Off-Season Coverage
In the Training Room: Colts’ QB Peyton Manning
Jun 2nd
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Last off-season, Colts fans held their breath at news that their ever-durable QB Peyton Manning had neck surgery to address what was described as intermittent discomfort. After he proceeded to throw 761 times in the next 22 games (including pre-season, post-season and all 5 attempts in the Pro Bowl), it could easily be assumed that his neck was healthy and the issue resolved. But questions lingered – a rumor surfaced early in the season that Manning was still injured (or re-injured), eyebrows were raised when he wore compression sleeves on his elbows, and TV analysts commented that he didn’t look to have the same strength or precision as usual.
It appears that questions were answered a couple weeks ago when Manning announced that he had undergone a second neck surgery in as many years. The issue is… what were the right questions? Paul Kuharsky posted a great analysis pointing to what we should be asking. With answers to these questions, we’d understand better whether it was one particular disc that was a recurring issue, whether this is a broader issue with Peyton’s health, and whether his contract (whenever it comes) will represent a smart investment by the Colts. More >
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NFL Rookie Defensive Tackles: What to Really Expect
Jun 1st
Each off-season, fans gets excited about the opportunity for their teams to restock and retool talent at positions of need. For as long as most Colts fans can remember, one of those positions is defensive tackle. As a result, when the draft and free agency opportunities come and go, fans clamor for their favorite players and hope that tremendous improvement will be made in whichever area they identify as needing the biggest upgrade.
Over the last four off-seasons, the Colts have added four defensive tackles via the draft, one undrafted free agent, and have three players on the roster signed from waivers or free agency. This means no defensive tackle on the team has more than three full years of experience with the Colts, which partially explains the reason fans will continue to clamor for more options — none of the defensive tackles on the team have really proved themselves to be stalwarts on the defensive line.
How should fans change their lens in reviewing and evaluating the play of defensive tackles entering the league or spending their first seasons with the Colts? What should they really expect? More >
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“Coltzilla Dead” Pronouncements Premature
May 30th
It has come to our attention that one of our colleagues in the Colts blogosphere has taken shots at Coltzilla regarding a lack of steady content recently. In fact, in the latest comment, it was suggested that Coltzilla is “dead.” As the site’s founder and editor I think it is worthwhile to address any of our readers’ concerns about the current and future health of Coltzilla.
Our readers should know that Coltzilla upholds a standard of reporting and analysis that we hope best serves Colts fans. We do not engage in long-winded or repetitive rants regarding rather mundane occurrences in the Colts front office, draft strategies, private practices, or minor surgeries to players. More >
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Roster Casualties
May 21st
Despite knowing that the lockout will remain in place, fans are left wondering if some of the old rules that governed the ins and outs of the NFL offseason will stand. One thing in particular, the player total on the offseason roster, should stay the same though. At least that’s what we’ll assume for the time being. Based on the previous CBA, teams were allowed 80 players on an offseason roster, and while that number could change, the fact that the NFL isn’t adding any more games, and the NFLPA doesn’t want to split their pie between any more people, it is reasonable to assume that the figure is likely to stay the same. As it stands right now though, the Colts have 83 players on their roster, but due to the lockout no personnel decisions can be made except for adding the 2011 draft picks to the lists. As such, with the lockout technically still in place and no end to it all readily in sight we are simply left with speculation on what is likely to be a tumultuous beginning to the NFL pre-season. More >
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Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell’s Stamp on Coaching Staff Complete?
May 11th
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With the news that former Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore has left the team, it occurred to me that a great deal of turnover has taken place since Head Coach Jim Caldwell took over for Tony Dungy in 2009. Many considered the initial changes minor, as Caldwell has consistently stated his opinion that he was taking over a team and staff that was not broken, and a team philosophy that he promised to uphold, but the gradual transition from the Dungy coaching staff to the Caldwell coaching staff has been significant — and could be complete after Caldwell’s third off-season behind the wheel.
Since Caldwell took over the team he has:
Replaced former Special Teams Coordinator Russ Purnell with Ray Rychleski
Replaced former Defensive Coordinator Ron Meeks with Larry Coyer
Replaced former Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd with Pete Metzelaars
Replaced former Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore with Clyde Christensen
Replaced former Running Backs Coach Gene Huey with David Walker
Added Ron Turner as Quarterbacks Coach
Moved former Quarterbacks Coach Frank Reich to Wide Receivers Coach More >
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Colts Part Ways with Legendary Offensive Coordinator Tom Moore
May 10th
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Although no official word from the Colts franchise has confirmed it, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN’s AFC South blog has done some digging and found that legendary offensive coordinator Tom Moore has slipped out the back door. This is disheartening news for any long-time Colts fan as Moore had the great honor to introduce Peyton Manning to the NFL and collaborate with him to operate one of the greatest offenses in league history. Moore’s exit coincides with the off-season decision handed down by Jim Caldwell and the Colts front office to part ways with legendary running back coach Gene Huey. Farewell Tom and thank you for all of your contributions to the greatest run of success in Indianapolis Colts team history.
The bad news about Moore’s departure is — as Kuharsky’s story points out — that Tennessee Titans Head Coach Mike Munchak nearly lured Moore away from the Colts to take over there as offensive coordinator (imagine him running the offense for a team in the AFC South) and that Moore met with the New York Jets to discuss red-zone scoring. This is certainly not good news for Colts fans, and while it hurts to know that both within the conference and division, Moore may be meeting with opponents who seek knowledge they would have previously not been able glean — as Moore has been the Colts Offensive Coordinator (or special assistant) since Manning entered the league in 1998.
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Reaction to Bill Polian Interview with “1070 The Fan”
May 10th
Last week, Colts GM Bill Polian had a phone in conversation with Grady and Big Joe at 1070 The Fan in Indianapolis. I wanted to highlight a few interesting points that have gone largely unmentioned thus far. After the jump we’ll take a look at a few of these quotes and why they stood out. If you’d like to read the full interview, head over to SportsRadioInterview.com to read the transcript. More >
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2011 Colts NFL Draft Reaction
May 4th
The 2011 NFL Draft has come and gone, and while it is ridiculous to hand out letter grades on players that have yet to take a snap in the NFL, let alone reached their prime, it is reasonable to assess what the Colts draft may mean for the long and short term of the franchise. We will try to keep the cheerleading to a minimum.
The first thing that stands out about the Colts draft is that, while the Indianapolis only had five picks to work with, they seemed to make every one of them count. Each of the Colts five draftees is a skilled, talented player that fits their on-field philosophies. In fact, the biggest question marks seem to revolve around the off-field issues of their sixth round pick, Chris Rucker (DB – Michigan State).
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Indianapolis Colts Priority Undrafted Free Agents
May 1st
Although the NFL lockout will keep teams from pursuing undrafted free agents following the 2011 NFL Draft, one can be sure that teams are hard at work coming up with a list of players they want to call when the lockout if lifted. For the Indianapolis Colts, there are a few positions they probably would like to grab a few players to compete during summer activities and training camp — assuming either actually happen. This list will be comprised of players Coltzilla feels are in the highest need areas on the team, players the team met prior to the draft — who have historically been free agent signings — and players who are the most talented signing possibilities. Check out the list after the jump. More >
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