to play in Miami presents itself. Besides who wants to be in Indiana for the winter when you can be in Miami?
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Friday, January 22nd, 2010
Today Joe Caporoso of TurnOnTheJets.com and I were asked to discuss this Sunday’s matchup between the New York Jets and the Indianapolis Colts. Aaron Fischman and Jonathan Santiago host a weekly podcast that really provides good a national perspective on the sports world. These two do a fantastic job, and Aaron also writes for the Fanball Sports Network as the Los Angeles Dodgers correspondent.
Here is the link to today’s interview with both myself and Joe Caporoso: Davis Sports Deli
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Thursday, January 21st, 2010
This Sunday the Colts will be faced with the daunting task of slowing down the running attack of the New York Jets. Averaging 172 rushing yards per game, the Jets have proven to be a run oriented team that does not want to rely heavily on their rookie quarterback. Last week against the San Diego Chargers Shonn Greene ran for 128 yards and one touchdown, and Thomas Jones added 41 yards. Both have proven to be more than capable at moving the chains and keeping drives alive, and this weekend the Colts will have to focus on slowing these two down and forcing Mark Sanchez to win the game with his arm.
After holding Ray Rice to 67 yards in the divisional round, the Colts will try to implement the same blueprint this week in order to slow down Greene and Jones. However, during the season the Colts did have their struggles stopping the run, surrendering an average of 126 rushing yards per game. Gary Brackett and Clint Session will play key roles in this game for the Colts, and will be asked to make smart reads finished off by sound tackling. Antoine Bethea and Melvin Bullitt will also be asked to limit the Jets from any breakaway runs, Greene broke a 53 yard touchdown run against the Chargers, something the Colts cannot let happen.
With the combination of a stout offensive line, two steady running backs, and a high quality defense, the Jets have the recipe to give the Colts difficulties. Rex Ryan will surely dial up a number of blitzes and try to force Manning to make mistakes that will allow this Jets offense to control the game. If this happens, it will be essential that the Colts, in turn, force Mark Sanchez to beat them. People have been doubting the Jets the past few weeks, but they have continued to prevail. However, this game will come down to how well the Colts can move the ball on offense, and how well they stop the run. Mark Sanchez is certainly not a world-beater, and the Colts must do what other teams have been unable to do, expose him.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
After a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons, Jets’ coach Rex Ryan met with reporters with the belief that his team had been knocked out of the playoffs. Granted they were a long shot, but not knowing your own playoff livelihood is a mistake that would seemingly never be made by Colts’ coach Jim Caldwell. Ryan is certainly a man who likes to speak his mind, regardless of whether or not he is right he will not hesitate to unleash his emotions. That is the opposite of Caldwell who has proven to be in the same mold as the previous head coach for the Colts, Tony Dungy. Laid back, reserved, calm, all are words that describe the personality of Caldwell, on the opposite end of the spectrum, brash, emotional, bold, can be used synonymously with Ryan.
Throughout the playoffs Ryan and his team have filled up opposing teams bulletin boards with bold remarks and comments, which have certainly caught the attention of the entire football world. Whether or not you agree with the comments doesn’t really concern Ryan, especially because he has proven to be correct on more than one occasion. No one gave the Jets much of a chance after they lost to the Falcons in week 15, heck there coach didn’t even give them a chance. However, they have defied the odds and continue their march to the Super Bowl.
On the other hand, coach Caldwell and the Indianapolis Colts have taken the complete opposite approach. As this franchise has done for years, the Colts have stayed away from making outlandish comments in the media, promising victories and saying they are the favorites to win the Super Bowl have not been uttered to anyone outside the brotherhood that is an NFL locker room. Being taught by Tony Dungy, Jim Caldwell has followed in his mentor’s footsteps and is more concerned about going out every Sunday and playing football, opposed to playing games with opposing teams and the media.
It is obvious that either style of coaching can work, seeing as how both teams have made it this far. However, many will try to dissect the differing styles and classify one as better than the other. At the end of the day you would love for your coach to have your back and support you at all costs and under any circumstances, but they aren’t the ones out their sacrificing their bodies and getting hit by opposing linebackers. Even if Rex Ryan has provided “bulletin board material” for the Colts, it shouldn’t be necessary for the Colts to use it in order to get pumped up for this game. This is the AFC Championship game, one more win and you make it to the big stage, the Super Bowl. So while Ryan may be getting under the skin of the Colts’ players and fans, lets be honest all of Colts nation is pumped up for this game regardless of the opponent.
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Wednesday, January 20th, 2010
Darrelle Revis has earned a spot amongst the elite defensive players in the National Football League, and along with Charles Woodson he is a top two cornerback. Revis has locked up the opponents top receivers game in and game out, and has proven that he can shut down half of a football field. This weekend he will be matched up against Colts’ receiver Reggie Wayne, another top flight receiver. This season Revis tallied 54 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 31 passes defended, all leading to All-Pro first team honors and runner-up for NFL defensive player of the year.
Last week Peyton Manning was forced to keep an eye on Ed Reed, and this weekend he will have to be aware of Revis for the entire game. Although he is more of a shutdown corner than a defensive playmaker, he has shown that he has the ability to make great plays on the ball. Rex Ryan has vouched that Revis is the best defensive player that he has ever worked with, and that is no small feat as Ryan was defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
Revis has already been matched up against Reggie Wayne once this season, and limited him to three catches for 33 yards. However, Revis has also covered Andre Johnson, Randy Moss (twice), Terrell Owens (twice), Roddy White, Steve Smith, Chad Ochocinco (twice), and Vincent Jackson. The Wayne-Revis matchup will be a key to this game, but Wayne’s precise route running coupled with his timing with Manning should prevent Revis from locking down the Wayne as he has done to other receivers in the past.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
The Indianapolis Colts were able to slip past the Baltimore Ravens this Saturday, despite the lack of a running game and somewhat sloppy offensive play. Peyton Manning was held to only 246 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, but connected with seven different receivers keeping the Ravens off balance. Ed Reed had a sharp eye on Manning the entire game, and while he only ended the game with one interception he picked off Manning twice, one being called back after defensive pass interference. However, the key to Saturday’s game was the outstanding play of the Colts defense.
Coming into the game the Colts knew they would have to slow down Ray Rice and this potent rushing attack, and they did just that. Rice was held to only 67 rushing yards on thirteen rushes, this forced the Ravens to rely heavily on Joe Flacco. Flacco was forced to attempt 35 passes, two of which leading to interceptions and fifteen to incompletions. Along with shutting down the Ravens ability to rush, the Colts were able to win the turnover battle forcing two interceptions and two fumbles. In the playoffs it is essential that a team posses the football and not turn it over, and the Colts did just that on Saturday.
It was also a good sign to see the young players step up as they did. Pierre Garcon finished the game with five receptions for 34 yards and Austin Collie was able to haul in four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. The Colts will now face the New York Jets, the team that many people say the Colts “let into the playoffs.” This will be another game very similar to that against the Ravens. The Colts will face another strong rushing attack and stout defense that can force turnovers throughout a game. However, coach Caldwell should be able to take the blueprint from last Saturday and apply it to the game against the Jets. Familiarity will once again play a role in this week’s contest.
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Thursday, January 14th, 2010
The Baltimore Ravens have several faces on the defensive side of the ball that rank amongst the NFL elite at their respective positions. 3-4 end Haloti Ngata, inside linebacker Ray Lewis, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, and free safety Ed Reed, are annual pro bowlers who have an established reputation throughout the league. This Saturday the Colts will have to account for these playmakers at all times, and Peyton Manning must be especially aware of Ed Reed. Reed is arguably one of the best defensive playmakers in the NFL, and when healthy can turn a bad pass into six points at any point of a game. A leader in the secondary, Reed’s impact on a game cannot be argued, and when healthy he has the playmaking ability that compares to the Colts’ Bob Sanders or Dwight Freeney.
However, just as potent as Reed’s playmaking ability is Ray Lewis’ heart and passion that he brings to a game. Lewis is the leader on this Ravens’ team, and although he has certainly lost a step or two over the past few years he is still a game changer. Another linebacker that will be coming for Manning throughout Saturday’s game will be Terrell Suggs. A blitzing ace in the 3-4 defense, Suggs brings constant pressure from the outside, with his teammate, Lewis, firing through the heart of the offensive line.
More importantly then all three, may be 345 pound defensive end Haloti Ngata. Ngata easily takes on two blockers at a time, and is one of the best in the league at opening gaps for linebackers to fly through. He is also big enough to slide inside and play nose tackle, while also maintaining the quickness come bring pressure off the edge. It will be crucial that the Colts keep Ngata from getting into the backfield and shutting down the rushing attack.
Although the Ravens rely more upon their offense then they have in the past, they still have an outstanding defense with multiple playmakers. Turnovers will be a key stat in this game, and it will be essential that Manning receives protection from his offensive line and makes smart decisions. What the Ravens want to do is establish a solid rushing attack that opens up the play action fake, while stymying opposing offenses with suffocating defense. The Colts will have to keep them guessing and not allow them to gain momentum early and set the tempo of the game.
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Tuesday, January 12th, 2010
This Saturday the Indianapolis Colts will host the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round of the playoffs. Earlier this season the Colts were able to fend off the Ravens 17-15 in Baltimore, and this weekend should prove to be yet another close battle. The Colts were able to stop the Ravens from reaching the end zone, which allowed Matt Stover to kick the go-ahead field goal for the Colts victory. This weekend the Colts will look to use the same blueprint that worked earlier this season, and limit the Ravens potent rushing attack.
Led by breakout running back Ray Rice the Ravens have a three headed monster at in the backfield with Rice, Willis McGahee, and Leron McClain. In the first matchup the Colts were able to limit Rice to only 71 rushing yards, which put more pressure on second year quarterback Joe Flacco. Although Flacco is clearly developing as one of the better quarterbacks in the league, he is still not ready to carry a team to victory. In the last matchup Flacco did not have any touchdowns, but he did throw one interception, and turnovers will once again play a big role in this matchup.
Along with Flacco’s struggles in the first matchup, Peyton Manning had trouble against this tenacious Ravens defense. Manning threw two picks which allowed the Ravens to remain in the game despite their lack of an offensive attack. This Saturday the Colts will once again have to stop Ray Rice, and force Joe Flacco to win the game with his arm. However, more importantly they will have to win the turnover battle, especially in a playoff game atmosphere. Momentum will be a key to this game, and the Colts must get going early or else the Ravens will be able to hang around until the end of the game. Even though Manning is a master at orchestrating game winning drives, this Ravens defense is playing at a very high level and the playoffs have rejuvenated many of their key veterans.
A key note to add from the first game is that the Ravens were without Terrell Suggs, who is a crucial piece for this defense. If he plays Saturday he can have just as much of an impact on a game as Ray Lewis or Ed Reed.
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