Taj Smith

[indy_nick]

He does look good back there, but I'm not sure that I care at this point with the new kickoff rules. The important thing is having a returner who never fumbles. The extra few yards per return on average that a better returner might provide seems to be far less important than the other things that roster spot might offer in a year when we'll have three QBs and three WRs who are starting the year as question marks.

Besides, when the Colts offense is in gear I'm actually happy to get the ball at the 20. Peyton will make up the difference in a play or two, and it's a heck of a lot more enjoyable to watch.

Gilreath won't do the Kickoff returns. It's looking like Lefeged will have that responsibility. Gilreath is a PUNT returner, which is not effected by the new kickoff rule. With our improved defensive line, I would expect us to force on average an extra punt or 2 a game. The field position Gilreath can get is very valuable, especially with so many questions and rookies on the O-line. One false start or rookie mistake leading to a sack could result in us punting the ball right back. If we have to play a field position game, Gilreath is way more valuable.

[Fatboyslim11]

Do we keep him or cut him?

I think he out did anyone else competing for a WR job tonight. He had 140 yards of offense the rest of the ream had 128 yards combined. He also gives us a lift at special teams and as we can see we need all the help on special teams we can get.

I think he made the team. He is good in running routes and can make the catch. His biggest issue is drops but I believe coaching and experience can help him overcome that flaw.

[MAC]

Gilreath won't do the Kickoff returns. It's looking like Lefeged will have that responsibility. Gilreath is a PUNT returner, which is not effected by the new kickoff rule. With our improved defensive line, I would expect us to force on average an extra punt or 2 a game. The field position Gilreath can get is very valuable, especially with so many questions and rookies on the O-line. One false start or rookie mistake leading to a sack could result in us punting the ball right back. If we have to play a field position game, Gilreath is way more valuable.

My mistake. Frankly I'm so uninterested in pre-season special teams that I've fast forwarded through every blessed kickoff and punt. I hadn't noticed the difference nor do I particularly care. If the Colts have to play a field position game they are in trouble anyway. I've no concerns about their ability to score - APIH (assuming Peyton is healthy - this abbreviation should be formally recognized it is so vital right now). Gilbreath isn't Billy White Shoes Johnson, and the Colts can score 30 points per game with a average return yardage of -0-. I hate the thought of a roster spot being invested on a return specialist.

The "problem" with the Colts special teams has been with the incredible chunks of yardage GIVEN UP to other teams return units - the Jets game being one prime example. My impression (based admittedly on a handful of standout plays) was that Smith was an asset in that regard. If that impression is correct, than I would hope he stays. Regardless I hope the problem is being addressed.

[Cusecolt]

Taj makes the team. He is a valuable special teamer and who knows what he could really do if he ran with the first team if needed.

[indy_nick]

My mistake. Frankly I'm so uninterested in pre-season special teams that I've fast forwarded through every blessed kickoff and punt. I hadn't noticed the difference nor do I particularly care. If the Colts have to play a field position game they are in trouble anyway. I've no concerns about their ability to score - APIH (assuming Peyton is healthy - this abbreviation should be formally recognized it is so vital right now). Gilbreath isn't Billy White Shoes Johnson, and the Colts can score 30 points per game with a average return yardage of -0-. I hate the thought of a roster spot being invested on a return specialist.

The "problem" with the Colts special teams has been with the incredible chunks of yardage GIVEN UP to other teams return units - the Jets game being one prime example. My impression (based admittedly on a handful of standout plays) was that Smith was an asset in that regard. If that impression is correct, than I would hope he stays. Regardless I hope the problem is being addressed.

Yea I agree we have given up a lot of yards on kickoff returns, but that falls back to the argument you had earlier about the new kickoff rule. That will result in a lot more touchbacks for us. I also feel that the great equalizer for our punt coverage will be our punter Pat. The kid has one of the best legs in the league. He can get a LOT of hangtime under his kicks, which will allow our coverage team to get down the field faster and hopefully force a lot of fair catches. We also have tended to give up a lot more big plays on kickoffs as opposed to punts in years past. (look at pretty much every playoff loss over the past few years and there is a big kickoff return from the opponent).

As far as the receiving abilities of Gilreath and Taj, Taj has a slight advantage over Gilreath. He has been with the team for a while longer, so he is more familiar with the playbook. I feel they have essentially the same build, and they will be asked to run about the same routes in the offense. With Taj's inconsistent hands in the pre-season and his unproven record in the regular season, I personally would pick Gilreath over Taj. However, this is going to be a very close call for the front. For some reason I feel that since our PR last year, White, is injured, Gilreath has a slight advantage. He was the Big 10's all time leading returner after all. I would love to see him break a big play or two this year. Less than 24 hours until the final roster is posted :disco:

[ColtsD]

I still say keep him & work hard with him .

[Hawkeyecolt]

Painter did good vs. the Packers starters. Painter is giong to be the third QB. Till Orvlovsky went a head of Painter of the depth chart (which he never did) Painter wasn't going to lose their job. No chance the Colts go into the season with two QBs who are new to the system. They'll keep Painter around for that if nothing else.

The depth chart at least on this website hasn't been updated the entire preseason. With the exception of the Packers game, Orlovksy outplayed Painter while having for worse pass protection. I agree that familiarity is the one area that Painter has an advantage, but that is it.

[GoColts8818]

The depth chart at least on this website hasn't been updated the entire preseason. With the exception of the Packers game, Orlovksy outplayed Painter while having for worse pass protection. I agree that familiarity is the one area that Painter has an advantage, but that is it.

With the exception of last night when Painter didn't play who played with the starters? Painter or Orlovsky. Orlovsky is just like any other QB we've brought to camp over the years that has always end up cut. Orlovsky didn't outplay Painter. Frankly till last niht Orlovsky had done next to nothing against other teams backs up and third stringers all pre-season. Painter had a good game against the defending World Champions starters. Painter has also been in the system longer. We will keep Painter.

[BleedthisBlue]

Guy has heart... How many half gimpy guys with the kind of limp he had, suck it up and run routes full speed.

+1 taj "mahal" smith makes it