Indianapolis Colts Vs. New York Giants: What The Colts Learned and Didn't Learn
All last week, the media overhyped the "Manning Bowl." The last time these two brothers met, it was a much closer affair, with the Colts winning 26-21. But on Sunday night, Peyton and Company demolished the Giants, 38-14.
After losing to the Texans the week before, how much do we really know about Indy?
The Run Defense
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The Colts' run defense hasn't been good in years, mostly because Indy usually picks at the bottom of the first round of the draft and the top defensive tackles go in the first 15 picks.
Sunday night, the Colts held Ahmad Bradshaw to 89 yards and no touchdowns.
That's pretty good considering that Arian Foster of the Texans torched the Colts for 233 yards and three touchdowns the week before.
But the Giants had to abandon the run game early because Indy was blowing them out.
The fact is we'll have to wait at least one more week to see if the Colts' run defense is still broken.
The Run Game
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Even though he's a former Pro Bowler, Joseph Addai doesn't get enough credit.
Indy's run game hasn't been stellar for a few years—not since they won the Super Bowl—but it's not really Addai's fault.
In the first place, the Colts expect their running backs to do a lot of blocking and picking up the blitz.
And second, the offensive line isn't very good.
On Sunday night, however, Addai and Brown showed that there's nothing wrong with the Colts' run game. Addai rushed for 92 yards (4.6 yards per carry), and Donald Brown added another 69 yards and a touchdown.
The Offensive Line (Guards)
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Last year, Mike Pollak lost his starting right guard spot to Arena League standout Kyle DeVan. And for good reason: Pollak was playing terribly, but he was also battling injury.
Now that Pollak is healthy, he's back in the lineup and Indy's run game is already reaping the rewards.
The other side of the line is looking good, too.
In 2008, when the Colts used a second-round pick on Pollak, they also picked up Jamey Richard in the seventh round.
Now both guys are starting.
It looks like Indy is set at guard for a long time.
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The Offensive Line (Tackles)
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Here's the problem: Indy needs a left tackle.
Peyton Manning passed for 255 yards and three touchdowns. He had a completion percentage of 76.9 and a quarterback rating of 145.5.
But he only averaged 9.8 yards a completion, and never mind the fact that he was sacked once.
The Colts offense is potent, but it would be even more explosive if Peyton Manning had time to throw.
Sure, Indy builds through the draft, and the best left tackles are picked up way before the Colts are on the clock.
But both Jared Gaither (Ravens) and Marcus McNeill (Chargers) were restricted free agents this year.
And McNeill still hasn't ended his holdout.
The Pass Rush
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There's nothing wrong with the Colts' pass rush.
Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis had two sacks each against the Giants.
If Indy can get opposing teams into a lot of passing situations, these guys will put the game away for the Colts.
The Air Attack
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Reggie Wayne is still one of the best receivers in the league. His 96 yards and a touchdown proved that.
Dallas Clark has become one of the premier tight ends in the league. He added another 83 yards and a score.
After those two guys, there are question marks.
Pierre Garcon, the guy everyone expected to have a breakout season, had only one catch for 11 yards.
And after second-year man Austin Collie lit up the Texans for 163 yards and a touchdown, he was fairly quiet against the Giants with 25 yards and a score.
The Pass Defense
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As a unit, the secondary is the strength of the Colts' defense.
Kelvin Hayden and Antoine Bethea led the team in tackles: Hayden had eight and Bethea six.
Add to that a pick by Jerraud Powers (who is easily the Colts' best cover corner) and the secondary is set.
Even without Bob Sanders.
Anthony Gonzalez Is Done
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Colts fans have been waiting (and waiting... and waiting...) for Anthony Gonzalez to have a breakout season.
He was supposed to do it last year, but a non-contact injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 sidelined him for the season.
This year, there was a lot of talk about the Colts' depth at receiver and what "Gonzo" was going to do in the slot.
Well, now Gonzalez is out 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain, which means he probably won't make it on the field until after the bye—if he comes back at al.
The fact is that Indy doesn't really need him.
Austin Collie is a solid slot receiver, and he's getting too much money to be so low on the depth chart.
The Texans Did Indy a Favor
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After Arian Foster (an undrafted free agent in 2009) torched the Colts defense for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener, the Colts defense woke up.
Last week, there was a lot of sloppy play and missed tackles; this week, defenders were flying to the ball.
In the off season, Colts GM Bill Polian said that this Colts defense was the best he's seen in Indy.
Sunday's game gave Colts fans a glimpse of what this defense an do.
The Texans did the Indy a favor by beating them in week one.
Now the Colts defense is a lot more tenacious, and is unlikely to let up against another team.
Peyton Manning Could Win Another MVP
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Even though the Colts are 1-1, Peyton Manning is playing at high level.
Sunday night, he went 20 of 26 for 255 yards and three touchdowns. He had a quarterback rating of 145.5.
The week before Manning threw for 433 yards and three touchdowns.
After the first couple of weeks of the season, Peyton Manning could easily be considered one of the front runners to be the NFL MVP.
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