State of the Indianapolis Colts

Written By: David Maziasz - Jan• 16•12

It simply doesn’t get much better than this, if you are a Colts fan. For almost 15 years,  you’ve been treated to some of the best quarterback play known to mankind. And now you’re in position to replace your hall of fame quarterback with a number one overall pick. Not just any ol’ number one, but with the prodigious Andrew Luck, who just so happens to grade out through the roof.

Aside from this oft-discussed issue, how does the rest of the franchise look?

On offense:

Whoops...!

Quarterback:  Peyton Manning has been the heart of this team for over 10 years. But he is due a $28 million pay increase if Indianapolis decides to keep him around.  Behind Manning, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky serve as backups. Neither of these players, in my opinion are ideal backups. Most teams prefer either veterans with previous starting experience or raw prospects with starting potential.

Running back: With Manning under center, the Colts running backs have been mainly an extension of the passing game. Joseph Addai is the starter when healthy (which is not often enough), and the Colts used a 1st round pick to acquire Donald Brown. Both players are quicker than fast types with excellent hands and plenty of savvy in pass protection. However, neither is a workhorse back capable of taking a heavy beating. 3rd string RB Delone Carter showed starting potential, and might wind up as the feature back once the passing attack is re-calibrated. Nevertheless, Carter must overcome his fumbling issues before seeing more of the field.

Wide Receiver: An area of extreme concern. This position could get gutted unless the Colts offer new contracts to Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Anthony Gonzalez. Problem is that Wayne is 32, and Gonzalez has yet to stay off IR an entire season. I would keep Pierre Garcon, since he should be relatively inexpensive to bring back. I like his ability to create after the catch. Backup WR Austin Collie is a decent player, but it is yet to be seen whether he can thrive in a system that doesn’t include Peyton Manning.

Offensive Line: An infusion of young talent via the 2011 draft gives this unit some real hope. Bookend tackles Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana will anchor this unit. But an upgrade at the interior 3 positions is a must via free agency or the draft, especially since Jeff Saturday (36) and Ryan Diem (32) may not be with the team next season.

Tight End: This position has both elite talent and depth. Dallas Clark has been a consistent mismatch maker, and his injury this year hurt dearly. I really like Jacob Tamme as the #2 guy. He is a versatile blocker who can play FB and TE kind of like former Viking Jim Kleinsasser.

On defense:

Defensive Line: In terms of pass rush skill, no duo terrorized quarterbacks more over the last decade than Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Combine their talent with the promising Drake Nevis and Fili Moala in the middle, and this unit could once again carry the defense. But Colts ownership needs to decide whether to offer soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Robert Mathis (age 30) a new contract and/or to lock up Dwight Freeney (age 32, contract expires in 2013) for the remainder of his career. It may not be financially possible to accomplish both tasks.

Linebacker: I am intrigued by this unit because it has some playmakers, and there is a nice blend of experience and youth. Oft-injured captain Gary Brackett anchors the unit, but I love the technique and instincts of Pat Angerer. On the outside, tackling machine Kavell Conner has fended off a very good player in Ernie Sims. Philip Wheeler probably will be offered a competitive contract, but I wouldn’t expect this new front office to pursue him fiercely.

Cornerback: Noticeably missing from this roster is a true #1 cornerback.  Allowing Kelvin Hayden to leave shifted the depth chart unfavorably, and the Colts need to make it a high priority to sign a skilled corner. Jerraud Powers is a guy I like, but not as the team’s #1 CB, and FA Jacob Lacey would be better suited lining up in the nickel (if they re-sign him). Ideally, Indy can invest a draft pick or two on one of the many great corner prospects available, with special emphasis on adding size to handle the big receivers in the AFC South.

Safety: Among my favorite tandems in the league. Antoine Bethea is a highly underrated player, having amassed an unheard of 139 tackles this season. That is an impressive feat for any linebacker. But for a safety, that production is off the charts. His sidekick, Melvin Bullitt, missed most of the season due to injury. For a secondary with an average crop of cornerbacks, Bullitt’s strong coverage skills were sorely missed. His protege, special teams return man, Joe Lefeged intrigues me. Coming out of college, he displayed real fluidity to go with his good size and hands. I won’t be surprised to see him take a big leap forward next season.

Off-season priorities

Free agency: make a decision about Peyton Manning. I am sure the Colts want him back, but the question really is whether they can afford to pay that whopping $28 million. From a financial standpoint, it might make the most sense to release Manning and throw Andrew Luck into the fire. Next, re-sign Robert Mathis to a 2-3 year deal. I think the Colts were hoping to have Jerry Hughes ready to take over for Mathis next season, but indications are that probably won’t happen. Productive pass rushers are hard to find, and this draft won’t offer immediate relief if Mathis slips away.

After that, I expect competitive contracts to be offered to Pierre Garcon and to Reggie Wayne. Getting the latter to agree to a reasonable salary shouldn’t be a major problem, so long as Peyton Manning returns. If Peyton departs, Wayne may not want to gear up for a rebuilding project.

Via the Draft: Select the franchise quarterback, presumably Andrew Luck in the first round.

Some intriguing prospects for the Colts:

1. Lavonte David- OLB/S, Nebraska:

Undersized LB with tremendous instincts and a nose for the football. Would play the weakside linebacker, and would remind Colts fans of Cato June.

2. Ryan Steed-CB, Furman

Small-school prospect with outstanding hands and ability to high point the football. Excels in zone coverage, and tackles like a tampa-two corner His skill set would shine in Indy.

3. Ben Jones- C, Georgia

A widely built interior lineman with surprising initial quickness to go with his natural power. Smart lineman who would be able to take the place left by Jeff Saturday.

4. Coryell Judie-CB, Texas A&M

A big CB with tackling skills. Grabbing Judie in the 4th round would upgrade the size on the edge.

5. Travis Lewis-OLB, Oklahoma

A 4-3 linebacker with excellent intangibles. Attacks the line of scrimmage with violence, and fits the chasing style LB that the colts prefer.

 

Posted in General , , | 1 Comment »

Gotta Love a Mock Draft

Written By: David Maziasz - Jan• 09•12

My first 2012 NFL mock draft

(Updated 1/9) -

1. Indianapolis Colts
Andrew Luck- I must say, the Colts picked the right time to be bad. Selecting their star of the future is a sound move and will give Indy stability at the most vital position in football.

2. St. Louis Rams
Justin Blackmon- Since Brandon Lloyd should make a b-line for New England, Sam Bradford once again has no clear number one receiver. Blackmon is the complete package, and will strike some fear into opposing secondaries.

3. Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil- Providing Christian Ponder with an elite body guard or two on the outside is priority one. Kalil will immediately upgrade the blindside.

4. Cleveland Browns
Robert Griffin III- Barring any trades to beat Cleveland to the punch, the Browns can select a face for this franchise. After seeing how an athlete like Cam Newton can be , I’ll bet Cleveland will be hoping for the same with this year’s Mr. Electricity.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Trent Richardson- A series of off-field incidents and an expiring contract for LaGarrette Blount could open up the possibility of drafting a new work horse RB. Richardson is as powerful as they come, and he run with balance, vision, and speed. This pick would give some serious juice to the Bucs’ rushing attack.

-

6. Washington Redskins
Morris Claiborne- If Mike Shanahan misses out on RG3 and can’t pluck Matt Flynn out of Green Bay, then snatch the player who some believe is the best pure cover corner in years.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dre Kirkpatrick- Although a pass rusher or wide receiver would be preferred, there is little value there unless Gene Smith wants to gamble on a high risk/reward type like Quinton Coples. Instead, Jacksonville can strengthen their secondary with the hard hitting Kirkpatrick, whose style will remind Jags fans of a young Reshean Mathis.

8. Miami Dolphins (t)
Riley Reiff- The last of the potential players in the RG3 hunt, Miami might have to bolster another area of their squad if they can’t trade up. Riley Reiff is a sound technician capable of unburdening Marc Colombo at right tackle.

9. Carolina Panthers (t)
Quinton Coples- The ultimate risk/reward player of this draft is versatile enough to give Ron Rivera some scheme flexibility, since he can play a number of positions along the line. If Coples lives up to a fraction of his lofty potential, this pick will be worthwhile.

10. Buffalo Bills
Jonathan Martin- Finally, the Bills are in position to find their blindside protector. Martin is the most nimble tackle among his peers, and has a great deal of untapped potential.

-More picks soon!

Posted in General , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Matt Barkley Scouting Report

Written By: David Maziasz - Oct• 27•11

Saturday, October 22 was my first chance to see Matt Barkley. In a prime time match-up that featured heavy weight prospects (WR Michael Floyd, LB Manti Te’0, OT Matt Kalil), it was Barkley’s performance against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish that left the strongest impression on me.

In this game, I saw (and you shall see in the video clip below) an unflappable young man with an advanced football acumen. I couldn’t help but notice how calm he was in the pocket, sidestepping oncoming rushers, resetting his feet, and delivering accurate passes while avoiding sacks. He displayed tremendous touch, throwing a very catch-able ball that the receivers could pluck in stride.

In terms of pro-readiness, Barkley is advanced in two key areas: reading defenses and quarterbacking technique. His technique is polished, from his compact overhead release, down to his solid footwork.

He can throw effectively to either side, and is adept at selling play fakes, as USC tends to run a play-action dominant offense.

(Video thanks to JMPasq)

What others have said about Barkley:

As a college prospect, Scout.com had this to say about Barkley, their top rated quarterback in the country:

A dropback passer with good mobility inside of the pocket, Barkley has a big time arm. He can hit the deep out as well as anyone in the country while showing exceptional touch on short and intermediate routes. His mechanics are outstanding, and he shows great poise and leadership under pressure. He is a big quarterback that has the frame and toughness to make an early contribution on the next level. The total package. – Scott Kennedy, Scout.com

They also listed among his strengths – accuracy/consistency, intangibles, and arm strength. His weakness was thought to be a lack of mobility/running ability.

Rob Rang of CBS Sports.com in his scouting report:

Arm Strength: Has the ability to make every throw, but has only slightly above average arm strength, overall. Zips short and intermediate routes, but relies more on timing and accuracy, rather than arm strength for the deep out. Only an average deep ball passer.

McShay’s ESPN analysis presently giving a draft grade 0f 91, good for 16 best prospect:

A polished prospect that possesses a high football IQ and shoulders a tremendous amount of responsibility conducting a pro-style offense. Possesses great field awareness and has a thorough understanding of game situations. Processes information quickly both with pre and post-snap. Sees the entire field and consistently can get to second and third progressions. Savvy and can manipulate coverage with pump fakes. Oblivious to the rush and will sit in the pocket and make throw under duress. Calm and executed well working against pressure. Can anticipate throwing lanes. Needs to cut down on interception total. To his defense several INTs were due to a lack of communication or drops by receivers.

From Mel Kiper’s Big Board, which currently ranks Barkley as the 10th best NFL prospect:

After a so-so effort at Cal, Barkley impressed against the Irish. He has shown a great growth curve, a better ball and throws well on the move. Good, not great, arm. Even as NFL expands in the gun, Barkley’s pro-style skills are helpful.

The above featured excerpts underscore some of the perceived strengths and weaknesses of Mr. Barkley.

You can see that arm strength is cause for debate among the media evaluators. Most of these writers believe that Barkley lacks elite arm strength, and I would agree. But having “elite” arms strength is more a luxury than a necessity. The important thing is to get the ball from point A to point B in the given time window. Won’t a quarterback with average arm strength who gets the ball out early achieve the same result ( a completed pass) as a QB who hesitates but has a monster arm?

Besides arm strength, evaluators are unanimous in their praise of the other facets of Barkley’s game.

Looking forward to April, what does this do for Barkley?

Quarterbacks are always the hot commodity, and Barkley looks to have  the requisite skills to go within the top 10 picks, especially if he continues playing like he did Saturday. Maybe I like this guy more than most, but I simply cannot say enough good things about Matt Barkley.

Posted in General , , , | No Comments »

Let’s Talk Football: Dallas Cowboys

Written By: David Maziasz - Oct• 20•11

 Obligatory pre-read pump-up video.

(video thanks to xXOneNightXx)

Why am I making you watch highlights of Marion Barber III (besides the sweet music playing in the background)?

Because Dallas used to run the football.

Not only did they run the ball well, but they took pride in knocking people over in the process.

The Cowboys lost the heart and soul of their offense during the off-season, quietly dropping aging staples of a once potent rushing attack (Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Marc Columbo, Marion Barber). Those players have been replaced by smaller, more athletic pass blockers like Tyron Smith and Doug Free, and quicker 3rd down-ish running backs like Felix Jones and Demarco Murray.

What’s wrong with opening up the offense a bit? Besides, those guys that we dropped were past their prime.

Theoretically, nothing at all. But we are now seeing that the result of this philosophical shift in the Cowboys’ inability to play with a lead. Take a look at the games this season, starting with the week 1 loss to the Jets.

In that game, the Cowboys had a lead until the final seconds of the game. Yet, Tony Romo was still flinging the football around.

If you’re not asking why, then do so now.

Why?

Simply because they needed to move the chains to keep the clock running. I agree with anyone who says a team should run the football with a 4th quarter lead. However, Dallas is a bad rushing team, and going three-and-out is not a very good option when trying to milk 15+ minutes of clock. Neither is slinging the football to Darelle Revis. If running the ball was a good option then the fumble on the goal line could have been avoided since Garrett would just call a run up the gut for 6 instead of having to finesse it in.

Against Detroit, the same phenomenon happened. Detroit was scoreless in the first half, but came roaring back only after Tony Romo was a bit too care free with the football. Is the blame all on Romo?

No. The coach makes the calls, and Garrett had no faith in his offensive line and running backs to place the game on their shoulders.

Ask yourself this basic question: if the Cowboys could run the football would they have lost the game against the Jets or Lions?

To ask is to answer.

What Dallas needs is a really tough, nasty runner to fill the void left by the beloved Marion the Barbarian. He was not only a bruising runner, but the team’s fire, passion, and toughness personified. He helped shape their identity, and his absence is being felt.

In light of this, the primary goal of the Dallas scouting department should be to find the replacement for Mr. Barber.

[Enter running back prospect of the future: Trent Richardson]

(video thanks to kingofthesouf863)

If Jerry Jones manages a way to get this guy, or someone like him, then NFC East be warned…Dallas will be very dangerous indeed.

 

Posted in General , , , , , , | 2 Comments »
12345>>