ColtStrong2013
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Posts posted by ColtStrong2013
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2 hours ago, Matthew Gilbert said:
Not drafting Josh Jackson has really been on my mind this week. Pairing his ball-hawking in the secondary with Hooker could have been so nice. I really wish the Colts would have taken Arden Key as well but I know Ballard doesn't take the red flag types until a certain round. I have faith in Ballard but there are a couple of picks in this past draft that I wish different selections were made.
I too was on the Josh Jackson train, and a little disappointed we didn't go after him. I have thought all along that not taking a defensive back in the draft was Ballard's way of putting his faith in what we have. They have a season to build off last year and prove they are our guys going forward, or Ballard will be addressing it in FA / possibly round 1 of 2019 draft... I look forward to watching that unit specifically this year in a new system that should allow them to make plays and play at a high level.
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I think we are going to see a completely different team this season than we are accustomed to. That doesn't mean it will translate to a winning season, but it will be drastically different. Young, fast, and better in the trenches. There will undoubtedly be a lot of upset folks with so many young players making mistakes on the field. I look for boom or bust throughout the season on both sides of the ball, meaning breaking a big touchdown or failing miserably on offense and making a big play or breaking down and allowing a big play/touchdown on defense. This is a growing pain season with a franchise qb getting back to where he should be. It will take the entire season to see a sound and competitive team, in my opinion.
I think this team could shock some people, and will put those big media folks that are saying we won't win more than last season to shame. I look for a 7 to 9 win season, and think we could do better, depending on Andrew's play and more importantly, how he works with Reich/Sirriani. It could be a very positive year going forward.
With all that being said, I think this season will show what Ballard's vision and his scouting ability is made of... and I look forward to that. I look for a season- long growth as a team, with so much youth and potential. I sincerely hope those Ballard critics on this forum and fanbase see those positive things, even if it isn't a successful year in the W/L column.
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10 hours ago, richard pallo said:
I have to agree. That coupled with what appears to be a strong draft class, an improved offensive line and finally a new playing surface that hopefully cuts down on injuries and improves performance and we just might be in store for one heck of a year. Could the stars finally be aligning?
I am excited to see what Andrew can do working with some very creative and brilliant offensive minds for a change. Reich and Sirianni could be the real difference makers here. With some new speed on offense and a more solidified o-line, they can really exploit mismatches and make Luck's job seem like a walk in the park compared to what he is used to here. Going to be very fun watching this offense start the season, and then grow throughout the course.
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52 minutes ago, krunk said:
I've questioned the rusty part myself as well. He should be decent after all of the end of OTAs, throwing during down time before camp, training camp and preseason. He should have shaken off a good deal of the rust, but I'm sure there will be some things here or there I suppose.
I understand there is a good chance it takes some time to work into form... but Andrew has performed at a very high level with a bum shoulder for several seasons prior to all this time off. He very well might feel better throwing the ball than he ever has.
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With an improved line, improved playcalling, and a fresh shoulder, I hate to even put a cap on what his potential is.
We are all assuming he will be rusty, but I think with a month and a half of working with his receivers, he might not be all that off. One thing is for certain, he has utilized his time off to study and work on aspects of his game that needed improvement. I fully expect a much improved Andrew Luck to shock some folks this year. Might take some time, might not, but by seasons end, he'll be dang tough.
35 touchdowns, would be more but Reich will put a bigger emphasis on the running game. TY with 10, Ebron with 8, Doyle with 4, Cain to be the standout rookie with 6 or 7.
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10 minutes ago, Flash7 said:
So then he didn't win the pick-up basketball game?
Salty because he got embarrassed on the basketball court.
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10 hours ago, Smoke317 said:
I noticed that Doyel said, in his article about Luck & the coaching staff, that Haeg has been slotted in as 4th string... Is that good (we’ve got a lot of great young talent on the OL) or bad (Haeg has regressed and is/was never that good to begin with)? Do you guys think he’ll make the final roster and how do you guys feel if he doesn’t?
I think irsay's comments on haeg as a young backup that is versatile enough to play any position on the line, indicates they are looking at him to be a big part of this offensive line depth going forward. He needs a nice competitive camp, but should be on the roster.
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14 hours ago, Savage said:
Would love to see a lot of packages with Leonard, Walker Jr, and Goode together. Hopefully, AWJR can be the MLB this team hasn't had since the Mike Peterson.
This team has sorely lacked a disrupting MLB. I was sold on Smith for that reason, but definitely think he made the right and easiest pick in Nelson. Smith could have changed this defense himself. We couldn't go wrong at #6 this year.
I think Walker Jr. can be the guy. His first start late last season was impressive and gives me great hope going forward. Very intelligent guy that has all the traits necessary.
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On 6/9/2018 at 10:45 AM, Lucky Colts Fan said:
I bet if we had a chance to look at Ballards famous Binder, we'd see that you are exactly right. He probably had the 4-3 plan from the start and knew he should go ahead and start drafting for it since Pagano was most likely a lame duck that first year.
He absolutely knew what defense he wanted going forward. He came from a strong 3-4 defense in KC and knew how hard it is to replicate. I think we all saw the handwriting on the wall with his first draft. Across the board. You don't draft a defensive end that doesn't fit the defense you're inheriting without visioning where he is going to be down the line. He knew Basham could be a solid pass rusher in the system he excelled in at Ohio. He hired Matt Eberflus in a quick minute while waiting on McDaniels. It wasn't McDaniels guy. It was Ballards'.
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On 5/30/2018 at 3:28 PM, Myles said:
You are 100% sure? But just in case, we have Brissett? That doesn't sound 100%. Looking in great shape is a big optimistic sign, but we cannot see through the flesh.
We are all hoping for the best, but we are still waiting to see.
If I was a betting man, I would bet that he will be back without any issues. But I wouldn't bet my house.
He could 100% throw a football last October and has had no further surgeries/worked on his strength since then... so yes, I think it is safe to say he can absolutely throw a football. That isn't the big question. The question is if he can do it without consistent and nagging pain.
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On 5/26/2018 at 7:20 AM, JColts72 said:
More gibberish talk from them. Who knows when luck will be in a game again.
Captain Andrew Luck is preparing his sidearm for battle. That is all we know...
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A few things for me on this. First and most importantly, we must reserve our feelings and opinions on the charges and the allegation in regard to his character until more is reported. Right now, we know literally next to nothing. He claims he doesn't even know the woman. Secondly, on that same breath, you just don't know with cases like this. He might be cleared completely because it is her word versus his (what it appears to be), but it doesn't mean he isn't guilty of the act, he's just not guilty of the crime from a prosecution standpoint. Lastly, from an operational standpoint in relation to what we are all here for, I would hope that Chris Ballard would be patient and let this play out a bit. If he doesn't, he's setting the precedent that he will cut you at first allegation, and what player in today's social media/hooking up culture wants to run the risk of pissing a girlfriend off that knows she can get him canned with a simple allegation? There is very little risk monetary and even reputation for some of these women versus the risk for these athletes... I don't say that lightly, as my wife would clip my nuts at night if I meant it in a degrading and misogynistic manner. It's just very true.
I know first hand a friend that is involved in the athlete hook up culture. It's amazing how fast some of these guys can send a DM on instagram to a woman they dont know, and get them on a plane to their city for a weekend. AMAZING. It's risky business for these athletes. I hope this isn't a similar situation. Messages don't die and are easy evidence to prove a guy indeed does know a person they "don't know."
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@NewColtsFan I appreciate your post. We can disagree on things or need clarification (and still disagree) without being blatantly rude about it like some tend to be on here. I'm happy to explain my thought process, and never claim to know anything in absolute terms. I enjoy this forum for quality discussions on the specifics of schemes and aspects of the game the casual fan refuse to discuss. This is one of those posts, that we all can take away other perspectives and learn something from. I constantly learn things about the game on this forum.
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12 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:
So, first things first...
It doesn't matter that Ballard brought in Dodds first... that's only because he was available first. Ballard couldn't bring in Eberflus in 17 because Pagano was the HC and he had his own DC. Ballard was not going to interfere there. This is only an issue of timing. It doesn't reveal anything one way or the other.
As soon as he could bring in Eberflus, Ballard did just that.
I have no idea why you would think ANY of this? Why do you think Ballard had to "sell" his vision of a defense to Eberflus? You've seen the quote from Ballard about Eberflus. One meeting and he was sold. Why wouldn't you think these two men share a vision. Share principles and values. Have common ideas about what they want to run. I'm at a complete loss why you're taking this viewpoint and not that Ballard and Eberflus are closer to being philosophical twins than they are Boss and Employee and that the boss had to explain what he wanted the employee to do.
This is baffling to me.....
CS13....
I should say that you've quickly become one of my favorite posters, so I'm not at all comfortable reading your exchanges here and not understanding your point of view at all. This almost never happens to me when I read your posts, but it sure has here.
Thanks for taking the time to explain yourself here... If you've already done so and I've somehow missed them, my apologies, just my eyes playing tricks on me... Thanks again for your help.
P.S. --- I tried to put some of this at the very top but the system is not allowing me to.
Boss and employee's can work together well if the employee buys in on the vision... I own a business and I can tell you for a fact that not one employee tells me how they are going to things if it doesn't align with my vision. If Ballard knew what type of defense he wanted this team to instill based on what he was comfortable scouting, personnel wise, then he is going to lay that out for defensive coordinators to buy into. I doubt very seriously their meeting was Eberflus laying out his defensive plans and Ballard buying it. Ballard contacted him for a reason, and it was because he liked certain aspects of the Cowboys defense and he knows Eberflus is a great coach. I have no doubts in Eberflus only that he won't be here very long if things go well... and I certainly hope that is the case. I think they are probably very similar in philosophies, as Eberflus wouldn't have agreed if not. He was in a good spot in Dallas, this was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. I also don't believe Ballard will interfere in the coaching side of things like Grigson did. But Ballard clearly had his idea of defensive scheme when he came in. To not assume that, is to discredit his organization and planning, which many executives say is unparalleled. I apologize for not explaining that. I do not believe this is Ballard's way or the highway, and know that Eberflus is going to do the coaching/planning. But from a defensive scheme standpoint, I firmly believe Ballard laid his vision out based on what he was comfortable drafting, what he has already drafted (particularly the secondary) and it isn't a Tampa 2 foundation from the secondary standpoint... I could be completely wrong and surprised, but I don't see Hooker and Geathers being a Tampa 2 base defense or variation. I think Hooker is an Earl Thomas like centerfielder and Geathers is a Kam Chancellor type safety, and that is where Ed Dodds comes into play. Time will tell with that assumption... and it is just that at this point.
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29 minutes ago, ColtsBlueFL said:
So, what kind of defense will the Colts’ new coach be inheriting? Ballard made several references to the Tampa 2-style defense the Colts and the Chicago Bears – one of his former teams – used with great success in the 2000s. But, further reporting has clarified what the Colts really are going for is a style similar to that of the Dallas Cowboys, who have been running a modified version of the system. Eberflus was Dallas’ linebackers coach, working under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, whom Ballard has known for years.
Here is the full article-
This story was done after the McDaniels fiasco, but before Reich was hired. Yes there will be twists to the Tampa 2 as teams long ago figured ways to beat the Dungy version (I documented one play in Nickel vs. 11 personnel)
"Though the 68-year old Marinelli is a Dungy disciple, NFL offenses became adept at beating basic Cover 2 coverages long ago. It certainly still works situationally, but to deploy it full-time is not an option."
I read that article also back in February. Again, different perspectives apparently. Very little chance their base secondary coverage is Tampa 2. The front 7 might be similar style but this secondary especially sub packages will be mixing up coverages and using cover two sparingly. It talks about that in that very article. 3 receiver sets carve up cover two defense today.
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1 hour ago, ColtsBlueFL said:
Yes. Please allow me to make the connections here. Ballard was at the Bears from 2001-2011 as a Scout, and 2012 as Dir. of Pro Player Personnel. Who was head coach in that time? Lovie Smith, who learned his D craft under Tony Dungy. Riverboat Ron was DC, until he left, then the Babich fail, that's when Rod Marinelli was brought in; who also worked with Lovie Smith under Tony Dungy in Tampa! Eberflus learned under Rod Marinelli! Ballard scouted for players for this HC / DC's in this base scheme. Ballard is not only familiar with the scheme, but the type players necessary to make it work. He knows Eberflus was the product of Marinelli, a branch (like Lovie Smith) off the Dungy coaching tree.
Reich played for the Bills under Levy and Polian. When Polian started with the Colts in 1998, he called Reich to join them. Reich refused and left football for 8 years, then called Polian mid 2000's... he wanted in. He was intern, QC coach then became Manning's QB coach, and the Dungy Tampa 2 was the defense during that time. Reich knows Dungy, and the Tampa 2 as well. It all fits.
So Dodds, Hogan, Eberflus, and all of the scouts report to Ballard. But who designs and runs the D show every Sunday? Who can make Ballard look good... or... not so good in the W or L column? Who designs D schemes? Who is responsible for coaching them? Yes, I think Eberflus has solid input. And all of this is stuff Jim Irsay is also very familiar with. And I'll wager he had some say as well.
Hmmm....
“I got to know Matt Eberflus a few years ago and was blown away by Matt,” Ballard said. “Matt was a coveted coach. He’s a very talented defensive coordinator. I feel very lucky to have Matt Eberflus in the building running a scheme that I think fits our team that we can scout for.”
Agreed, I want to see if our corners do press/bump and run or jam and drop into zone more consistently. I can see them running either depending upon the situation...
Running a scheme that I think fits our team that we can scout for...
You and I might have a different interpretation of that, but that quote doesn't give me indication that this is Eberflus defense. This is Ballard's vision of a defense that he knows he, Dodds and company can best scout for and build up from scratch... and Eberflus bought in on. Obviously Eberflus is going to have influence on the defense as he is the one that is going to be coaching it up and gameplanning every week. But that doesn't mean Ballard didn't lay out his vision of a Seattle-like defense, knowing he and Dodds could scout the players needed for it, and Eberflus thought it sounded like the stepping stone to head coaching job in the next 4 or 5 years.
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Chuck Pagano is a warrior. Many of us couldn't have handled the things he endured while head coach of this ball club at all let alone with the class and "grit" he showed. I'm not sure why anyone would ever question his character, work ethic or his love of the game. He was paired with a new GM that had a heck of a start and little else, that didn't work well with Pagano. He wasn't what this team needed going forward, and there's plenty that we can dwell on in regards to his HC performance (and I'm as guilty as anyone on that) but there's never a question of his character and this proves that. He knows his career here was a wave that just didn't hit the heights it needed to hit. He also probably realizes he missed on some serious family time that is more important than this game will ever be, and I hope he is enjoying his time off. He has nothing to hang his head about. He won quite a few games, battled leukemia and the long lasting effects that enduring a battle like that will leave one with, and did it all with integrity and passion.
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21 hours ago, ColtsBlueFL said:
Defensive Coordinator - The Defensive Coordinator manages the roster of defensive players, oversees the assistant coaches, develops the defensive game plan, and calls plays for the defense during the game.
GM - "In the NFL, the general manager is the highest standing employee in the team’s personnel department.
He answers directly to the owner and has final veto power on all player-related decisions the team makes. Job responsibilities include hiring the head coach, building the remainder of the personnel department staff, coordinating the rubric for scouting college prospects and compiling the team's roster in accordance to the NFL’s salary cap.
Clearly, the general manager can’t possibly handle all of these tasks personally. He divvies up the labor amongst his other front office staffers, but the general manager ultimately is accountable for all of the team’s personnel decisions."
Ed Dodds
"After one season as a national scout, and entering his ninth season in Seattle, Ed Dodds is now the team’s senior personnel executive where he will help evaluate both college and pro talent."Rex Hogan
"The Jets are losing Rex Hogan, their senior college scouting director, to the Colts. Hogan had been a national scout for Chicago since 2012. Before that, he was a college scout for the Bears since 2003."Yes, these guys definitely have Ballards ear, but it is Eberflus to determine the D playbook and define the type of talent in players that fit the roles of the scheme. The staff under Dodds, Hogan, and Ballard are to find and evaluate player talent to fill those roles. Brian Decker (former special forces) is the guy with a process to look at the character base and then help Ballard make decisions on what they can handle (red flag guys).
Brian Decker
"When the Colts are looking to sign a player, Ballard confirmed that the player will have to meet with Brian Decker. So essentially, his job is going to be trying to gather together all of the background information possible on the player and then formulate opinions based on the process that he’s developed over the years - and that, at least in the military, has been proven to work."
In addition, everyone has hybrid defenses these days. 4-3 with 3-4 aspects. 3-4 with 4-3 aspects. lot's of deception and sub packages. I'll know when I see how our secondary defends most often. If we walk the strong safety down into the box, leave Hooker out in center field, and have our cornerbacks play bump and run press coverage on the receivers (even deep) consistently, then I'll believe it we are Seattle lite. If both our safety's stay back, our MLB drops, and our CB's use outside leverage to jam receivers and funnel them inside, then drop back 5-10 yards to cover their zone and yet come back up to handle anything thrown to the flat, then we are more like the Tampa 2. Deciding factor? What skills do the guys currently on the roster possess that fits a certain scheme? These coaches know they have to adapt their scheme some to the skill sets of the players on hand. If they can handle it, they will be called on to do either depending upon situation.
This is the way I see it at the moment.
Didn't Ballard hire Eberflus and then vouch strongly for him when his HC bailed? He basically forced Reich to inherit him as a DC... possibly because Eberflus vision was in line with what Ballard's vision on defense was? He had his first draft as GM in which he brought in practically a new defensive secondary, pass rusher and inside linebacker before Eberflus was even mentioned... I think you are weighing too heavily on Eberflus' influence on how this defense will be run, and too lightly on Ballard's vision and influence on it. Ballard knew what defense he wanted to put together before he took this job and he brought Dodds in long before Eberflus.
I agree with you in multiple defensive packages or sets. I think this defense will be a hybrid, maybe even mixture of Tampa 2 and Cover 3 that Seattle is known for. But I can't imagine Ballard bringing in a ballhawk safety in Hooker and rangy defensive backs in Wilson, Desir and Hairston to run a strict Tampa 2 base. Hooker is a centerfielder. Geathers is a down in the box safety like Kam Chancellor is...
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3 hours ago, sreeb2deeni said:
That's a very interesting question to me.
I come from the hockey world and the analytics guys seem most interested in providing lots of situational data that can help the coaches plan for a game. They will suggest ways to strengthen the statistically-proven team weaknesses of their own team or provide ways to exploit every single opponent with mismatches that the data analysis suggests will have the highest percentage for success.
As for the "nerds" winning out, I'm not sure about that. The coaches are ultimately the ones who decide what to do in each situation during a game or practice. Now I will say that the players nowadays are very aware of the "best" play, as determined by analytics, and often play a less risky style. Whether that is good, bad or indifferent the players are very much affected by what the analytics guys are prompting the coaches to stress to the players in every tiny facet of the game.
I believe analytic's effectiveness is limited to a head coaches' ability to use the analytical information to make in-game decisions very quickly and effectively, yet also to listen to his intuition that is rooted in experiences the "nerds" will never understand. "Paralysis by analysis" can happen, with both coaches and players. Finding the right balance is very difficult when tradition says something completely different than the guy who now has a higher status within the organization than you. Your job depends on game results, while his jobs depends on managing data that never stops growing and multiplying.
The player acquisition side of an analytic guys's job is less obvious to the outside eye because it happens far from the ice. It happens in war-rooms (just like the NFL) where the scouts and "nerds" hash it out until an accurate picture is formed. It goes without say that old school hockey scouts are often stubborn and set in their ways, however the solid statistical counter-points that come from the well informed "nerds" can sometimes sway the scouts decisions which often, in a small way, saves themselves from themselves.
One last thing to add from my point of view is, that in professional hockey, the analytic gurus are shooting up the charts in terms of being hired for top-end managerial jobs. I've always thought there was some truth to the saying, "The meek shall inherit the earth", but I never thought in a million years that "nerds" would have any place in hockey. Consider me converted. I've lived the sport for over 50 years and I still enjoy studying and learning more about the game. From whom that information comes, is less-important to me these days.
Bottom line is: Old School Ideas < New Aged Ideas. The sooner any coach can accept that fact, the better his or her job security will be.
Sorry for the ridiculously long post folks. This subject is near and dear to me, what can I say. I hope my blathering allows some of you to see analytics from the perspective of a sport that really doesn't get much attention around the Indianapolis area.
Go Colts!
The Colts have actually been one of the best cap management teams since Grigson started. That's due to a lot of data analysis. Mike Bluem is responsible for the capspace and is very good at structuring contracts. His job is 100% data related. He makes the numbers work and places a value on every player they are looking to sign.
Data can get you the best athletes on the field. Data can find mismatches which this new era offense is all about. Data finds weaknesses and consistencies. Lord knows Pagano and company didn't use data to make adjustments. They were the most predictable team any of us have likely seen and the data proves it. Teams had an advantage against us, certainly last year, from utilizing data and understanding that when leading in the 4th quarter last season the Colts were 100% run in certain personnel groupings. On first down in that scenario, the Colts were 70% of the time in a 12 or 13 personnel (1 or 2 receivers) and in those personnel's were 100%, run. 70% of 1st downs with 4th quarter leads were 100% run. Want to know why we couldn't close games out?... Large part right there. There was a whole study done that was pretty embarrassing on the predictability of this team last year. Data has to be utilized to find these tendencies on your opponents, but more importantly, protect yourself against those weaknesses. I have no doubt we will be one of the strongest in this regard under Ballard/Reich. Reich could be exceptionally good with the data available. Philly was last season and it showed.
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15 hours ago, ColtsBlueFL said:
The Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, Atlanta defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel, San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn, and Jacksonville defensive coordinator Todd Wash have all spent time in Seattle under Pete Carroll. I do not believe either Marinelli or Eberflus have though. I think Seahawks D is a 4 -3 with some 3 - 4 quirks. They often get 8 men in the box with the purpose of stopping run first. In pass, while Tampa 2 gets a cover 3 look from a deep dropping MLB and 2 safety's, the Seahawk D often does cover 3 with a single high (sideline to sideline) safety and two deep dropping corners (often bump and run coverage). So it will be easy to see which way we go . Both use undersized and fast LB's, and 4 DL trying to create pressure.
Coaching staff wise, they are not tied to Seattle. Player personnel wise, Ed Dodds was Vice President of personnel responsible for bringing in the defense that went to 2 straight superbowls... Without a doubt this defense is being constructed to resemble Seattle's defense more than any other.
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On 5/30/2018 at 6:42 PM, NewColtsFan said:
The ship has sailed for the anti-analytics crowd.
Analytics is winning in every team sport, and it's winning big. Mixing in some old school eye ball testing is always fine... but if that is ALL you use, then you've put yourself at a competitive disadvantage.
Another great hire by Ballard. Very forward looking. Today is a good day for Colts Nation.
Analytics is winning in everything. Try running a business today without data and utilizing it properly. Data is king. And the teams that utilize it properly are going to end up light years ahead of everyone else in the near future.
Take this draft and look at what caliber players Ballard brought in. Put the tape aside for a moment and look at the data. Speed. Speed. Speed. Now look at the tape and see how those athletes utilize their speed. This team will be fast. They will play fast. And it will result in a lot of wins down the road.
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23 hours ago, Smonroe said:
Yeah, my issue is that I really don't know who or what the "Ballard/Reich" defense is yet.
I think one thing we do know is that no one on the defense is straining the salary cap. Sheard and Autrey are the highest paid players as far as I can tell, and they don't exactly have mega-contracts.
So, maybe there's room to bring in a few FA's? One decent experienced starter at LB, S, and CB would sure make that D look better to me!
I think that will be the approach next offseason. No way Ballard was going to splurge on a player this year when he is intrigued by certain players on the roster in this new defense. Give the new staff and defense a year to evaluate and go into next offseason ready to fill spots that need to be addressed in Free Agency (whether spending big money or not) and go rolling into the draft ready to nail it without drafting to need.
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Polians first two drafts
1997
1-G
2-T
3-LB
4-DB
5-WR
5-DE
6-LB
1998
1-QB
2-WR
3-WR
4- G
5-LB
Ballards first two drafts
2017
1- S
2- DB
3-DE
4- T
4- RB
4- DT
5-DB
5-LB
2018
1- G
2-LB
2-G
2-DE
2-DE
4-RB
5-WR
5- RB
6-WR
Ballard's 9 defensive picks in top 6 rounds versus Polian's 5... I left off 7th rounds because it makes it even more uneven in Ballard's favor.
Polian started drafting heavy on defense in the mid 2000s, and we saw those produce in the superbowl run in 06-07 and again in 09-10. I'm hopeful that Ballard's defense and inside-out approach early on, combined with acquiring draft capital will help build those areas up for the long haul... that will be the difference in Polian and Ballard rosters.
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17 hours ago, krunk said:
Staying with the big fellas, only on defense, the Colts showed a base first-team defensive line look that included Jabaal Sheard and Tarell Basham at defensive end and Al Woods (one-technique) and Denico Autry (three-technique) at defensive tackle. But, again, just like last Wednesday’s practice, lots of other players were seen filling in up front, like fourth-year veteran Rakeem Nunez-Roches, who appeared to be spelling Woods at the one-tech spot. Margus Hunt (defensive tackle) and John Simon (defensive end) were also rotating in and out.
https://www.colts.com/news/2018-colts-practice-notes-otas-day-4
Simon isn't going anywhere in my opinion. It doesn't really matter who "starts" on the defensive line, as this new coaching staff has repeatedly said this defensive front is looking for 8 starters to constantly rotate in and out. Simon will be just as much of a starter as Basham and Sheard in this new defense. We will see who produces early on in the season, and those guys will get more reps than the others, but it's all about rotating bodies to keep them fresh and constant pressure on offensive lines.
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Colts have signed Rookie LB Darius Leonard
in Colts Football
Posted
Ballard has had a couple great FA for what he wanted to accomplish. He hosted some big names, who only entertained the idea to see what kind of money was on the table. They were never coming here this year unless we offered stupid money... and that would be stupid. Ballard methodically plays the game in FA, and this next one could be big if Luck plays well and the team trends in the proper direction. This is a big year for Ballard coming up... and I look forward to watching it play out.