NFL: The "Indy" Colts Collective

2008-11-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

If you really want to surprise your favorite Colts fan this Christmas, make sure you bid on Peyton Manning's locker! It's up for auction here and now!

2008-10-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Indiana!

2008-10-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

When my buddy Ross watches the Colts on TV, he becomes deaf to the outside world. You can literally yell his name from 3 feet away, and he might (if it's almost a commercial) glance in your direction. I think I'll send his wife this link to the Women's Clinic so she can finally understand her husband's stupor.

Not Looking So Good

2008-07-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

These players are expected to open camp on the physically unable to perform list:

Peyton Manning (knee)

Bob Sanders (shoulder)

Dwight Freeney (foot)

Ryan Lilja (knee)

Tom Santi (knee)

Tyjuan Hagler (pectoral)

Yikes. At least Marvin Harrison's back in play, assuming he doesn't get caught up in any more shootings. Aye aye aye.

Something else to look at...

2008-02-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

Is it me, or are the Colts looking great these days? Okay, so maybe those aren't the Colts, but they're always in season...

Glenn moving on

2007-07-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

We'll miss you, Tarik.

The three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman announced his retirement. Polian agreed that he will be missed, but also stated that the Colts are ready to move forward without him. Oddly enough, however, this leaves the Colts with not a single player who has ever started at left tackle in the NFL.

Colts waive Gardner

2007-05-10T15:20:00.000-07:00

The Colts gave a waiver to Gilbert Gardner this week. Gardner started in 12 regular season games en route to Super Bowl XLI. He is accompanied by Mike Labinjo, Brandon Hoyte, and Trevis Coley, all of whom also received waivers.

On the Rhodes again

2007-03-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, so he's off to the Oakland Raiders is he? Can Dominic run like a Colt for the Raiders? Well for $7.5 million he better run like a thoroughbred!

Colts Are the Champions!

2007-02-06T06:39:00.000-08:00

Super Bowl Champions! Does it get any better than this? And a better question -- could it happen to a nicer guy than Tony Dungee? Or Peyton Manning? Or the entire Colts team? Or the Indianapolis fans?

Let's face it: We're awesome! (Or we sure feel that way!)

2007-01-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

The Indy Colts are suprising me! They're working the defense, taking control of the ball, and they're one freakin' win away from the Super Bowl! It's gonna be an awesome game.

Colts Trying to Get Back on Track

2006-12-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts are looking to find their winning ways again tonight against the Cincinnati Bengals. After starting the season with 9 straight wins, the Colts have lost 3 of 4 and find themselves in a fight for homefield advantage. The Colts should be able to win out the rest of this season, assuming that they can get themselves in order. But it seems that the secret is out, the Colts cannot stop the run. They're last in the league in rushing defense allowing 5.4 yard per carry 176.5 yards per game.

Another in the "L" Column

2006-12-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

A benefit of starting the season 9-0, is that when you lose 3 of 4 you're still in the driver's seat. The Indianapolis Colts dropped another game yesterday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 44-17. Mauric Jones-Drew ran wild in this game with 15 carries for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns. The secret of how to beat the Colts is out, and Tony Dungy better do something to fix that defensive line before the playoffs.

2006-12-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts hoping to get a big boost Sunday against Tennessee with the expected returns of wide receiver Brandon Stokley, safety Bob Sanders and outside linebacker Gilbert Gardner.

Sanders has missed due to soreness and swelling in his right knee.

Stokley has been sidelined since Oct. 8 with a sprained left knee. Stokley said he feels better than he has in a while. "Hopefully, I'll be able to get out there and give it a show," he said. "We'll see how it does."

Okay, Now We Concentrate on Games

2006-11-20T06:56:00.000-08:00

Actually, I believe the Colts and Peyton Manning in particular have done an excellent job of playing each game one at a time. That’s how we got to 9 and 0, and that’s why being temporarily at 9 and 1 is nothing to fret about. The hype sometimes makes you feel like anything short of perfection is a failure, but by the time they’ve played enough of their sport to make it to the big leagues, the best athletes know not to buy into that.

I happened to hear some of the Colts’ game against Dallas on radio, and it was a Dallas-area broadcast, so pro-Cowboys, of course. One of the commentators started to complain about some play that didn’t go as their young QB Tony Romo had planned, then stopped and rephrased the griping, when he noticed his guy had completed 9 of 12 or something without any turnovers. He said something like, “Oh, okay, that’s 75%, and no mistakes. I guess we always want 100%, but that’s too much to ask for.” Still, it would be nice if this would be the only loss of the season. Is that too much to ask for?

No Need to Drop the Ball in Dallas

2006-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Our Indianapolis Colts go galloping off to Dallas on Sunday, but although they are again attempting to preserve a perfect winning season, that doesn't seem to be the burden it was last year. The Colts seem to have been managing to focus on one game at a time, as well they might, because in 2006, not many of our games would be considered a romp. Coming from behind to beat the Buffalo Bills by one point? But that's not all bad--at least the wake-up call came with a win.

The Dallas Cowboys have been unpredictable all year, and they currently stand at an unimpressive 5 and 4. We need to forget about that, and forget about our being 9 and 0, and remember that Tony Romo wants to win his first start at home to impress those rabid fans in Big D.

A Tie for the Indianapolis Colts

2006-11-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

That’s right. Our Colts have tied the Green Bay Packers of yore (or more specifically, of 1929-31) as the only team to start consecutive seasons with an undefeated streak of 7-0. Another interesting record that could be tied this weekend is the NFL’s high point for two teams remaining undefeated at 8-0. That has only happened three times before, and the only time within most NFL fans’ lifetimes was 1990; the teams were the New York Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. In 2006, of course, it’s the Colts and the Chicago Bears who are looking to hang on to their streaks.

Impressive as this is, nobody’s talking about it around Indianapolis. We’re all, “Where can I get tickets for the Colts-Patriots game?” I mean, everybody wants to settle the Manning vs. Brady thing, and establish the fact that Peyton Manning is the best!

The Colts Continue Their Streak

2006-10-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not too senile to remember our last unbeaten streak. Um, that would be 2005...or most of it anyway. What I didn't know until I read about it was that this year's start makes the Indianapolis Colts the ninth team in NFL history to begin two back-to-back seasons with 6 victories, no losses.

I think we can break out of that statistical pack and keep it going far longer, maybe all the way! Next week we'll have a worse challenge than the Washington Redskins though. The Denver Broncos are currently at 5 and 1 and they'll be gunning for us.

Indianapolis Colts-

2006-10-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

According to a posting on the offical website for the Colts, as of today Corey Simon was added to the NFL Non-Football illness/injury list. Spokes person is not at liberty to comment in detail about Corey's condition in compliance to the Federal Medical privacy law as well as in respect and to Simon's privacy. What was offered however is that his affliction is due to an illness rather than an injury and has no relation to the knee surgery he under went this past August. Good Luck to Simon and his family, our thoughts are with you!

Indianapolis Colts Keep Their Cool and Their Streak

2006-10-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

Whatever you paid for your tickets to Giants Stadium today, you got your money's worth, mainly in the last 2 or 3 minutes of the game. All the more so, if you were an Indianapolis Colts fan, of course, but there were some heart-stopping highs for the fans of the New York Jets as well. One of those came just after the Colts had gone ahead, when their score was answered by the Jets' Justin Miller running 103 yards straight back on the kickoff. That put the Jets ahead with only 2:20 left on the clock.

No problem for Peyton Manning. As he said later, there was no time to get mad or panic. The 2-minute drill that gets practiced all the time got us right back at 'em. Peyton did the 1-yard leap into the Jets' endzone himself.

Believe it or not, the Jets squeezed a batch of plays into the last 8 seconds! And but for the fumble we recovered at the end, who knows? This one ended at 31-28, and our 2006 season now stands at 4 and 0!

Colts' Postseason Is Past Season

2006-06-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Fans in Indianapolis don't need to be reminded that our team's awesome winning streak in 2005 did not carry us all the way to the Super Bowl. But we shouldn't forget how much fun it was going as far as we did. People are also nervous about the departures of Edgerrin James to the Arizona Cardinals, David Thornton to the Tennessee Titans, and Larry Tripplett to Buffalo. But we've got 20 of our starters back, and that includes Peyton Manning. I want Colts tickets just as much as ever, so I can witness the NFL's best passing team in action!

Not a bad draft, but I can’t be sure.

2006-05-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

I know not everyone feels the same but I think we did pretty good in the draft. Two offensive tackles, a running back and two corner backs. I don’t know a lot about the picks but its obvious we have some depth at those positions that we didn’t before and that can’t be a bad thing. Does anyone have any specific comments or complaints about the Falcons Draft?

Be nice to your mother boys

2006-04-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

The Indianapolis Colts have already sold out of 2006 season tickets and the season is nowhere near starting. That goes to show how much this town loves their Colts. Personally, I am holding out for tickets to the Colts preseason games. My dad always gets Colts season tickets and takes my brother and me to as many games as we can handle. My mom loves it because she gets the house to herself on a day when we would normally be glued to the couch watching the TV and trashing her sparkling living room with crushed chips and beer cans. Poor Ma.

Peyton. Meet Eli. He’s your brother.

2006-03-27T17:59:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts will be playing the New York Giants in their first game of the 2006 season. It will be the first meeting for the two brothers Peyton and Eli Manning. I find it hard to believe that this is the first time the two have met in the NFL but it is.

The WBC and the NFL Draft

2006-02-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

The hot buzz in the sports world is the World Baseball Classic. It comes right before the beginning of the regular season and then in April we have the NFL draft. The Indianapolis Colts don’t get first pick like the Houston Texans but I am still excited to see who we pick up.

What the Colts would have done...

2006-02-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, so I think it is very fitting that the Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. I think it helps the sting a little to know they went all the way.

Fans Appreciate Colts Hard Work

2006-01-21T21:51:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts lost their first playoff game to the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. It feels funny knowing they won’t make the Super Bowl. I was certain we would, almost all season long. Nevertheless I am not despondent or disappointed. In fact I am satisfied in a way. Watching the Cols has been exciting and entertaining from the first game of 2005. I’d like to thank Peyton Manning and the Colts for a job well done.

Hoping for a Little Luck on Sunday

2006-01-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

We are playing the AFC Divisional Playoff game on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers and we know that the key to that game will be the Indianapolis Colts stopping the Steelers running game. In the regular season we held them to 86 rushing yards and won. The Steelers have racked up over 175 rushing yards in their last five games and the Colts may be the only team capable of stopping them. It would be really nice to see the Colts go to the Super Bowl so get your jerseys out and cross your fingers because Sunday’s game means everything to this Colts team.

Back Up Squad Wins One for Dungy

2006-01-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts won their game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. It was one of many peak performances they have put forth this season. The Colts took the game seriously even though they had already clinched a playoff spot. That says something about a team, especially when you see teams like the Cowboys practically throw their last game because it didn’t mean anything. We have been resting our starters for the past few games and have done pretty well despite losing a few games. This win was an emotional win for our back up squad and they presented Tony Dungy with the game ball.

Buccaneers and Colts Mourn Dungy’s Loss

2005-12-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

Tony Dungy’s son James died a few days before Christmas. The Indianapolis Colts and Buccaneers teams are mourning the beloved Dungy family’s loss and many attended the funeral proceedings. Both in Tampa and Indianapolis, Dungy is considered a great man, who treated his players as equals and encouraged them to be good role models through their actions. James was often seen attending practices his father coached and was sometimes even mistaken for a player because of his size. James was often called a gentle giant and many have expressed he will be sorely missed.

There is no word on when Dungy will return to coaching but he has gone public thanking everyone for their support and expressing his belief that his son is in a better place now.

Let the First String Sit Out

2005-12-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

We have secured the division. The Colts have earned the bye for the first week of the playoffs. We got home field advantage. The Indianapolis Colts could sleep through their next two games and still come out Super Bowl champs in the end. Hopefully we are going to do exactly that. We don’t need to risk any injuries so I think we should put in the second stringers and let them get some field time. There is no reason to stress out or tire our players now that we can’t go undefeated. We should have the first string rested, practiced, and ready for our first playoff match up.

Colt Still Undefeated and Unstoppable

2005-12-15T16:44:00.000-08:00

One could say this Indianapolis Colts team is perfect. They have dominated every team they have played and although they make it look easy, it isn’t. Great players like Peyton Manning push themselves hard during the week’s practices preparing for and studying the team they will meet the following Sunday. The Colts got their third straight AFC South title in their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars and are now headed to face the San Diego Chargers next Sunday. It will be a challenge but I am sure the Colts will remain undefeated all the way to the Super Bowl and no one can stop them.

Peyton and Edgerrin Seal the Deal

2005-12-06T19:04:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts met the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and extended their winning streak to 12 games. This victory was like so many others, a showcase of the unbelievable talent and precision of this Colts squad. Everyone contributed something to the game and as a team we made very few mistakes. Our defense managed to hold the Titan offense to a field goal and no touchdowns. Peyton Manning threw for three touchdowns and led this team well into their guaranteed playoff spot. Peyton is the backbone of this team and can always count on Edgerrin James to pick up a hundred yards and take the pressure off.

Peyton’s Hometown Heroes Score Again

2005-11-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

There are way too many good things to say about the Indianapolis Colts. We have excellent coaches like Tony Dungy, top rated players and the number one offense in the game. We are still undefeated and held the Pittsburgh Steelers to one touchdown as we did in our first regular season game with the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns, Jaguars and 49ers scored only field goals never crossing the goal line. From here the rest of our schedule looks easy and it is realistic that we could go without a loss for the rest of the season and all the way to the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning has led this team to its best season ever and we see bright things for him in the future.

Bengals, Done. Steelers, No Problem

2005-11-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

Well there aren’t words for how ecstatic this fan is about the Indianapolis Colts. Who could ask for a better season? Trying not to jinx things, I will just say we looked great on Sunday in our 45-37 win over the division leader Cincinnati Bengals. Only the Broncos have scored that well against us and that was in the preseason. Peyton Manning threw for 365 yards, a season high, and three touchdowns. All three of those touchdowns were in the spectacular high-scoring first half. We are going into a game with the Steelers next Monday and their record is as good as the Bengals. We can’t let our guard down if we want to go 11-0. Tony Dungy is saying Pittsburgh is an important game for us and we are taking it very seriously.

Give Me More

2005-06-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

There has been talk of Edgerrin James being a hold out when training camp comes around, but those are just rumors.

"I honor my contract. The season hasn't even started yet. I never said I wasn't going to play. I'm going to play, regardless.” - James

So even if he did hold out from training camp I wouldn’t expect James to hold out the entire season. James does want to play and will play. James would like a new contract probably will not get one anytime soon.

Arrested Development

2005-06-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Leave it to Tony Dungy to care about the character of his team. Now the Colts have been calling around trying to find a new place for free safety Mike Doss. To bad they waited for him to get arrested. His stock will probable drop now because of that, so it will be hard finding a suitor, maybe the 49ers.

Aggressive Matters

2005-05-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

It was a good call drafting cornerbacks Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden. The Colts were in dire need of some secondary, which is why the first two picks were cornerbacks. And it was looking good for the Colts until recently.

Their first round draft pick Marlin Jackson is now being sued for $10 million dollars by Shahin Farokhrany for allegedly breaking a bottle over his head. Farokhrany has suffered permanent vision loss and is also seeking reparations for punitive damages.

Not a good start for the kid.

Kick Away

2005-05-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone remembers the loud mouth remarks that Vanderjagt made last season about the Patriots, right? Well I do and so do the Patriots and the Colts. I have good news though about the Colts 'classy' kicker.

That is, Vanderjagt will probable not be rejoining the Colts at the start of the 2006 season. The drunkard is not liked by much, not even Manning. Look for Dave Rayner to be the Colts kicker of the future.

Desicion Time

2005-05-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

As training camp gets closer the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff will have a tough decision to make when they have wittle down the prospects at running back. Edgerrin James, Dominic Rhodes and James Mungro return to give offensive coordinator Tom Moore quantity and quality at the position. But Ran Carthon, who spent a portion of the '04 season on the practice squad, has looked good in off-season workouts. It will an all out battle at running back this off-season so stay tuned.

Making Room

2005-05-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Some fans were left wondering about the departure of the all around talented tight end Marcus Pollard. Some fans could care less, but for the fans that do care as to why the Colts let him go; I believe I have the answer.

If anything the move was made to make room for third-year tight end Dallas Clark. Clark will be used in every down situation. The Colts will probably use less of the two tight end formation and concentrate more on the talented receiving core.

Clark still has some work to do with his run blocking and some work to do with his pass blocking but his upside is that he can do some serious damage in the passing game. Despite only having 25 catches in 2004; Clark was averaging 16.9 yards per catch.

The Back Up

2005-05-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

RB Dominic Rhodes provides the offense with a reliable backup to three-time Pro Bowl selection Edgerrin James. Although James will remain the focal point of the offense, Rhodes represents a proven commodity should something happen to James. He's a powerful runner, has a burst and can be elusive. Rhodes has averaged 4.7 yards per carry during his career and displayed the capacity to be a feature back. As an undrafted rookie in 2001, he rushed for 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns. The only concern with Rhodes is his durability. He missed the 2002 season with a knee injury and has battled a chronic shoulder injury throughout his career.

A+

2005-04-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

The team achieved its objectives of upgrading the secondary and special teams and adding physical players. CB Marlin Jackson can be expected to start immediately. He brings size, hitting ability and an attitude. He is a sure tackler. CB Kelvin Hayden isn't as polished as Jackson, having switched to corner from wide receiver as a senior in college. But he has good ball skills and, like Jackson, is aggressive and physical. Each should be a major contributor on defense and special teams as rookies. DL Vincent Burns is a prototypical player for coach Tony Dungy's one-gap defense. Burns, who was an end in college, is undersized to play inside, but Dungy compares him to former Vikings star John Randle for his explosiveness and high motor. Burns should work well in a tackle rotation with veterans Montae Reagor, Josh Williams and Larry Tripplett.

Drafting Needs

2005-04-12T17:41:00.000-07:00

The biggest need that the Colts have to fill is the middle linebacker position. Rob Morris has been the recent starter but remains unsigned; while Gary Brackett is sitting at back up he still is not a 16 regular NFL starter.

Expect the draft to bring the Colts several defensive players to make an impact right away; a line backer or two with a pair of corners, as well, and probably a running back in there some where. But look for the Colts to draft or at least concentrate on the defensive side of the ball when picking new talent on April 23.

Scouting Report

2005-04-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

High expectations will follow S Bob Sanders into his second year with the team. His rookie development was slowed as he recovered from a foot injury sustained during his senior season at Iowa and a knee injury suffered against the Chicago Bears. Despite playing in only six games, Sanders' impact was immense.

He finished with 39 tackles and two fumble recoveries, returning one 37 yards for a touchdown. Sanders' value, though, transcends the raw numbers. He's aggressive and a big hitter, and has a nose for the ball. His play is contagious. It remains to be seen if Sanders will hold his own in coverage, but there's no doubt his presence will be felt in run support.

The Successor

2005-03-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

The team's admission that it will entertain trade proposals for "franchised" RB Edgerrin James doesn't necessarily mean the two-time league rushing champion will play elsewhere in 2005. A suitor must be willing to make James one of the league's highest-paid players at his position. But even if James returns for a seventh season, it's clear he isn't included in any long-term plans. That increases the importance of RB Dominic Rhodes proving he can be the answer. Rhodes recently signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract that kept him off the free-agent market and provided the team with a reliable option if James departs. Rhodes doesn't possess James' all-around talents, especially as a receiver or pass blocker. But he has been an effective runner when called upon. Rhodes is powerful, has a burst and can make tacklers miss. The only concern is his health. He missed the 2002 season with a knee injury and occasionally has been bothered by a shoulder injury. . . .

Don't rule out the team using one of its first-day draft picks on a running back to be James' eventual successor. Under that scenario, Rhodes could open the season as the starter while the rookie learned the ropes. It would be similar to how St. Louis handled its running game in 2004 with Marshall Faulk eventually yielding significant playing time to first-round draft pick Steven Jackson. . . .

Moving On

2005-02-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Thirteen players, including six starters, can become unrestricted free agents on March 2. Historically, the team has made retaining its own players a priority over dipping into the veteran free-agent market. In this instance, it will lose more players than it re-signs. The most likely departures among the prominent players are LG Rick DeMulling, MLB Rob Morris, FS Idrees Bashir, CB Nick Harper and, perhaps, backup RB Dominic Rhodes. DeMulling has developed into one of the better components on one of the NFL's premier offensive lines, but he might be too expensive to re-sign. Complicating his situation is the fact starting RT Ryan Diem also can hit the open market; re-signing both might be too expensive. The team seems better suited to replace DeMulling than Diem. . . .

During the 2004 season, rookie Jake Scott started nine games and rookie Ryan Lilja six games at the two guard spots. Neither compares to DeMullling at this point, but each possesses good upside. Morris has started 60 games the past four seasons and has been reliable, no more. There is no clear replacement on the roster, so his departure probably will require bringing in someone, either through free agency or the draft. Bashir has missed 12 games because of injury and has been inconsistent over the past three seasons, and the team has young players -- Bob Sanders and Mike Doss -- ready to assume starting roles. Harper's departure would extract 30 starts from the roster and leave the cornerback position in the hands of youngsters Donald Strickland, Jason David, Von Hutchins and Joseph Jefferson. A veteran presence would be required. Rhodes is a solid backup who envisions himself a starter. If Edgerrin James returns, Rhodes likely will want to see if he can use the free-agent market to find a starting spot. James Mungro should return, but he isn't suited to being a backup. Without Rhodes, a viable No. 2 running back would be needed.

Kicking Problems

2005-02-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Guess who has the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history?

That’s right your Colts. Mike Vanderjagt has kicked for an average of 87 percent through out his career. That means he has kicked 223 field goals and has made194 of them, pretty well if you ask me. The real question is; will he be the Colts kicker in the 2005 season. If the Colts let him go, which is highly possible, it would count $2.87 million dollars against Indy’s salary cap.

The Colts are looking to make some cap room this off-season, and by cutting Vanderjagt the team can save up to $1.8 million dollars, but why cut the a player with so much to offer. Well for one, he is a trash talker and two, it is said he is a drunkard off the field. Plus he has been having problems with the long kick off. The coaches feel he isn’t stretching the ball far enough down the field.

Something to Prove

2005-02-07T16:10:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

CB Donald Strickland has the ability to be a difference-maker. But his body has betrayed him during his first two seasons in the league. Strickland missed five games as a rookie in 2003 because of a groin injury and spent the final 13 weeks of the 2004 season on the injured reserve list after undergoing shoulder surgery. All signs point to him being fully recovered in time for training camp. The team needs a healthy Strickland in the secondary, and he needs the work. Strickland is aggressive and has excellent ball skills. He had two interceptions while playing safety as a rookie and was expected to make major contributions as a corner in 2004.

Up the latter

2005-01-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

In a minor move, Coach Dungy promoted Jim Caldwell from quarterback coach to assistant head coach.

It is felt, on be half of Dungy, that Caldwell's attention to detail is the reason for Manning’s ever growing success. Since Manning’s rookie season, his passing percent has increased from 56.7 to 67.6 and all credited is pointed towards Cladwell.

No Excuses

2005-01-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

There are no excuses for the loss against the New England. It wasn't the weather, or anything in that nature. I guess the Colts just forgot to play. I saw the game and personally I feel the Colts were outplayed.

In a 20-3 loss, it hurts; especially with you have the top rated off in the NFL and you’re picked as a favorite to win.

The Colts have no EXCUSES...

Trash Talking

2005-01-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

"I think they're not as good as at the beginning of the year, not as good as last year, and I think they are beatable. We have to play well. There's no question about that. But I think we're going to come back Sunday night, headed to the AFC title game. I think they're ripe for the picking."- Mike Vanderjagt
Ok seriously, there is no need for a kicker to be speaking on behalf of the whole team. I feel that the Colts team has a lot more respect for the Patriots than that. After all, they are the defending Super Bowl champions.

I'm sure a classy-guy like Manning wouldn't approve of this comment. I wonder if Vanderjagt was sober during the comment. It has be said that he like to get liquored up ...

Either way you look at it, Go Colts.

Legend in the Making

2004-12-30T13:32:00.000-08:00

Not to take anything away from Dan Marino, I feel Dan is an all time great. Dan is a football icon or legend, either or works.

But the pedigree is strong in Peyton. Manning broke Marino's record of 48 touchdown passes this past Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. Throwing for 49 TD'S with one game left to go in the season.

It wasn't like Coach Dungy or Peyton wanted to intentionally break the record or cared to break the record.

In the team effort Manning has three of his receivers over 1,000 yards. WOW! That would be a first I believe.

In breaking the record Manning did it with style and the only one should break the record. In a dramatic come back to send the game into over time. I'm sure Dan couldn't really be upset with that.

Manning still has many years and records left to break. But he is there yet. Though he is a lengend in the Making. Just like my father used to say, "There is always room for improvment."

Heading to Hawaii

2004-12-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

By John Oehser - Colts.com

The Triplets are doing Honolulu as a group. Again.

And one year after making one kind of Pro Bowl history for the Colts, a defensive end made a different kind Wednesday.

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

Quarterback Peyton Manning.

Running back Edgerrin James.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney.

That’s the 2005 Pro Bowl roster for the Indianapolis Colts, a roster that includes three players who made the NFL’s prestigious post-season all-star game last year — Harrison, Manning and Freeney — and another, James, who is returning after a difficult four-year absence.

“I certainly appreciate it,” said Manning, the NFL’s co-Most Valuable Player last year who made the game for the fifth time in his seven-year career and he received a record 1,075,089 votes in fan voting.

“I know it’s voted on by your peers, other coaches and the fans. I’m proud to represent the Colts there and I’m real happy for Marvin, Edgerrin and Dwight. I’m appreciative of the fans and their votes. I’ve never taken for granted being able to play quarterback in the NFL.

“I’m enjoying doing that, and I do appreciate that.”

Harrison, James and Manning — known as the Triplets — made the game together in 1999 and 2000, their first two seasons together, but had not gone as a group since.

The rosters for the game were announced Wednesday, and the starters for the game will be announced January 8 during a wild-card playoff game on ABC-TV.

The Pro Bowl will be played February 13, 2005, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.

“You want to make it a consistent thing,” Freeney said. “I think that’s a big honor. You can say, ‘Well, you did it once — that’s a fluke year.’ If you make it with consistency, that kind of says what kind of guy you are.”

Manning, the first player to receive more than one million votes in the NFL Pro Bowl fan balloting, was voted to the game for the fifth time in six seasons. He has made the game three consecutive seasons after making it in 1999 and 2000.

Manning, who is one touchdown shy of the NFL single-season record for touchdown passes, has completed 308 of 451 passes this season for 4,168 yards and 47 touchdowns with nine interceptions.

The NFL record for touchdown passes in a season is 48, set by Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino in 1984. The league record for single-season passer rating is 112.8, set by Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers in 1994.

Harrison, the AFC’s leading vote-getter at receiver among fans with 722,477 votes, made his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl.

Harrison, who leads the Colts with 75 receptions through 14 games, has 969 yards receiving this season and has 14 touchdown receptions.

James made the game for the first time since sustaining a serious knee injury midway through the 2001 season.

James, who led the NFL in rushing in 1999 and 2000 — his first two NFL seasons — made the Pro Bowl in each of those seasons, and was leading the NFL in rushing in 2001 when he sustained his knee injury in late October. He returned the following season to rush for 989 yards and rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season.

This season, James is 37 yards off the NFL lead with 1,464 yards and nine touchdowns on 311 carries.

He is second in the AFC and NFL behind Curtis Martin of the New York Jets.

“He’s had an outstanding year,” Manning said of James. “Some people have said he’s been somewhat unnoticed, but not around here.”

Freeney, who last year became the first Colts defensive player since 1987 to make the Pro Bowl, made the game for a second consecutive season. He leads the NFL with 15 sacks, and has eight sacks in the last three games.

Freeney, who had 13 sacks as a rookie and 11 last season in his second season, had three sacks in back-to-back victories over Tennessee and Houston and this past Sunday night, he had two against Baltimore Ravens All-Pro tackle Jonathan Ogden.

Freeney, the first defensive player in the Colts’ 21 seasons in Indianapolis to make two or more Pro Bowls, is the first Colts defensive player since defensive end John Dutton (1976-1977) to make the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons.

The Colts, despite ranking among the top 10 teams in the NFL in total offense every year since 1999, have not had Pro Bowl offensive lineman during that span. The Colts this season have allowed just nine sacks and rank 12th in the NFL in rushing.

Colts center Jeff Saturday is widely considered one of the NFL’s top players at his position, as is left tackle Tarik Glenn. Offensive guard Rick DeMulling also has emerged as one of the best players in the conference at his position, as has fourth-year tackle Ryan Diem.

“We’re a star-type team, because we’ve got some guys who are great skill position players,” Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said. “Because of that, I don’t think our offensive line necessarily gets the credit they deserve. When you can possibly have the leading rusher in the NFL and possibly give up the least amount of sacks in the NFL, you have to be doing something real well. We have a few guys who are doing it really, really well. They’re not household words, but from their standpoint, I think they’d like to keep it that way.

“Those guys (the Colts’ skill-position players) are good at what they do, but our offensive line is really good at what they do also. I think the guys that play against them realize that, but really not many other people.

“I don’t think it bothers them. They like to get recognized as a group.”

Said Saturday, “All we can do is do what we do. We have a great rusher and great sack totals. That’s really all we can control and go out and keep doing our jobs. There’s not much you can do to control things like that.

“You just go and keep playing each week. Whenever it’s our time, it will be our time.”

With the Colts leading the NFL in scoring and second in total offense, Manning said he didn’t understand how any Colts linemen or more Colts receivers were not included.

“It’s hard for me to pick (only) one of those (linemen), because my locker sits among all those guys and I appreciate every single one of them,” Manning said. “One guy who has had a true Pro Bowl year is (wide receiver) Reggie Wayne. What he’s done for this offense and for me is significant.

“It hasn’t been common for two receivers to go, but I think Reggie has really had a Pro Bowl year. I know how people on this team feel about him and I’m disappointed about him.

“That kind of jumped out to me.”

Another Kicker Signed

2004-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

By John Oehser - Colts.com

The Colts have spent much of the season looking for a way to improve their kickoffs.

On Wednesday, they tried again.

This time, they did it with a well-known NFL name.

And one very familiar to Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy.

Martin Gramatica, a six-year NFL veteran who was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, signed with the Colts Wednesday. He will handle kickoff duties, an area the Colts have focused on improving through much of the season.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” Gramatica, who played for Dungy in Tampa Bay from 1999-2001. “There’s no other place I’d rather be than with Coach Dungy. It means a lot for him to give me an opportunity.

“I was going to take the rest of the year off. There’s five weeks left in the season and nowhere to go, but I’m really thankful to get the opportunity to come kick off here.”

Mike Vanderjagt, the Colts’ kicker since 1998 and the NFL’s all-time field goal accuracy leader, will continue to handle field goals and extra points, Dungy said.

The Colts released kickoff specialist Jason Baker, who had kicked off the last four games.

“I called Martin after he got released, just to tell him to hang in there and know that he’s going to kick somewhere in the league,” Dungy said. (Colts President) Bill (Polian) approached me the other day and said, ‘We’ve already committed to the kickoff spot. Is this guy a better kickoff man than Jason Baker?’ I said, ‘He probably is.’

“It’s just a move to make your team a little bit better.”

Gramatica, a 1999 third-round draft selection from Kansas State, made 137 of 179 field goals in nearly six seasons with the Buccaneers, but over the last two seasons he went 27-of-45 and was released after missing all three field-goal attempts – all from under 40 yards – in a 21-14 loss to Carolina on November 28.

Gramatica made 11 of 19 field goals this season, a career-low 57.9 percent.

On kickoffs, he has been far more consistent.

“When you’re doing both, you focus on making every kick,” Gramatica said. “You don’t put the kickoffs aside, but you make sure you make the kicks. I won’t be doing that here, so I’m just going to focus on kicking that ball as deep as I can.”

In 89 career games, he had 44 touchbacks in 411 kickoffs and the average return on his kickoffs is 21.5 yards. This season, he had six touchbacks on 46 kickoffs and opponents averaged 21.5 yards per return.

“Jason kicked well for us,” Dungy said. “The thing Martin can do, when we get to situations and outdoors, if you want to finesse kick and put the balls in the corner – Jason was not going to be that skilled, as a power kicker. Where we do want to do different things with the ball, Martin can do those things a little bit better.”

The Colts drafted Penn State kicker David Kimball last April to compete for the kickoff role, but released him before the season. They have had four players handle kickoffs this season – Vanderjagt for six games, kicker Matt Bryant for one when Vanderjagt was injured, punter Hunter Smith for one and Baker the last four games.

The Colts rank last in the AFC and 31st in the NFL in kickoff coverage, with opponents averaging starting at their 31.5-yard line. The Colts have three touchbacks this season. The Buccaneers rank seventh in the NFL with an average opponents’ starting point of the 28-yard line.

Colts over Lions

2004-11-28T11:24:00.000-08:00

NFL.com wire reports

DETROIT (Nov. 25, 2004) -- Peyton Manning barks and gestures at the line of scrimmage, adjusting to defenses and changing play calls.

It might seem like chaos, but he's in complete control. Blitzing linebackers or disguised coverages don't faze him. Manning truly seems flustered only when he's far from the field, standing in a locker room to talk about his remarkable performances.

In his latest brilliant display, Manning threw for six touchdowns in less than three quarters and raised his season total to 41 TD passes, leading the Indianapolis Colts past the Detroit Lions 41-9.

He set an NFL record with at least four TD passes in a fifth consecutive game -- and he did it by halftime. Dan Marino had a four-game streak with at least four TDs in 1984, when he also set a league mark with 48 TD passes in a season.

"I feel uncomfortable talking about anything individual," said Manning, almost pleading to change the subject. "I just want to keep winning."

Connecting with Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley three times each for TDs, Manning finished 23-for-28 for 236 yards and zero interceptions for the AFC South-leading Colts (8-3).

Look at the performance this way: Manning had more TDs than incompletions.

"He's the best that's ever played this game as far as quarterbacks are concerned," Stokley said. "When he's retired, they'll compare everybody to Peyton Manning, without a doubt."

The reeling Lions (4-7) didn't help themselves by fumbling four times in their territory, missing a field goal and stalling repeatedly in the red zone.

Fittingly, backup quarterback Mike McMahon fumbled on the final play before scooping up the football and throwing an interception in the end zone to cap what's now a five-game losing streak.

"This is the pinnacle of those five losses," cornerback Fernando Bryant said.

The Colts replaced Manning with Jim Sorgi late in the third quarter. Otherwise, the QB would have had a shot at tying the NFL record of seven touchdown passes in a game, shared by five players: Sid Luckman, Adrian Burk, George Blanda, Y.A. Tittle and Joe Kapp.

Manning matched the Colts record he set in September 2003 against New Orleans, his father's old team. Before that performance, no one had thrown for six TDs in an NFL game in a dozen years.

With five regular-season games left, Manning already has matched Kurt Warner for third-most TD passes in a season. Marino threw 44 TDs in 1986.

No matter where Peyton Manning looked, he saw open receivers.

"Whatever record they want to break, they have a chance," Lions coach Steve Mariucci said.

Marino, now a CBS analyst, was asked at halftime how teams should deal with Manning.

"Blitz him!" Marino said.

The Lions tried that at times, but they were no match for Manning's quick release and sound decision-making.

All the offense is helping the Colts overcome their less-than-stellar defense. Indianapolis has won four straight, scoring at least 40 points in each of their past three games.

Detroit and its quarterback are headed in the opposite direction.

A month ago, the Lions were being praised for their turnaround after winning an NFL-low 10 games over the past three years. They have reverted to their old ways.

Joey Harrington was 14-for-23 for 156 yards before he was benched in favor of McMahon late in the third quarter.

No such problems for the Colts. Harrison caught 12 passes for 127 yards, and Stokley had five receptions for 57 yards. Edgerrin James had 23 carries for 105 yards.

Stokley caught his three TDs in the first half, and Harrison had one of his to help the Colts take a 27-9 lead at the break.

Lions returner Eddie Drummond, who has scored on four punt and kickoff returns this season, left at the start of the second half with a shoulder injury that could end his season. Things got so bad for the Lions that Drummond's replacement, Reggie Swinton, fumbled on a punt return and the football was recovered by Colts punter Hunter Smith.

Detroit's subdued fans came to life when McMahon replaced Harrington late in the third quarter. But McMahon couldn't help the offense much, going 11-for-15 for 105 yards and the game-ending interception.

Mariucci said despite the change, Harrington has not lost his job.

"I thought Joey did OK, but the score got away from us, so I saw an opportunity to get Mike some much-deserved playing time," Mariucci said.

Kevin Jones ran for 99 yards on 12 carries for the Lions, who fell to 33-30-2 in their traditional Thanksgiving Day home games. The Colts handed Detroit its most lopsided loss on the holiday

Colts/Vikings = Top Offenses

2004-11-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

By John Oehser, Colts.com

INDIANAPOLIS — The pre-game theme is obvious. The numbers make it so, and the numbers are . . . the numbers are . . .

Well, they’re stunning.

The first-ranked offense in the NFL. The second-ranked offense in the NFL.

A quarterback on one team who has thrown for five touchdowns in a game twice this season.

A quarterback on the other team who has done it three times.

It’s the Minnesota Vikings versus the Colts, two teams that have set the NFL standard this season for offensive numbers, two teams that have at times scored points in mind-boggling fashion.

It’s Monday Night Football. Michaels and Madden.

Big-time offenses in a prime-time time slot.

So, the theme is obvious, right? A shootout in the dome?

Maybe, but that’s not the way players and coaches necessarily see it, and if they do see it that way, they’re not saying.

“You have to be prepared to do whatever the game dictates,” Colts wide receiver Brandon Stokley said as the defending AFC South-champion Colts (4-3) prepared to play the NFC North-leading Vikings (5-2) Monday at 9 p.m. in the RCA Dome.

“If we have to score 60, then 60’s what we have to do. If it’s a low-scoring game, then we’ve just got to score one more point than them. That’s our goal every game.

“It’s hard to say. Each game takes up its own little game of itself.”

Neither the Colts nor Vikings have scored 60 points this season, but both teams have done things offensively that few teams in the NFL can match.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us against a very good offensive team that’s playing better on defense,” Colts tight end Marcus Pollard said. “It’s our turn for us to win at home, and that’s the key for us — to show the rest of the country what kind of team we can be.”

The Colts have scored at least 31 points in a game four times this season, and for the season, they are averaging 31 points per game. The Vikings have scored at least 34 points in a game three times this season, and for the season, they are averaging 26 points a game.

The numbers of the quarterbacks are even more overwhelming.

Daunte Culpepper, the Vikings’ quarterback and the NFC’s starting quarterback in the Pro Bowl last season, has completed 183 of 259 passes this season for 2,180 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions. Culpepper threw five touchdown passes in the season opener against Dallas, then did it twice on back-to-back weeks against Houston and New Orleans.

His 113.7 passer rating is on pace to break the NFL record of 112.4 set by Steve Young of the San Francisco 49ers.

“They throw some balls that no one in the league throws, and they have a quarterback who — other than (Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb) and (Falcons quarterback) Michael Vick, — you don’t see quarterbacks make as many plays outside the framework and structure of the offense as this guy does,” Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said. “They have a lot of weaponry.

“When everybody is healthy, they’re one of the best offenses in the league.”

Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who has eight touchdown receptions this season, has been limited the last two games with a hamstring injury. He is questionable for Monday’s game.

Peyton Manning, the Colts’ quarterback and the NFL’s co-Most Valuable Player last season, has completed 156 of 240 passes for 2,161 yards and 22 touchdowns with four interceptions. He threw five touchdown passes in a victory over Green Bay, and did it again in a loss to Kansas City last Sunday.

Manning’s passer rating through seven games: 117.4.

The Colts enter the game ranked 32nd defensively in the NFL overall and 32nd against the pass. Last week against the Chiefs, they allowed 590 yards and six touchdowns.

“It’s a perfect opportunity because it’s Monday Night Football, and you’re playing against a high-caliber offense,” Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney said.

The Vikings’ defense is ranked 25th in the NFL, 27th against the pass.

“We’re hoping they don’t score 45 points on us,” Tice said. “You have to prepare yourself to stop the other offense. Does it always work out that way? Not usually.

“I don’t think we can stop them. I’m sure they’re trying to do the same thing with their defense.”

The Colts, after winning four consecutive games after a season-opening loss to New England, lost 27-24 to the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, then lost, 45-35, to the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City.

“This is an important game,” Manning said. “We’d like to make a little bit of a run here if we can. We’ve lost two in a row. That’s disappointing and it’s a little bit of uncharted territory. Hopefully, with the veterans we have, we can rebound and we can bounce back.

“We have two games at home here, and obviously, it starts with Minnesota Monday night.

“Obviously, it’d be nice to win this one and get on a little bit of a roll here.”

The Colts, who hadn’t lost back-to-back games since November of 2002, enter Monday’s game tied with the Houston Texans (4-3) for second in the AFC South, a half-game behind Jacksonville (5-3).

Jacksonville is idle this weekend and the Texans visit Denver (5-3). The Colts will play host to the Texans next Sunday at the RCA Dome.

“Coach Dungy always points out where we are as compared to other teams in the AFC,” Manning said. “Were kind of in the middle right now, so we’d like to get on a little winning streak and move ourselves toward the top of the AFC if we can.

“We’re 4-3 and we’d like to be 5-3 after Monday. Certainly, that’s what we’re playing for — the AFC South. We can’t control what everybody else is doing and who else wins and who loses. We can control our team and we’re going to try to take care of our business.”

From DE to LB

2004-11-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

From ESPN.com

The Colts are searching for other ways to involve DE Robert Mathis, who leads the team with five sacks. Mathis is too light to play the DLE spot every down, but he’s been tried at weak-side linebacker. WLB Cato June is among the team leaders in tackles, but he’s been mistake-prone in his first season as a starter. Mathis is an option, but he isn’t likely to play linebacker much this season. “It’s possible,” Mathis told PFW, adding that there are many obstacles in the move from the line to linebacker. “Just getting the instincts of a linebacker. I’ve been a defensive lineman all my career. I know what the D-line is doing. Once I get the (LB) instincts, I’ll be all right.” Mathis has very good speed and athleticism, but the coaching staff won’t expose him at linebacker until he’s 100 percent comfortable.

2004 Schedule

2004-07-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Here's the 2004 Indianapolis Colts Schedule from NFL.com:

2004 Preseason
Date Opponent Time/Result
Aug. 14 at San Diego 10:00 p.m.
Aug. 21 New York 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 28 Buffalo 8:00 p.m.
Sept. 3 at Cincinnati 7:30 p.m.

2004 Schedule
Date Opponent Result
Sept. 9 at New England 9:00 p.m.
Sept. 19 at Tennessee 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 26 Green Bay 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Jacksonville 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 10 Oakland 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 17 Open Date
Oct. 24 Jacksonville 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 31 at Kansas City 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 8 Minnesota 9:00 p.m.
Nov. 14 Houston 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 21 at Chicago 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 25 at Detroit 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 5 Tennessee 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Houston 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 19 Baltimore 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 26 San Diego 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 2 at Denver 4:15 p.m.

Colts Collective Under Construction

2004-07-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

This new Indianapolis Colts page is still under construction, but soon updates will be added so come back and see us!