Bleacher Report - Articles by The Colts Corner

Indianapolis Colts News and Updates

The Colts Corner — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:43:00 -0400

The Colts Corner News and Updates (08/19/09)

CBSsports.com is reporting that Colts wide receiver Roy Hall has cleared waivers and has been placed on injured reserve.
The Colts have released offensive tackle Corey Hilliard, who has spent time on the Colts practice squad the last two seasons.
The Colts re-signed Tom Pestock, who was signed by the Colts as an undrafted free agent, and was released a couple of weeks ago.
Antoine Bethea, Kelvin Hayden, Robert Mathis, Jim Sorgi, Raheem Brock, Michael Coe, Gijon Robinson, and Tom Santi will not play tomorrow.
Bob Sanders is still on the PUP list, and will also not play on Thursday, and Marlin Jackson could also miss Thursday's action.
Walter Mendenhall was released after the Colts signed him. Mendenhall was released to make room for the Colts to re-sign Josh Thomas.

Raheem Brock Injured

The Colts Corner — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 15:42:00 -0400

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Colts defensive tackle/defensive end Raheem Brock hurt his left hand in the Colts opening preseason game against the Vikings. Brock came to practice with a cast on his hand, wrist, and arm.

Brock started at defensive end last season, in an attempt to improve the Colts' run defense. Coach Jim Caldwell told reporters that Brock has a problem with his hand, and he is not sure how long Brock will be out.

The Colts other left end Robert Mathis was injured in the Vikings game also, but his injury looks less severe. Marcus Howard, Keyunta Dawson, and Eric Foster will likely get snaps at left end while Brock and Mathis are out.

Dose of Donald: Brown Among Highlights of Indianapolis Colts Preseason Opener

The Colts Corner — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:22:00 -0400

The Good

Donald Brown, the Colts first round pick, was amazing Friday night. Brown carried the ball only five times but he still managed to pick up 58 yards rushing. On Brown's third run of the night, he bounced off of three defenders for a 38-yard run.

The Bad

The Vikings rushed for 198 rushing yards on 41 carries. Chester Taylor, the Vikings back up running back, had a 72-yard run in the first quarter. But, the Colts were without safeties Bob Sanders and Antoine Bethea

The Ugly

Peyton Manning was sacked three times, with starting left tackle Ryan Diem and right tackle Charlie Johnson out with injuries the Colts struggled to contain the Vikings pass rush. And that was just in one series.

Indianapolis Colts Will Be Without Many On Friday

The Colts Corner — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:41:00 -0400

The Colts will be without many faces as they head into their first preseason game friday night. Antoine Bethea, Kelvin Hayden, Bob Sanders, Dallas Clark, Ryan Diem, Anthony Gonzalez, Jaccob Tamme, Tom Santi, Mike Hart, and Curtis Johnson have all been ruled out for Friday's game.

The Colts will be without three-fourths of their starting defensive backs, and will have to rely heavily on Melvin Bullitt, Matt Giordano, and Tim Jennings. Dante Hughes and Jerraud Powers should get a lot of snaps also.

Pierre Garcon will likely start in place of Gonzalez. Gijon Robinson and Jamie Pretkowski will start at tight end. Tony Ugoh will start at left tackle, while Charlie Johnson will start at right tackle.

Colts Make A Couple Moves

The Colts Corner — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:25:00 -0400

PFT is reporting that the Indianapolis Colts have made a number of roster moves today. The Colts have placed Roy Hall on the waived/injured list, and activated Sam Giguere from the physically unable to preform list.

This latest move just complicates the Colts wide receiver situation even more. Anthony Gonzalez, Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, and Pierre Garcon will all likely make the roster. But the Colts won't rule out adding a fifth receiver to the 53-man roster.

The Colts waived both Rudolph Hardie and Tom Pestock, while they signed running back Walter Mendenhall. Mendenhall is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall.

Bob Sanders Meeting with Dr. Andrews

The Colts Corner — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:36:00 -0400

The Colts have yet to see Bob Sanders at practice this training camp. Sanders will be visiting with surgeon James Andrews in the upcoming days, to consult about his right knee. Sanders is on the PUP list.

The news could mean that Sanders will have more surgery, or Sanders is just asking about how ready he is for contact football. Other than Sanders, Sam Giguere and Adam Vinatieri are still on the PUP list.

Sanders has been replaced by Melvin Bullitt and Matt Giordano while he has been out. The Colts feel fine with their depth at safety, and would not likely sign a safety, were Sanders to stay on the PUP list for a while.

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart Update

The Colts Corner — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:14:00 -0400

As with all training camps, players move up and down in certain positions and on the depth chart. Here are a few changes to the Indianapolis Colts depth chart.

At wide receiver, Pierre Garcon is listed as the slot receiver and Brett McDermott is listed as the fourth wide out. Roy Hall is the fifth and Taj Smith is the sixth. Austin Collie is the seventh receiver, and Sam Giguere is the eighth. John Matthews is the ninth receiver on the depth chart.

It is pretty much a lock that Austin Collie will make the roster, so six receivers (Pierre Garcon, Brett McDermott, Roy Hall, Taj Smith, Sam Giguere, and John Matthews) are competing for two spots. The likely answer would be Roy Hall and Pierre Garcon, but Brett McDermott is listed above Hall.

The only wierd thing on the offensive line is Charlie Johnson being listed ahead of Tony Ugoh. Johnson played guard last season, and Ugoh started at left tackle.

Robert Mathis is listed ahead of Raheem Brock at left defensive end. Last season the Colts used Brock as the starting left defensive ends, and used Mathis as the pass rush specialist.

Antonio Johnson and Ed Johnson are listed as starters at defensive tackle. Daniel Muir and Fili Moala are second stringers. Terrance Talyor and Eric Foster are third stringers. Adrian Grady is the seventh defensive tackle and Keyunta Dawson moved back to defensive end.

Phillip Wheeler and Clint Session are starting at outside linebacker. Freddy Keiaho was listed as the third middle linebacker.

Chad Simpson is the top kick returner, while T.J. Rushing is the top punt returner. Pierre Garcon backs up on punts, and Rushing backs up on kicks.

Ugoh Nowhere: Indianapolis Colts Bench Left Tackle Tony Ugoh

The Colts Corner — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:16:00 -0400

ESPN.com is reporting that Charlie Johnson is the Colts starting left tackle, not Tony Ugoh. Jim Caldwell told reporters that he wants Charlie Johnson and Tony Ugoh battle to find who deserves to start at left tackle.

Johnson was just taken off of the PUP list, and is now the Colts starting left tackle. Johnson spent the 2008 season playing mostly guard, after playing offensive tackle in 2007 and 2006. Ugoh had a sophomore slump last season after a great rookie year.

Caldwell also mentioned that Ryan Diem will also be used at left tackle. Diem is the Colts normal starter at right tackle. Caldwell is also using Ugoh at right tackle. It seems to me that Ugoh could start at right tackle in 2009.

Antonio Johnson and Marlin Jackson were taken off of the PUP list, while Dallas Clark sat out of practice for extra rest. Clark is not injured, but just a little worn down. Jackson will start at corner in 2009, while Johnson is looking for a roster spot.

Colts Wide Receiver Sam Giguere Has Backup Plans in CFL

The Colts Corner — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:10:00 -0400

Colts.com is reporting that Colts receiver Sam Giguere was drafted eighth overall in the Canadian Football League draft. Giguere told Colts.com that he has the ability to play in the NFL.

Giguere has a tough task to overcome. He would have to beat out Taj Smith, Brett McDermott, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, and Roy Hall. Last season Giguere played with the Colts during the preseason, but he failed to make the final roster.

Were Giguere to fail to make the Colts roster in 2009, which is a likely possibility, he would sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Jim Caldwell told reporters during mini camp that Giguere has a chance to be the Colts slot receiver.

True/False: Indianapolis Colts Training Camp Week One

The Colts Corner — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:31:00 -0400

After a full week under their belts in training camp, the Colts organization have given us some insight as to what they plan to accomplish, and just whom they will use to accomplish it with, this season.

Although there is still plenty of time for newcomers to step up and impress the coaches, I thought I’d give you all a Week One Training Camp Exam to see if you’ve been paying attention thus far. Don’t worry though…no math involved in this test, just a few True and False questions to quiz you and get you up to date on the Colts.

1) The Colts receiving core is better without the services of Marvin Harrison this year.

True. This is a tough one for all Colts fans to admit since Harrison has clearly been the best receiver on the Colts roster for the past decade and quite possibly in franchise history of the Colts. However, with Harrison’s nagging knee injuries the past couple of years, the team’s loyalty to Harrison has held back the potential the Colts WR core has to offer.

During the Pinnacle Week One Blue & White Game (team scrimmage), the Colts often lined up in pseudo four wideout formation with Wayne lined up on the far left, Gonzalez on the far right, Collie in the right slot, and Clark rotating in and out of a tight end position to a left slot position.

We haven’t seen a lot of four-wide formations from the Colts in the past but if the preseason is any indication of what the Colts want to do, the Colts might have Manning passing for 5,000 yards this season.

Wayne had his troubles hauling in passes as the defense played him very tight and hands on, but Gonzalez and Clark were looking fantastic. Collie grabbed a hold of a couple short passes and Wayne eventually showed his talent by reeling in a SportsCenter hands catch as he stretched out and latched on to the ball with his fingers tips, scoring a five yard TD pass from Manning.

There’s a little rust there, but the Colts will shake that off pretty quickly.

2) Manning actually enjoys Training Camp.

Very True. You ever see how happy a Golden Retriever is when you throw a ball for him to go get and bring it back? It’s like nothing in the world could be more pleasurable or fun. They’re bred with it and it simply exists in their DNA that they are here to perform that one task to the fullest.

I’m sure that no one likes being compared to a dog, but Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the world and Manning clearly has it in his DNA to enjoy every aspect of football as if it were the most exhilarating thing he could be doing in life, and that includes his time in training camp.

Manning often shows up hours before practice and spends at least an hour or two a day signing autographs of fans waiting at the railing hours before practice even begins. He understands that the fans are there to support him and the team and he is more than willing to spend extra time to converse with his fans.

But make no mistake that when Manning steps onto the field, he’s all business. Strapping on the pads in the Week One scrimmage, Manning wasted no time firing bullets to his receivers, calling formation changes at the line (audible), and driving the offense into the end zone.

Manning is focused, and while he too has a little rust to work out (passing behind and over the heads of receivers on several plays), he is certain to be ready for what could be a career year this season.

3) If Vinatieri can’t come back from hip and knee surgery, the Colts are toast.

False. Colts fans that have seen what Vinatieri brings to the team (basically the Lombardi Trophy), and are rightfully worried about their clutch kicker not being available due to injury.

After all, the Colts had never advanced to the Super Bowl without Vinatieri, despite having the most accurate kicker in NFL history on their team for the previous few years before Vinatieri.

While I’m not ready to crown Colts rookie kicker Shane Andrus the next, “Clutch” kicker or the next, “Most Accurate” kicker, I am ready to concede that he can hold down the fort for several weeks heading up to the playoffs while Vinatieri takes his time and lets his body heal correctly.

Shane Andrus has shown in training camp just why the Colts went out and drafted him. He’s been draining kicks all week and drained another for 50 yards, straight down the middle, in the scrimmage game (it could have easily cleared 55 yards).

It is yet to be seen how Andrus will react under the pressure of having 11 guys rushing at him in a critical game winning/losing situation, but he certainly seems to have the talent level to succeed.

4) Curtis Painter is ready to be the primary backup QB.

False. If you said true on this one, I’d probably go ahead and give you credit. Jim Sorgi has backed up Manning the past few years and has the playbook and his passing progressions, but he seems to lack the talent level needed to fill in for Manning should he need to for a substantial amount of time.

Painter was drafted to compete for the backup role but was more likely expected to be the third option this year with a chance of taking the secondary option from Sorgi next season.

However, it has been reported that Sorgi recently strained his throwing (right) shoulder and is expected to miss the next two or three weeks of practice due to the injury.

Painter took advantage of this in the team scrimmage game when he took over the duties of the second team offense competing against the second team defense. Painter had receivers Taj Smith and Peirre Garcon spread at wideouts, with Roy Hall in the slot position.

Painter completed most of his passes to Taj Smith and took his team into the end zone just before the end of the game.

Painter looked great for a rookie quarterback already thrown into the second team offense. He looked comfortable and was throwing the ball very accurately.

This will be one position battle to definitely watch the remainder of the preseason, but look for Sorgi to retain the primary backup quarterback role…For this season anyway.

5) Donald Brown is ready to take over the primary running back position.

False. Ahhhh...so that is the question right? Colts not impressed with Addai last year, and with his ability to overcome injuries…so the Colts go out and draft a stud rookie running back in the first round and soon after replace their current star running back a la Faulk, James, and Rhodes right?

This may be the intent of general manager Bill Polian, but Brown isn’t ready just yet. He might be by the end of the season and beginning of next, but he is certainly not there right now.

While Brown is expected to take his share of carries this season, Addai has been taking most of the snaps with the first team and Brown didn’t even take the field of play during the team’s week one scrimmage.

Brown has to first master the playbook, all of Manning’s fake audibles, pick up blocking, work on his catching, and then try to stop thinking about the game and just run the ball. That’s a ton of weight for a rookie to carry and I would only expect to see Brown in a primary running back role if Addai goes down with an injury.

6) The defense will be the dominant side of the ball for the Colts this year.

True. This seems like crazy talk and I’m sure I’ll take my share of bashing for this opinion, but it has been the Colts defense that has won close games for the Colts in the past few years. The offense has always been phenomenal, but the defense (if they can get their key players on the field and keep them on the field) is ready to dominate.

The team drafted rookie defensive tackles (Moala, Grady, & Taylor) that are there to run-stop and let their defensive ends (Freeney & Mathis) rush the QB. New coach Larry Coyer brings more blitz packages to the defensive backs Bethea, Hayden, and Sanders are ready to feast on the ball whenever it is in the air.

In the week one scrimmage game, the defense definitely looked like the dominant side of the ball. The defense played Wayne very tight with forcing an interception, while the line consistently stopped the running game from big gains.

The D-Line also got their hands up causing a tip ball that was nearly picked off, and would have been picked off if it hadn’t been for WR Gonzalez knocking the ball out of their hands and onto the ground.

The defense dominated the starting offense of the Colts and that’s a great sign considering the Colts look to be one of the best offenses in the NFL this year.

Get Sanders and Mathis back into the lineup and this unit is ready to cause havoc. I’d put them on my fantasy team any day.

Okay now…bonus question.

Give me your thought and comments. No pressure. You tell me what you think and we’ll forget about all of your wrong answers above.

Give me comments on your thoughts and you will pass.

Its football season again…no one should be taking meaningful exams right now should they???

Colts Defensive Back Nelson Munsey Dies

The Colts Corner — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:02:00 -0400

Nelson Munsey died of a heart disease, the Associated Press is reporting. Munsey spent six seasons with the Baltimore Colts from 1972 to 1977. Munsey's brother, who spelled his last name Muncie, was a Heisman trophy candidate.

Munsey recorded three interceptions in 1977 and returned them for a total of 25 yards. In 1976, Munsey recorded one interception for 10 yards. In 1975, he recorded three interceptions for 36 yards and one touchdown.

His interception return in 1975 for a touchdown helped the Colts defeat the Patriots in the AFC East championship. Munsey was not drafted by the Colts, but he signed as an undrafted free agent in 1972.

Marvin Harrison to Baltimore Ravens?

The Colts Corner — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:16:00 -0400

The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Baltimore Ravens could look to sign Marvin Harrison due to the recent statements by Derrick Mason. Mason told a Web site on Monday that he plans to retire, but he has not submitted the necessary paperwork to the league.

Mason struggled with injuries last season, and Harrison might not be such an upgrade. Harrison, 37, has slowed down the past two seasons after making the Pro Bowl the previous eight years. Harrison had 60 receptions last season, but he looked worn down.

Adding to the mess, both Demetrius Williams and Mark Clayton are in contract years. The Sun is also reporting the Ravens could look elsewhere for help. Amani Toomer, D.J. Hackett, Reggie Williams, Drew Bennett, Darrell Jackson, Justin McCareins, and others have been mentioned.

Player Of The Day: Marcus Howard

The Colts Corner — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:35:00 -0400

The Colts knew they had something special in Howard. In the Hall of Fame game against the Washington Redskins, Howard recorded 1.5 sacks in a losing effort. Howard also blocked a pass at the line of scrimage in the Hall of Fame game.

In all, Howard recorded 2.5 sacks in the preseason. Heading into the regular season, Howard saw reps as the third-string defensive end, behind Raheem Brock, Robert Mathis, Dwight Freeney, and Josh Thomas. Howard had trouble seeing the field in the begining of the season.

His first NFL regular season game action came in a blowout loss against the Packers, where he was unable to record a tackle. Howard's second game action came two weeks later against the Patriots, where he recorded his first NFL tackle.

After recording zero tackles in Pittsburgh, Howard recorded his second NFL tackle against the Texans. After another week of not recording a tackle, he managed two solo tackles against the Browns.

He recorded three more tackles before heading into week seventeen against the Titans, where he recorded an amazing seven tackles and 1.5 sacks. Howard ended the season with a tackle against San Diego.

Indianapolis Colts Sign Kicker

The Colts Corner — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:30:00 -0400

With the recent surgery of Adam Vinatieri, the Colts have been looking to add a kicker. Well, now they have one.

Murray Hill Marketing Inc. is reporting that the Colts have signed kicker Shane Andrus.

Andrus was signed by the Tampa Bay Bucaneers earlier this offseason, but after they signed Mike Nugent in free agency, Andrus was released. Andrus is from Murray, so that probably explains why Murray Hill Marketing Inc. broke the story.

Andrus has been on the Colts offseason roster for the past three seasons. The funny thing is Andrus is a marketing major. I would bet that Andrus was working at Murry Hill Marketing Inc.

In 2007 Andrus won the last NFL Europe World Bowl.

Buffalo Bills Sign Annother Former Colts Running Back

The Colts Corner — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:33:00 -0400

The Bills have signed former Colts running back Justise Hairston NFL.com is reporting. In his senior season Hairston ran for 1877 yards and 20 touchdowns. As a senior he rushed for 197 yards in the first quarter of a game.

Hairston was originally drafted by the Patriots, but he was released and drafted by the Colts. The Colts released him after the 2006 season. He went on and off of the Colts practice squad. Haiston has not been in the NFL since, but I read somewhere a couple of months ago that he tried out for a team.

Haiston has a chance to make the Bills' game-one roster because Marshawn Lynch has been suspended. But once Lynch gets back, Hairstion could be in trouble.

Indianapolis Colts Injury Update

The Colts Corner — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 19:22:00 -0400

The Colts have been injured this week, good thing it is not during the season.

Anthony Gonzalez: Missed practice because of right leg. Should return in two or three days. A minor injury, but it has gotten a lot of publicity.

Steve Justice: Recovering from back surgery. As of now is the Colts starting right guard. This could open things up for Pollack to overtake him.

Sam Giguere: Broke a bone in leg. Is competing for the third receiver spot, although he is the dark horse canidate.

Adam Vinatieri: Had surgery to repair his right hip. The Colts looked at Nick Novak, but Vinatieri should be back before the season starts.

Tony Ugoh: Had surgery to clean out his right knee. Hopefully this will help him get back on track after a sophmore slump.

Ryan Lilja: Had surgery for the third time on his knee. His career looks to be winding down. Jamey Richard and Mike Pollack should be the Colts two starting guards this time next season.

Joseph Addai: Had knee surgery. Hopefully he will come back to form after an awful season last year. He will be back in time for week one.

Dwight Freeney Wants Snaps on Offense

The Colts Corner — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:18:00 -0400

"I'm going to talk to Peyton, one red-zone play, that's all I need. Just one. I want to catch the ball," Freeney told Colts GM Bill Polian yesterday.

Defenders with similar builds have been used on offense; Mike Vrabel and Julius Peppers have probably been the most effective.

Last season, defensive tackle Darrell Reid was used on offense. Reid was mainly used as a blocker, as a fullback. In 2006, the Colts also used defensive tackle Dan Klecko at fullback. The Colts would likely use Freeney as a tight end or catching fullback.

With all the depth the Colts have at tight end, it is unlikely that Freeney will become a familiar face in the Colts offensive huddle.

Colts Looking To Add Ads In Practice

The Colts Corner — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:44:00 -0400

The Indianapolis Star is reporting that the Indianapolis Colts will look to add advertisements on their practice jerseys. Each team will only be allowed one sponsor. The sponsor will not be on the game uniforms, and there is limitations on the size of the patches.

The advertisements are limited to appropriate ads. Gambling, weapons, and other sports leagues are some of the topics that can not be advertised. It is likely that the Colts will choose an Indianapolis based company.

I predict Edward Jones will be the Colts advertiser. The economy is down, and people in the economy will do anything for a little more viewership.

Ron Johnson and Frank Winters working with Colts

The Colts Corner — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:56:00 -0400

Colts+add+to+coaching+staff">Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star is reporting that former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ron Johnson and former Green Bay Packers center Frank Winters are working as interns for the Colts. Winters is working with the offensive line and Johnson is working with the Colts receivers.

Johnson and Winters might receive full-time jobs from the Colts because of the losses of Howard Mudd and Tom Moore. Johnson might replace Clyde Christenson as the Colts receivers coach, and Winters might be the Colts assistant offensive line coach.

Johnson played his college football for Minnesota, and was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2002. In two seasons he started four games and made 11 receptions for 126 yards and 1 touchdown.

In 2005 he spent the offseason in Chicago, and in 2006 he spent the offseason in Washington. He signed with the AFL in 2007, where he still plays. He is used at linebacker in the AFL.

Frank Winters had a more successful NFL career. He spent his first two seasons in Cleveland, one year with the Giants, and two seasons with the Chiefs. He ended his career with 10 seasons in Green Bay. Last year he was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame, and went to a Pro Bowl in 1996. He started 147 games.

Linebackers "What To Expect"

The Colts Corner — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:20:00 -0400

After a long wait, my third to last "What To Expect" Article.

Linebackers: Gary Brackett, Freddie Keiaho, Clint Sessions, Tyjuan Hagler, Adam Seward, Phillip Wheeller, Jordan Senn, Michael Okwo, Ramon Humber, Tyrell Sales, Mike Tauiliili

Gary Brackett will once again be the Colts starting middle linebacker. Brackett might struggle to fit the Colts new defensive scheme, and might not be resigned after the season.The Colts did not miss him when he was injured last season, and it looks as if Jim Caldwell will go a different way at middle linebacker in 2010.

Adam Seward or Tyjuan Hagler might start when Hagler retires. Even Phillip Wheeller and Jordan Senn could be considered.

Freddie Keiaho is the Colts weak side linebacker after an interesting offseason. Keiaho has started at weakside linebacker the last two seasons and has done a pretty good job, but he struggles with injuries. Keiaho might be switched to the strongside, so Clint Session can play weakside. Keiaho was a middle linebacker in college, and could be the Colts starting middle linebacker in 2010 if Gary Brackett is not resigned.

Clint Session might be better at weakside linebacker because of his great speed, but the Colts still are using him at strongside linebacker. Sessions will compete with Tyjuan Hagler for the starting strongside linebacker spot. Hagler had clinched the strongside linebacker spot last offseason, but he got injured before the season started, and Sessions playmaking ability impressed the Colts staff.

For now Tyjuan Hagler will provide depth and compete for the starting strongside linebacker spot, but he could get some starting time if one of the Colts linebackers get hurt. Hagler can play all of the Colt's linebacker spots. Adam Seward might be tried at strong side linebacker, where he could compete with Clint Sessions. But I expect the Colts just signed him for special teams help.

Phillip Wheeler and Jordan Senn can play inside or out and are good special teamers. Senn made the Colts roster after leading the Colts in preseason tackles. Both might get chances to start this year or in the future. The Colts go through linebackers pretty fast, so I expect they will get starting linebacker spots before their time with the Colts is over.

Michael Okwo, Ramon Humber, Tyrell Sales, and Mike Tauiliili will struggle to make the roster unless they make a big splash, like Jordan Senn did last preseason.

Indianapolis Colts: 'What To Expect' From the Offensive Line

The Colts Corner — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:06:00 -0400

This is the latest article in my "What To Expect" series. With all of the versatility in offensive linemen, I have split up the Colts' linemen in three overlapping categories.

Players with ability to play center: Jeff Saturday, Mike Pollack, Jamey Richard, Steve Justice, and Kyle DeVan.

Players with ability to play guard: Ryan Lilja, Mike Pollack, Charlie Johnson, Jamey Richard, Dan Federkeil, Steve Justice, Corey Hilliard, Jamie Thomas, Cornelius Lewis, Kyle DeVan, Brandon Barnes, and Tom Pestock.

Players with ability to play tackle: Ryan Diem, Tony Ugoh, Charlie Johnson, Dan Federkeil, Corey Hilliard, Jamie Thomas, and Cornelius Lewis.

Tony Ugoh will start at left tackle in his third season as a Colt. Ugoh struggled last season after having a great rookie season. Ugoh will never be as good as his predecessor, Tarik Glenn, but he might be considered a better run blocker.

In fact, if Glenn had not retired, Ugoh would probably be the Colts' right guard, and all of the centers that the Colts drafted last offseason would not have been drafted.

Ryan Diem will once again be the Colts starting right tackle. Diem has done much more than was expected of him ever since he entered Indianapolis, helping the Colts of the 2000's have one of the best lines in NFL history. Diem is a better pass blocker than Ugoh and has less holding calls than him.

Jeff Saturday re-signed this offseason, even after reports said that he would sign elsewhere. Saturday makes all of the Colts line calls and he has been Manning's body guard since Manning was just an average player.

The Colts probably would have not been that bad off if Saturday would have signed elsewhere, Jamey Richard looks like a potential star.

Jamey Richard will probably be the heir to the Colts starting center job when Jeff Saturday retires. Richard started bad last season in the Hall of Fame game, but he showed much improvement and toughness down the stretch.

Ryan Lilja got injured last season after the Colts chose to re-sign him over Jake Scott. Some reports were saying that the Colts were going to release Lilja, but he managed to make it through the draft.

Lilja was replaced by Charlie Johnson last season. Johnson was moved to guard after the Colts decided he was a liability as an offensive tackle.

Mike Pollack should start right away at guard. Pollack was the Colts first draft choice last season, and he showed some promise. He needs to stay healthy if Manning wants to have any stability this season.

Pollack might receive competition from Dan Federkeil, Charlie Johnson, and Jamey Richard, but I expect Pollack to be handed the job.

Charlie Johnson and Dan Federkeil have done enough to keep roster spots even when the Colts drafted three centers, that says a lot. Federkeil is one of the little Canadian population in the NFL and started week one at guard for the Colts.

Both Federkeil and Johnson can play both guard and tackle.

Steve Justice had a bad season. He let Jamey Richard leap frog over him in the depth chart, and he could not stay healthy. If he continues to struggle, the Colts might consider releasing him before the season starts. Even if he makes the final cut, he needs to show more to make the cut in 2010.

Corey Hilliard will have to defend his job with every ounce of energy he has. Jamie Thomas and Cornelius Lewis will be looking to make the roster over him. Hilliard can play guard, but he is most natural at tackle.

Thomas and Lewis have potential, and are good run blockers, but they will have to fight hard to make the roster. They are prime candidates for the practice squad.

Tom Pestock, Brandon Barnes, and Kyle DeVan will not make the roster but have a chance to land on someone's practice squad.

Wide Receivers: "What To Expect"

The Colts Corner — Wed, 13 May 2009 10:21:00 -0400

The fourth article in my "What To Expect" series.

Wide Receivers: Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Austin Collie, Roy Hall, Pierre Garcon, Taj Smith, Sam Giguere, John Matthews, Brett McDermott

Reggie Wayne will once again help the Colts stay above ground. Wayne has improved his deep game greatly, and Manning has targeted him more deep than he did when Wayne first entered the NFL.

For the past five seasons Wayne has caught at least 1,000 yards receiving. Wayne has only missed there games in his NFL career, and has started all 16 games the last six seasons.

In college he started every game except one in his freshman year. Wayne will not burn you with his speed, but he is savvy and smart and is Manning's go to receiver. Wayne has a way of beating the cornerback early in the play and getting wide open deep down field.

Anthony Gonzalez really took of last season. He play against the Vikings made me think his time over Marvin Harrison had come. But I was wrong, Gonzalez's play was too erratic last season.

Gonzalez is not always healthy, and he does not always make the catch, although he makes some circus catches. Gonzalez dazzled me with his lateral to Reggie Wayne against the Vikings. Gonzalez has the body to be used as a punt returner, but the Colts will probably not risk it because he is a key part of their offense.

Austin Collie was a great steal by the Colts. Collie is one of the most NFL ready rookies in the NFL as of now. Collie should compete for a kick or punt return job in training camp.

Collie reminds me a lot of a mix between Brandon Stokley and Marvin Harrison. He is skinny like Harrison, and he looks like Stokley. Collie might get competition from Roy Hall or Pierre Garcon in training camp.

Roy Hall has the potential to be an Aaron Moorehead like receiver. Hall is a lot like Moorehead. He has height to use in the goalline, but he needs to stay healthy. If Hall can stay healthy he could contribute.

Pierre Garcon was awful last season, as a returner and receiver. He kept on slipping in the Chargers game, and he lost his return duties to Chad Simpson and Kiwean Ratliff. Garcon might not make the roster, but if he does, he needs to learn and be ready for action.

Taj Smith, Sam Giguere, Brett McDermott, and John Matthews will most likely not make the roster, but they will be fun to watch in the preseason. Giguere had a little action in the preseason with the Colts last year, but he looked funky with the ball.

Up next is offensive line. Check me out at www.indcolts.blogspot.com and www.rfor6.blogspt.com

Quarterbacks: What To Expect

The Colts Corner — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:07:00 -0400

Lately I have been working on fantasy reviews, and Colts positional battles articles. Now I am going to start a new series where I break down the Colts by position.

Quarterbacks:Peyton Manning, Jim Sorgi, Curtis Painter, and Chris Crane.

In Peyton Manning's 11 season career, he has started all 176 games and has won 117 of them. Only twice has he let the Colts win under ten games in an entire year. He has accumulated 45,628 yards passing and 333 touchdown passes. He has 717 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns, pretty good if it was in a season (I wish). The only questions I have is how much longer he can play, and will he have commercials when he retires.

Jim Sorgi will not be provide with competition from Chris Crane or Curtis Painter, at least not now. In a couple of years of learning the Colts offense Painter could become a quality back up. I doubt that Painter will be the Colts long term option, but I think he will be the guy mentoring the Colts quarterback of the future. If it is not Painter it will probably be Sorgi. Sorgi has two more years on his contract, and Painter will probably be signed to a three year deal.

Chris Crane is nothing special, but he could land a job on a practice squad for some team or join the UFL, AFL, CFL ect.

Sorgi has thirty one rushes for zero yards, and has a six to one touchdown to interception ratio. Sorgi will complete most of his passes, but he has a weak arm, and can't throw deep. Painter has an arm, but he lacks the savvy and confidence that Sorgi has.

Did you know if you type Jim Sorgi in on Google Earth you can find his house. He lives next to a golf course. I have to admit, I am having the most fun writing this article than I have had in a long time.

What to expect: A lot of boring preseason games out of Painter and Crane and Sorgi. Unless of course, you write for Colts Corner.

Enjoy. Running Backs preview coming soon.