Jump to content
Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts Fan Forum

We're Close...


doogansquest

Recommended Posts

Despite the woes on defense; despite our inability to consistently sustain drives to help said defense; despite all of the injuries...

We have been close 5 games in a row.

Our fans complain that we're getting slaughtered, yet good teams are walking away with a sigh of relief after nearly losing to us. We are making mistakes late in the game - a handful of plays, usually - to give it away, but our guys are playing SOOOO hard. Yet we are all talking about destruction; tearing things apart from the top down.

We are without the best player in football, and the improvements to both lines have been stalled by injuries. Yet we have been close for 5 straight weeks.

We can stay close to anyone. Now we just have to figure out how to win. That's what Painter hasn't experienced yet. He needs to learn how to win.

I'm not being overly optimistic, nor am I choosing to look at things half full. I'm just being honest. We are making a handful of mistakes (not necessarily because of coaching), and it's costing us close games.

I don't know when, or if it will happen this year, but we can get some wins. I don't feel like we need to start pawning everyone off and look to life without Manning. Not yet. It's not "better for the team" to lose and get a better draft position. If the team is good, drafting 5th or 25th won't matter. We've seen that for a decade. When the Packers needed a to of improbable help just to back into the playoffs last year, should they have tanked for draft position instead? I'm not saying we're winning the Super Bowl this year, nor do I think we will even make the playoffs. But there is nothing wrong with winning, and we're close...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite the woes on defense; despite our inability to consistently sustain drives to help said defense; despite all of the injuries...

We have been close 5 games in a row.

Our fans complain that we're getting slaughtered, yet good teams are walking away with a sigh of relief after nearly losing to us. We are making mistakes late in the game - a handful of plays, usually - to give it away, but our guys are playing SOOOO hard. Yet we are all talking about destruction; tearing things apart from the top down.

We are without the best player in football, and the improvements to both lines have been stalled by injuries. Yet we have been close for 5 straight weeks.

We can stay close to anyone. Now we just have to figure out how to win. That's what Painter hasn't experienced yet. He needs to learn how to win.

I'm not being overly optimistic, nor am I choosing to look at things half full. I'm just being honest. We are making a handful of mistakes (not necessarily because of coaching), and it's costing us close games.

I don't know when, or if it will happen this year, but we can get some wins. I don't feel like we need to start pawning everyone off and look to life without Manning. Not yet. It's not "better for the team" to lose and get a better draft position. If the team is good, drafting 5th or 25th won't matter. We've seen that for a decade. When the Packers needed a to of improbable help just to back into the playoffs last year, should they have tanked for draft position instead? I'm not saying we're winning the Super Bowl this year, nor do I think we will even make the playoffs. But there is nothing wrong with winning, and we're close...

i agree , we played a good game today, very exciting till the last 2 min, yes we are close

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite the woes on defense; despite our inability to consistently sustain drives to help said defense; despite all of the injuries...

We have been close 5 games in a row.

Our fans complain that we're getting slaughtered, yet good teams are walking away with a sigh of relief after nearly losing to us. We are making mistakes late in the game - a handful of plays, usually - to give it away, but our guys are playing SOOOO hard. Yet we are all talking about destruction; tearing things apart from the top down.

We are without the best player in football, and the improvements to both lines have been stalled by injuries. Yet we have been close for 5 straight weeks.

We can stay close to anyone. Now we just have to figure out how to win. That's what Painter hasn't experienced yet. He needs to learn how to win.

I'm not being overly optimistic, nor am I choosing to look at things half full. I'm just being honest. We are making a handful of mistakes (not necessarily because of coaching), and it's costing us close games.

I don't know when, or if it will happen this year, but we can get some wins. I don't feel like we need to start pawning everyone off and look to life without Manning. Not yet. It's not "better for the team" to lose and get a better draft position. If the team is good, drafting 5th or 25th won't matter. We've seen that for a decade. When the Packers needed a to of improbable help just to back into the playoffs last year, should they have tanked for draft position instead? I'm not saying we're winning the Super Bowl this year, nor do I think we will even make the playoffs. But there is nothing wrong with winning, and we're close...

lol,lol,lol,lol.close to firing the worSE coach in the game, thank godness. only good insight you have provided. no disrespect meant, but when you are 3 of 233 including paid people to observe coaches and teams that think caldwell and staff are doing great, hmmmmm you might be WRONG!
Link to comment
Share on other sites

lol,lol,lol,lol.close to firing the worSE coach in the game, thank godness. only good insight you have provided. no disrespect meant, but when you are 3 of 233 including paid people to observe coaches and teams that think caldwell and staff are doing great, hmmmmm you might be WRONG!

You are WRONG!

he's 4 of 234.

He didn't say the coaches are great.

He is just pointing out that this team has managed to compete and be close in games NO ONE has given us a chance of winning, including most of its fans.

You DO realize the heart and soul (Manning) of this team's future is in question, right?

I think its admirable that the team has still been able to show up and compete when the world has counted them out.

I am gaining a new respect for "my" team. Regardless of wins and losses.

Edited by WoolMagnet
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Im not going to disagree, because we have been close. 3/4s close, every game. But at no point, in any game, was I confident we would win.

And those games have been against Clev/KC/TB/CIN, which doesnt instill any sort of confidence.

Its such a sad state of affairs in Colts land that we've been relegated to postings about maybe getting 1 win. If that just doesn't indicate that something, anything, needs to be changed, Im not sure what else would do it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite the woes on defense; despite our inability to consistently sustain drives to help said defense; despite all of the injuries...

We have been close 5 games in a row.

Our fans complain that we're getting slaughtered, yet good teams are walking away with a sigh of relief after nearly losing to us. We are making mistakes late in the game - a handful of plays, usually - to give it away, but our guys are playing SOOOO hard. Yet we are all talking about destruction; tearing things apart from the top down.

We are without the best player in football, and the improvements to both lines have been stalled by injuries. Yet we have been close for 5 straight weeks.

We can stay close to anyone. Now we just have to figure out how to win. That's what Painter hasn't experienced yet. He needs to learn how to win.

I'm not being overly optimistic, nor am I choosing to look at things half full. I'm just being honest. We are making a handful of mistakes (not necessarily because of coaching), and it's costing us close games.

I don't know when, or if it will happen this year, but we can get some wins. I don't feel like we need to start pawning everyone off and look to life without Manning. Not yet. It's not "better for the team" to lose and get a better draft position. If the team is good, drafting 5th or 25th won't matter. We've seen that for a decade. When the Packers needed a to of improbable help just to back into the playoffs last year, should they have tanked for draft position instead? I'm not saying we're winning the Super Bowl this year, nor do I think we will even make the playoffs. But there is nothing wrong with winning, and we're close...

First off.........look at who we played. Today we got beat by 10 by a rookie qb and a team that prior to the season starting, was imploding after losing their best qb since Esiason, their best WR threat in Johnson, and perennial legal issues with the rest of the team.

We were close against a very "UnSteelerlike" football team. A solid, but not great, Bucs team. A below average Chiefs and Bengals squad. Andy Dalton is a rookie in the NFL and threw for 264 yards, 1 td and only had 7 incompletions. I agree with your take to a point. We have definitely made games interesting and for the most part, close. However, in the last 3 weeks, we are still 0-3 and getting beat by an average of 7 points. I will be the first to admit and am on record stating my biggest fear was we would not only ever win, but we would be getting blown out. That said, we need to be getting better because the schedule isn't going to get any easier. I fully expect the Saints next week to pound us. It could be very ugly. We will most likely be competitive at Tennesse the following week, but will then be 0-9. We will lose to ATL the following week and be 0-10. Our best chance is against another pathetic team in Jax. Our next chance at winning comes against those same Jags in the last game of the year. Bottom line is the most games we will win is going to be 3 and I say it will end up being 2.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite the woes on defense; despite our inability to consistently sustain drives to help said defense; despite all of the injuries...

We have been close 5 games in a row.

Our fans complain that we're getting slaughtered, yet good teams are walking away with a sigh of relief after nearly losing to us. We are making mistakes late in the game - a handful of plays, usually - to give it away, but our guys are playing SOOOO hard. Yet we are all talking about destruction; tearing things apart from the top down.

We are without the best player in football, and the improvements to both lines have been stalled by injuries. Yet we have been close for 5 straight weeks.

We can stay close to anyone. Now we just have to figure out how to win. That's what Painter hasn't experienced yet. He needs to learn how to win.

I'm not being overly optimistic, nor am I choosing to look at things half full. I'm just being honest. We are making a handful of mistakes (not necessarily because of coaching), and it's costing us close games.

I don't know when, or if it will happen this year, but we can get some wins. I don't feel like we need to start pawning everyone off and look to life without Manning. Not yet. It's not "better for the team" to lose and get a better draft position. If the team is good, drafting 5th or 25th won't matter. We've seen that for a decade. When the Packers needed a to of improbable help just to back into the playoffs last year, should they have tanked for draft position instead? I'm not saying we're winning the Super Bowl this year, nor do I think we will even make the playoffs. But there is nothing wrong with winning, and we're close...

I thought this was going to be a sarcastic rant but I see your serious. Unfortunately, close doesn't mean a hill of beans. They are just as close to getting blown out as the are winning a game and they haven't played any high-powered offenses as of yet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

While I agree that we have been close in the last 5 games, they have been against horrible teams. We are celebrating close losses against Cleveland, KC, Cincinnati, Tampa Bay and I know Pittsburgh is a good team but they looked horrible that night. I con't believe the optimism you are showing. We are getting ready to go on an extremely tough stretch of high quality teams. That is when you can be happy about a close loss.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the dog hadn't stopped to nonsense he'd have caught the rabbit.

"Close" don't count.

almost doesn't count

lol,lol,lol,lol.close to firing the worSE coach in the game, thank godness. only good insight you have provided. no disrespect meant, but when you are 3 of 233 including paid people to observe coaches and teams that think caldwell and staff are doing great, hmmmmm you might be WRONG!

Im not going to disagree, because we have been close. 3/4s close, every game. But at no point, in any game, was I confident we would win.

And those games have been against Clev/KC/TB/CIN, which doesnt instill any sort of confidence.

Its such a sad state of affairs in Colts land that we've been relegated to postings about maybe getting 1 win. If that just doesn't indicate that something, anything, needs to be changed, Im not sure what else would do it.

1. I never said the coaches were great, or even good. So nice job of misquoting like a *.

2. I never said "almost" counts as "winning," so please show me where I said that. I just said we're close, and we're better than people are willing to stomach.

3. Close doesn't count with most things, but we were all expecting to get pounded every week. If all of these teams are terrible, why did TB beat the Saints today? What's Pittsburgh's record? What's Cinncinati's record? Kansas City has gotten better every week with two consecutive wins and a close call against San Diego. Cleveland has only lost to teams with winning records, and two of those games were close. Their defense is also 9th in the NFL right now. So yeah, we've lost to terrible teams. Pittsburgh had a bad night because of how we played them. Nothing more, nothing less.

4. As to the stats of players like Andy Dalton (who has proven capable in games other than today's): I did mention our woes on defense. In spite of those woes, we're not getting pounded. How was Palmer playing, btw? And Ocho? L...O...L...Green is already better than Ochocinco ever was. Now they have a phenomenal offensive line, a balanced attack, and the league's best defense. They are 4-2. How terrible are they? That's even with the Steelers, Saints, and Giants. Tampa Bay is 4-2 as well. All of those teams are tougher than Atlanta or Carolina right now; two teams you seem afraid to play. Baltimore and New England look good, though the latter is pretty awful on defense, and their offense is shrinking the more they play and reveal themselves on film.

We did lose by 10, but considering it took a blocked field goal and a major defensive play by the league's best defense to finish us off, I'd say the game was a lot closer than the score suggests.

5. I never said I was confident we would win any of those games either. But does anyone here think we're less than a Peyton Manning short of being 5-1 or even 6-0 right now? I mean seriously?

If we are so bad, but we're close against teams who have their starting quarterbacks and winning records, what does that say about them? Doesn't that mean the rest of the league is bad? These are teams that are winning important games, but squeaking by against us.

P.S. People want to blame someone, so they point fingers at the top. Makes them feel better about themselves, or makes them feel as though they are observant or smart. But that's just not the case. Someone has to win, and we've been close. You expect Curtis to end games the way Peyton does? Seriously?

Edited by doogansquest
Link to comment
Share on other sites

You expect Curtis to end games the way Peyton does? Seriously?

I think most of us want a coach/team that can pull their own weight and win games without the GOAT at the helm. It's not about Painter, it's about how terrible the team/coaching staff is. A great deal of our team consists of absolute garbage. Painter himself is mediocre at best...and unfortunately that translates to most of our players as well. Many are flat out terrible.

The goal for every team should be winning the Super Bowl. Not to hope and pray for 1-2 wins a season. If the Super Bowl is out of reach, when you're not improving every season to ultimately get there and win it you FAIL.We have flat out not improved since 2004/2005 in spite of our Super Bowl in 2006. We have gotten chronically WORSE.

The only reason we won a Super Bowl was the D decided to actually show up for a brief stretch which happened to be the playoffs. 2/3 of a complete team (special teams still stunk) and an OK coach was enough to get the job done. Overall, 2004 was the best team we've had during Manning's time here. The O-line was great and we had more weapons than ever. This was the peak of our offense. Unfortunately we ran in to the best TEAM of the decade in a raging blizzard on their home turf. Basically the 1/3 of a team we normally have was at its best. I

For myself and many others the current state of affairs is not all that shocking once news of Manning's health came about. The flaws of the team have been apparent enough for years. Manning could mask a black hole of ineptitude.

Edited by Moose Of Woe
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4. I never said I was confident we would win any of those games either. But does anyone here think we're less than a Peyton Manning short of being 5-1 or even 6-0 right now? I mean seriously?

If we are so bad, but we're close against teams who have their starting quarterbacks and winning records, what does that say about them? Doesn't that mean the rest of the league is bad? These are teams that are winning important games, but squeaking by against us.

A young Peyton yes, but I'm not sure and no one else is entirely sure how Peyton is coming back. It definitely will not be younger. So I can't look at that as a silver lining personally.

And what that means, is those teams we lost to are medicore, which leads to further anguish as to the teams future against truly good teams. And I'm not entirely sure I would say anyone squeaked by us this year. I dont believe any team we have played this year is a playoff team. The closest being HOU.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think most of us want a coach/team that can pull their own weight and win games without the GOAT at the helm.

It's not about Painter, it's about how terrible the team/coaching staff is. A great deal of our team consists of absolute garbage.Painter himself is mediocre at best...and unfortunately that translates to most of our players as well. Many are flat out terrible.

HOW DARE WE ASK SO MUCH OF OUR TEAM!?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1. I never said the coaches were great, or even good. So nice job of misquoting like a *.

2. I never said "almost" counts as "winning," so please show me where I said that. I just said we're close, and we're better than people are willing to stomach.

3. Close doesn't count with most things, but we were all expecting to get pounded every week. If all of these teams are terrible, why did TB beat the Saints today? What's Pittsburgh's record? What's Cinncinati's record? Kansas City has gotten better every week with two consecutive wins and a close call against San Diego. Cleveland has only lost to teams with winning records, and two of those games were close. Their defense is also 9th in the NFL right now. So yeah, we've lost to terrible teams. Pittsburgh had a bad night because of how we played them. Nothing more, nothing less.

4. As to the stats of players like Andy Dalton (who has proven capable in games other than today's): I did mention our woes on defense. In spite of those woes, we're not getting pounded. How was Palmer playing, btw? And Ocho? L...O...L...Green is already better than Ochocinco ever was. Now they have a phenomenal offensive line, a balanced attack, and the league's best defense. They are 4-2. How terrible are they? That's even with the Steelers, Saints, and Giants. Tampa Bay is 4-2 as well. All of those teams are tougher than Atlanta or Carolina right now; two teams you seem afraid to play. Baltimore and New England look good, though the latter is pretty awful on defense, and their offense is shrinking the more they play and reveal themselves on film.

We did lose by 10, but considering it took a blocked field goal and a major defensive play by the league's best defense to finish us off, I'd say the game was a lot closer than the score suggests.

5. I never said I was confident we would win any of those games either. But does anyone here think we're less than a Peyton Manning short of being 5-1 or even 6-0 right now? I mean seriously?

If we are so bad, but we're close against teams who have their starting quarterbacks and winning records, what does that say about them? Doesn't that mean the rest of the league is bad? These are teams that are winning important games, but squeaking by against us.

P.S. People want to blame someone, so they point fingers at the top. Makes them feel better about themselves, or makes them feel as though they are observant or smart. But that's just not the case. Someone has to win, and we've been close. You expect Curtis to end games the way Peyton does? Seriously?

I wouldn't say that we expect Curtis to produce like Peyton. It's just the way Peyton played covered up for a lot of this team's weaknesses, one of them being the lack of adjustments made at halftime. We have performed well in the first half, then come out and blown it in the 2nd. It doesn't look like the coaches are making any adjustments out there. Before, Peyton took care of the offense so we would be fine because the defense is built to play with the lead. Now, Peyton is out and Curtis can't do what Peyton did. This exposes how little the coaches make adjustments. I remember seeing a stat 2 years ago that said our defense had given up the most points in the 3rd quarter. To me, that screams no adjustments on defense. Despite that stat, we still went to the Super Bowl that year because Peyton covered it up. Now, Peyton is gone and we see the flaws that he covered up

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think most of us want a coach/team that can pull their own weight and win games without the GOAT at the helm. It's not about Painter, it's about how terrible the team/coaching staff is. A great deal of our team consists of absolute garbage. Painter himself is mediocre at best...and unfortunately that translates to most of our players as well. Many are flat out terrible.

The goal for every team should be winning the Super Bowl. Not to hope and pray for 1-2 wins a season. If the Super Bowl is out of reach, when you're not improving every season to ultimately get there and win it you FAIL.We have flat out not improved since 2004/2005 in spite of our Super Bowl in 2006. We have gotten chronically WORSE.

The only reason we won a Super Bowl was the D decided to actually show up for a brief stretch which happened to be the playoffs. 2/3 of a complete team (special teams still stunk) and an OK coach was enough to get the job done. Overall, 2004 was the best team we've had during Manning's time here. The O-line was great and we had more weapons than ever. This was the peak of our offense. Unfortunately we ran in to the best TEAM of the decade in a raging blizzard on their home turf. Basically the 1/3 of a team we normally have was at its best. I

For myself and many others the current state of affairs is not all that shocking once news of Manning's health came about. The flaws of the team have been apparent enough for years. Manning could mask a black hole of ineptitude.

I disagree with only one point. I think our best team ever was the one in 2005 that was 14-0 and got beat by the Drew Brees led Chargers in Indy and then lost to the Steelers at home. That team was stacked and was probably our best defensive unit ever in the Indy era.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I disagree with only one point. I think our best team ever was the one in 2005 that was 14-0 and got beat by the Drew Brees led Chargers in Indy and then lost to the Steelers at home. That team was stacked and was probably our best defensive unit ever in the Indy era.

They were 13-0 when they lost to the Chargers. I was there. It was my 1st time in Indy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Despite the woes on defense; despite our inability to consistently sustain drives to help said defense; despite all of the injuries...

We have been close 5 games in a row.

Our fans complain that we're getting slaughtered, yet good teams are walking away with a sigh of relief after nearly losing to us. We are making mistakes late in the game - a handful of plays, usually - to give it away, but our guys are playing SOOOO hard. Yet we are all talking about destruction; tearing things apart from the top down.

We are without the best player in football, and the improvements to both lines have been stalled by injuries. Yet we have been close for 5 straight weeks.

We can stay close to anyone. Now we just have to figure out how to win. That's what Painter hasn't experienced yet. He needs to learn how to win.

I'm not being overly optimistic, nor am I choosing to look at things half full. I'm just being honest. We are making a handful of mistakes (not necessarily because of coaching), and it's costing us close games.

I don't know when, or if it will happen this year, but we can get some wins. I don't feel like we need to start pawning everyone off and look to life without Manning. Not yet. It's not "better for the team" to lose and get a better draft position. If the team is good, drafting 5th or 25th won't matter. We've seen that for a decade. When the Packers needed a to of improbable help just to back into the playoffs last year, should they have tanked for draft position instead? I'm not saying we're winning the Super Bowl this year, nor do I think we will even make the playoffs. But there is nothing wrong with winning, and we're close...

Bro you hit it on the head. I have been saying this the whole time. It isn't time to jump ship, all of the games have been very close just mental breakdowns that caan be fixed. The Colts will win some games. Go Colts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Congrats. I think that was the first post I have ever seen from you that was neither a grammatical abomination nor a mindless, factually inaccurate based rant based entirely on emotional nonsense.

Well thanks,I guess. Coming from a guy who mostly just offers sarcastic retourts to every post. Like they say when

you have nothing intelligent to say be sarcastic. Cheer up guy i am sure there will soon be a place

for a out of work frustrated comic soon.

Edited by LUVTHESHOE
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the Colts want the best chance to win at the end, then they need to keep their best unit on the field, which is still the offense. Maybe this is crazy, but I think anything inside of 4:00 min left to play should be considered 4-down territory from here on out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes,you're right on track with your observations.I see the same thing too.We just need to vastly improve of secondary and we'll be fine.This team can still make the playoffs(no,i'm not kidding).Our entire division is weak this year and no one has stepped-up to replace us...yet.Yes,we're 0-6,but only three games back within OUR DIVISION and its a very real possibility that a 7-9 mark can win our division this year(the hawks did it,so it can be done).Plus we have A LOT of division games coming-up,so we can still make ground!ITS NOT OVER!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes,you're right on track with your observations.I see the same thing too.We just need to vastly improve of secondary and we'll be fine.This team can still make the playoffs(no,i'm not kidding).Our entire division is weak this year and no one has stepped-up to replace us...yet.Yes,we're 0-6,but only three games back within OUR DIVISION and its a very real possibility that a 7-9 mark can win our division this year(the hawks did it,so it can be done).Plus we have A LOT of division games coming-up,so we can still make ground!ITS NOT OVER!!!

I don't know if I should envy you or pitty you? Several years ago we were winning very close games and our record was something like 7-1 and people were saying we aren't as good as our record. We were as good as our record then and we are as bad as our record now. As Parcells stated: "you are who your record says you are"! The Colts are 0-6! How many 0-6 teams made the playoffs? The record shows who we are.....a very bad team!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes,you're right on track with your observations.I see the same thing too.We just need to vastly improve of secondary and we'll be fine.This team can still make the playoffs(no,i'm not kidding).Our entire division is weak this year and no one has stepped-up to replace us...yet.Yes,we're 0-6,but only three games back within OUR DIVISION and its a very real possibility that a 7-9 mark can win our division this year(the hawks did it,so it can be done).Plus we have A LOT of division games coming-up,so we can still make ground!ITS NOT OVER!!!

You may want to check this site out.

http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/delusional-disorder

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • The Colts have a long list of upcoming 2025 Free Agents:   Colts 2025 Free Agents: OC Ryan Kelly SS Julian Blackmon TE Mo Alie-Cox DT Taven Bryan RG Will Fries 8m SLB Ronnie Harrison 2.4m Edge Dayo Odeyingbo 6m WLB EJ Speed TE Kylen Granson 5m QB Joe Flacco TE Eric Tomlinson WR Ashton Dulin OC Danny Pinter Edge Genard Avery CB Dallis Flowers – RFA Round 1 tender 6.945m / Round 2 tender 4.978m CB Darrell Baker Jr. RFA LG Wesley French RFA QB Sam Ehlinger RB Trey Sermon RG Jack Anderson WR Juwann Winfree WR Tyrie Cleveland WR DJ Montgomery RFA MLB Segun Olubi ERFA 960k / worth 1.4m CB Chris Lammons LG Arlington Hambright RFA – cut RT Lewis Kidd ERFA 960k LB Grant Stuard – cut RB Tyler Goodson ERFA 960k LG Josh Sills RFA – cut LB/Edge Isaiah Land ERFA – 960k resign SLB Cameron McGrone ERFA – cut DB Trevor Denbow ERFA – 960k resign WR Ethan Fernea ERFA -960k? CB Marcel Dabo ERFA – 840k? WLB Austin Ajake ERFA – 840k? FS Kendell Brooks ERFA – 840k? SLB Liam Anderson ERFA – 840k? WR Zavier Scott ERFA – 840k? TE Jordan Murray ERFA – 840k? WR Michael Tutsie ERFA – 840k?   Of the above really like to see the Colts resign Ronnie Harrison, Dayo Odeyingbo, Kylen Granson, Dallis Flowers, and Segun Olubi.  In order to free up cap space it wouldn't shock me to see Braden Smith traded.  Not ideal but only way at this point in time to see freeing up available cap space.  Would love to add OC Connor Williams who is still a free agent but suffered an ACL injury late in 2023.  Before his injury Williams ranked as the 3rd best OL in 2023 in zone-heavy scheme.  Recoding a league best 92.4 run-blocking grade on zone concepts and equally impressive in pass protection allowing just six pressures on 280 pass sets.    No doubt the Colts love speed on their offense.  Jonathan Taylor was recently listed as one of the fastest players in the NFL last season.  Then the Colts drafted Anthony Gould who in 2023 Week 3 hit a top speed of 21.6 mph.  As UDFAs the Colts then brought in NC State Trent Pennix who in Week 6 clocked the fastest time by a TE at 20.6 MPH but also is a capable RB.  Colts also added QB Jason Bean (Kansas) who in Week 9 clocked an impressive 22.4 mph T5 fastest player in 2023.   Mock Draft   Round 1 WLB Harold Perkins Jr. (LSU) - As a true freshman led all LBs in Power 5 with a 91.0 pass-rush grade and second among all LBs in the country with 18 QB knockdowns (sacks/hits) and tied for second in the country with 4 *.  In 2023 as a true off-ball LB he struggled as a run defender but flashed in coverage, 81.1 coverage grade.  At the end of 2023 now recorded 27 TFLs and 13 sacks with 7 forced fumbles.  Made 2022 college football all-America Freshman Team.  In 2022 his 87.6 pass-rush grade by true freshman is 3rd best since the 2014 era, behind (Rueben Bain Jr-2023 and Myles Garrett-2014).  2022 PFF TOW 11 honors.  Like JOK, Perkins has a chance to win the Butkus Award.  Both JOK and Perkins have similar builds and ran a 4.42s-forty.  Do expect Perkins’ stats to dip if he does move to MLB and probably drop him to Round 2 grades much like Edgerrin Cooper in 2024 Draft Class.  Quick to drop into zone and covers enough ground to be Tampa-2 MIKE but some feel better suited as a WLB maximize range/speed.  Expecting Shaquille ‘Darius’ Leonard 2018-2021 vibes along with JOKs 2021-2023 production traits.  Both were drafted in Round 2 but should been first rounders.  Perkins replaces EJ Speed.   Round 2 Edge/RDE Elijah Alston (Miami) –Alston was an All-Sun Belt selection in 2023.  In 2023 he had a 91.0 overall grade and 90.5 pass-rushing grade based on 235 pass rush snaped while at Marshal Alston also racked up 36 QB pressures, 5 sacks plus 24 defensive stops during this period.  By mid-November Alston was ranked 4th best (Marshawn Kneeland was #3) Edge behind #1 Latu whom the Colts selected in Round 1.   2023 College Football All-Sun Belt Team.  Looking forward to the Cal game and how he does against RB Jaydn Ott, RT Victor Stoffel, and LG Rush Reimer.  Duke’s new RT Micah Sahakian matchup is another one would like to see.  RB Quinton Cooley (Wake Forest) who transferred from Liberty and earned 2023 College Football All-CUSA Team is another key matchup.  Finally, TE/WR Oronde Gadsden II of Syracuse could test his coverage skills.  The Colts done well and am looking forward to seeing Paye/Latu tandem then creating another one with Odeyingbo and Alston.  Ebukam will be a FA after 2025 but could be cut/traded save cap space.  Close build to Ebukam and Leo with 2” taller than Avery with Avery an upcoming FA and no guarantee we can resign Odeyingbo with the minimal cap space currently projected.   Round 3 LT J.C. Davis (Illinois) - The New Mexico Lobos ran a zone-scheme concept 318 times in 2023 and Davis was on the field for 316 of those snaps where he helped the team earn a 91.5 rushing grade with 58 explosive runs.  Davis is well-rounded earning a 78.6 inside-zone run grade and a 78.4 outside-zone run grade.  See how well Davis does after transferring the Big 10 this season.  Overall, 82.4 run-blocking grade in 2023.  Comparison Illinois Isaiah Adams was drafted #71 by Arizona and was ranked 8th best zone OL in 2023 and Davis was 5th best.  In 2022 Davis earned a 66.8 overall PFF grade and in 2023 had an 87.1 pass-blocking grade.  If the Colts do trade/cap release Braden Smith than Davis is a high target to hopefully take early to replace him.   Round 4 TE Jalin Conyers (Texas Tech) - In 2022 Conyers forced 21 missed tackles which led all TEs in the country.  Plus, ranked 4th in receiving yards after contact (170).  As a redshirt freshman in 2021 had a 73.5 pass-blocking grade while playing at Arizona State.  Conyers can be elusive with the ball in his hands.  In his first season was used heavily as a run-blocker (2021) and excelled as a blocker ranking him 4th in the Pac-12.  Back in August 2023 Rick Spielman said he may be the best run-blocking TE in the class behind Cade Stover.  Considered a true Y TE efficient at run-blocking and can catch with run-after ability.  Spielman said last year would have had a Late Day 2 grade, while Ryan Wilson says Rounds 3-4.  Potential to be a red zone monster in the NFL if he continues to grow his game.  Last year Round 4 was where tight ends were drafted and expect the same again in 2025.  Replaces Mo Alie-Cox.   Round 5 Edge/RDE Anton Juncaj (Arkansas) – 2023 College Football FCS All-America Team while at Albany.  2022 PFF grade of 75.1.  2023 final defense grade of 91.3, run defense 87.4, pass rush 90.6 and 68.5 coverage grade and racked up 55 tackles (34 solo), 21.5 TFL, 15 sacks, 3 PD and forced 5 fumbles.  Key matchups against RB Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma St) the Reigning Doak Walker Award Winner from 2023 and projected first rounder LT Kelvin Banks Jr (Texas).   Round 6 Rover/SLB-SAF Justin Barron (Syracuse) - 2023 College Football All-ACC Team.  Defensive Captain. 6’4” 231 pounds had 0.5 sacks, 3 *, 1 FR, 1 INT, and 8 PDs in 2023 (81.4 PFF grade).  In 2022 had 64 tackles and 5 TFLs.  Reminds me of Jaylon Carlies whom the Colts just drafted in Round 5P151.  Key matchup versus Cal and RB Jayden Ott.  WR Eric Singleton Jr (Georgia Tech), WR Kevin Concepcion (NC State), WR-X Ricky White (UNLV), RB Desmond Reid, TE Justin Joly (UConn).  Solid in zone coverage.   Round 7 SS Mishael Powell Miami (FL) – Powell transferred from Washington.  In Week 8 he clocked 21.0 mph.  In 876 snaps in 2023 Powell played 477 in the slot, 165 in the box, and 122 at FS finishing with a strong 73.9 coverage and 69 defensive grades.   Potential UDFAs ·         QB KJ Jefferson (Arkansas) - 2023 PFF TOW 2 honors ·         R3-UDFA RT Jalen Travis (Iowa State) 6’7” 310 pounds - While at Princeton finished with an overall 80.7 PFF Grade and 9th best OT in D1 (89% pass blocking and 75% run blocking grades). – Much like OT Tyler McLellan (Campbell) signed with Chargers, project to UDFA in 2025.  See how he does at Iowa State against better competition as he graded slightly behind Kiran Amegadjie (Yale) who was drafted in Round 3 P11 by the Bears in 2024 NFL draft.  Listed as backup behind Tyler Miller. ·         LT Adam Karas (Air Force) - After 9 weeks Karas has an 83.9 run-blocking grade and an overall PFF grade of 87.4.  Overall, 86.3 PFF grade with just one penalty and 1 QB hurry on 296 total snaps.  Decent height 6’4” ·         RT Josh Fryar (OSU) - 2023 earned college football midseason all-America Honorable Mention.  Fryar finished 2023 with a 70.8 overall PFF grade.  Great height 6’6”.  Finished with a 70.8 PFF grade.  Gave up a team high 5 sacks but did earn a 77.2 run blocking grade and a 71.2 pass blocking grade. ·         LG Rush Reimer (Cal) – In 2023 Reimer earned first-team All-Big Sky Conference at LG with an overall 75.8 PFF Grade (D1-T8) at Montana State.  See how he does against better CFB competition.  Project goes UDFA much like Jake Kubas (7) (NY Giants), Ross Palmer (3), and (2) Donny Ventrelli (Bears).  Could be the next Mason McCormick (6) drafted by the Steelers P119 in the 2024 NFL draft.  Montana State used a lot of Inside Zone runs.  Cal has Reimer listed as backup LT for 2024. ·         RT/OG Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) 6’6” 296 pounds.  Zabel finished 2023 with an overall 79.3 PFF Grade as an OG.  Finished 10th among other listed tackles last season.  As a guard would have been 4th best D1.  Zabel started all 15 games in 2023 with 3 at guard and 12 at RT. ·         RB Harrison Waylee (Wyoming) – In 2023 clocked 21.8 mph in Week 4 T18 fastest player. ·         RB/KR Lan Larison (UC Davis) finished 2023 tied 7th overall FCS RB with an overall 89.2 PFF Grade (R5) in D1.  On 178 carries rushed for 1101 yards scoring 13 TDS while adding two more through the air on 21 REC for 198 yards.  Larison was the 2023 Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year.  In 2021 averaged 29.91 yards as a kick returner and 21.9 yards in 2022. ·         SWR/RB/KR/PR Chris Tyree (ND) 4.29s-forty speed excellent 3.95s shuttle (HS) and 38” vertical (HS).  In 2023 Week 9 clocked 21.0 mph. ·         WRX/Z Bo Belquist (North Dakota) 2023 overall 88.6 PFF Grade.  For D1 graded out as one of the top 10 WRs behind Hayden Hatten 86.1 whom the Seahawks added as an UDFA. ·         SWR Jacob De Jesus (UNLV) – best PR/KR #3 in PR and #13 in KR.  De Jesus was a top nomination to win the Jet Award in 2023 who was given to Zachariah Branch (USC). ·         WR-X Dymere Miller (Rutgers) – 2023 College Football FCS All-America Team with Monmouth.  Miller finished as the best receiver (D1) in 2023 with a 92.3 PFF grade (only behind Nabers).  Monmouth ran an inside zone with three different concepts in its base A gap zone.  Also pinched in as a kickoff returner with success (13.67 and 12.5 avgs). ·         WR Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas) – Great Midwest American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 and received Honorable Mention All-American.  Strengths are ball tracking, hands, athleticism, 50/50 extraordinaire. ·         LEdge Aaron Lewis (Rutgers) - 2022 PFF Weeks 6 and 12 honors.  A disappointing 2023 season compared to 2022 grading 10 points lower.  (75.9 in 2023 compared to 85.5 in 2022).  Poor run-defense grade of 59.8 but was still an elite pass rusher.  His 91.5 pass-rushing grade since 2022 ranks 10th among all FBS edge defenders and his 18.7% pass-rush win rate places 11th in Power Five.  Needs to improve his run game. ·         Jack OLB/RDE Steve Linton (Baylor) – Linton transferred to Baylor from Texas Tech.  Injury prone, in 2023 suffered a broken thumb in August, sprained ankle in Big 12 opener vs West Virginia, aggravated it the following week then missed the last four games of regular season with back problems.  72% tackling, 88% pass rush, 61% run defense, 72% coverage.  Decent 4.62s-forty speed and 6’5” 235 pounds. ·         NCB Yam Banks (Ole’ Miss) - Made 2022 PFF College All-America Second Team while playing at South Alabama.  For 2024 listed as backup.  In 2022 Banks was a first-team All-Sun Belt pick and third team in 2023.  In 45 games, Banks racked up 147 TOT, 7 INT (6 in 2022 T3 in nation). ·         LCB Tommi Hill (Nebraska) – 4.55s forty speed.  In 2023 had an outstanding QB rating when targeted of 38.6.  With another solid year Hill could move up.  ·         FS Saiku White (Lafayette) - In 2023 White moved from SS to FS and had a career year with a final 2023 defense grade 91.4 best for 2nd, pass rush grade 74.4, a 90.7 coverage grade 4th best, and an 80.7 run defense grade 98th.   Team Captain. Achieved a 3.75 GPA in 2023. ·         LS Byron Floyd (PITT) – Floyds 81.7 grade this season leads all FBS LS.  Of his 41 LS on both punts/kicks only one has been charted as off-target.  Does have ties to Colts new DL coach.  Luke Rhodes, age 32, signed a 4-year contract extension on 09/23.  ·         LS Nick Barcelos (Nevada) - 2023 college football midseason all-America Second Team as a long snapper – Luke Rhodes signed a 4-year extension with the Colts September 8th, 2023.
    • FWIW:   Richardson, who was drafted weighing 244, admitted today on the Pat McAfee show that he played last year at 250 and now weighs 255 which is what he expects to weigh this season. 
    • Larry Allen, Hall of Fame OG/OT, passed today. He is arguably the greatest Offensive Linemen of all-time. He could play right or left Guard or Tackle. He won a SB with the Cowboys in 1995. He is also known for having the NFL bench press record, when he benched 700 pounds down to chest and up once. I am shocked this hasn't been bigger news around the league.    RIP big fella.
    • He didn't  have all his weapons  versus ravens. He has more than enough  weapons  now
    • Didn't really seem like C.J said anything derogatory. I also don't think Indy hates him. It's all competition at the end of the day. What does bother me is he talks like he wasn't getting his butt kicked when AR and him first met. 
  • Members

    • atapcl

      atapcl 83

      Senior Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • Indeee

      Indeee 1,850

      Senior Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • ADnum1

      ADnum1 3,178

      Senior Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • TheRadiantAerynSun

      TheRadiantAerynSun 6

      Rookie
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • Dunk

      Dunk 1,399

      Senior Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • TheUnshuffler

      TheUnshuffler 46

      New Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • Aaron86

      Aaron86 440

      Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • TheNewGuy

      TheNewGuy 53

      New Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
    • OhioColt

      OhioColt 461

      Senior Member
      Joined:
      Last active:
×
×
  • Create New...