Vontae Davis to start at Left Cornerback

[HtownColt]

Pagano said

Vontae Davis will open at the left corner position for Indianapolis on Sunday. Davis recently joined the team from Miami in a trade. Davis did not play in the preseason finale against Cincinnati.

“He’s doing really well. He’s spending extra time with his position coaches,” said Pagano. “He’s putting the time in. I can tell by sitting back and watching. He’s not making mental (mistakes). You can see his athleticism out there and his play-making ability. That’s only going to become better as he becomes more comfortable in the system with the terminology.”

[Gavin]

That would be against Marshall, But I pretty much thought that. Powers hasn't much lined up against an opposing teams #1 receiver, doesnt have the speed or athleticism for it, Cant wait for the game! Powers will be matched up against Jeffery probably

[Andy]

Not a shocker...

He should be against Marshall and Jeffrey... should be interesting to watch.

His physicality is not good for Marshall (oh and they're former teammates).

[funktacious2]

This is some pretty good use. Happy to see coaches think he'll be ready week 1. We can certainly use his help.

[stat2883]

I think Cutler will test Davis early and if they run into trouble, I'd look to them to run Marshall out of a stack formation or put him in motion. Of course, none of this matters if the Bears find they can run the ball at will.

[HtownColt]

its going to be a highly competitive matchup between Davis and Marshall which might involve some pushing and shoving trying to get in each others head. its going to be fun to watch those two compete for 4 quarters

[krunk]

I'd be looking at the matchup coming out of the slot with Devin Hester on King, Gordy, or Vaughn whichever one it is.

[CR91]

i said it before and ill say it again. i have a really bad feeling that both davis and marshall get ejected

[CR91]

I'd be looking at the matchup coming out of the slot with Devin Hester on King, Gordy, or Vaughn whichever one it is.

most likely king will be in the slot

[stat2883]

another thing too...these guys have history....Marshall got on Davis and made some headlines when they were in Miami about work ethic etc.

[GoodLuck]

i said it before and ill say it again. i have a really bad feeling that both davis and marshall get ejected

Why would this be bad?

[CR91]

Why would this be bad?

good point

[Susie Q]

i said it before and ill say it again. i have a really bad feeling that both davis and marshall get ejected

Do you suppose Pagano will be happy about that? I would think Not

[stat2883]

Why would this be bad?

widens the talent gap between the Bears' WRs and Colts DBs

[Gavin]

Good matchup to watch for sure, I wonder if Powers can handle Jeffrey though and Jeffreys size, I dont think so, he is listed at 6'3" 216

[stat2883]

Good matchup to watch for sure, I wonder if Powers can handle Jeffrey though and Jeffreys size, I dont think so, he is listed at 6'3" 216

if not Jeffrey, he'll be asked to handle Bennett or Hester most likely assuming that Davis takes Marshall on the majority of snaps. I think the Bears will shuffle their guys around though some.

[MR. Blueblood]

I figured that he would play, I'm just glad to hear Pagano is liking what he's seeing from Davis so far. As far as his lack of effort before, etc....I think the trade is a big wake up call for anybody. You can't just rest on what you did previously, you got to keep on putting in the work or you'll be unemployed.

[stat2883]

I figured that he would play, I'm just glad to hear Pagano is liking what he's seeing from Davis so far. As far as his lack of effort before, etc....I think the trade is a big wake up call for anybody. You can't just rest on what you did previously, you got to keep on putting in the work or you'll be unemployed.

one would hope, but there's plenty of instances where that wasn't the case. To an extent, you are who you are. Of course I do hope Davis turns it around. I liked him his first year in Miami.

[MR. Blueblood]

one would hope, but there's plenty of instances where that wasn't the case. To an extent, you are who you are. Of course I do hope Davis turns it around. I liked him his first year in Miami.

True, just like the guys that get continually suspended for off field issues. Some people just can't help being their own worst enemy.

[stat2883]

True, just like the guys that get continually suspended for off field issues. Some people just can't help being their own worst enemy.

First two that jump to mind are Pac-Man Jones (suspensions), and Albert Haynesworth (traded to NE for a ham sammich and vanished).

Now that I think about it...Vontae's brother Vernon had questions around his effort his first couple seasons until Mike Singletary called him out and lit a fire under his butt. Their younger brother got arrested for assault and suspicion of murder too....so there's red flags a-plenty

[jvan1973]

Good matchup to watch for sure, I wonder if Powers can handle Jeffrey though and Jeffreys size, I dont think so, he is listed at 6'3" 216

He is also a rookie... There is more to winning matchups than size

[waka waka]

First two that jump to mind are Pac-Man Jones (suspensions), and Albert Haynesworth (traded to NE for a ham sammich and vanished).

Now that I think about it...Vontae's brother Vernon had questions around his effort his first couple seasons until Mike Singletary called him out and lit a fire under his butt. Their younger brother got arrested for assault and suspicion of murder too....so there's red flags a-plenty

So it's fair to judge someone on how there family members behave or act? I think people tend to be a tad bit harsh around here.

[stat2883]

So it's fair to judge someone on how there family members behave or act? I think people tend to be a tad bit harsh around here.

not judging at all - but you'd be fooling yourself if you don't think those things aren't taken into account by anyone serious about signing him. Nothing harsh about it...its just reality and the way it works.

[Smitto]

He is also a rookie... There is more to winning matchups than size

true that, size in the nfl isnt everything look at MJD... powers could probably shut down jeffery for the night and so could davis.. just hope they both have a good game and both of them stay healthy for the whole season.

[Gavin]

He is also a rookie... There is more to winning matchups than size

I agree but also just because he has the rookie "tag" on him doesnt mean that Powers has an advantage physics will have a big part in who wins (size, speed, jumping ability) Do I expect Jeffery to come out and dominate the Powers matchup? No but I wouldn't be shocked to see it happen, example Powers gets a read on a jump ball in the end zone with Jeffery, depending on how good the pass is Jeffery should win that 10 out of 10 times if that makes sense

[stat2883]

Even if we say the Powers and Davis matchups wash out, that still leaves the Bears' 3rd and 4th WRs vs the Colts 3rd and 4th CBs. I give that matchup to the Bears unless you are able to get heavy pressure on Cutler. However, the Bears have a couple under-the-radar TEs in Kellen Davis and Evan Rodriguez (Spaeth and Adams are the backups, but all 4 could see time). They don't have an extensive resume, but I think they'll be ok. I think Rodriguez is the more versatile option in their passing game - usually lines up split out "F position" or in motion/shifts, while Davis is typically lined up next to the tackle - traditional "Y position". Given that the colts are converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and often times depend on LBs and converted DEs to cover the shorter routes, I see the colts being vulnerable in the short passing game and intermediate middle of the field. I think Bethea will spend a bit of his time shaded over Marshall and I just don't really trust Zibby in coverage against the likes of Jeffrey, Bennett, and Hester. Top it off with a fairly effective running game and I think the colts' D is in for a long afternoon.

my two cents

[ColtsUrUs]

Even if we say the Powers and Davis matchups wash out, that still leaves the Bears' 3rd and 4th WRs vs the Colts 3rd and 4th CBs. I give that matchup to the Bears unless you are able to get heavy pressure on Cutler. However, the Bears have a couple under-the-radar TEs in Kellen Davis and Evan Rodriguez (Spaeth and Adams are the backups, but all 4 could see time). They don't have an extensive resume, but I think they'll be ok. I think Rodriguez is the more versatile option in their passing game - usually lines up split out "F position" or in motion/shifts, while Davis is typically lined up next to the tackle - traditional "Y position". Given that the colts are converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and often times depend on LBs and converted DEs to cover the shorter routes, I see the colts being vulnerable in the short passing game and intermediate middle of the field. I think Bethea will spend a bit of his time shaded over Marshall and I just don't really trust Zibby in coverage against the likes of Jeffrey, Bennett, and Hester. Top it off with a fairly effective running game and I think the colts' D is in for a long afternoon.

my two cents

You're a positive minded Colts Fan.:rolleyes:

[stat2883]

You're a positive minded Colts Fan. :rolleyes:

who said I was a colts fan? ;)

See signature, though I do favor certain teams over others.

[ColtsUrUs]

who said I was a colts fan? ;)

See signature, though I do favor certain teams over others.

Oh so you're just a Colts forum stalker.

[stat2883]

Oh so you're just a Colts forum stalker.

I stalk many forums. ;) Just this one is about the right size and activity level for my tastes. Good conversations here for the most part, and I'm anxious to see how you guys do this year - hope for the best.

[TKnight24]

Davis is sticking Brandon "Inconsistent Hands" Marshall? This is gonna be GOOD!!

Also, I predict Davis, Bethea or Powers to have a Pick this Game. Just throwing that out there

[HtownColt]

Even if we say the Powers and Davis matchups wash out, that still leaves the Bears' 3rd and 4th WRs vs the Colts 3rd and 4th CBs. I give that matchup to the Bears unless you are able to get heavy pressure on Cutler. However, the Bears have a couple under-the-radar TEs in Kellen Davis and Evan Rodriguez (Spaeth and Adams are the backups, but all 4 could see time). They don't have an extensive resume, but I think they'll be ok. I think Rodriguez is the more versatile option in their passing game - usually lines up split out "F position" or in motion/shifts, while Davis is typically lined up next to the tackle - traditional "Y position". Given that the colts are converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and often times depend on LBs and converted DEs to cover the shorter routes, I see the colts being vulnerable in the short passing game and intermediate middle of the field. I think Bethea will spend a bit of his time shaded over Marshall and I just don't really trust Zibby in coverage against the likes of Jeffrey, Bennett, and Hester. Top it off with a fairly effective running game and I think the colts' D is in for a long afternoon.

my two cents

ill take my chances

[oldunclemark]

its going to be a highly competitive matchup between Davis and Marshall which might involve some pushing and shoving trying to get in each others head. its going to be fun to watch those two compete for 4 quarters

That's a great matchup and it will enable us to double elsewhere...or play combinatin man and zone..

Or blitz 'Z' if and when we need to.

I want Jay Cutler forcing the ball to Marshall against Vontae Davis...

[oldunclemark]

I figured that he would play, I'm just glad to hear Pagano is liking what he's seeing from Davis so far. As far as his lack of effort before, etc....I think the trade is a big wake up call for anybody. You can't just rest on what you did previously, you got to keep on putting in the work or you'll be unemployed.

You wnat a guy with something to prove....an Vontae definetly has some thing to prove this sunday..

[ColtStrong]

The bears have turnstiles on their o-line. If they have trouble running the ball, they will be in serious trouble. I can see getting at least 3 sacks.

[Coltswarriors]

Should be interesting. Excited to see how he does.

[CR91]

Do you suppose Pagano will be happy about that? I would think Not

probably scold him on camera and pat him on the back in the locker room

[RW87]

Vontae will do well. He's under no threat playing against the Bears.

[Horse Shoe Heaven]

That would be against Marshall, But I pretty much thought that. Powers hasn't much lined up against an opposing teams #1 receiver, doesnt have the speed or athleticism for it, Cant wait for the game! Powers will be matched up against Jeffery probably

Powers is FINE!!

[Gavin]

Powers is FINE!!

jeesh simmer down, if he was fine as our #1 then Grigson wouldn't have had to trade for Vontae or Powers would not have been constantly lined up against a teams #2 last year, thats NOT a knock on Powers thats simply saying he does not have the necessary skills and or attributes to be a #1 Corner not all Corners do, there are some others in the NFL playing #1 who arent a true #1. Shawntae Spencer, Jason McCourty, Chris Houston (who had a good year least with 5 picks but 1 years worth of production dont make you a legit #1)