2011-2012 Colts Positional Breakdown

[Andy]

2011 -2012 Colts Positional Breakdown

Quarterbacks

Peyton Manning is hurt, so it’s all up to Kerry Collins. Kerry is a reliable backup, who has played well while replacing the starting quarterback; for example, replacing Vince Young in Tennessee. He’s the perfect man for the job. On a side note, the Colts decided to keep Curtis Painter, who showed a little promise in the Packers game. Back to the real deal; the Colts hope for Manning to heal quickly and safely so that he could come back and shine like he used to.

Running Backs

It’s been a recurring problem for the last 3 or so years. The line has been quickly declining, but that’s another story. We have some nice skilled running backs in Joseph Addai and Delone Carter. Donald Brown is a question mark. He’s going into his final year of his rookie contract, which means that it’s his make or break year.

Wide Receivers

The Colts have great starters at receivers. That’s all I can say, because the Colts have absolutely no depth. Our receivers on the active roster are: Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Anthony Gonzalez, Blair White. Anthony Gonzalez is currently injured, and Blair White just came off an injury. Austin Collie is one head hit away from a severe concussion and Garcon usually misses one or 2 games a year. We need to sign David Gilreath to the active roster, because he could be used on special teams and as depth, because one or two injuries could spell trouble.

Tight Ends

The tight end position is looking great. Dallas Clark is a fantastic player, and if healthy can produce big numbers. Brody Eldridge is a good blocking tight end that will definitively provide great protection on passing plays. Jacob Tamme will also be used on 2 tight end packages, and is the perfect backup for Clark. He was also the best tight end in the 2nd half of the NFL season last year.

Offensive Line

Hopefully, Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana can help the line. The line has gone through a lot this year. We got 2 rookie (^^), we moved Ryan Diem to guard, lost Charlie Johnson and Kyle Devan, and now have a former tackle playing starting left guard. They played well in the preseason, and let’s hope that carries over into the season.

Defensive Line

There’s not much different with Freeney and Mathis, but I do believe that Freeney will have 16 sacks and lead the NFL in sacks this year. The defensive tackle position has also gone through a lot. We added Drake Nevis, who is considered the steal of the draft, and proved that in the preseason. Tommie Harris was signed, but he was cut. The current starters are Fili Moala and Antonio Johnson who are both good competent starters. The defensive line is looking good; better than last year. The Colts also added some great depth at defensive end. We already have Jerry Hughes, but the Colts added former 1st round picks Tyler Brayton and Jamaal Anderson to provide some good backup.

Linebackers

The big move the Colts made was signing Ernie Sims, a very smart linebacker, who also has 20 pets in his house ☺! Sims fits our system perfectly and should start at WILL linebacker. Gary is Gary, and we should expect a good year from Pat Angerer, maybe even a breakout year. We also have great depth. Kavell Conner is to backup Sims, Moten to backup Brackett, and Wheeler to backup Angerer. Linebacker should not be a position to really worry about.

Defensive Backs

One man’s loss is another man’s gain. Kelvin Hayden is gone, and Jerraud is now the featured guy, and let’s see if he steps it up. Jacob Lacey had a very disappointing preseason, and is expected to be a backup by the middle of the season. Kevin Thomas and Justin Tryon looked very good in the preseason. Antoine Bethea will be solid and consistent, like always. Melvin Bullit is now the new no.1, now that Bob Sanders is gone. Melvin has done a great job filling in for the injured Bob the last couple of years, and now he’s filling in for no one now.

Special Teams

Adam Vinatieri showed us in the preseason, he’s still got leg, when he nailed a 55-yard field. Not worried about him. The MVP of the preseason was Pat McAfee, who had an awesome preseason, where he averaged over 52 yards a boot. The kick return and punt return look better when David Gilreath is in there, but David is on the practice squad. Don’t expect too much from those squads.

Coaching

Jim Caldwell seems to be ready for life without Peyton. Ready for a fun fact, Jim Caldwell has the best win percentage in the NFL, so he’s not that bad. He has to avoid stupid mistakes, like the timeout call last year in the AFC Wild Card vs the Jets. He also must teach his players what an onside kick is. Tom Moore and Gene Huey left the team; both we’re important part of the coaching staff. The coaching staff looks pretty good, at best.

Overall Team

The team looks pretty good, and has only improved since last year. The team also looks prepared for life without Peyton, which is a good sign going forward, because PM could be out for 2 months. With that being said, the defense needs to come through just like they did in the 06 playoffs. Let’s just pull through and try to get at least 4 wins before PM comes back, and when he does come back, he needs to come back with a bang, not like that crap from the 08 season. Let’s stay calm and Kerry on! Go Colts!

[swflacoltsfans]

Nice job. After todays game we will see if the OL and DL have improved. We need to run the ball for more than 3 yards at a time. The old question is it the running backs or the OL if we don't.

We need to stop the run obviously. This is a good test for us.

I have my doubts about the secondary. They play ten yards off the receivers and too many passes are completed.

Let's hope we somehow win this one.

I think Kerry is up to the task if he gets support.

Go Colts!!

[87waynefan]

Good summary. The O-line scares me a little, but hopefully they can keep it together.