Colts vs. Saints: 5 Halftime Observations for Indianapolis

I'm sure the NFL scheduled this game before the season started and were excited for the revenue such a marquee matchup would bring. Then Peyton Manning went down, along with Indy's 2011 hopes. Now, this game is more of a laugher than anything.

Anyone who watches the Colts play on a weekly basis can tell that these guys are still playing their hardest and trying to win every game. But it's hard when your franchise star is out.

Here are five observations from the first half against the Saints:

1. Turnovers Suck

Curtis Painter and the Colts' offense really hasn't looked THAT bad. In fact, the passing attack has been at least average for much of the season. But fumbling the ball away twice in the first quarter will kill any team, whether Peyton is playing or not. 

That being said, you can tell how much of an impact Manning does have on this team. They have gone from a Super Bowl contender to one of the bottom feeders instantly without their star QB. And with Joseph Addai hurting, too, the running attack clearly has had problems holding onto the ball as well.

2. Painter Is a Decent Backup

By no means does Painter have the ability to be a star QB in the NFL. But he's not as bad as everyone expected him to be. He still has made some bad throws and gets skittish in the pocket when the blitz comes. But he's got a great chemistry with Pierre Garcon and puts up pretty good numbers on a weekly basis.

For a guy in such a shoddy situation, he's making the most of the opportunity. One thing he can really work on is getting the ball out quicker. He's got to learn when to scramble, when to throw the ball away and when he needs to just go for it and try to squeeze a pass in. Assuming Manning returns next season, they've got an able backup in Painter.

3. The Defense Needs A Lot of Help

It's safe to say that Drew Brees is picking this defense apart. They can't stop Mark Ingram or Pierre Thomas in the running game. They certainly can't faze Brees, and they are having trouble covering the big receivers, too. Obviously the Saints have a stellar attack, but it makes you wonder, would Peyton even make a team with such a poor defense a contender?

I have to think he would. One of the things Manning allows his defense is a lot of rest. He puts points up on the board and he takes his time doing so. The Colts' defense has constantly been on the field and constantly has been getting dominated. Exhibit A is tonight in New Orleans.

4. They Are Losing the Line Battle...Big Time

On both sides of the ball, the Indy lines are getting beat. The Saints' front seven is getting to Curtis Painter with ease and forcing him to get himself in trouble. They can't run the ball and are hardly moving down the field right now.

The defensive line is getting pushed around by the Saints' O-line. Ingram, Thomas and Darren Sproles are strolling right through the line for big chunks of yardage. And it seems like Brees could take a nap between the time he snaps the ball and a blue jersey gets on him. Even with Manning back, these are two units that either need to be coached up or reconstructed.

5. Is Coach Caldwell Safe?

An 0-6 start, about to be 0-7, has to make you wonder: Is Jim Caldwell on the hot seat?

Personally, I sure hope not. Caldwell has always been a good coach at whatever level he was at. Any coach will struggle when his or her star player is injured. But the rumblings have already begun about replacing the man at the top.

It does raise certain questions. Did Manning essentially coach the team on the field? Does Caldwell deserve the blame? Is there even a point to having a coach in Indianapolis while Manning is there? The only problem I have with Caldwell so far this season is he can't seem to get his defense to play with any confidence. That is one of the main responsibilities of a head coach in the NFL.