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What do the Colts need?
Forget the QB position. The Colts will take Andrew Luck No. 1 overall. I keep saying that to all of you because 1) It's going to happen, and 2) you need to be ready for when it does. Retaining Peyton Manning or drafting Robert Griffin III just isn't in the cards. Andrew Luck is your QB for 2012, it just hasn't been made 'official' yet.
What else does this team need though?
Defensively, they are switching away from Tampa-2 to a 4-3, 3-4 hybrid. Corner play in 2011 was putrid. Robert Mathis might not get re-signed. Dwight Freeney might get cut.
Offensively, Reggie Wayne might not come back. Jeff Saturday may retire.
What are the key positions of need? Comment below.
0 recs | 147 comments
The better question is what do the Colts NOT need?
I feel the list of needs is extremely LONG! Besides OT, Kicker & Punter I think there is a need for better talent/depth at all other positions. Receivers & Secondary help might be the first positions targeted.
ColtsGM9001 - February 7, 2012
I was thinking the same thing
It’s going to be an interesting off season.
halfchest - February 7, 2012
Keep the defensive stars...
Cutting Mathis and Freeney would be a big mistake. They are committed and 100% fighters. The defense needs more help, not a complete tear-down. If we get rid of those guys, we are gonna suck even more than last season. Soon, the Rams will be dropping 200 points on us…
Antillar - February 7, 2012
More to it than just "keeping them"
Mathis is a free agent. Freeney is in the last year of his deal and has a 19 Million dollar cap #. Both guys are on the wrong side of 30.
I’d rather move on from both of them and use that 19 million dollars of cap space on 3-4 younger free agent targets with some upside.
aaronb - February 7, 2012
The difference is pass rushers age VERY well. While 30 is usually the benchmark for running backs or receivers, good pass rushers a productive until they’re 35.
TrueBlue87 - February 7, 2012
Freeney's contract
was never intended to be paid out this next year. The Colts have no intention of paying him $19M and Freeney doesn’t expect them to. They will work out an extension to bring the cap number down, as long as he figures into their plans. If they release him it’ll be for football reasons, not money.
FatDT - February 8, 2012
Assuming they keep Mathis and Garcon, extend Freeney(making it more salary-cap friendly this year) and get rid of Bullitt, Clark, Brackett, Wayne and Saturday…
1. NT
2. A corner to go opposite Jerraud Powers
3. A second ILB, assuming that Conner/Wheeler, Mathis, and Angerer are three of the backers.
4a and 4b. New center and RG.
5. A safety.
6. 3-4 DEs. We may have none on the team. Nevis is too short. Freeney is too small.
7. Wideouts and tight ends.
It’s a goddamned mess.
nailrat - February 7, 2012
i agree with most
but i think we can wait on Tight end, tamme is more than adequate
ohsnap12 - February 7, 2012
Tamme is a free agent
So there’s no guarantee he’ll be back w/ the team. On the flip side, there’s not really much reason to cut Clark this year — it only saves us about $1M against the cap, so keeping him is an option. He’s more likely to be cut the year after next, when the cap savings will be more pronounced.
Sam deal w/ Gary Brackett. If the new coaches think he can play in the new defense, they might as well keep him, since he’ll only save about $1m by cutting him. He’s definitely gone in 2013, though.
of course, if you think neither can play (either through poor fit or helath reasons), then you might as well cut them.
Chris S. - February 7, 2012
but cutting them now saves money
for the 2013 season.
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
That's true
I guess it just depends on your perspective. They might be quality contributors in 2012 (when the cap savings are minimal), and allow the front office to focus on other positions (assuming they think Clark/Brackett are good fits for the the new team plan and worth keeping). But cutting them now would free up more space for 2013.
I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see Brackett cut, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the kept Clark around. If they don’t draft a TE, and they think he’ll be healthy, he’d be a good complement to Luck this year, and another familiar (and popular) face for Colts fans to cheer for in the post-Manning era.
Chris S. - February 8, 2012
thats not correct
cutting brackett only saves 200 grand. cutting him makes no sense
omahacolt - February 7, 2012
Yes it is
It free’s up a roster spot DUMB ASS!
shoospa - February 7, 2012
Yes it does
if he flat out sucks and has no place in the defense.
FatDT - February 8, 2012
I agree that cutting him for the sake of saving $200k makes no sense at all
but if we do cut him before the 2012 season, we will be saving a lot of money against the cap in 2013 and 2014, seasons in which Brackett is due $7 million per.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
NO
Cutting him after June 1 saves a ton of money, because……………. Colts can take the hit in two years, not one.
Ty46 - February 8, 2012
With all due respect snap,
We’re not “adequate” in any form or fashion at the TE position. Have you noticed the trend and success with big TE’s of late? Dallas Clark aside, we’ve had no one at TE that would make a starter anywhere else except maybe St. Louis. Tamme was elevated in stature solely because of Manning.
The Colts need an offense that can move the chains and score in the red zone…..otherwise, defenses get worn down by late 3rd Qtr and into the 4th. We saw that time and again in the past few years WITH Peyton at QB and limitations on his weapons due to injuries.
BoilerMacR - February 9, 2012
actually anderson, mathews and moala
maybe able to play de. now, how well they play de is another matter. and i think olb is a more pressing need than ilb….wheeler has been a huge let down for 98% of his career.
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
i like anderson and nevis as ends
And I think Jerry Hughes may get a long look as an OLB in 3-4 scheme. I actually think we may be good to go with pass rushers in the new scheme assuming we retain Mathis. Hughes was projected as a 3-4 OLB from what I remember. Also I remember people saying Wheeler had some skills as a stand-up rusher.
I see NT and SS as the biggest concerns defensively, who knows what Lacey can do when he isn’t coached to give a 13 yard cushion to Dwayne Bowe. Am I saying he’s good? No, Im saying the defensive gameplan he was forced to play by wasn’t always stellar.
Tricky Bobby - February 7, 2012 via mobile
not sure what people have seen in nevis
to think he can play de in the 34. to me he is the classic 43 3tech defensive tackle.
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
3. I don’t get what you are saying here. One of those three guys is a 3-4 outside linebacker? Conner and Angerer will make very good starters in a Ravens-like 3-4 defense. Nobody but backups are needed here.
6. The 3-4 end position is one of those weird positions like safety and guard where you can put a ton of different players but it takes a special athlete to be special. If you just want a two gapping 5-tech like the Ravens 3-4 want you look for someone who is tall with long arms and somewhere around 290-300 but can be much bigger. Fili Moala is a very good candidate for this position due to his length and anchoring ability to fight off and hold the gaps to both side of the offensive tackle. Johnson and Anderson can also fit as 3-4 ends but I imagine they would be below average. If we don’t pick anyone up we would have guys to play here but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to pick up some more veterans.
4. Center definitely if Saturday leaves but if the value isn’t there on draft day we will be fine with a healthy Castonzo/Reitz/NEW-CENTER/Ijalana/Linkenbach. I think I am in the minority of guys who like Linkenbach but I think he is at the very least an NFL starter and has the potential for more.
The rest of it…sure we could use all that.
bbxxj - February 7, 2012
Just one position
A) All of them. Seriously, I love the Colts, but they were completely devoid of talent this year. Even our biggest strength (LBer’s) we are pretty thin. I am not even sure if I could rate them. You could probably do an entire article on rating what our biggest needs are.
I laugh when I think about how it was reported that Bill Polian told his son there were alot of bright spots on this team. Outside of Garcon, Antoine Bethea, Pat Angerer and Pat McAfee… who else could he be talking about? People that I thought were going to be good… sucked it up. Austin Collie, Jerraud Powers (he had a bad year), Fiola Moala (average at best… only on the Colts do we consider an average DT to be a good thing).
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
i'm sure people will disagree
but those are the same people that sniff all the paint up at Home Depot causing prices to skyrocket out of control. We suck and we know it. 25% of our “starters” probably wouldn’t be good enough to ride the pine on other NFL teams.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
You're crazy man
Collie’s poor year was a result of QB play plain in simple. It seemed he hardly ever got targeted. Nevis is going to be good, he showed that before he got hurt this year. I think Costanzo and Ijilana will turn out good though I’ll admit we need more time to tell. Brown has shown that at the very least, he’s earned more time and shots. Carter just has to fix his fumble problem. So we have some promising young guys (Collie is a proven guy to me). Some will probably do well and some might not pan out. But the team is not just TOTALLY VOID of any talent whatsoever. Upgrades are needed in lots of places yes. But we do have some nice pieces.
MachoColtsFan - February 7, 2012
Not that crazy
Regardless of the QB situation, Austin had an ideal WR rotation, he was the starting slot receiver that if open, would have been targeted more. He did not look that open. I used to think he was a budding star, but now I realize he’s another piece that Peyton made look better than he was. He might turn out to be good, but last year he didn’t look to have separation very often and he wasn’t targetted. Not all QB’s can put it into the window that Peyton regularly does.
As for Drake Nevis, being good but hurt is not a good thing. Injury prone talented players are a dime a dozen, Bob Sanders anybody? He may not end up being classified this way, but you have to be careful not to label somebody as good when they haven’t proved they can make it through 16 games.
Carter did not look good even when he was not fumbling. Not a bright spot. You can’t just label somebody that with hopes for what they will do. Donald Brown… maybe, but not Carter. He could turn out to be good, but he didn’t look or play well last year.
Costanzo I give you… he looked pretty solid.
I’d say out of 53 guys, the number of guys that you could say are “bright spots” isn’t that many, not compared to other teams. 6 out of 53 is not a good thing.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
They are talent poor in some areas but not everywhere
They need athletes and speed on D. But they are decent on O. Collie is a stud… Garçon has #1 ability. Not an elite #1 but better than many teams #1 WR…
The problem was they had the worst QBs in the league by a mile last year. If you put Painter on Green Bay or the Giants they go 3-13. Painter shouldn’t be in the NFL and Orlovsky should be a third stringer.
Luck even as a rookie will make better throws and checks than those two…will likely read defenses better and show better pocket presence. If they had a solid not great QB like Romo or even Hasselbeck they would have won 6-8 games…
If the Colts get some OL help and Ijalana plays solid the line will be mediocre as opposed to dreadful…The offense will not be what it once was with a rookie QB but it will get better throughout the year…
Where they need to upgrade is philosophically on D. No more little guys! Of course the NT will be a 350 lb guy but they also need a S around 6’2 215ish a CB around 6’1 195ish and LBs around the 250 area.
All of the Giants players are not superstars but they are all fast and or big! Guys like Tuck Blackburn Cruz Along with early picks Nicks Ross Akamura have the measurables. No one on the Colts D is physically imposing. Freeney and Mathis finesse sack strip QBs but generally don’t steamroll them…When your most intimidating player has been a 5’8 195 lb safety them there is a draft Philosophy failure
(206)NightRidah - February 7, 2012 via mobile
this
“They are talent poor in some areas but not everywhere " I think we could argue that they are talent poor in most areas, and which I stand behind my statement that if they are talent poor in most areas, then they are indeed lacking in talent.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
i would give collie a pass for this season
i mean you really thing wes welker is the slot receiver he is without brady throwing him the ball. hell, nobody knew who he was in miami.
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
Kellen Moore, #1
I keed, I keed!
danorocks17 - February 7, 2012
Draft Needs
If they are going to switch to a 3-4, they are going to need a NT. Dontari Poe appears to be a good one and could be available in round 2.
The secondary was terrible; if Poe is gone i’d like to see them draft Janoris Jenkis or Dre Kirkpatrick if they are available, but both corners will most likely be gone in the 1st.
Jarvo - February 7, 2012
Yup
But I think that Poe’s status will rise after the combine. Doubt he’ll be there.
Nosewiper - February 7, 2012
I agree
There seems to be only a few quality NT prospects in the draft, and Poe will be right at the top of the list. Unless he sucks at the combine, he’s definitely going rd. 1.
Chris S. - February 7, 2012
not sure about that
i think if poe gets past the steelers there is a good chance he could fall to the second. plus, can this guy actually play or is he just a physical specimen?
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
I think it’s mostly physical. He didn’t play well, especially against opponents outside of Conference-USA. He also plays too high.
The best value for a nose tackle would be either Ta’amu (though he may be better suited to the 1-tech in a 4-3) or Chapman and you target those guys in the third and the earliest.
TrueBlue87 - February 7, 2012
kirkpatrick will be a top 15 pick
cooltrev - February 7, 2012
dude is a pothead
maybe not
omahacolt - February 7, 2012
So is Percy Harvin
and he was picked pretty high.
Ha. Get it? He was picked high. As in high on weed. Marijuana.
FatDT - February 8, 2012
a name to watch
Akiem Hicks, NT from a school up in Canada. Started out at LSU and has the size to play. Will probably need to be coached up quite a bit but could work out if we were to sign a veteran for him to learn from (Soliai, Garay, or Franklin)
BlueVol03 - February 7, 2012
tony Ugoh just received his medal for winning the super bowl...
Good for him!
18to44 - February 7, 2012
Thinking LONG TERM:
1. Nose Tackle. No need to explain.
2. Wide Receiver. Anthony Gonzalez is gone. I believe Reggie Wayne will be gone as well. Austin Collie is a decent slot WR, Pierre Garcon is a solid #2 (if he’s re-signed). Luck needs some weapons to open up the field.
3. Interior Offensive Line. I’m assuming Saturday is gone (I think he only returns if Peyton returns). We need a Center, and both of our Guard positions need to be upgraded. Joe Reitz was solid, and by solid I mean average. Our RG spot sucked this season.
4. Cornerback. Many of you will have this position 1 or 2 on the “Needs List”, but I believe that CB play is a big product of scheme and coaching. I’m anxious to see what our secondary can do now that the opposing offense doesn’t know our exact play-call every time. Powers is talented and has a lot of potential (love his instincts). Lacey was actually decent when he wasn’t asked to be an outside CB with a 10-yard cushion. Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I like him as a nickel/dime CB.
5. Tight End. Clark is probably gone (too much $$, doesn’t fit with re-building). Tamme is a Free Agent, but isn’t a weapon. Look around the NFL. R. Gronkowski, J. Graham, V. Davis, J. Finley, A. Hernandez – TE’s can be dominant.
6. Running Back. Addai will be gone this year or next. Donald Brown had an impressive 2011 season, but even at his full potential, he’s nothing more than a solid RB. D. Carter has fumble problems…Luck could use a game-changer.
I know this is a bit offense-heavy, but I think our defense has more talent than our offense (Mathis, Freeney, Bethea, Angerer, Nevis, Powers >>> Garcon, Brown, Castonzo, Collie, Ijalana). And I’m hoping that Pagano can turn around our defense with a new scheme change. Obviously we need a NT, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see our draft be Offense-Heavy, to help develop young talent alongside Andrew Luck.
kmbryant09 - February 7, 2012
Freeney has no place in a 3-4…our defense is in really sorry shape as a 3-4 defense.
nailrat - February 7, 2012
I actually think our linebackers could transition nicely into a 3-4 defense.
Brackett and Angerer in the Middle with Mathis and Wheeler on the outside. Wheeler, as much as people like to hate on him, played well last season, and has really improved his game. He got some reps in at DE, and showed enough quickness to get to the edge and pressure the QB when he had a chance. I think he’d translate into a solid 3-4 OLB. Jerry Hughes actually might find a home in a 3-4 OLB position as well, but I’m less optimistic with him. We’ll see – he could be a surprise.
Up front is where the new coaching staff will really need to earn their paychecks, because we do not have the size on our roster right now to field a solid front right there. They’ll have to get creative with schemes, go after big 3-4 personell in free agency, and draft some large bodies with some high picks.
BoilerUp1982 - February 7, 2012
Brackett is not getting retained at his current level of production – which is very low – since cutting him this year will save something like $7 million on the cap in 2013. Sorry but he’s gone. He is just too weak.
We’ll field a passable group of linebackers with Mathis and either Wheeler or Conner on the outside, with Angerer and someone else inside. But the secondary isn’t going to be good for more man coverage, and yeah, the front line is going to be absolutely awful for 3-4. We do not have a single good 3-4 lineman at present.
nailrat - February 7, 2012
Good point on Brackett's salary past the 2012 season
Cutting him would only save $200K on this year’s salary cap, but you’re right – $7 million for both 2013 and 2014. I think they could still keep him this year and let him go before the 2013 season, but we’ll see.
I expect the secondary and defensive front to be fortified through FA and the draft. I’d like to see us pick up Poe in the 2nd round and stick his 6’-5", 350 lb frame at NT. Carlos Rogers and Brandon Carr are solid, established CBs who could be had in Free Agency if the price is right.
BoilerUp1982 - February 7, 2012
Question
I read somewhere that if a player is cut before (maybe it’s after?) June 1st, his total cap relief will be averaged out over the years. Which means that Brackett would save the team significant cap money if he’s cut.
kmbryant09 - February 7, 2012
Of course, the downside is by that point that money wouldn’t really be helping us to retain free agents or sign ones above the level of Jamaal Anderson.
nailrat - February 7, 2012
Cap hit over 2 yrs
I believe if you cut after 6/1 then you can elect to spread the cap hit over 2 yrs. If Brackett is cut than you only save $200k cash but have dead money of $7.2mm.
pwbbny - February 7, 2012
We need to go ahead and take our dead money cap hit in the 2012 season
Andrew Luck will be cheap. We will have plenty of room to bargain hunt on the free agent market.
Better to take the hit now than to let dead cap money effect a future season.
aaronb - February 7, 2012
this
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
That sounds very familiar - I'd have to do a little digging to confirm, because I'm not sure off the top of my head
$200K was the number I was sure of for 2012
BoilerUp1982 - February 7, 2012
No chance you pick up Rogers without grossly overpaying.
He’s stated he wants to stay in SF and will give a “hometime discount” to do so.
Big money has to be thrown at him to pull him away.
runningblack - February 7, 2012 via mobile
Actually
Cutting Brackett now only saves us $200K against next year’s cap, so money won’t be an issue in deciding whether to cut or keep him. But he will be cut after next year (that’s when the COlts can save $7M).
Chris S. - February 7, 2012
and going to a 3-4 right away is beyond stupid
omahacolt - February 7, 2012
WHAT FREENEY WILL DEF BE BACK
cooltrev - February 7, 2012
He costs $19 million against the cap. They save $14 million if they cut him…and he has no place in a 3-4.
Cutting him hasn’t been talked about in the media yet, but it makes cold football sense.
nailrat - February 7, 2012
i agree
Caps lock to help his cause. I think he’s likely cut or restructured and extended. There is no way we leave $14 million on the table.
Also, of the two, Mathis looked alot better than Freeney this year.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
Most exciting draft in years!!!!
New scheme, new coaches, new GM, new scouts, needs all over the place, etc, etc. On most draft days you had no idea WTF Polian was going to do. If the Colts really needed a DT or a CB, he would draft a WR. If the Colts needed a safety, he would draft a RB.
Looking forward to the new GM picking players that have a combination of speed AND size. WHAT A CONCEPT!!!!
I do believe the Colts cut Freeney since his contract expires at the end of 2012, and the dead money will be manageable (his salary is $14.7 mil and the prorated signing bonus is $2.5 mil). They will use his salary cap space to sign Mathis to a long term deal. The salary cap hits that the Colts will take everywhere else will not allow them to sign another Free Agent this year beyond Mathis. BUT, the Colts will end of WAY, WAY, WAY under the cap in 2013 and beyond as the aging stars’ dead money disappears. Only Mathis and Bathea would remain with a big contract, unless the resign Mathis.
Finally, 2 players (Freeney and Manning) won’t take up over 25% of the cap. 2012 would cap hit have been $17.2mil for Freeney, and at least a $17 mil cap hit for Manning = $34.2 mil out of approx $120 mil salary cap. That is approx 30% of the cap. OUCH! Bad Cap mgmt…
ItsALLgood - February 7, 2012
yes sir
how many drafts have we kind of pushed off the draft until 2 picks before the colts…. this year i told my friends don’t schedule nothing during draft hours since this is the first year I want to see how everything shakes up with this new direction.
Straight Out The Burbs - February 7, 2012
So
I didn’t hate Polian’s guts, but I think the years of not drafting to the team’s needs (and some will say not even drafting good guys period), is catching up as this house of cards comes tumbling down. At the very least, 2-3 of these positions would have been less of a priority or fixed had the team drafted well. I think because of this some vets you think would be gone may be retained. At least to hold this team over one more season. In particular I’m thinking one of the TEs may be back, CB, maybe even a WR.
I do agree that even tho it isn’t as high in priority, it’s time we got beasts of TEs in the game, especially if we have to say goodbye to fan favorite Clark.
18forPrez - February 7, 2012
It's not a mess and we are not devoid of talent for cryin out loud
They have already said we are gonna run a 4/3..3/4 look on defense. While we need some people so does every team and it is the same every year. With coaches that actually put players in position to win, the team will be fine and we will add some building blocks.
armycolts25 - February 7, 2012
and with coaches who know how to coach
will be nice next year
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 7, 2012
Wow, most teams don’t have the talent to field a good defense in one scheme, and we’re going to run two?
It’s lip service, they’re eventually going to a full 3-4 but know they won’t have the personnel. The defense will be bad in the transition period, be prepared.
nailrat - February 7, 2012
Have you watched the Ravens or Pats recently? Did you notice how they switch between the 4-3 and the 3-4? That’s what Pagano is going to do.
TrueBlue87 - February 7, 2012
...
so our defense is not a mess? Ok buddy… I would like a sip of what you are drinking. Our defense has been bad and pretty much been a mess for years. Except for the 2nd half of the 2006 season and the “opporunistic” 2009 season where we gave up a kajillion yards but were close to average in points given up.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
also
we have major salary cap issues. And that is before we even think about resigning Peyton or next years draft class.
coltsfanbeforemanning - February 7, 2012
resigning manning?
still holding out hope a?
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
A Definition Of Homer Right Here
The Colts started 2 very young undrafted free agents and a rookie who gave up 6 sacks in 9 games on the OL. On the DL, Fili Moala is a bust, Antonio Johnson is someone they got FIVE YEARS AGO off the waiver wire. At LB, Sims is a former 1st round pick bust who is on his 4th team in 4 years, and the other LB spot is manned by another young UFA. At CB … wow so many high draft picks that didn’t pan out.
It is absolutely unreal that the coaching staff gets blamed for the terrible job that the Polians did. There isn’t a single player on the Colts’ roster who would have started for the Giants this year. Not a single one. And only Garcon, Freeney and Mathis would have started for the Patriots. And the Texans … not a single Colts player would have started for that team either. The only Colts player that would have started for the 49ers would have been Garcon. The only Colt who would have started for the Saints: Freeney. No Colt would have gotten on the field for the Packers. The Lions are the one NFL team for whom Addai/Brown would have been an improvement. And so on.
The coaches that Irsay fired have a real case that Polian (and Irsay) sabotaged their careers with that horrible personnel. Coaches make a convenient scapegoat when the roster stinks. But let’s see what you are saying 2 years from now when this entire roster will be gone, save a player or 3.
an_auburn_fan - February 7, 2012
You are a moron, sir.
Reggie Wayne would have started on any of those teams.
Foste - February 7, 2012
yeah i'll take Jbest over addai and brown
hopefully he gets those concussions in the rear view
muncie_in_this - February 8, 2012
I am glad Colts are drafting at the top 1st or 2nd
each round,and would be nice to see them hit on all the picks and would like to see Mathis as an outside backer in the 3-4 and have to sign Garcon cannot lose all that speed, that is the one thing the Pats did not have – no speed at wide out
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 7, 2012
i be happy if they hit on 60% of their picks... that's better than they have the last 5 years.
Straight Out The Burbs - February 7, 2012
I don't see a 3-4 D for this year...
I think we will see the 3-4 transition until a couple years later, probably at the start of the 2013 season.
I just don’t see the personnel to make a change for this season and our Salary cap is a MESS for this year (we are stiil gonna take a Hit for releasing PM, 16 M)
Hopefully on the 2013 our cap situation will be better, we don’t take hits from PM, and i thik if we cut some players (Brackett, Bullit, Addai) they should be cleared to by the start of the 2013 season.
Luck is gonna cost very little for his first 4 years, that shoul give us some room to hire some really good FAs.
The best we can do is draft players who can be effective on a 4-3 scheme, but also have potential to play on a 3-4, those players could be man to man Corner, we could use them on a 4-3 agressive D for this year, and still be helpful in case we go 3-4 later, we could also draft a Fat DT who could play as a 1 tech 4-3 but could also adapt to play on a 3-4 scheme as a NT or a 5 tech DE.
If Manning is gone there is no reason to pay good money for Reggie, we should be able to find a good young WR on the second or third round, this class is really deep on WRs.
COLTS_CR9 - February 7, 2012
yes
we need a Vince Wol. type DT
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 7, 2012
yes
Reggie has played his last game as a COLT
OBGYNOSUPREME - February 7, 2012
The Biggest Needs Are Definitely OL And DL
Last year, the Colts started two second year undrafted free agents, Jeff Linkenbach and Joe Reitz, at 2 OL spots. A third OL spot was manned by a rookie, Anthony Castonzo, who gave up 6 sacks in 9 games. Oh yeah: Castonzo and Linkenbach played both OT spots. Plus Jeff Saturday is 36. So … the Colts acquisition strategy (free agency and draft) should begin and end with the OL whether Luck or Manning is the QB.
Fili Moala and Antonio Johnson are probably the worst DT pair in the NFL, a fact magnified by their playing between a couple of very good DEs in Mathis and Freeney. Whether the Colts play 3-4, 4-3 some hybrid or alternate between the two, both guys have to go. The LBs: more of the same. Only Angerer is any good, and he is WAY too small to be an ILB in a 3-4, and doesn’t have the pass rushing skills to be an OLB in that scheme or in any 3-4/4-3 type hybrid. Now in theory, Mathis and Freeney could play OLB in the 3-4, as they are about the same size as Calvin Pace, DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman and a lot of other 3-4 OLBs. In practice, however, both guys are over 30 and expensive, and you want our 3-4 OLBs to be a bit taller. Still, you need to keep SOMEBODY around to play in the defensive front 7 so why not try it, at least for a year.
Other positions: the secondary stinks other than a player or 2. Reggie Wayne has to go for obvious reasons, but Dallas Clark needs to stick around to be the safety valve for the young QB. They need at least 1 new WR (if only to replace Wayne) and also need to get better than the Addai/Brown rotation at tailback. Add it all up, and the Colts honestly need help at every single position. But OL right now is the most critical need, or else Andrew Luck will get pounded like David Carr, Tim Couch, David Klingler, and like Matt Stafford and Drew Brees nearly were. By a combination of the draft and free agency, the Colts need to get 3 legitimate players on the OL this offseason. If they can get that plus a NT, be very happy.
an_auburn_fan - February 7, 2012
can never go wrong building in the trenches
BLOODontheTRACKS - February 7, 2012
Most of our problems last year on the line were due to injury and inconsistency due to a shuffling lineup. When all of our starters were out there and healthy for a few games in a row the line looked pretty good. The best offensive lines aren’t the ones with the highest draft picks, they are the ones with the most cohesiveness combined with talent. We will have two top 50 picks returning next year and a good prospect in Reitz and a valuable starter in Linkenbach. We will need to find a center somewhere yes but we should only add a guard and bounce Linckenbach to the first backup.
bbxxj - February 7, 2012
You had me until...
“A valuable starter in Linkenbach”
kmbryant09 - February 8, 2012
Needs
Let’s see: NT, 2+ CB, S, WR, TE maybe,
I think a big group of our OL will be kept. Same can be said of the RB group. WR wise the only safe bet is Collie, the rest are in evaluation. Reggie -age / Garcon-hands / Gonzo-health. TE wise D.clark maybe cut and Tamme maybe kept.
Defensively, If we change completely to a 3-4 , we need a NT and two bookends DT. I think Freeney will be cut and Mathis will be kept. Angerer will stay and maybe some LB corp too minus Brackett. Bethea will stay but Bullit will be cut. Secondary, I truly do not see anybody staying. Kicker and punter will stay unless Adam decides to leave to a contender team.
k1 - February 7, 2012
"I think a big group of our OL will be kept" ... Why, So The QB Will Have No Chance?
See above. Jeff Linkenbach and Joe Reitz: 2nd year undrafted free agents. Anthony Castonzo: rookie who gave up 6 sacks in 9 games. Jeff Saturday: 36. Peyton Manning is no longer around to elevate a mediocre OL with that “get rid of it in 3 seconds” Tom Moore offense, and even if he was, the OL group last year was worse than any one that Manning played with by far.
an_auburn_fan - February 7, 2012
I think Costanzo did fine for a rookie
I thought he did a nice job in the run game. The NFL requires a bit of a learning curve. Costanzo may not be the next Anthony Munoz but he’ll be OK. JMO.
modern_day_warrior - February 7, 2012
I Am Not Ready To Give Up On Costanzo Either
But his not being the next Anthony Munoz makes shoring up the other OL spots all the more necessary, especially Leitz at LG and Linkenbach at RT.
an_auburn_fan - February 7, 2012
Reitz was just a rookie last year, and I expect him to get better
Ijalana and Castonzo will be much improved in year #2. Linkenbach is very disappointing, and I would not be upset if he were benched or cut are at the very least, moved to RG. He cannot play an effective tackle position.
BoilerUp1982 - February 7, 2012
reitz was not a rookie
omahacolt - February 7, 2012
You're right - technically not a rookie
But last year with the Colts was the first time he had ever played in an NFL game. It’s fair to at least compare him to a rookie in that sense. He should get better with more experience.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
he was not a rookie
end of discussion
omahacolt - February 8, 2012
Linkenbach was very disappointing? I didn’t see that. The worst player on the line was Diem and his string of injury replacements. Also, Linkenbach cannot kick it inside to G. He is too long and not strong enough.
bbxxj - February 7, 2012
Link was terrible last year.
He played decent in 2010, but could not string together anything consistent in 2011. I saw nothing there that looked good.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
Link was way worse than Diem at guard.
James Broschat - February 8, 2012
We'll get
7 or 8 guys in the draft and a couple free agents. It’s not going to be a completely different team next year. The new coaching staff will have to make the most of the current players, just like any other year.
wcwills - February 7, 2012
Who will be cut?
Peyton will count a reported $10mm in 2012 if/when cut. What happens with the injury prone guys like Brackett, Clark, Bullitt, Addai? The Colts would only save approx $1.4mm cash but they incur approx $20.5mm in dead money in 2012 if they cut these guys before 6/1. Do they clean house and have over $30 mm of the 2012 cap in dead money or do they hang onto these guys? Tough decision because injury/age is a big factor. Unless you think any of them can give you 2-3 solid yrs while you are in transition, I think they cut them and take the hit in 2012.
Also I don’t think they cut Freeney as I think they extend him. He has 3-4 more good yrs and he requires a double team so without him Mathis, who they said is a priority is not as effective. Guys like Freeney can’t be replaced whether it’s 3-4 or 4-3 and he still has a lot left in the tank. His stats might not reflect his true worth because he gets double teamed almost every play.
pwbbny - February 7, 2012
ALL of them
I think ALL on your list plus a couple more will be cut. No, it may not be for the savings $wise. If they are not producing, they should be cut to free up the roster spot!
shoospa - February 7, 2012
"Dwight Freeney might get cut"
….that could not be further from the truth. What are you talking about?
NDMBoiler09 - February 7, 2012
I think Freeney is a pure 4-3 DE. If he is converted to LB, his spin move is useless IMHO.
k1 - February 7, 2012
Not true
If we go to a Ravens 3-4 Freeney will play most downs with his hand on the ground rushing the passer like always and dropping back as a linebacker occasionally. Mathis on the strong side is the one who will need to do the most conversion and I think he will do just fine.
Another important thing people miss is that even non hybrid 3-4s like the Ravens’ run will show alot of four down nickel and dime looks in passing situations. All we would have to do is pull the nose tackle and run in a corner and move in Freeney and Mathis to the line and you have our conventional 4-2-5 nickel pass defense.
bbxxj - February 7, 2012
Stop the run first!
Seeing as there is no way to ‘fix’ all the problems with the Colts Defense, I say you have to fix one area really well and do your best in another and fix it the following year.
What division does the Indianapolis Colts play in… oh yeah, the same division that 3 of the top 5 Running Backs play in. So you focus on one thing and one thing only STOPPING THE RUN. We stop the run and we are a division winner every year. Next year we focus on picking up a strong secondary.
Obviously, Andrew Luck is going to get picked with our number 1 pick. So, you have to get NT in the second round, hopefully Dontari Poe or Tam’amu is available.
In the 3rd and 4th rounds you need to pick up some 3-4 Defensive Ends such as: Alex Okafor, Julian Miller, Cam Johnson or Devin Taylor OR, pick up another NT for 4-3 schemes and a rotation when in 3-4 by going after Josh Chapman in the 3rd round, or Jean-Baptiste in the 4th.
In the 5th – 6th rounds, go after OLB in Mychal Kendricks or Darius Fleming. Then with the 6th – 7th picks go after C/G Ben Bojicic or in Free Agency pick up C/G David Snow or Jeremiah Hatch.
If they resign Mathis and keep Freeney, which I think they should, you could use the later draft spots to strength another area. I honestly think with Pagano’s heavy blitz packages, having Poe, Okafor & Miller stopping the run and pushing for the QB that Freeney and Mathis (in a 3-4, as OLB) are either going to smash the RB in the backfield or are going to flatten the QB! The Colts would have (FINALLY) a serious defense to stop the run.
TheSpear - February 7, 2012
That's a really good post!
It all starts inside…they have many needs that can’t be all addressed in one year but getting Poe and Chapman would be an excellent start.
(206)NightRidah - February 7, 2012 via mobile
This is the kind of thinking that KILLS teams. You don’t draft a single position in each round because that leads to overreaching and passing on talented players.
Drafting value not need is how you get elite.
TrueBlue87 - February 7, 2012
When you are 2-14...
And have starters at NT CB SS OL and LB that shouldn’t be in the league or at best be special teams you fill needs…
Drafting a WR or TE at 34 when the OL is as bad as it is would be senseless because Luck can’t complete passes from his back…especially when they already have good young skill players…
They need a nose tackle and offensive line help more than anything…a CB or SS would be nice too…
They can’t expect to be competitive with Lacey Caldwell Lefeged Bullitt Moala and Mookie…those guys are bad
(206)NightRidah - February 7, 2012 via mobile
The Colts are about to lose at least two of their five receivers. The only tight ends they have on the roster are either primarily blocking or have reached the age where production will fall off drastically.
I agree the Colts need an infusion of talent at a bunch of positions, but Dwayne Allen or Mohammed Sanu represent more value at 34 than Poe. You don’t take a NT just because they need one. You have to get value for it.
Also, I think you’re underselling Joe Reiz. He played VERY well and talent is talent no matter where it’s found.
TrueBlue87 - February 7, 2012
Defense First
I agree you dont draft Poe at 34! I actually think you take the best defensive player on their board…Chase Minnifield, Mark Barron, would be great value. I think they may be able to get Ta’amu in round 3…or trade back into round 2.
They need to nail those two picks with long term starters…
They can move Collie outside and draft a slot WR.
I understand your point. I am just anti Fleener at 34…because they can address TE next year as they can address WR too.
Lacey, Mookie, Bullitt have to be addressed now via draft or FA. They are the weakest links on the team..,
(206)NightRidah - February 8, 2012 via mobile
I agree you prioitize defense. My point was simply if guys like Minnifield, Barron or Dennard are off the board then you’ll get more value getting a guy like Allen, Sanu or even Fleener rather than waste the pick on Poe or Ta’amu.
TrueBlue87 - February 8, 2012
Reitz...
Played well. But can you please clarify what you mean by saying he played VERY well. A guard playing VERY well should get Pro-Bowl consideration.
Reitz, even at his best this past year, was probably an average – or slightly above average – Guard in the NFL. I don’t mind him starting, but mostly because so many other pressing needs. But if you’re depending on Joe Reitz as a valuable starter on your O-Line, you’re probably in trouble.
kmbryant09 - February 8, 2012
The Pro-Bowl is really an overrated way to judge a player, since it’s just a popularity contest. Especially for linemen, who tend to keep getting voted in even if they weren’t the best.
For me, you just use the eye test. When Costanzo and Reitz played together, the lined look much better on the left side. Further, that was Reitz’s first year getting significant playing time. I expect a sophomore jump this season.
TrueBlue87 - February 8, 2012
Also
Watched some tape on Dwayne Allen yesterday……..VERY IMPRESSED. Any chance he’d last into the 2nd round? Not sure we should really spend the 34th pick on a TE, but if there’s no value @ DT, CB/SS, and possibly WR, I wouldn’t be upset if we ended up with Allen.
kmbryant09 - February 8, 2012
I doubt he goes past the Giants
considering the top2 Giants TEs tore their ACL in the SB.
That means both will be probably on PUP and will start practicing after week 6.
Ty46 - February 8, 2012
OK, first off, you are reading too much into it… OBVIOUSLY, if Matt Kahil was available in the second round we would take him because he is a top 5 prospect (just so we are clear, I am not thinking nor saying he will be available in the 2nd round!) you go after the talent that is available. BUT since this is a MOCKING the draft and we do not know who is really going where, you GUESS who would be available and you go after positions you have an OPINION on who should be drafted.
Secondly, if Manning were staying with the team, then I would be more inclined to worry about WR and SS & CB. However with all signs pointing to him leaving or restructuring a deal… that means more money. More money and NOT a Polian insight, that means Free Agency!! Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson, Brent Grimes, Cortland Finnegan and Brandon Carr are that there and they could go after them to deal with the secondary.
Additionally, while I do NOT think the Colts would sign a top WR in FA like Vincent Jackson, Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson and Dwayne Bowe are FAs; I do think we could get in FA either Marques Colston or Robert Meachem… and Mario Manningham and Stevie Johnson are out there as well.
As far as TE, Dallas Clark is too much money and Tamme did well with and without Manning on the field plus he would come at a bargin.
I think the OL is fine except if Saturday leaves, if Saturday stays then more depth could be addressed in later rounds or in FA.
TheSpear - February 8, 2012
^^ Above it for TrueBlue87
TheSpear - February 8, 2012
Once again BBS thinks he knows everything...let the future play out when it happens dammit
kballstar - February 7, 2012
What I'm most interested in is...
Will they retain the same “attitude” towards the draft and free agency that they’ve had in the past. What I mean to say is, will the new GM bring in thugs and guys looking for second chances? Before, the Colts would almost never draft someone with ethics problems or sign a free agent with a DUI. I like this about the team and we seem to have great cohesion (none of the drama a team like Dallas or Philly has).
Foste - February 7, 2012
I think they’ll have to keep up that image because it’s what Hoosier demand.
The new front office would do well to take a lesson from the collapse of the Pacers.
TrueBlue87 - February 7, 2012
the lines
what made parcells such a genius was his focus on the front lines. build those 2 things and everything falls into place after that. polian never could figure this out. i think if we could have found a legit force up front on defense, we would have won multiple SB’s. could u imagine what this D would look like with a disruptive NT?! on offense we have already made at least 1 good pick up, i would like to see them put a solid line in front of Luck. i don’t think this team is great but i also don’t think they r as bad as this past season. strong line play will go a long way in masking all the other problem areas. i would hate to see them get rid of Freeney and Mathis and would be shocked if they did. no matter what the cap hit would be, i can’t imagine a defensive minded coach coming in and saying “let’s get rid of those 2 badasses on the ends and bring in some young talent”. i think defensive coaches have a hard-on for Freeney and Mathis and would love to see what they could do with them.
12over18 - February 7, 2012
All four linebackers are on our current roster.
If we go to the Ravens’ type of 3-4 Freeney will definately fit. The Ravens’s use a rush linebacker on the weakened that almost always rushes and only a seldomly falls back into coverage. That was Suggs for Baltimore and will be Freeney for us. The strong side outside linebacker for the Ravens is more even LB and DE and should be filled very nicely by Mathis. Mathis looks like a 3-4 OLB than a DE anyways.
Depending on 3-4 scheme you need big strog athletes or instinctive tacklers who can be undersized. In the attacking one gap schemes of Dallas, San Diego, Houston etc you need big tank linebackers but in 3-4 schemes that run a big multiple gap NT and classic five techs smaller ILBers are free to roam and make plays. This again is Ravens’ system and would fit Angerer and Conner very well.
No LB starters are needed.
bbxxj - February 7, 2012 via mobile
They have more talent than many are saying....
Freeney, Drake, Mathis, Anderson, Angerer, will be fine in a 3-4 they are talented players with high motors…they will need a few years to get larger LBs and sign or develop a SS and CB…Nose tackle is the highest priority to do what Pagano wants. They will need to hit a home run at the draft on Poe Ta’amu or some late rounder.
The offense has talent at skill positions…they don’t need Fleener they need to boost the OL via draft or FA and develop Costanzo and Ijalana…
The bottom line is that it all starts inside on both lines…without protection Luck can’t find WRs TEs etc. and Brown/Addai are useless. On D, if the line is soft it hurts the secondary and LBs…
(206)NightRidah - February 7, 2012 via mobile
Agree on Freeney, Mathis, Anderson, Angerer, and would add a few others
but I really doubt Nevis sticks around very long. I like him but he is a 4-3 player only.
FatDT - February 8, 2012
Don't sleep on Drake...
He especially since its gonna be a hybrid…Drake can be used in situations and isn’t a typical 3-4 end based on his height…but I think Drake is gonna be a keeper. I think Pagano will find a way to use the talent they have as opposed to blowing it up…
I don’t see why they get rid of him…he may not be a starter but on papar Moala would be a solid 3-4 end and we all know he sucks big time
(206)NightRidah - February 8, 2012
Nevis is a 3-4 defensive end
Those guys are basically 4-3 DT’s, on each side of a HUGE NT.
aaronb - February 8, 2012
Freeney isn't getting cut
because he is the best player on the defense. You build your scheme around your strengths. Freeney isn’t going to be dropping back into coverage. His skills are in rushing the passer as a down lineman. He’s going to keep doing that. What you have to do is try to get him more one-on-one opportunities. Mathis is the more flexible player. Mathis might play standing up some.
This is not going to be anyone else’s defense. It will be a defense molded around whatever players are on the team. You don’t cut great players because they aren’t the right shape to fit in the holes in your Tupperware shape-ball.
I think this is a fun group of guys for a defensive coordinator to work with. We have lots of 300# linemen to work with—they are good players who haven’t been used properly. I like the linebackers, too. I would throw out the defensive backfield, though. That backfield has made everyone else on the defense look bad. Trust me—good corners and suddenly the whole front 7 will look great.
wcwills - February 7, 2012
thats kind of backwards thinking...
i’m not trashing your opinion but it typically works the other way. the front line of pressure on the QB is what gives him less time to pick apart the secondary. i do agree with the coaches figuring out a scheme to fit the players. i seriously doubt the colts come out swinging a big 3-4 bat next year. overall this defense is still too small to implement a strict 3-4 scheme.
with regards to earlier posts about this team needing a complete overhaul, i’m really excited to see what a new staff of coaches can do with this same roster. it would be an answered prayer if they can maximize the current talent into something that looks half way like a defense. also, this is not pagano’s defense, it’s the guy from san diego…..sorry, still too early to remember his name!
12over18 - February 8, 2012
It's not backwards
it works the same both ways. You don’t get pressure on the quarterback if there is someone always wide open to chuck the ball to, and if you can’t get pressure, then eventually, someone will get wide open.
wcwills - February 8, 2012
The priority is for the Colts need to make the offensive side of the ball great.
Nobody is great on both sides of the ball anymore. Look at the Saints, Pats, and Packers. These teams were very good to great on the offensive side of the ball, and terrible on the defensive side of the ball. Yet these were three of the best teams in the league, with the Saints probably the best team in football. Polian made a critical error in not rebuilding the O-line a few years earlier than he began to. It had many bad effects: 1) While Peyton didn’t get sacked a lot (due to his greatness), he took a lot of hits, especially for a QB in his mid 30’s; 2) During 2010, the bad pass blocking caused Peyton to rush throws and he threw 11 of his 17 int’s in a three game span; 3) the running game was horrific, adding more pressure to Peyton and the passing game and the shitty O-line. This was not Addai or Brown’s fault, the O-line were terrible run blockers, and bad pass blockers. Luck has a good shot of becoming a great pro. He needs to be protected, and he needs some real weapons, and he needs to be able to handoff to a RB. Let’s take care of the franchise (Luck) and his needs first, and we can worry about the defense next year. Defense will be a little confusing b/c of the change to a 3-4. It’ll be better if the coaching staff takes a look at the players on the roster first to see who can play in the 3-4 and who can’t. I mean, the Colts aren’t going to the SB next year anyway; they have a little time to figure things out on defense b/4 the offense becomes high powered again.
The Colts need to focus on the offensive side of the ball this season. They need to draft a tackle if Iljuana ends up playing guard. If Iljuana can play tackle, then they need to draft the best guard on the board in either the 2nd or 3rd round, and a wr with either the 2nd or 3rd round pick. Wayne is gone; Diem is gone as well. If Pollack can play center, and he might actually be an okay center, then they can wait on center. Otherwise, they’ll need to draft a center as well. Or sign a free agent or two for those positions. Costanzo looked pretty good. Reitz might be okay. TE is an easy position to fill. Look around the league; there are a lot of really good TE’s right now. RB’s are a relatively easy position to fill as well. O-line is another matter. A good O-line makes the whole thing work. Look at the Saints. In the playoffs, they scored 32 points on the road, out of the dome, with 5 turnovers, against a killer 49er D, a defense that mauled that shitty Giant line. While Brees went crazy this year, the running game was fantastic as well. If not for the 5 turnovers, the Saints would have won the SB, even with their crappy defense. The Colts need to look to the Saints model. It’s a winner. The model for the Colts should be prolific offense, and at minimum, a middle of the road defense. That’s b/c the team will revolve around a franchise QB. It makes sense for that to be the focus first. W/o the 5 turnovers against the 49ers, the Saints would have went all the way, and their defense isn’t even middle of the road. If the Colts do this right, they can be very competitive by 2013, and be ready to make a run again by 2014. The AFC is very weak. it won’t take much if the offense is in place and Luck is the real deal. That said, if Peyton is healthy and can play by opening day, they should sign him and start him and sign Wayne and Saturday as well. The AFC is so weak that with Peyton and a decent O-line, even with a rebuilding process, the Colts have a shot at going to the SB. If Peyton played this year and they didn’t make the playoffs, I could see not having him return for 2013. They should give it one more shot if Peyton can play okay by opening day.
The Big Guy - February 8, 2012
REALLY WELL SAID
javen - February 8, 2012
they're not "great" but what about the giants? pretty good on both sides....
12over18 - February 8, 2012
The Giants were the worst running team in football, with bad RB’s and bad run blocking, and their pass blocking was barely adequate. They have the worst linebackers in football, and their secondary is okay, but improved with the play of the D-line. The O-line’s pass blocking improved later in the season. Obviously, the passing game is dynamic. And the pass rush is very good as well. The Giants are still a physical team, even though they have flaws.
The Big Guy - February 8, 2012
i would love to see the colts resemble the giants.
12over18 - February 8, 2012
no doubt they have flaws
what they do have is 2 of the best lines in football. i will be screaming this all the way through the draft, they need to focus on the O/D lines!
12over18 - February 8, 2012
after they take Luck, of course....
12over18 - February 8, 2012
The thing is, the Giant fans feared having to play the Saints in the playoffs. The Saints have destroyed the Giants over the last few years, including a 49-24 beat down this season. The Giants had no chance of going into the Superdome and beating the Saints in the playoffs, and the Giant fans would be the first ones to tell you so. It was a competitive SB, but the game was a "B’ game; neither team played at a high level. The Colts need to go back to the offense they had when Edge was there: Rush for about 2000 yards, pass for 4000 or so yards.
The Big Guy - February 8, 2012
QB - Luck
1t/NT…………..Current DTs can fit as 5T in a 3-4…….No need for pass rusher is Mathis is back
SS
CB
LB
WR
OG/C
Another backup OL
Maybe TE too
Ty46 - February 8, 2012
how many picks do we get this year?!
12over18 - February 8, 2012
Probably 9
Ty46 - February 8, 2012
Hopefully 9....7 rounds plus 2 compensatory picks for Session and Johnson
I’m not 100% sure we’ll get one for CJ, but there’s a chance.
BoilerUp1982 - February 8, 2012
that would be nice
i would love to see that offense again, but i couldn’t disagree more about the saints model. every team has an opponent they don’t match up well with. i could go through that list but i’m sure u know what i’m talking about. the saints are good, really good, but i don’t see them standing out as a team that has a sure fire winning formula.
12over18 - February 8, 2012
Their big question mark was: What would they do away from the comforts of the dome in the playoffs. The Saints couldn’t run against the 49ers, but Brees threw for 450+, and laid 32 points on them. Turnovers are always an unknown variable. My point is that the Giants don’t matchup with the Saints, but the Saints can take any team in the league to the woodshed, in that dome or on the road. They didn’t start the season that way, but by mid season, they became a juggernaut. The Saints had the greatest offensive output in the history of the league. Brees threw for 5500 yards, and they ran for 2100 yards, 6th in the league rushing. QB is the most expensive position. you have to protect the investment. it makes sense that when you spend a lot of money on the QB, you get the most out of that investment. You’re wrong! :)
The Big Guy - February 8, 2012
well that team took a hit carl nicks isn't coming back
Phillycolt - February 8, 2012
http://www.spotrac.com/free-agents/nfl/new-orleans-saints/
Ty46 - February 8, 2012
Meachem and Franklin
Out of those Saints free agents, my gut tells me that Robert Meachem and Aubrayo Franklin will not be back, the rest will be.
chad72 - February 8, 2012
The Saints sucked on the road this year
Get off of their dick. They were a pretty bad road team. Not going to get to the Super Bowl when you can’t win on the road. Great at home, but a completely different team outdoors. They weren’t even the same team this year on the road. Not sure what point you’re trying to prove; they weren’t the best team in the NFL – the Packers were definitely better and arguably the 49ers.
Coltsfan1345 - February 8, 2012
My mock for a hybrid 3-4/4-3
Round 1 – Andrew Luck
Round 2 – assume Dontari Poe is gone like Phil Taylor last year at the end of the 1st, so trade No.34 and No.65 to Eagles for No.46 and No.51 (equal in value)
Round 2 No.46 – Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson/Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama (whoever is available out of the two)
Round 2 No.51 – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina/Chase Minnfield, CB, Virginia (whoever is available)
Round 4 – Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas who runs better routes than Joe Adams, IMO / A.J.Jenkins, WR, Illinois who compares to Brandon Lloyd (I expect one of them to be there)
Round 5 – Akiem Nicks, 3-4 or 4-3 NT, has the measurables at 6’5", 324, 4.98 speed, Regina (my sleeper pick, read this: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/A-sleeper-at-the-EastWest-game.html )
Round 6 – Donte Paige Moss (OLB/DE), North Carolina (6’4", 260, 4.67, this is where we can take a flyer on a questionable character guy, IMO)
Round 6 compensatory pick for Clint Session – B.J.Cunningham, WR, Michigan State (6’1", 209, 4.59, reminds me so much of Jerrico Cotchery as a possession wideout in the middle, makes tough catches every time I have watched him, plays quicker than his timed speed, and gets YAC like Anquan Boldin)
Round 6 compensatory pick for Charlie Johnson – Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly, 5’10", 193, 4.40 ( read this: http://www.gopoly.com/sports/fball/2011-12/releases/20120123dciurg )
Round 7 – Antoine McClain, OG, Clemson (6’5", 335, 5.34)
We might play more of a Bum Philips/Wade Philips 1-gap style of 3-4 D and should be able to draft D-linemen that don’t have to weigh 350 lbs. Playing a hybrid will give us that luxury instead of playing 3-4 in its pure sense all the time.
Also, I think there is more upside to Joe Lefeged with his speed in pass coverage vs Caldwell who is better at run support. Plus, next year’s safety class looks better to me. We can wait till the 2013 draft when we have prospects like Ray Ray Armstrong, Robert Lester (Mark Barron’s teammate), T.J.McDonald and Bacarri Rambo all possibly declaring then. I like that safety class better. Only Ray Ray is touted as a SS but in this pass happy league, I am seeing people touted as FS playing SS a lot of times. Melvin Bullitt comes to mind, posters can probably think of more examples too.
chad72 - February 8, 2012
Pat Angerer ILB Size
I keep reading that Pat would be too small to play ILB in a 3-4 but hes 6’0 235 to Ray Lewis 6’1 250. That is not that much of a difference.
ksieg - February 8, 2012
Lawrence Timmons from the Steelers is 6’1 234, and he is a beast at ILB.
Riddlah. - February 8, 2012
That's because people don't know what the fck they are talking about
(206)NightRidah - February 8, 2012
I agree...
remember, Gary Brackett stopped The Bus. Bettis was over 280# his last season.
James Harrison is only 240# and he’s the scariest man in the world, apparently. Strahan and Jason Taylor are 255#, while Freeney is a Tinkerbell at only 268#—same as Justin Tuck.
wcwills - February 8, 2012
Ignorance runs rampant...
If you are good you can wherever…
I laugh at posters who say the Colts have to clean all of their LBs out or that Freeney can’t play in a 3-4. Pat Angerer is 5 lbs smaller than James Harrison people…he will be just fine. I think Brackett if he stays will thrive in the 3-4 also…
I also think Drake and Anderson can thrive in the new system too as long as they get a NT…a true belly 345 lbs type of guy. It is ideal to have some more height 6’2-6’3 guys but it’s not paramount…
I think people underestimate 1.) that these are elite athletes And 2.) that the cover two scheme was so bad and boring that these guys will be excited to play more aggressively. Brackett actually is a solid cover LB and a solid Blitzer too…
I don’t know how y’all feel but A lineup with Brackett and Angerer inside Mathis Freeney and Hughes outside and Anderson Nevis along with a real NT is freakin exciting to me!!!
Where size really needs an upgrade is in the secondary. You see more tall corners and safeties weighing 215…if they can begin rebuilding the secondary this D has a LOT of potential…
Most of the Ds issue was poor scheme and strategy! Going to a 3-4 and drafting or bringing in a true NT actually plays to the Colts strength…because Anderson is a good run stopper and the physical freak type…Moala had the build of a 3-4 end more than a 4-3 DT…
Then you have guys that can get after the QB and be moved around…also Powers an even Lacey are better cover than zone corners. I’m not sayin they are great by any stretch but you want to get the best out of your roster…
Picture a 3rd and 7…and you have Freeney Mathis and Maybe Brackett all coming after the QB while Powers playing press coverage…
Can’t wait!
(206)NightRidah - February 9, 2012 via mobile
i disagree ridah
the colts are very far away from being a good 3-4 team. nevis is particularly short to play end in a 3-4. not saying he cant do it but he isnt an ideal fit there
angerer might work at ilb. that really depends on the nt, as you know. a good nt is going to be hard to come by with nearly half the teams in the league using a 3-4 now. going to an immediate 3-4 would be stupid. it will take the colts 3 years to build that kind of d.
omahacolt - February 9, 2012
except it is a huge difference
omahacolt - February 9, 2012
Huge difference from a small opinion = ?
shoospa - February 11, 2012
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