One Player on Each NFL Team Who Indianapolis Colts Fans Hate to See

When you play in the NFL, every team is talented.

Larry Fitzgerald, Tom Brady, Arian Foster.

No matter who you're playing, there is somebody you just hate to see lining up for the other team.

And the fans hate to see those guys too, because it usually spells bad news for their team.

The Indianapolis Colts are no different.

This will be a list of players who Colts fans hate to see lining up against their team on Sundays. However, since some teams only meet every few seasons, some of them will be hypothetical.

Some guys you just know are trouble because of their talent or style of play, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that they will terrorize your team.

Other guys have been making your life miserable for years, and haven't stopped yet.

Let's get it.

Arizona Cardinals, Larry Fitzgerald

This was actually a somewhat tough decision.

Obviously, Larry Fitzgerald is an elite receiver who fans always hate to see come against their squad.

But the Cardinals also run a 3-4 defense, which Peyton Manning and the Colts have historically struggled against more than a 4-3 base defense.

The aspect of the 3-4 that has most effected Peyton is the presence of elite edge-rushing linebackers. The Cardinals lack that presence, and thus, Fitzgerald is the choice.

Beanie Wells would've been a fair choice, too.

Atlanta Falcons, Julio Jones

The Colts met the Atlanta Falcons' Julio Jones for the first time this season and he definitely made his mark.

The rookie caught only three passes, but took them for 131yards and two touchdowns. One of them was an 80-yarder.

Luckily, the Colts won't have to worry about Jones too much, as he resides in the NFC.

As a side note, I definitely understand anyone that thinks this should've been Michael Turner. After all, he's been angering fans ever since his days with the San Diego Chargers, when he effectively ended a 13-0 start by the Colts in 2005.

The reason I went with Jones is because he's only just beginning his career, and the Colts will have to face him again sooner or later. Turner, on the other hand, is years older and may be replaced by the next time the Colts face the Falcons.

Baltimore Ravens, Ed Reed

Ed Reed has been a menace to the Colts more than arguably any other defensive player in the league.

Though he's only recorded one regular season interception against Peyton Manning, he's also picked off two of Manning's passes in playoff games, returning one for almost 40 yards before being tackled at the 5-yard line.

He knocked Dallas Clark out of their 2006-2007 AFC Divisional Round matchup with a crushing hit that would now be considered illegal under the new headhunting rules.

All in all, he's made an impact that few defensive players have against the Colts.

Buffalo Bills, CJ Spiller

When your defense is bad, guys with versatility can really look good.

That's exactly what will happen next time the Buffalo Bills face the Colts.

While Fred Jackson may get the bulk of the carries (if he's healthy), CJ Spiller will do the majority of the damage.

With quickness like his, he can easily slice through a defensive line that hasn't been able to the defend the run in years. He will dart passed linebackers who are average at best, and run right through the arm tackles of defensive backs who nobody has ever heard of.

And if he doesn't do it running the ball, he'll gladly do it catching the ball from the slot, or even outside the numbers on screen passes.

The Colts have nobody to match up with a guy like Spiller, and it will show.

Carolina Panthers, DeAngelo Williams

It's easy to say Cam Newton is the guy to fear from the Carolina Panthers, but let's be clear.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart beat the Colts this year.

The reason Williams is the choice is because I feel he fits the mold of a guy who can gives the Colts trouble on defense.

He's smaller, he's fast, and he's a slashing running back who doesn't dilly-dally in the backfield. He proved it by rushing for 70 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries week 12 in Indy.

Chicago Bears, Devin Hester

Devin Hester is a special teams phenom.

The Colts are perennial cellar-dwellers in special teams coverage.

You do the math.

Not only does this make sense in a theoretical level, but Hester returned the opening kickoff of their Super Bowl matchup to the house. It marked the first time that the opening kickoff of a Super Bowl had been returned for a touchdown.

Ever.

Trust me, Colts fans do not like seeing Hester.

Cincinnati Bengals, Jerome Simpson

Though he didn't score against the hapless Colts during their 2011 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals, Jerome Simpson agonized the Colts and their fans all afternoon.

While the defense stacked the box against Cedric Benson (holding him to 57 rushing yards) and rolled coverage to stop rookie phenom AJ Green (51 receiving yards), Simpson was left in single coverage all day.

He capitalized on the opportunity, grabbing six balls for 101 yards. He consistently made big plays when the Bengals needed them, ensuring the Colts defense would have to stay on the field for extended periods.

The Colts proved they had enough talent to slow down one good receiver, but didn't have enough weapons on defense to prevent a solid number two option from running wild.

Cleveland Browns, Joe Thomas

The Cleveland Browns don't have a ton of weapons offensively. Defensively, they are decent, but not special.

But what they do have is perennial All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas.

The guy is an absolute freak, and it shows when he faces top competition.

With Indy's top defender being the guy that lines up across from Thomas on every place, it's frustrating to see him being neutralized.

He causes damage by minimizing the damage that Dwight Freeney can cause, and that's an annoying thing to see as a Colts fan.

Dallas Cowboys, Miles Austin

The Dallas Cowboys' Miles Austin is an interesting player.

Despite being one of their most productive players (when healthy), it's his counterpart Dez Bryant that gets most of the media attention.

For me, Austin is the one that does the damage.

While Witten drags coverage underneath, and Bryant leads more coverage deep, Austin can terrorize any team's number two corner in the intermediate passing game. He's a smart player who reads coverage well, and can be a zone-buster, too.

Worst of all for the Colts, he's excellent after the catch, and the Colts are terrible at tackling.

Denver Broncos, Von Miller

With the Colts offensive line as bad as it's been in years, a guy like the Denver Broncos' Von Miller is not who they want to see.

Drafted No. 2 overall in the 2011 draft, Miller won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He amassed 11.5 sacks, and was a key member of a surprisingly effective Broncos defense that often kept games low-scoring enough for Tim Tebow to pull out a win with some late magic.

With fellow outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil, the pass rush of the Broncos is something that will have Colts fans cringing.

Detroit Lions, Ndamukong Suh

With Jeff Saturday aging, and possibly even departing from the Colts, the interior of their offensive line has virtually turned to mush. They are a sub-par group with few bright spots.

How can they possibly hope to contain the man-beast that is Detroit Lions' defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh?

Short answer: They can't.

The Colts would probably need to commit two offensive linemen and a running back to blocking Suh, and at that point everyone else on the defense is awarded one-on-one situations. So while Suh may not do the damage directly, he would be creating incredible opportunities for his teammates to wreak havoc.

It wouldn't be pretty for the Colts.

Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers

The quarterbacks that are most effective against the Colts are the ones who are patient and willing to take the underneath throws.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fits the bill.

Is he accurate in the intermediate passing game, especially over the middle?

Check.

As an added bonus, quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs are more troublesome for the Colts. Their stud defensive ends become gassed chasing guys like Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger.

Rodgers fits the bill there as well.

When the two teams met in the preseason in 2010, the Pack hung 59 points on the Colts. Rodgers played only the first half, but still managed to post nearly 200 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Colts registered zero sacks.

This game would be a disaster for the Colts. Their fans wouldn't want to watch, but wouldn't be able to look away.

Houston Texans, Arian Foster

Arian Foster is a name Colts fans loathe.

After going undrafted in 2009, the former Tennessee Volunteer signed with the Houston Texans and made a couple promising appearances in his rookie season.

He earned the starting role going into the 2010 season, and he can thank the Colts defense for their generous offerings to his stat sheet.

In three career games against his division rivals, Foster has bested 100 yards rushing each time. He scored at least one touchdown in all three games.

In his first contest against the Colts, Foster tallied 231 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 33 carries.

Colts have reason to worry about him in the future.

Jacksonville Jaguars, Maurice Jones-Drew

Here's another no-brainer.

The Jacksonville Jaguars' Maurice Jones-Drew has been one of the top five running backs in the league for a few years now.

And Pocket Hercules hasn't gone easy on the Colts.

In 12 career games against the Colts, MJD has thrown down 12 touchdowns. He's recorded at least 100 yards rushing seven times (and a 97-yard effort). He's also added production in the passing game.

Any Colts fan can tell you that their relationship with MJD is not a happy one.

Kansas City Chiefs, Tamba Hali

Kansas City Chiefs star Tamba Hali is a frightening man.

Coming off back-to-back Pro-Bowl selections, Tamba is on his way to the top. He's recorded 26.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and led the NFL in 2010 with 14.5.

This is the type of 3-4 outside linebacker that the Colts, and particularly Peyton Manning, have struggled with over the years. Guys with amazing burst coming off the edge and putting pressure on the quarterback in a hurry.

Hali is nothing to scoff at.

Another guy that would likely tear the Colts up is Jamaal Charles. His world-class speed would bring a world of hurt to the Colts defenders.

Miami Dolphins, Brandon Marshall

The last time Brandon Marshall saw the Colts, he broke the NFL record for receptions in a single game.

He caught 21 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

I'm not sure the Colts are interested in seeing him for a second date.

The 6'4" Marshall is a tough load to handle for any team. But the Colts showed a little something extra when they continually double-teamed him, only to let him catch it anyway and then break a variety of tackles.

It was a special performance, and not likely to be forgotten soon by fans of the horseshoe.

Minnesota Vikings, Adrian Peterson

The Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson is a player that should be feared and respected on every play, by every team.

With limited offensive success, due largely to upheaval at the quarterback position, the Vikings have remained constant in one area: rushing yards.

Whether it was Peterson, Toby Gerhart or Percy Harvin, they were always able to produce in the running game.

Peterson, however, remains by far the most talented member of their backfield, and one whose physical talents far outshine that of any Colts player.

Peterson has only played the Colts once, in 2008, but didn't disappoint. He ran around, over, and right through the Colts' poor defense, gaining 160 yards on the ground.

New England Patriots, Tom Brady

Even as a Colts fan, I can't say this is entirely true. Although no player has caused Colts fans as much pain as Tom Brady, he's been the yin to Peyton Manning's yang.

Do I hate the Patriots?

With all my heart.

Do I want the Colts to bury them each and every year?

Of course.

But at the same time, rivalries are part of what makes sports so exciting. Without Brady vs. Manning, there would be a void for Colts (and Patriots) fans that just couldn't be filled otherwise.

Now that we face the end of this rivalry, I already miss it. Watching the two best quarterbacks of an era duke it out year after year has been an undeniable joy.

Especially when the Colts won.

So while I will always boo the Patriots, and while I hate seeing Tom Brady succeed, I will always remember the games played when the Patriots and the Colts lined up together.

I wouldn't have had it any other way.

New Orleans Saints, Tracy Porter

The images of New Orleans Saints' cornerback Tracy Porter snatching a misfired Peyton Manning pass and flying toward the endzone are some of the most painful of recent times for the Colts and their fans.

It sealed the Super Bowl loss in 2009.

It would be easy to say it was just one play, or that Drew Brees has had more of an impact against the Colts.

Last time the two teams met, Brees had five touchdowns passes and four incompletions.

Not a typo.

But as fans, we can forget the regular season drubbings.

It's the Super Bowl we lost that still hurts.

I'd also like to acknowledge that Darren Sproles is certainly worthy of this spot, too. The main reason he wasn't chosen is because he did almost all of his damage against the Colts while playing for the San Diego Chargers.

New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks

There's a part of me that thinks this should be Eli Manning. After all, he's the living reminder of an era at an end. He's the blood relative of our former savior.

But the guy for me is Hakeem Nicks.

In 2009, the Colts had the opportunity to get Nicks. He was a legit talent coming out of college. He graded well against other receivers in the draft. He had good size, big hands, and ran smooth routes.

Oh, and Marvin Harrison had just retired.

So when the No. 27 pick rolled around and the Colts had the chance to get him, you can imagine my disgust when they went with Connecticut running back Donald Brown instead.

A few years in now, we can see how far that got us. Brown is an injury-prone back mostly relegated to being Joseph Addai's backup, while Hakeem Nicks just posted 10 catches for 109 yards in a Super Bowl win.

Makes me sick.

New York Jets, Antonio Cromartie

Antonio Cromartie has done some damage to the Colts over the years.

He was the main culprit in Peyton Manning's career-high six interception game against the San Diego Chargers in 2007.

Cromartie had three of them.

But that was a regular season game.

More importantly, he is one of the key reasons the Colts lost what will likely be their last playoff game with Peyton Manning.

After the Colts had kicked a field goal to go up by two points, the New York Jets had only 53 seconds to come back.

They did, kicking a field goal to win the game. Largely thanks to Cromartie's 47-yard kickoff return.

Oakland Raiders, Darren McFadden

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden could be an absolute superstar if he could just stay on the field.

Despite impressive numbers, the young back has seen his career hindered by nagging injuries.

But when healthy, McFadden presents a laundry-list of physical traits that would have the Colts' mediocre defense shaking in their shoulder pads.

His combination of size and elite speed is rare, and allows him to choose from a variety of moves. His size affords him the ability to run through smaller defenders, while his speed and quickness gives him an elusiveness generally reserved for smaller backs.

He could be frightening against a unit as poor at tackling as the Colts.

Philadelphia Eagles, Asante Samuel

Asante Samuel has caused Peyton Manning as much agony as any player in the NFL.

Whether he was scoring touchdowns off Manning interceptions in the 2006 AFC Championship game or picking off Manning twice during their last regular season meeting in 2010, Samuel has always seemed to have Peyton's number,

And Peyton keeps on throwing at him.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu is one of the great havoc wreakers in the NFL.

Whether coming on one of his last second blitzes or flying to the ball, nobody plays quite like Polamalu.

His biggest impact against the Colts came in the 2005 AFC Divisional playoffs, where he provided a number of late-game pressures on Peyton Manning.

Polamalu provides a unique aspect to a defense that no other player does. His versatility is unmatched in the league, and any team would hate to see him across the ball.

San Diego Chargers, Bob Sanders

The San Diego Chargers' Bob Sanders is a sad story.

Once the face of the Super Bowl-winning 2006 Colts defense, he is hardly remembered anymore. Since winning the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year award with the Colts, he has rarely played a game.

After consecutive seasons spent almost entirely on the injured reserve, the Colts decided to part ways with Sanders, cutting him in 2011.

With career-derailing injuries to everything from his ankles to his biceps, Sanders has only played in four games since 2009.

Colts fans will hate to see Sanders on the Chargers not because of the impact he may impose, but rather because they will remember what could've been a bright and exciting career in Indianapolis.

San Francisco 49ers, Vernon Davis

Historically, the Colts have held up pretty well against tight end opposition.

But Vernon Davis is a different animal altogether.

He's got the strength of a lineman with the speed of a true NFL wide receiver.

At the NFL combine he posted inhuman numbers. His 40-yard dash time was clocked at 4.38 seconds. His vertical jump of 42.5" broke the tight end record at the combine. His 33 bench reps were far beyond adequate.

Davis is a beast, there's no other way to put it.

And although Alex Smith's shortcomings as a quarterback have hindered Davis' career, it appears as though they are finally hitting their stride as a pass-catch combination.

The Colts simply do not have a playmaker on defense that could hope to contain this man.

Seattle Seahawks, Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn "The Beast" Lynch returned to his "Beast Mode" ways last fall, showing everyone the violent running style that made him a first round pick in the NFL.

Between Lynch's penchant for scoring touchdowns, 13 total in 2011, and the Colts' habit of giving up rushing touchdowns, 19 in 2011 (2nd worst in the league), it's safe to say Marshawn could cause some trouble for the Colts.

St. Louis Rams, James Laurinaitis

With the future uncertain in Indianapolis, the focus of the offense may turn to the rushing attack. Running backs Joseph Addai and Donald Brown will be called on to lead the team, and produce points for the offensively challenged team.

But it will be hard for them to do that with guys like the St. Louis Rams' James Laurinaitis on the field.

In three years in the league, Laurinaitis has already tallied 376 tackles, eight sacks and five interceptions.

With teams expecting the Colts to run, it will be tough against tackling machines like this guy. There's no telling how successful the Colts run game will be. Against guys like Laurinaitis, it won't be easy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, LeGarrette Blount

In a season marred by disappointment and confusion, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were still able to get one thing right.

They beat the Colts.

Running back LeGarrette Blount ran all over the downtrodden team, posting a season-high 127 rushing yards and a touchdown.

While there is some speculation the Bucs will draft Alabama's Trent Richardson to replace Blount, for the time being, he is one of the few things to fear in Tampa.

Tennessee Titans, Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson had a really terrible year.

After all the 2,500-yard hype and the ridiculous contract the Tennessee Titans signed him to, there's no way around it: last season sucked.

But that doesn't change what Johnson has done to the Colts in the past and what fans know he is capable of. Whether or not he's motivated is a different story, but when happy and healthy, CJ-formerly-2K is one of the best backs in the league. Colts fans have seen it first-hand.

Washington Redskins, Robert Griffin III

A few short months ago it was a foregone that the Colts were going to draft Andrew Luck No. 1 overall in the NFL draft.

Now Tony Dungy is saying he would take Robert Griffin III.

If Andrew Luck turns into the player everybody hopes he will, this will be a non-issue.

But if Luck becomes the next JaMarcus Russell or Ryan Leaf, and Griffin becomes a huge success in the NFL, Colts fans won't forget that they had the chance to get him.

Of course, he may not end up with the Washington Redskins, but there seems to be a pretty good chance.

I'm not saying I would take RG3 over Luck.

I'm not saying I would take Luck over RG3.

I'm saying I'm glad I'm not the one who has to choose.