[Our schedule the next 5 games....]

I think this next game will tell us who we are, and have a pretty good indication what our record will be at the end of the season!  I think people freaked out way too much that we were 0-2.  I wasn't worried about that fact, more than the sloppy play of the OL, penalties, Luck's terrible decision making, and injuries.

 

We all pretty much expected the Colts to pull out the next 3 divisional games, which we took care of business, however, they came in ALOT closer fashion than we all had hoped.  Coming down to the final minutes against Jax and Tenn (looking like we would get stomped), I think something finally clicked, and the team said "hey, football season is here"!  A late start, but I believe they got it now.  We didn't beat the snot out of Houston, but they played a great game, and we played even better. 

 

More encouraging news:  We're starting to get healthy guys back.  Toler and Butler out was huge.  Davis with another 10 days rest should be somewhat back to normal aginst the Pats.  D'joun Smith isn't too far away.  Sio Moore and Nate Irving has been getting increased reps, while making big plays.  DQ is looking better than ever for our team.  It appears we have 2 very special safties, and another hybrid that I feel are extremely underratted/underappreciated!  On the offensive side of the ball Johnson has gotten into the mix, as it seems we have 4 WR's who can make a big play at anytime when we ask.  Don't forget about the TE's either, because if you do, that's when they'll get ya!  Most importantly Luck should be a green light for NE next Sunday, and we can only hope he has learned from his mistakes (holding onto the football too long, staying in the pocket too long, having better accuracy (not over/under throwing balls), and making better decisions.  Last but not least the OL looks like they're working MUCH better as a team.  One must give credit to the very difficult front 7's that we've faced starting out, and understand that's not the norm. 

 

Regardless of winning or losing (IMO) next Sunday will show us who the Colts are!  We will need a great gameplan, but even better execution.  If it's another 35+ margin of victory, I would understand all the doom and gloom, because whether or not some people say, it IS time to panic!  Not saying they wont make the playoffs, because I think they still will, but they would probably end up being a few games under .500 after this tough stretch.  Even if they lose and it's close I believe we have lots of hope!  If it comes down to a one possession game and we get the short end of the stick, that at least motivates the team, and tells them they're not far off, and it's time to move on, get better, because they're consecutive games to prove themselves.  Now if this team wins aginst the Patriots, then it definitely shows fans they kind of overreacted after losses to a good Bills and Jets team (defenses in particular, when we had too many offensive problems). 

 

We've had 3 emotional victories in a row, which brings the team closer, and motivates them to work harder!  Don't forget we lost the first 2 games last season against good teams, and still turned out fine.  If we have those most of these issues solved, I feel we still have a good chance to beat NE (somebody will knock them off their high horse).  If not the Cowboys this week, why not us?  I have a feeling Pagano, Pep, and Manusky will have some tricks up their sleeves, as the sneaky BB will have plenty in store for us!  I'm confident they won't be able to line up and run the ball down our throats, however I fear with the lack of pass rush it will be in the passing game.  My eyes are on Manusky to bring some exotic blitzes, getting to Brady early and often.  If that's the case, the game shall be particularly interesting!

 

For me, I will be on the Bud Light platform "Bringing the Noise"

I'll have what he's having!

[I'm starting to believe that only the Denver Broncos can stop the Patriots from AFC supremacy]

That is funny.    Honestly I will just take a win. I don't care if it is by one point.

I honestly didn't think it was that funny.  Like I said, it was more of a nightmare for me.  I doubt you'll have anything to worry about.

[David Parry (Merge)]

Kid looks good.

[I'm starting to believe that only the Denver Broncos can stop the Patriots from AFC supremacy]

I had a nightmare that the Pats broke the all-time single-game scoring record of 72 vs. the Colts.  I hope it was just a dream.  I REALLY do.  But I could see them up 40 with 1:45 left and the ball and still throwing 20-yard seamers to Gronk, with BB looking over at the Colts sideline with a smirk.  I'm sure they'll want to not only beat the Colts, but humiliate them.

[PFF (Pro Football Focus) Stats for IND/HOU game]

Good for Jack!  And nice to see newcomer Winn getting some positive pub too.

[Our schedule the next 5 games....]

Are you kidding me?  With the start the Colts have had I'd be doing cartwheels (if I could actually do a cartwheel) if the Colts went 3-2 in that stretch.  They'd be sitting at 6-4 and would probably win out from there to finish 12-4 IMHO, and be no worse than #3 seed in the AFC. 

 

Not expecting it though.

[Luck GIF]

That's not his shoulder.  This screams fractured sternum to me.  But I have no inside info.

[Dwight Lowery is a perfect fit for our scheme]

I haven't really watched him playing the run much but from a pass defense standpoint he seems to break on the ball pretty well.  So far, he's the anti-Landry.

[Colts are ranked 20th in total offense]

Frankly I'm surprised they are up to 20th.  Seems like bottom 5 so far to me.  Luckily they play in the AFC South so that will likely go up.

[Frank Gore]

Gore needs more touches, simple as that.  Afraid he will tire out?  Then go get Bradshaw who ALSO looked good behind this OL.  Give him 10 touches and Frank 15 and we'll be able to run the friggin football for at least 7 games until Bradshaw gets hurt.  This is not rocket science.

[2015 NFL TV Distribution Maps - Week 3]

Why is Chicago Seattle on cbs?

I was thinking the same thing.  When I saw that I thought "Did CBS go to the wrong city or something?"  LOL

 

I know the road team usually determines which network gets the game, (ie. NFC=FOX and AFC=CBS).  But that didn't make any sense to me.  Wonder what is up?

[Anybody watching NFL network this morning]

I just think 3 games, barely playing at all in the pre-season, isn't that much time to judge Andre Johnson yet.  It just takes time with a new QB and scheme.  It just does.  He's probably still learning some things.  He was in Houston an awfully long time.  I'm sure some times he has probably even ran the wrong route.  He'll make adjustments, he'll learn when Andy needs him to cut his route short due to a blitz, he'll learn all the hand and head-nod signals.  He had around 900 yards last season.  I doubt he has just fallen off the NFL cliff.  The other thing is Indy just has more weapons.  Luck doesn't NEED to go to Johnson so much.  Texans had him and Hopkins, that's it.  

 

Also, look around the league.  It took Jimmy Graham 3 weeks to get going in Seattle.  He's not washed up.  Dwayne Bowe has yet to do anything in Cleveland.  He's not washed up.  Marshall has been OK in New York.  He's not washed up.  It can take time and we need to give it that time to develop.  Luckily, we don't NEED him to be awesome yet.  We have enough other guys.  If he gets going it is gravy.

[Anybody watching NFL network this morning]

Agreed on Gore but I'm willing to give Johnson more time.  Gore just has to run the ball and look for the holes.  Johnson requires timing with his QB and he and Luck haven't had it yet.  Doesn't mean they won't find it, just may take longer.  If we get through half the season and he hasn't done anything THEN I'll agree he was a bad signing.

[I'm not ready to give up on this season yet]

I'm not either.  They can still win the division and make the playoffs, absolutely.  However, once they get there it is going to depend on how good their record is and who they play and where.  At this point the best they can do is 14-2.  Not likely, but still in play.  Let's say they are 12-4 or 11-5 again.  They will likely be the #2 or #3 seed.  Which means a home playoff game and, if they win it, they hit the road.  If it's at NE again, I don't see any different outcome really.  Anywhere else and they have a shot, particularly if they have some momentum.  I'm hopeful but not optimistic at this point.

[What's Worse Than 0-2?]

What's worse than being 0-2?  Being 0-2 and not having a franchise QB to eventually bail you out.  I'm looking at you Houston.

 

 

What's worse than being 0-2?  Ugh, the sinking realization that the Pats are going to filet this team AGAIN on national TV.  Is there a mercy rule in the NFL?  No?  Oh well, then we may be looking at an OLD record going down.  The Redskins scored 72 on the Giants in 1966.  That could very well be in jeopardy.

[Some roster moves]

I'm not worried about Dorsett.  He'll be fine as he gets more experience.  What I AM worried about is the OL we could have secured with his pick and getting our franchise killed.

[Grantland: What's Wrong with the Colts?]

We'll be fine except NE and Pitt, maybe Denver depending on the continuing decline of Manning.  But when the playoffs come......more of the same I'm afraid.

[Everything that could go wrong, did.]

I would agree and would add poor coaching decisions as well.  Like Gore would rip off a 5-10 yard run then Robinson would be in there.  Stay with the guy who is hot!  I guess Gore COULD be tapping out but I doubt it.  I just think Gore, minus the fumble, has been the best thing with this offense so far.  To take him out is ludicrous at this point.  He needs at LEAST 20 touches a game.

[Report: Colts to sign RB Monte Ball]

You folks are all missing it:  We can have both Bradshaw and Ball.  Here's how it works.......we sign Bradshaw and he plays his customary 6 to 7 games and then goes on IR.  Then we bring in Ball for the homerun stretch.  Save some tread on Frank's tires for the playoffs.  Bada bing, bada boom!

 

......or sign Ball first then Bradshaw, whichever.

[Were today's Ray Rice Rumors false?]

EDIT:  Wrong thread darn it!

[Will Robert Mathis play this weekend?]

Whether he should play or not, the question is do you think he will be out there?  I say yes.  I think the ONLY reason he didn't go last week was they were saving his return for the home game.  And Monday night no less.  I think we'll see him out there in situational rushes.  I just hope it's the right move.

[The sky is not falling, everyone relax [Mega-merge]]

I'm still calling 12-4.

[Congrats to the Buffalo Bills!]

Oh heck yeah.  Bills beat us in every way possible.  Pretty much embarrassed the Colts in about every way.  Congrats Buff fans, I know you have waited a while to get a team like this, but it looks like you are on your way now.  I can seriously see you guys pushing NE for the division.  This week will tell a lot and I wish you guys luck obviously.  Good luck the rest of the way.

 

BTW, I actually picked you guys to win this game.  I knew it was gonna be a tough opener and it turned true.  I think the Colts will still go 12-4, but this one was one I counted in those 4 losses.

[Why didn't Grigson re-sign Bethea?]

Illuminati is real?

Not anymore.  I believe it's now called the "New World Order" and such.

[18-1]

Probably 12-4 with losses to our other 3 toughest games (Pats, Pitt, Denver).  Of course we'll get in the playoffs and lose again to one of the same 4 because our lines are terribly inadequate and we don't fix them.  But a winning season is definitely not lost today by any means.