[That poor Jags fan sitting next to us.,..]

I think I am the dancing fan (in sec 449)- but the dancing only lasts about 1/2 hour just while they are playing the good dance music. 

[That poor Jags fan sitting next to us.,..]

 

 

[Does winning (or losing) in the pre season really matter? answer included]

I agree. Even the point differential is meaningless. I have never seen a preseason game played or coached the way a regular season or post-season game is. Also, we were blown out/run over by Jax in regular season the year we won Super Bowl. So the Bills game is long forgotten, (as should the Giants game be as well).

[Colts trade Jerry Hughes for Kelvin Sheppard]

I didn't expect Hughes to make the final cut this year, so from that standpoint this was a very good trade for the Colts.  Hughes did okay playing from Mathis' position, and showed speed, but generally could not overpower anybody.  Sheppard is coming in at the middle linebacker position, so the size comment relates to his size compared to our other middle linebackers - Angerer, Freeman, etc.

[Back to Earth]

I really didn't get the same feeling as last year - i.e. playing not to lose. The play calling in 2nd half still had a lot of throws, just poor execution. Making them use their timeouts in last 2 min. was smart coaching, but again, poor execution defensively led to loss. When the offense can become more consistent (including Luck) then hopefully there won't be as many of those situations. Of course, we still need a better defense.

[Peyton "the" Manning]

He looks like Peyton Manning to me. His greatest asset is his commanding presence on the field. He knows where he wants to go with the ball and doesn't hesitate. I don't know about his arm strength, but he has always thrown some wobblers - as long as they go to the right guy it doesn't matter how pretty they look. I've seen Manning make Blair White look good, so I think D. Thomas and Decker will figure it out. I look for the Broncos to be 10-6 by the end of the season.

[The era begins.............]

exactly!

[Decker over Wayne any Sunday]

Reg-gie, Reg-gie, Reg-gie !

[Third impression]

I was a little disappointed in the defense - poor tackling all over the field. I too hope they show more fight when the regular season starts. I love Whalen, but just saw he has a foot fracture - hopefully we can still get him active sometime this season - he could be a great slot receiver. Harnish is doing well also (I sat next to his cousin at the first preseason game and I think his nickname was elephant if I remember right).

[second impression]

In regards to Freeney, I wouldn't put any stock into his performance thus far. When the lights go on for real, he will be ready to be a sack monster once again. And with teams having to deal with pressure coming from different places, he may even be able to go unblocked like Hughes has done sometimes.

[second impression]

I liked what I saw as well. I think Collie is done as a Colt. He has proven to me that his head can no longer take any kind of punishment. To keep him on the roster is just waiting until he gets knocked out again by a concussion. I don't think the Colts can use a roster spot for that, and I don't think Collie should play anymore due to health concerns. That being said, Whalen had a great game and showed that he can make the tough catches in the middle - that performance alone may be enough to keep him on roster, but we will see if he can add to it this preseason. And I agree about the back-ups. The reason why we have always had losing preseasons had a lot to do with no quality back-up QB's.

[Luck Growing On Me]

I am excited also about the future possibilities - Luck sure looks like the real deal - but still have to see how his game translates to the NFL. If Luck is as good as advertised, and the new coaching staff can improve the defense and special teams, the Colts could once again be the team to beat in the AFC.

[A look at the roster for 2012 (D-line/LB)]

It will be interesting to see how the defense comes together - agree depth could be concern. Also, could be good test year for Hughes - will have a chance to develop as a good LB/pass rusher.

[A look at the roster for 2012 (QB-RB-TE)]

They will keep 3 QB's - most teams do, and without proven, durable starter will need the extra insurance. Hopefully Luck is able to stay in and we won't need the back-ups. I agree about Stanton being the best back-up in years.

The running back situation will be interesting to see. I still think Carter could have a big upside - last year wasn't a good year for him or the team to show that.

[NFL draft top 40]

Sounds like a fun project. I pretty much just have to go by whatever the analysts are saying. In reality the draft for me and the Colts begins with their second pick at 34. It will be interesting to see how the roster fills in with the new young players.

[Who Is Going To Be The Starting Rb?]

Agree with above - if Carter shows typical year 1-year 2 improvement - should be able to leapfrog Brown for starting job. But Brown should make for a good complimentary back. It will be interesting to see how the other young guys develop.