Bleacher Report - Articles by Brett Mock

My Farewell From the Bleacher Report...Sort of

Brett Mock — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:25:14 -0400

I wanted to take the time to let you all know that I have been honored by Eric Hartz at ColtPower.com with the opportunity to serve as one of the sites analysts for the coming season. It's an opportunity I am looking forward to and which I think I will thoroughly enjoy.

Although I am frustrated with the way the NFL Correspondent competition was handled, I would to thank Bleacher Report for providing this platform. I would also like to thank many of you for your support and kind words.

I hope to see some of you over on Colt Power from time to time. I do enjoy the conversation and the feedback my stories spark. If there's anything I write for, it's that: seeing other people respond to my humble ideas on the Colts.

This is not an attempt to "steal" any of the Bleacher Report faithful. Frankly, I don't think it would happen (you wouldn't visit another site and stop visiting this one). Colts fans yearn to know more and many of you probably visit multiple sites for your Colts news as is.

So, thank you again to all who supported me, and to some who I know will continue to do so. I look forward to seeing some/many of you on Colt Power from time to time to say hello.

2009 Indianapolis Colts: Players With Something To Prove

Brett Mock — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:33:11 -0400

The Colts have a lot to be excited about in 2009. The defensive line has received a lot of attention, the secondary is proven, they are sporting a pair of Pro Bowl pass rushers, Peyton Manning is healthy, they have two first round draft picks at running back, and starting left guard Ryan Lilja is nearing a return. The team looks full on talent and deeper at many positions than it has been in a long time. Even more encouraging is that so many players will be entering the season with added motivation. Players tend to play best when they feel a need to distinguish themselves. The best example of this intangible in action is the 2006 Colts defense, who was responsible for most NFL analysts predicting the team's early playoff exit. The defense included corner backs Nick Harper and Jason David who were in contract years. Safety Bob Sanders missed much of the year to injury. Rob Morris, who had long been removed from the starting roster, took over for Gilbert Gardner at strong side linebacker. Suffice it to say, the defense had a lot to prove as the team entered the playoffs. The result? The defense was outstanding and the team won its first championship in over thirty years. Like the 2006 Colts defense, this team is filled with players who are under a lot of pressure to step up their game. Watch for these players to push the Colts to play with greater intensity in the coming season.

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Overlooked Intangible Adds New Dimension To Indianapolis Colts' Threat

Brett Mock — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:52:23 -0400

The number of players on a team’s roster who are inspired by something more than just playing to win or reaching another Super Bowl is one of the most important intangibles. This year the Colts are chock full of players who fit this description.

Players are recognized as possessing this intangible most when they are playing for new contracts, recall discussions of Albert Haynesworth entering 2008. The Colts have four players who will be playing very hard for a future contract.

Marlin Jackson is coming off of an ACL tear and is recovering at a nearly inhuman rate. He will need to complete his recovery quickly because he has a lot of proving to do as the Colts have a long established tendency to let cornerbacks go when the time comes to pay big dollars.

Antoine Bethea has been to a Pro Bowl and has been an important part of one of the league's stingiest secondaries but Melvin Bullitt has impressed coaches with his hard hitting, excellent run support, and proven ball-hawking skills (Bullitt led the team in interceptions in 2008). Bethea will need to re-establish himself as a ball-hawk in the secondary if he wishes to earn a new contract.

Gary Brackett is the defensive captain but is coming off of a bone fracture and is entering the last "leg" of his career. If he wants to remain with the Colts and in the NFL, he will have to not only have a strong performance this year, he will have to be ready to play for a very reasonable contract price.

Since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2007, Bullitt has produced in whatever role he was asked to fill, from special teams to starting at safety. Fighting for time on the field will be no easy task with two Pro Bowlers ahead of him.

Another group of players who possess an extra incentive to perform are those who are playing to earn or retain a starting role.

Joseph Addai has struggled to produce as he did for the better part of his first two years in the league and has struggled to stay healthy. The addition of Donald Brown should spark his effort and urgency to increase his production.

Roy Hall is entering his third season and has missed most of his first two years in the league due to injury. Hall has all the physical gifts one could ask for to be a threat at wide receiver but his window of opportunity is closing.

Freddy Keiaho started at weak side linebacker the past two seasons but was allowed to test free agency for an extended period before he was picked back up by the Colts. With Session likely starting on the weak side, Keiaho finds himself again competing for a starting spot.

Tyjuan Hagler started at strong side linebacker in 2007 after Rob Morris went down with a career ending knee injury. He lost his starting job when he pulled a pectoral muscle while lifting weights in the 2008 off-season. His old spot is vacant and he has even more competition this year than in 2008.

Adam Seward has been with the Carolina Panthers since he entered the league and has failed to break the starting roster. This year he is on a new team, with a new defensive coordinator, and he is uncharacteristically big in the Colts linebacker rotations. He has the opportunity to prove himself against new competition.

Tony Ugoh has been the starting left tackle for the Colts since he was drafted in 2007. His first two years have been shaky at best. If Ugoh fails to prove that he is ready to be the full-time starter at left tackle this year, the Colts will probably look to add a new left tackle in the draft.

Ryan Lilja has been a starter on the Colts offensive line for years and is one of the three most veteran offensive linemen on the team. Injury held him out for the entirety of 2008. The Colts added three interior offensive linemen in the 2008 draft who all saw significant time on the field last season.

Eric Foster joined the team as an undrafted free agent last year and saw significant time at defensive tackle. With an emphasis on getting bigger on the defensive line, Foster is heading down a long road.

Finally, there are four players who have extra motivation to succeed either to retain a spot on the roster or to validate their status as NFL stars.

Bob Sanders won defensive MVP honors in 2007 and is still the heart of the Colts defense when he is on the field. If he cannot stay healthy, people will begin to question his large contract and a player like Bullitt will begin to look more attractive.

Kelvin Hayden was awarded with a lucrative contract but missed considerable time due to injury in 2008 and was never able to show just how valuable he is to the success of the Colts defense.

Mike Hart started 2008 with a great first-impression but he went down to a season-ending knee injury early in the season. In the NFL, running backs are not afforded a lot of time to prove their value.

T.J. Rushing’s season ended before it began in 2008, which opened up the competition for kick and punt returns. If Rushing wishes to maintain a spot on the roster he will have to show he is still the Colts best option on returns and is a serviceable back-up corner.

The intangible that is often overlooked is the additional inspiration players have entering a new season. In 2009, the presence of an extra incentive for many Colts players will add an extra dimension to the team and should have a significant impact on the team's success.

For an in-depth discussion of these players visit 2009 Colts: Players With Something to Prove.

2009 Colts: Stumbling Out of the Gates

Brett Mock — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:49:05 -0400

The Colts are undergoing the biggest coaching staff shake-up the team has faced in a decade.

The impact of these changes is Indy's biggest question mark entering a season which otherwise would be met with a great deal of optimism.

If it wasn't enough that the Colts were entering a season with a new head coach, defensive coordinator, and special teams coordinator, NFL pension changes have led two long-time Colts coaches to retire, Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore and Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd.

A loophole in NFL pension and contract rules has allowed retiring coaches to accept their full pension in one lump sum, only to return to the team as paid consultants.

Questions about the role played by a "paid consultant" are now front-and-center in the ongoing uncertainty about Moore and Mudd's future with the team.

It is understandable and, to a degree, acceptable that Colts fans would be in the dark on some of the NFL's small-print rules and regulations. What is disconcerting is that a team in transition would be further burdened with a breakdown in communication in-house.

Peyton Manning is not known for making negative public statements about the Colts franchise or front-office. To the contrary, Manning is the face of the franchise and is often very careful to present a unified front to media and fans on the condition of his team.

All the more reason to be concerned when Manning refers to confusion about Moore and Mudd's future roles with the team by saying:

"It's not a situation that I'm just thrilled about. I think the communication has been pretty poor, in my opinion ... I'm not sure everybody's on the same page in this building."

Colts President Bill Polian responded to Manning's public remarks explaining the reason for the lack of in-house communication when he said:

"We're confused, too. The people that are supposed to have answers still don't have answers. Whether we can bring them back, when we can bring them back, remains to be seen."

Even if the Colts brass is unsure about Moore and Mudd's future, there is no excuse for players heading into summer training activities to not be given the most up-to-date information regarding who, or in what capacity their coaches will be leading them in the coming season.

Someone in the front office dropped the ball by not at least assuring players that the issue was in-hand and that any new information will be brought to their attention as soon as it can be confirmed. Instead, the Colts front office appears disjointed, chaotic, and in complete disarray.

Head Coach Jim Caldwell is facing his first major road bump.

It would be relatively easy for Colts fans to have confidence in their team's new leader if he was handed the reins to his new team free of conflict or controversy.

In the face of this summer's coaching shake-up and on-going uncertainty, Caldwell will be presented with his first opportunity to show that he is really ready to take on his new responsibility.

No horse race is won right out of the gate. Accordingly, Colts fans nor players should go into a state of panic just yet.

It will be up to Caldwell to bring his team together, solidify his coaching staff, and alleviate the concerns of his players. Only then will the Colts be able to hit their stride.

Indianapolis Colts Position Battles Ensure A Hot Summer

Brett Mock — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:28:46 -0400

The Indianapolis Colts rely on pre-season position battles to determine their 53-man roster more than any other team in the NFL. After the first organized team activities (OTAs), Head Coach Jim Caldwell pointed out that the Colts, "average about 12 guys in [each] rookie class who participate for us. Last year, we had 18." Last year's large group of rookie participants will make this year's competition even fiercer. Imagine entering training camp with proven veterans and battle-tested second year players ahead of you. Imagine looking to your left and right only to see fellow rookies who are all realizing the same thing at once. Worrying about beating you is the least of my concern. I have to find a way to beat those guys.

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Will Jim Caldwell's Promotion Signal the End of the Colts' Success?

Brett Mock — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:03:59 -0400

The loss of a future Hall of Fame head coach like Tony Dungy is certain to have an impact on a team's success, right?

If you ask Redskins fans who witnessed the transition from Joe Gibbs to Richard Petitbon in 1993, you would get a resounding "Yes!" Petitbon took over after Gibbs retired and led the 'Skins to a dismal 4-12 finish. He was abruptly fired.

Head coach Jim Caldwell and Petitbon have a number of noteworthy similarities.

Both spent years developing teams and won Super Bowls under their predecessors.

Both were entering their first head coaching jobs in the NFL.

The similarities end there. Tony Dungy has left Caldwell with a group of players much better prepared to carry on the team's success than Petitbon's Redksins.

Petitbon led a 1993 Redskins team that included quarterback Mark Rypien, rookie running back Reggie Brooks, and aging wide receiver Art Monk.

Compare those players to the ones available for Mike Tomlin of the Steelers and John Harbaugh of the Ravens, two former assistant coaches who were recently promoted to head coaching roles and continued winning.

Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher left Tomlin quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Willie Parker, and wide receiver Hines Ward, with linebacker James Harrison leading one of the league's toughest defenses.

Harbaugh drafted quarterback Joe Flacco, as no other quarterback on the Ravens roster had proven successful, and was handed one of the best defenses in the league, led by linebacker Ray Lewis.

Jim Caldwell inherits a future Hall of Fame quarterback in his prime: Peyton Manning.

The Colts have two first-round talents at running back, Joseph Addai and Donald Brown.

Two first-rounders lead the Colts receiving corps, including three-time Pro Bowler Reggie Wayne and first-year starter Anthony Gonzalez. The Colts also have one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL: Dallas Clark.

Last year the Colts boasted the stingiest pass defense in the league, allowing only six passing touchdowns. The Colts defense also returns 2007 defensive MVP Bob Sanders, and Pro Bowl pass-rushing bookends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Add all of this to the fact that the Colts have worked hard to improve at defensive tackle, and one can argue that, of the former assistant coaches mentioned above, Jim Caldwell has inherited the most well-rounded core of players.

Caldwell is also the only coach I have mentioned, other than Petitbon, that has had the luxury of coaching for nearly a decade under his predecessor.

Caldwell has coached football for 32 years, including eight years as head coach for Wake Forest, and eight years as a quarterbacks coach under Dungy. He also served as assistant head coach for the Colts in 2008.

If history is any indication of what to expect from the Caldwell-led Colts in 2009 and beyond, do not be surprised if the Colts' performance reflects that of the San Francisco 49ers after Bill Walsh retired, or the Dallas Cowboys after Jimmy Johnson retired. They achieved records of 14-2 and 12-4, respectively.

The Colts will not suffer the same demise as the Washington Redskins in the '90s.

I think Richard Petitbon would have given anything to inherit the talent of a Tony Dungy-led team. If he did, things would have turned out differently.

If you don't believe me, just ask Jon Gruden.

2009 Colts Defense: We Dare You To Run It

Brett Mock — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:28:48 -0400

The 2009 Indianapolis Colts are projecting a new defensive image that dares opponents to run the football.

Last season, the Colts finished 24th in the league against the run, giving up 123 yards a game on the ground. Opponents stuck to clock-eating, run-heavy game plans, which kept Peyton Manning on the sidelines.

This year, Indianapolis will no longer allow opposing offenses to follow that approach.

Not long after Jim Caldwell took over as head coach, the Colts added Larry Coyer as the new defensive coordinator. Since Coyer's arrival, the Colts have added more size to their linebacking corps and picked up bigger bodies at defensive tackle.

Team President Bill Polian has indicated that they have focused on "getting better against the run up front, particularly at the tackle position."

To that end, three of the four defensive tackles who joined the team since 2008 are over 300 pounds. The fourth is 20 pounds heavier than either of the starting defensive tackles a year ago.

This new defensive composition allows Coyer to make some changes. Expect the linebackers to run around more, no longer having to face up offensive linemen barreling through under-sized Colt defenders.

Coyer will use this freedom to blitz linebackers, generating even more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, whose offensive lines already have to focus on neutralizing Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis.

Expect defensive backs to get involved in blitz packages as well, as the linebackers will be able to drop back into coverage.

Don't expect to see Bob Sanders coming up into the "box" as a fourth linebacker as often. Hanging back will allow Sanders to use his speed to cover a greater portion of the field, delivering punishing blows to his opponents after he has a full head of steam.

The additional bulk on the inside of the defensive line will allow the Colts to generate more pressure up the middle of the field, instead of relying solely on the edge rushing abilities of its tandem All-Pro defensive ends.

The new defense will look significantly different, but don't be fooled. The coaching staff has already clarified that minor tweaks to the Tampa-2 defensive scheme will make a big difference on the field.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Colts stuck to the same run-centered theme by adding running back Donald Brown. Do not be surprised to see more two-back sets, more of Dallas Clark in the slot, and tight ends Tom Santi and Gijon Robinson playing a larger role as run blockers.

The Colts have made it clear they are tired of teams trying to run the ball down their throats and dominating the time of possession to keep Manning off of the field.

Opponents who think they can get the Colts on the run in 2009 might not want to be jumping to those old playbooks so fast.

Interview Questions for Joseph Addai

Brett Mock — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:53:34 -0400

Q. Last year had to be a little frustrating for you. You missed four weeks and had limited carries in a few other contests.

How do injuries affect you mentally as you prepare for a new season?

Q. One thing that has many Colts fans concerned is the head injuries you suffered last year. In the Hall of Fame game you had to leave early, and again in the season opener against Chicago.

Did you suffer minor concussions? If so, have doctors suggested that there is any risk of recurring problems?

Q. You were also hampered by a hamstring injury against Baltimore. It is my understanding that those kinds of injuries can stick around, particularly if there is pressure to get back to speed quickly.

With the team off to a slow start and pressure to win out the remainder of the season, do you think you were ever able to get back to 100 percent?

Q. Obviously, the 2009 season gives you the opportunity to put last year behind you.

Do you feel that you have something to prove this year?

Q. In 2006, you set an NFL record as the only running back in league history to not start a game, but manage to rush for over 1,000 yards. That year, you and Dominic Rhodes split carries and both looked really fresh heading into the postseason.

Do you feel the addition of Donald Brown will help you stay fresh this year?

Q. Heading into your fourth season in the NFL, what specific aspect of your game would you like to improve most?

Q. Do you have any statistical goals you would like to reach this year?

Q. What has been your impression of Donald Brown? Have you had the chance to speak with him?

Q. Has Brown picked your brain for advice? If not, what's the best piece of advice you think you could offer him?

Q. How do you feel the injuries on the offensive line affected the team's ability to run the ball effectively in 2008?

Q. Do you feel confident that the line will be better prepared to open running lanes this year, with the development of so many rookies?

Q. Maurice Jones-Drew came out of your draft class and is getting his first shot to carry the load for the Jaguars.

Do you have a friendly competition with him for who can gain the most yards or score the most touchdowns each year?

Q. If you had one piece of advice for Jones-Drew as he enters his new "feature back" role, what would it be?

Q. Who will run for more yards in the 2009 season opener against the Jags, you or Jones-Drew?

2009 Indianapolis Colts: Heading Into the Unknown

Brett Mock — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:46:03 -0400

The 2009 Indianapolis Colts look like a solid football team. Bill Polian and the front office have been able to find replacements for players who departed as free agents and have continued building solid depth.

However, some vacancies will be filled with rookies and young players who have a lot to prove before Colts fans can confidently say that the rebuilding process is complete.

1) Wide Receiver

While there are plenty of reasons for Colts fans to be excited about the young players who are competing for the third-receiver position, none of those players have proven anything in the NFL.

Roy Hall has been in the league for two years but has yet to be healthy enough during the regular season to get significant reps as a wideout.

Sure, the Colts front office has suggested that Hall's development as a wide receiver is encouraging but until he actually performs in a regular season game, fans won't know if he is a reliable option for Manning.

Pierre Garcon was a major small-school performer in college but has not had the opportunity to show his value as a NFL wide receiver. Polian has suggested that Garcon will make the biggest leap among second year players in 2009.

Still, until he can develop chemistry with Manning and show that he can gain separation against NFL level defenders, fans will be unsure about Garcon's ability to fill the slot position on Sundays.

Samuel Giguere is an intriguing player who came from Canadian college football, and is built like a small linebacker. However, fans still don't know how much Giguere developed while spending the entire year on the Colts practice squad. He would seem to have potential as a gunner but the Colts are looking for ability at wide receiver.

Austin Collie was a special college performer, leading the NCAA in receiving yards last year. Collie is also older than a typical rookie. Still, it is rare for rookie receivers to play a significant role in the offense.

It is possible that Collie's maturity could help make him an exception to that rule but until he takes the field and makes an NFL reception, fans can only speculate.

Consequently, while it is assumed that Anthony Gonzalez will move over and take the spot vacated by Marvin Harrison, no other wide receiver on the roster has proven the ability to produce in the NFL.

If none of the young receivers are able to develop into a reliable target for Manning, it is likely that Dallas Clark will see a lot more time in the slot and the Colts passing attack may suffer.

2) Running Back

Running back will be an interesting position for the Colts. If Joseph Addai can stay healthy, the Colts running game should be much stronger in 2009. However, if Addai continues to be limited by injuries, only unproven second year players will back-up Donald Brown.

Mike Hart is the assumed favorite for the third spot on the depth chart. However, Hart is coming off of knee surgery for an ACL tear, which he suffered against Baltimore last year. The general rule for this type of injury is that it will take a full year for the knee to return to normal.

There is nothing "normal" about Hart but if the knee limits him, the Colts could be in real trouble.

Chad Simpson took over the third spot on the depth chart in 2008 when Hart went down but did not have great success running the ball.

While no back had great success for the Colts last year, Simpson has not shown an ability to be effective against NFL defenses and would be a big question-mark should he be consistently called upon to carry the ball in 2009.

Lance Ball closed out the Colts 2008 regular season with a strong performance against the Tennessee Titans. Fans were encouraged by the performance but aware that the Titans second-string defense was on the field for most of the game.

At 5'9", 220 pounds, Ball has more size than the other options at running back. Some fans hope Ball can prove to fill the short-yardage role the Colts have been without for some time. Whether he can actually succeed in this role has yet to be seen.

Accordingly, two of the Colts top three backs have injury concerns entering the season. The two players below them are unproven commodities against NFL defenses. If injuries limit Addai and Hart, and Brown struggles in any way, the Colts could continue to have difficulty running the ball.

3) Defensive Tackle

While Colts fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the defensive tackle position, behind Ed Johnson there is little proven depth. All signs suggest that a strong rotation will emerge but claiming strength on the inside of the defensive line out of the gate is premature.

Should the team move to more size in the defensive tackle rotation, Eric Foster and/or Keyunta Dawson may be moved to new positions or off of the team.

If Fili Moala, Terrance Taylor, Adrian Grady, and Pat Kuntz struggle learning the Colts defense over the offseason, the team may have to rely on Antonio Johnson and Daniel Muir to play key roles.

Johnson showed ability in his first year but Muir never played a significant role last year, despite the team's struggles to stop the run. It is a boom or bust scenario for the Colts interior defensive line, and much depends on the ability of the coaches to get the young players up to speed quickly.

4) Punter

It would be nice to think that the loss of Hunter Smith is nothing to worry about. It would also be nice to think that Pat McAfee or Tim Masthay will easily make the transition to the NFL and serve to be as accurate and reliable as Hunter Smith.

However, neither player has experience punting in the NFL.

In a year when the Colts are getting a special teams makeover, it will not have the luxury of a known commodity punting the ball away. If either McAfee or Masthay should falter or give up field position with their unproven legs, it will be more difficult for the Colts to succeed.

5) Holder

Hunter Smith filled the dual-role of punter and holder. Now that he is gone, who will hold on kicks? Smith did an exceptional job as a holder and was reliable for Adam Vinatieri. This year a proven holder is missing.

6) Kick Returner

Despite trying a number of players at kick returner in 2008, no player established himself as the team's return man. Courtney Roby, Justin Forsett, Pierre Garcon and Chad Simpson all had opportunities to distinguish themselves as the top kick returner. All failed to do so.

Roby and Forsett are no longer on the team and Garcon looks to be used more as a receiver, leaving only T.J. Rushing and Chad Simpson with proven return ability.

Austin Collie did well returning kicks in college but does not display the timed speed that is best suited for kick return responsibilities. Who emerges as the kick returner is anyone's guess.

7) Punt Returner

The team's punt returner, and arguably its best backup corner back, Keiwan Ratliff left the team during free agency (signed with the Steelers). Only T.J. Rushing has proven punt return ability and his spot on the 2009 roster is uncertain.

If the team does not use a roster spot specifically for a returner, which is possible, the player filling this role will be doing so for the first time in the NFL.

8) Coaching Changes

There are a lot of reasons to be confident that the new coaching staff will be successful in its first year. However, three of the five likely coaching changes will put assistant or positional coaches into roles they have not filled at any time in their careers.

Accordingly, it is a bit premature to simply write the new names into the coaching vacancies and have supreme confidence that all will go off without a hitch.

It is reasonable to believe that it takes a person some time to get comfortable at a new job. If the Colts new coaches take too long getting comfortable or fail to come out of the gate hitting on all cylinders, it could impact the team's ability to succeed in 2009.

It goes without saying, the 2009 Colts are not the same team as last year. There will be a lot of new faces filling important roles, and potentially some new philosophies and policies guiding the team into a new season.

While there are plenty of reasons to be confident that the Colts will continue having a great deal of success, Colts fans should prepare themselves to head into the unknown.

It is okay to have faith that the coaches and players will do the right things to prepare in the offseason but keep in mind that the task will not be easy; and that it will be the first test for a new coaching regime in Indianapolis.

Summer 2009: Don't Forget Curtis Johnson

Brett Mock — Sat, 09 May 2009 20:04:04 -0400

Every year the NFL draft and free agency period dominates the attention of fans. With all of the hype around draft selections, UDFA, and free agent acquisitions during the off-season it is easy to forget players who were already on the roster last year but were not often utilized in games.

Accordingly, the "Don't Forget" series will focus on those players who are already on the roster and for one reason or another, are being overlooked by the majority of Colts fans.

Curtis Johnson is a player many Colts fans probably don't know a whole lot about. Fans may be aware that he was an UDFA acquisition after the 2008 draft, and may also remember seeing him in pre-season or from time-to-time on special teams during the regular season.

However, it may be in your best interest as fans to learn a bit more about Curtis Johnson. In my opinion, Johnson is one player who will help make the 2009 Summer, and pre-season roster competition, fun to watch.

Curtis Johnson - Clark Atlanta

SACK vs TENNESSEE
COMBINE VIDEO - Says Kendall Langford But It Is Curtis Johnson

6'3", 242 lbs.
4.60 40 Yard Dash, 4.46 20 Yard Shuttle, 6.78 3-Cone Drill
26 Inch Vertical Jump, 25 Bench Reps

SENIOR SEASON STATS:
112 Tackles, 43 Assists, 27 TFL, 13.5 Sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR, 6 PD, 1 BK

ROOKIE SEASON STATS:
5 Defensive Tackles, 3 Assists, 1 Sack - 6 Special Teams Tackles (In 7 Games)

2008 SCOUTING REPORT: NFLDraftScout.com

Strengths: Type of player whose short-area burst off the line needs to be accounted for on every snap. Has a violent hand punch that will generally see him gain advantage over a lethargic blocker. True warrior that coaches won't have to worry about motivating.

Maintains good separation when he extends his arms in combat and when he shoots his hands with force, he has good success in shedding. Gives excellent chase along the perimeter to cut off the runner and stays on his feet well, doing a nice job of stringing out plays.

Can clear his feet and run a long way to deliver a crunching tackle. Stays alive and squeezes the pocket well. Can generate good power on his initial surge and has developed a strong rip move to rock the blockers back on their heels.

Has great timing as a gunner on special teams, adding more value to his resume with his pedigree on these units.

Weaknesses: For a down lineman, he lacks ideal bulk and strength to play at the point at the next level, as bigger blockers will have success bouncing and pushing him around, especially when working in-line. Has good quickness coming off the edge, but has just decent timed playing speed.

More of a speed rusher when playing with his hand down, but does not have the anchor to hold ground vs. double teams. Better attacking the backfield coming off the edge, as he doesn't have the raw power to get a good push when playing the blocker head-up.

Compares To: JOEY PORTER-Miami - When Porter converted from college defensive end to pro linebacker, he was raw in his first few years before the light clicked upstairs. His strong hands have seen him have good success dislodging ball carriers from the ball.

With his ability to wreak havoc in the backfield, he will bring instant value in pass-rushing situations. He is also a very capable coverage defender on special teams. The big thing here will be getting Johnson a patient coach. Doing so could unearth a Pro Bowler before long.

One of the most notable comments regarding Johnson is that he isn't a quick study. Accordingly, reaching his potential is something that will likely take some time. After a full year to study the defense, learn from Freeney/Mathis and John Teerlinck, it stands to reason that he'll be a much stronger player this summer than he was last year.

Of course, college scouting reports are not as important after a player has a year of NFL experience under his belt.

Accordingly, below I have included my observations from pre-season last year...since those observations are while he was on the Colts roster playing against NFL level competition.

2008 Pre-Season Analysis:

HOF Game - "Curtis Johnson was EVERYWHERE. He got into the backfield often. Disrupted opposing QBs, stopped running backs, even when he had to come from out of position to do so."

"Johnson's effort in the HoF game got my attention even more than Howard's. The reason is that Johnson was not only effective getting pressure on Washington QBs, he showed me an ability to always be around the ball, making plays everywhere on the field.

"That kind of hustle and effort is what we expect out of DEs and reminded me of how often Mathis and Freeney will be found making plays everywhere, to this day surprising us that they would make the stop on a given play."

Colts vs Falcons - "Johnson was impressive again, penetrating the offensive line regularly, making strong plays against the run and getting pressure. He is very fast and, again, he impressed me more overall than Howard because he does not play like he brings only pass rushing value but value overall.

"Move Brock back inside now...we're totally stacked at DE, thanks."

Draft: What Do We Really Need Anyway - "A guy who I think has been vastly under-covered and over-criticized is Curtis Johnson. From what I saw of Johnson during pre-season play last year, and in the Tennessee game, I feel he is even more exciting as a prospective DE (or even situational DT) than Howard is.

"Johnson is fast, has an excellent motor, and plays at a different level than most of the guys on our team, by way of his tenacity. I am really looking forward to seeing Johnson develop and think he could be far more valuable than fans currently seem to expect."

FINAL THOUGHT

Curtis Johnson has really shown the ability to bring pressure off of the edge. Additionally, he was a solid special teams player last year. Consider that he was active for only seven games last year but was able to make 11 total tackles, including one sack and six solo special teams tackles.

Accordingly, he averaged just under a defensive tackle a game and a special teams tackle a game with limited time on the field. He has had a full year to learn the defensive scheme, truly does play with a non-stop motor and had one of the most impressive special teams plays of the year last year.

I do not recall the exact game. During a kickoff Johnson overran the returner, dropped to the ground, got back to his feet, chased down the returner and made the tackle. A defensive lineman who can do that is someone worth keeping an eye on. I, for one, really look forward to see how he develops this summer.

2009 Indianapolis Colts: The Team to Beat?

Brett Mock — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:39:21 -0400

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off of a season many fans would call a disappointment. While the 2008 Colts managed to win 12 games and its star quarterback won his third NFL MVP award, the Colts lost yet again to its budding nemesis, the San Diego Chargers, making an early playoff exit.

What's more, to the untrained eye, it would seem that the 2009 Colts are in no position to improve over last year's record; let alone make it deeper into the playoffs.

After all, Head Coach Tony Dungy retired, the Colts all-time leading receiver, future Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison was released, and four other long-time coaches are not, or likely will not, be returning to the team in 2009: Defensive Coordinator Ron Meeks; Special Teams Coordinator Russ Purnell; Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd; and Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore.

However, few are recognizing that, given what the Colts had to overcome in 2008, the team had absolutely no business making the playoffs. Peyton Manning missed all of the summer workouts, training camp, and the pre-season. Manning was hobbled for the team's first four or five games (during which the team struggled).

Starting left guard Ryan Lilja suffered a knee injury before the season began, which kept him out for the year. The team lost both of its starting defensive tackles before week two. 2007 Defensive Player of the Year Bob Sanders only appeared in six contests, while starting corner back Marlin Jackson was limited to seven.

Starters Kelvin Hayden and Gary Brackett missed six and five games, respectively. Center Jeff Saturday missed four matches, playing through his injury for the remainder of the season (with only a rookie to back him up). Left tackle Tony Ugoh and running back Joseph Addai also missed four games.

Altogether, the team's starters missed 89 games, averaging just under a quarter of its starting roster per game. Needless to say, overcoming the rash of injuries to keep an NFL record streak of twelve win seasons alive was more than anyone could have reasonably expected.

A CHANGING OF THE GUARD

There is no doubt that Tony Dungy and his complimentary staff of coaches have put together one of the most successful teams in the history of the NFL. Dungy was loved by his players and all who worked around him.

That said, Dungy was slow to make changes to his system on defense and seemed unwilling or unable to move beyond the mantra that "speed kills" to a system free of some of the glaring flaws Colts defenses displayed during a vast majority of Dungy's tenure with the Colts.

Two things are glaringly clear about Jim Caldwell. Coach Caldwell has bought into the Tony Dungy system and does not plan on making wide-scale scheme changes on either side of the ball.

However, unlike Dungy, Caldwell is not afraid to make changes to the coaching staff or to tweak Dungy's systems, in an effort to make them better. Adding Larry Coyer as Defensive Coordinator and Ray Rychleski as Special Teams Coordinator are both popular moves.

Coyer looks to bring two attributes to the Colts defense it did not have under Ron Meeks; unpredictability and an expanded repertoire of blitz packages. Under Dungy and Meeks, Colts opponents could confidently plan to face exactly what they saw on tape in every game.

Whenever the defense failed, Dungy and Meeks followed the philosophy that we simply have to "do what we do" better. It appears that Coyer will offer opponents a more difficult task as they game-plan for the Colts. Certainly, the defense will still have to execute in order to succeed but now it will likely present a more dynamic in-game approach.

Do not be surprised to see more linebacker blitz schemes, which will serve to not only disrupt the offense but will generate even greater pressure on opposing signal-callers.

Rychleski brings with him a great deal of experience coaching special teams units. While fans do not know how much Rychleski will improve the special teams unit, it is no secret that the Colts have had horrid special teams play under Russ Purnell. Bringing in Ray Rychleski can only serve to improve the special teams game. Right?

The potential loss of Tom Moore was not planned. Changes to NFL pensions seem to have compelled Moore to consider an early retirement. However, while this loss is unfortunate, and while the Colts offense has been one of the most potent offensive attacks of a generation under his direction, there are many reasons to remain confident.

First, it is well known that Manning played as much a part in directing the offense as Moore. Second, Caldwell was previously the quarterbacks coach, and the assistant head coach, Clyde Christensen, has overseen one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the league, as wide receivers coach.

Christensen would seem the likely candidate to take over for Moore and there is little indication that either Caldwell or Christensen would impose drastic changes to the way the offense was coordinated under Moore. However, there is a potential benefit to a coaching change here, should one take place.

Similar to the Colts defense under Meeks, the Colts offense under Moore was relatively predictable. While Manning did have the freedom to read defenses and made a lot of changes at the line, he had only three plays to choose from and those were called in by Moore.

If Christensen approaches those three plays differently at all, it could give opponents greater pause, unsure what options Christensen will favor as compared to Moore.

Finally, and most significantly, Howard Mudd is headed toward an early retirement. Mudd's reputation as one of the best offensive line coaches in the league is nothing to take lightly.

Working with very few Pro Bowl caliber players on the offensive line in the Manning era, Mudd has been able to develop a line that has seen Manning sacked fewer times than most any other quarterback in the league for more than a decade.

Colts fans can only hope that Pete Metzelaars can use his five years as an under-study to Mudd, and his experience leading the line last year while Mudd was rehabbing from knee surgery, to carry on Mudd's legacy of excellence. Over the next few seasons the coach who has the most to prove is Pete Metzelaars.

If the offensive line somehow under-performs, under-develops, or otherwise fails to keep Manning upright, the Colts may falter.

Overall, there are reasons to be optimistic about the coaching changes the team has had to endure over the off-season. Typical to the Colts player philosophy, the team is in a position to bring the "next man up."

In each of these positions the new coaches have had a significant amount of time to study under their predecessors and show little sign of substantially altering the Colts approach on offense, defense, or special teams (well, maybe on special teams).

OFFENSE: TIMING IS INVALUABLE

The Colts offensive roster looks dangerously similar to last season with only one major addition and one major subtraction. The Colts will no longer have Marvin Harrison to Manning's right side.

However, the Colts will have a dangerous young weapon in the backfield to pair with Addai; Donald Brown.

Some have suggested that losing Marvin Harrison is certain to have an impact on the Colts ability to move the ball down the field. Those who make such claims have not been paying attention.

With all due respect, the Colts have been without Harrison for the better part of two years now. Marvin Harrison was gone the day he injured his knee and never returned. Further, when Harrison did play last year, there were times when his lack of effort, physical limitations, or other mental issues cost the Colts some big plays.

Additionally, the Colts struggled to run the ball last year. There is no doubt that the responsibility for this failure is shared amongst the offensive line and the ball carriers. However, one thing has been constant. Joseph Addai has not been healthy or capable of playing full speed since about two-thirds of the way through the 2007 season.

Accordingly, the addition of Donald Brown is extremely important. It is clear that Addai cannot handle the whole load of an NFL season and needs to run with a tandem back, as he did in his rookie season, to optimize his effectiveness.

What better compliment to Addai's shifty finesse running style is there than Donald Brown's north-south explosive running style? What better way to reinvent the Colts backfield than to have two players who are capable of running, catching and blocking at any moment?

Look forward to seeing Brown carry a significant portion of the load this year and for the team to carry two fresh running backs into the post-season for the first time since 2006.

Add to these changes the pending breakout of Anthony Gonzalez and the emergence onto the scene of one of three potential third wide receivers (Roy Hall, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie), the best of whom will have an immediate impact, leaving the two others as capable back-ups and solid special teams contributors.

The result of the new stable of wide receivers will give Peyton Manning his first pair of 1,000 yard wide receivers since 2006, and the most capable depth the Colts have had at the position at any time in Manning's career.

What's more, the young offensive line will have its leader, Jeff Saturday, return healthy. The rookies who garnered a great deal of experience at guard and center will be entering their second seasons and certainly look to be better entering the 2009 season than they did in 2008.

Throw in the fact that the Colts will likely start the season with a stable starting roster on the offensive line for the first time in a year, which will only serve to bolster the lines performance as it develops unit chemistry, and there is plenty of reason to feel confident that there will be real improvement in both pass and run blocking in 2009.

Two drafts ago Bill Polian and company drafted two tight ends to be the future replacements of Ben Utecht (Tom Santi and Jacob Tamme).

Those players suffered through their own host of injuries last year but flashed the ability to be solid contributors in the Colts offense. This year they will return healthy, familiar with the offense, and poised to take big steps in their development.

The most important change to the Colts offense entering the 2009 season? Peyton Manning enters the off-season healthy and will be able to put on the weight he lost last year, refine his mechanics and form to normal, get his timing down with receivers, and likely not have issues throwing some of the deep passes he struggled with all last year.

All indications suggest that, day one, the Colts offense will be far more potent in 2009.

DEFENSE: A DANGEROUS NEW LOOK

Last year the Colts were 31st in the league against the run. For most of the year the interior of the defensive line weighed an average of 260 pounds.

The linebackers took a beating. Sanders couldn't stay healthy. Opponents ran on the Colts defense relentlessly to eat up as much clock as possible and keep Manning on the sideline. This year? No more.

The Colts have added seven defensive tackles since the start of the 2008 season, only two of which are under 300 pounds. The Colts signed Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson during the year last year to help add size inside.

They drafted two defensive tackles in the recent draft, Moala in the second and Taylor in the fourth. They signed two undrafted free agent defensive tackles who are both twenty or more pounds heavier than the starters last year, Adrian Grady and Pat Kuntz. Then, if that was not enough, they re-signed one of last year's starters, Ed Johnson.

It is safe to say that the Colts are resolved to put an end to the soft label and stop opponents from drilling the ball into the middle of the defense thirty or more times a game.

From now on, if opponents want to beat the Colts, they are going to have to find a way to generate yards through the air against the second best pass defense in the league a year ago (a secondary rife with injury in 2008).

The importance of adding size, strength and ability to the interior of the defensive line cannot be overstated. The change will free up the Colts speedy linebackers to fly around and make plays, as they were intended.

The change will require more attention from opposing offensive linemen, which will serve to make Freeney and Mathis even more dangerous. Additionally, the change should greatly increase the longevity of Colts linebackers and defensive backs.

What's more, Marlin Jackson, Bob Sanders, Kelvin Hayden and Gary Brackett will all return healthy; and Tim Jennings will return to his more natural nickel back role.

It should also be noted, with a stouter front seven, Sanders will be free to roam around and wreak havoc like he did when Corey Simon and Booger McFarland spent time on the Colts roster. Let the rest of the league be on notice, Bobzilla is back!

This defense will make major strides in its first year of implementation and take a lot of pressure off of the offense.

THE TEAM TO BEAT?

There are four keys to a Colts boom this year, or a potential bust.

1) The Colts must get and stay healthy.
2) The new coaches must maintain the chemistry Dungy and his crew established with the team.
3) The Colts second-year players must show solid, but not necessarily outrageous, development. Especially on the offensive line.
4) Donald Brown must make a significant impact offensively, rushing for 750+ yards.

If these four things happen, the Colts are destined to win 13 or more games this year and will be the favorites to reach the AFC Championship game. If the Colts fail in any two of these areas, it is unlikely that they'll surpass twelve wins and not likely that they will make it deep into the playoffs.