Posts tagged Ryan Lilja
Succeeding in Face of Injuries is Par for Colts Course
Oct 26th
(Brent Smith | Reuters)
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. It is often said that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long,” and this idea flies in the face of teams who have had sustained success, particularly in the salary cap era. Somehow, someway, the Indianapolis Colts are a team that have found a way to be nearly immune to the forces at play in professional football that exist to make it next to impossible for teams to dominate.
If the Colts are going to continue their success in 2010, it has become clear that they will have to overcome a rash of injuries to key players. In some ways, the task seems insurmountable. The likelihood that the Colts can maintain their record of consecutive 12-win seasons shrinks by the week and by the day. How or why should fans expect the streak to continue, foresee a playoff berth, or have even a shroud of hope that the Colts could actually compete for another chance to play for a world championship?
The reason is pretty easy to locate. Over the last five years the Colts have had to overcome adversity, perform in the face of obvious team weaknesses, and have regularly been considered one of the best teams in the league — and one of the top contenders to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. In all but one of those years they have dealt with the loss of key players for dozens of games. Take a look. More >
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...
Week 5 Q&A: Chiefs Blogger Joel Thorman
Oct 8th
No comments
Chiefs rookie running back Jamaal Charles. Kevin C. Cox | Getty Images
Each week Coltzilla will preview the upcoming game by speaking with fellow bloggers who write about the upcoming opponent. The Colts face the Chiefs this weekend, who are 3-0 and the last undefeated team this year. Joining Coltzilla this week is Joel Thorman from Arrowhead Pride to give us some answers.
CZ: In your opinion, how well has Ryan Lilja performed since you picked him up, after the Colts released him following the 2009 season? Some fans in Indianapolis feel like this was the wrong move for the Colts offensive line, do you agree?
JT: I think he’s been just fine. The Chiefs are running a zone blocking system so they need athletic guys like that. From what I understand, he was released in Indy because they were going bigger on offense. I don’t think that’s a knock on Lilja — it’s just the system. But for KC, he’s been very good, and more than anything he’s been consistent at a position that caused a lot of problems last year. More >
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
Colts Fans: Be Angry but Remain Calm
Sep 14th
Most weeks, I would put together an in-depth game analysis so fans could mull over my observations, and better recognize where the Colts are flawed, which players are most to blame for the loss, and what changes could be made to resolve problems. This week is different.
Since the end of Sunday’s game until now I have witnessed widespread panic on the part of most “vocal” fans, and I am sure that some of that is to be expected as those who are not panicked have far less reason to plaster their opinions around the internet. When you are dealing with swarms of people who so quickly let their heads run away from them, the environment is not entirely inviting for those who wish to rationalize.
This story will not attempt to make light of a painful game, painful loss, or the current state of the Indianapolis Colts. It will also not attempt to change anyone’s opinions about this team, where it is headed, or defend management from its decisions that have helped lead the Colts to this point. The story will stand on its own as what I hope is a rationale perspective of the good and bad, and my perspective on what it all means.
Classical Geek Theatre | Photo
Angry Colts Fan
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Five Things to Watch: Colts v. Texans (Week 1)
Sep 11th
No comments
Wesey Hitt | Getty Images
Addai'ing for a ground game!
A chill is in the air, my wife is preemptively filing for divorce, and the tarps are being unfurled at EverBank Stadium, all of which can lead us to only one conclusion: the NFL season is about to start. Last year we witnessed our Indianapolis Colts have a great season, posting a 14-2 regular-season record, followed by them marching through the playoffs, only to see them be denied, for some unknown reason — the ability to play in the Super Bowl. Here are five things to watch as the Colts Season of Vindication™ kicks off Sunday in Houston:
1. The Return of Real Football
As heartbreaking as last season was, I cannot quit the NFL. While the Colts are my one true love, I eat up everything NFL, whether the Colts are involved or not. Fantasy? Count me and my 50 teams in. An afternoon game featuring the Raiders and Chiefs? Put me down for $20 on the Raiders! Horrible analysis from a grumpy, bitter Deion Sanders? Okay, let me rethink my love for all things NFL.
When it comes to sports, March through August are just cheap appetizers, undercooked, under-flavored, underwhelming, trying to tide me over, unsuccessfully, ’til my ribeye of football is brought to the table. Now it’s here, along with a stout beer, a sharp knife, and a wonderful horseradish sauce, and I’m ready to gorge myself. I just hope I’m getting dessert served to me in Dallas. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
2009 Game Recap – Week 17: Colts at Bills
Sep 6th
No comments
To help pass time this off-season, I have reviewed the Colts regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occurred to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I will be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colts fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we relive the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 17: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Setting the Stage
- The Colts enter the final game of the regular season with a league-leading record of 14-1. Quarterback Peyton Manning is second in the league with 4,405 passing yards, and wide receiver Reggie Wayne is tied for third in the league with 1,243 yards receiving. Pierre Garçon is nursing a sore shoulder and does not play. Defensive end Dwight Freeney, kicker Adam Vinatieri, linebacker Clint Session, defensive end Robert Mathis, defensive back Jerraud Powers, and running back Chad Simpson are out with various injuries. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin, defensive tackle Eric Foster, corner back Tim Jennings, safety Aaron Francisco, and defensive end Raheem Brock get the start. Sam Giguère makes his first appearance for the Colts returning kickoffs. Several of the Colts were selected for the Pro Bowl prior to this game; among them are Reggie to his fourth, Peyton to his tenth (ties Colts great Johnny Unitas), and tight end Dallas Clark to his first. Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the 5-10 Bills, who boast a defense with 26 interceptions on the year (tied for second).
- The Field: Frozen solid on a near-whiteout, wintry New York day at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. Temperature is 14 degrees with northwest winds gusting to 40 mph. That is a wind chill temperature of minus one, folks. I swear I just saw a polar bear wearing a parka in the stands.
- The Crowd: Sparse and subdued. The stands are half-empty. Or is that half-full? Either way, they are wrapped head-to-toe in cold weather gear and act like they are still recovering from the holidays.
CBS Sports
More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Is Jeff Linkenbach the Colts 2010 Undrafted Gem?
Aug 30th
2 comments
The Colts find a meaningful contributor out of their class of undrafted free agents at the beginning of almost every new season. The most recent players to stick out are second year cornerback Jacob Lacey, third year tight end Gijon Robinson, and fourth year safety Melvin Bullitt.
This season, undrafted rookie free agent guard/tackle, Jeff Linkenbach has taken a lot of snaps with the first, second, and third team offensive lines at both left guard and left tackle. Unlike many of his rookie counterparts, and a veteran free agent addition like Adam Terry, Linkenbach has used this opportunity to make a big impression on Colts fans, coaches, and management.
More >
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
2009 Game Recap – Week 16: Jets at Colts
Aug 23rd
8 comments
To help pass time this off-season, I’ve reviewed the Colts’ regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occured to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I’ll be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colt fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we re-live the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 16: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
Setting The Stage
- The Colts come into today’s game undefeated, flirting with perfection, and assured of homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning leads the league in completion percentage (68.6%), yards (4213), and is tied for the most touchdown passes on the season (33). Sitting out for the Colts are Charlie Johnson (turf toe), Robert Mathis (quad) and Pierre Garçon (hand). Donald Brown returns after missing three games with a chest injury, and Dwight Freeney plays limited snaps. The New York Jets are quarterbacked by rookie Mark Sanchez, lead the league in rushing yards, and boast the number one overall defense.
- The Field: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. It’s snowing outside, and the roof is closed.
- The Crowd: Supportive and well-mannered… for two and one-half quarters, that is. Then it gets ugly.
CBS Sports
More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Mike Hart
Jul 25th
Mike Hart (Mark Duncan, AP)
Mike Hart
Born: April 9, 1986
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
College: University of Michigan
Draft: 6th round, 202nd overall – 2008 (Indianapolis Colts)
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 206 pounds
More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Profiling Colts Running Back Mike Hart
Jul 25th
Mike Hart (Mark Duncan, AP)
Mike Hart
Born: 9th of April, 1986
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
College: University of Michigan
Draft: 6th round, 202nd overall – 2008 (Indianapolis Colts)
Height: 5 feet 9 inches
Weight: 206 lbs.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Jason Cole Misses the Mark in Colts Rankings: Offensive Line
Jul 20th
28 comments
For Colts fans, Jason Cole is to the written word what Cris Collinsworth is to the spoken: Both are football analysts given a national voice who have the habit of making pretty questionable statements about our favorite team. This off season, Jason Cole is (why they let him into a locker room full of naked men with such questionable motives is another discussion).
For the next few weeks we will look at Mr. Cole’s rankings and analysis on each unit, using standard NFL stats, advanced stats, and also some good, old fashion common sense. We will also continue the discussion and analysis for each unit of this year’s Colts team on our own, discussing potential depth charts and any potential changes in scheme stemming from personnel and coaching changes.
Darron Cummings | AP Photo
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, center, celebrates his second quarter touchdown pass against the New York Jets with teammates Ryan Lilja (65) and Jeff Saturday (63) during the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010, in Indianapolis.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...