More to Indianapolis Colts' Secondary Than "Bobzilla"

What is the first name that comes to mind when mentioning the Colts' defense.

Most would say it would be Bob Sanders, while others say Dwight Freeney. Both defensive stars will have major implications on how the Colts fare this season. Health has always been the No. 1 issue with both of them, and that won't change this year.

The fact is, as much time as Sanders has missed over his career, the Colts have had success in finding more than capable replacements in the secondary.

In 2004, 2006, and 2008, Sanders only played in 16 total games, basically missing two entire seasons. In 2005 he played 14 games and went to his first Pro Bowl, while the 15 games he played in 2007 earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award.

In Sanders' absence, there were a combination of replacements, and this year is no exception. Behind him on the depth chart sits third-year player Melvin Bullitt.

Bullitt played a lot last season filling in for Sanders, and recorded 77 total tackles. He also managed to grab four interceptions. Bullitt will likely see some more time this year, as the Colts have started to limit Sanders' time on the field.

At the other safety position, the Colts have Antoine Bethea. He broke a bone in his hand a week ago in training camp, but after getting fit for a cast, he looks to get back on the field.

Bethea is a lesser known name in some cities, but he is a household name in Indianapolis. Entering his fourth year, Bethea has recorded 327 total tackles and has grabbed seven interceptions.

Behind Antoine is Matt Giordano, who is entering his fifth year in the league. He has played sparingly throughout his career, but has proved he belongs in this talented group.

At the corner positions, there is an abundance of talent.

It all starts with Marlin Jackson, the hero of the Colts' Super Bowl year as he made the game-winning interception in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.

Jackson is entering his fifth year in the league after missing most of last season with a knee injury. In 2007, he recorded 112 total tackles for the Colts. Marlin has shown over the last few years that he is the best corner on the team.

Filling in for Jackson last season was Tim Jennings, who is now entering his fourth year in the NFL. He started the final 12 games for the Colts last season, and ended up with 78 tackles and two interceptions.

Jennings has great potential and will probably see some quality time on the field again this year. If Jackson is hampered by his knee again this year, look for him to be in the starting corner spot.

The other starter at corner for the Colts is Kelvin Hayden.

In 2007, Hayden started every game of the season for the Colts, and recorded 117 tackles and had three interceptions. He had three interceptions last season as well but missed the end of the season due to injury.

Now in his fifth season, Hayden looks to get back to his potential if he can stay healthy. If he misses any time this year, or needs some rest, his potential replacement at the position will likely be Dante Hughes.

Hughes is just now entering his third year in the league, and is picking up things quickly in Indianapolis. The other candidate for this back up corner position will be Jerraud Powers.

Powers was drafted in the third round by the Colts this past offseason. He was a two-year starter at Auburn, and is a gifted athlete. He will challenge for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart along with Hughes.

Whether it be the starters or the back up guys, the Colts have a young and talented secondary. They will rely heavily on their depth to carry them this season. The injury bug has already found it's way back to the Colts' locker room this season, so all of these guys will have to be on their toes.