Heels in the Huddle » Indianapolis Colts

Week 8 (2010) – Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

Nat — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:08:01 +0000

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PREVIEW

The Texans had a lot going for themselves in week 1 as they stunned the Colts. Being picked by the Experts as the surprise team in the NFL and riding the tails of RB Arian Foster can only take you so far though. Things have balanced out since then. Both teams are coming off Bye weeks and share the same record of 4-2. With this being a divisional game, it comes with long term implications for the season. I expect tonight to be a shootout and the first team to show signs of defense comes out with the win.

A win tonight would be the first for Houston in Indianapolis. While they are a good team, a lot would have to go right for that to be the outcome. It should be noted though that they have yet to lose a game on the road. The Texans need to go with a heavy dose of the ground game. The Colts have yet to show they can stop it and Foster was an absolute beast in the first meeting. Defensively, the Texans bring nothing to the field. They rank at the bottom of the league and will have to step up to avoid getting shred to pieces by Manning and Co.

The Colts come into this one banged up. They lost TE Dallas Clark for the season and Austin Collie is going to miss time with an injured thumb. Joseph Addai (shoulder) is also hurting and will probably miss tonight’s game. What all this means for Indianapolis is they will need some of their young players to step up. Manning makes things easier for his receivers as long as they run the routes. Look for Reggie Wayne to put up big numbers to make up for the loss of some of the guys.

Prediction: The Colts have just gotten better since the last meeting and the home field will help. I got the Colts to win it in a high scoring affair. Take the Over (o/u 51)

Week 6 (2010) — Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins

Nat — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:09:11 +0000

Join me as I live blog this game on The Score – Link

PREVIEW

The Colts have one of the best offenses in the NFL and head to Washington to face the worst defense in the league. This should be interesting.

The Giants and Eagles both won today so the Redskins are going to have to bring their “A” game to keep up in the NFC East. They will go without Portis for the second week in a row but this team goes as their defense does. In both their losses they gave up 30+ points and will be in tough against the high powered Colts offense. The defense will be missing Haynesworth for the 2nd game, even though he has not been much of a factor all season, opponents usually account for him when he is active. McNabb and his athleticism will be needed to assist Torain with the ground game. Also, the Redskins haven’t had too many big plays this season so they should be due.

The Colts are still one of the teams to beat in the NFL. Even with Joseph Addai hobbling, they have Reggie Wayne playing like he is 25. Manning is tied for the league lead in TD passes and has already crossed 1500+ yards throwing on the season. On the defensive end, the Colts need to bring pressure on McNabb all night. With not much of a running game, McNabb will look to throw, even the short screens so early pressure should go a long way to throwing him off his game.

Prediction: Off the bat, I take the over in this one (44o/u). As for the winner, I got the Colts to win it by double digits.

The Morning After — 10 Things I Learnt In Week 1

Nat — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:27:36 +0000

The season started as I expected. Teams’ defensive units are way ahead of the offensive counterparts at this point. The games were generally low scoring, injury filled and at times more like FLAG football. Click through the headings below to see what I picked up in week 1.

Fuck the "PROCESS": Calvin Johnson got robbed. Plain and simple. The weekend was marked by one word... Process. He did not complete the process of the catch. Are you kidding me? It may be an existing rule but one that needs to be looked at. The Lions lost more than just the game -- one they would have won if it wasn't for the process. They head into week 2 with an injured QB Stafford and a 0-1 record.
Vick — Still got it: Michael Vick has come a long way in the last 18 months. On Sunday he got to show the football community that he can still play with the best of them. After an injury to Kolb (who was booed hard by Philly fans), Vick stepped in and showed us a little of what made him a household name in the first place. The Eagles may have lost the game but Vick may have won a starting QB job. He showed maturity on the field and if he can keep it going, this may be the perfect fit for Philly.
Cowboys — Should they be worried?: If the road to Super Bowl started in week 1, they Cowboys bus already took a detour. This game was filled with flags and some of the worst play calling I have ever witnessed. It is not like they are a totally new team. The Redskins managed to contain the run game and with that the Cowboys were left calling the same plays over and over -- unsuccessfully I might add. This should be a wake up call and the Boys should be ready for week 2.
Texans — They on to something: A lot of experts and fans alike picked the Texans to turn the corner and be the surprise team in the league this year. They were on to something. The Texans got what they wanted against the MIGHTY Colts. RB Arian Foster picked up where he left off and was soon running circles around the Colts' D. Matt Schaub needs some better protection (2 sacks) but after game 1, I think they are a legit threat for to win the AFC South.
Colts — Manning needs more: If you look at simply the numbers -- they look great. Most quarterback's with those numbers would probably have gotten the W. This was not the case as the Texans had an answer for every Colts attack. This game may have been the beginning of the end for the Colts who had a great run. Their division got tougher and they are not getting any younger. Manning needs support from his D if they want a shot in hell to stay an elite team.
Jets — All talk no action: Rex Ryan and his unfiltered personality got a ton of love on this season of Hard Knocks. He came into game 1 doing a lot of talking. Giving guarantees and even a little back n forth with Ray Lewis. The Jets couldn't convert a single 3rd down as the Ravens had the perfect gameplan. Sanchez needs to be allowed to screw up or all that talk about winning the Super Bowl will be used as comic relief soon. Its time to PUT UP or SHUT UP
Vikings — We talkin' bout practice!: It may have helped if Favre did his un-retiring a little earlier in the summer. He has not had enough practice with the team. The lack of trust in his receivers was visable throughout the game. Missing Sidney Rice, Favre basically hesitated throwing at any of them and it probably cost them the game. Adrian Petersons effectiveness is hindered when Favre is not attacking aerially. It should be interesting to see if 1 week helps build some chemistry between the QB and his WR's.
Haynesworth — It's time for a new address: The Redskins have a new swagger about themselves but some things stayed the same. The dominant story line of the offseason carried over onto the field against the Cowboys. Albert Haynesworth and Mike Shanahan's issues are very much still a problem. Haynesworth was told he would be involved but was looking on for most of the game. If week 1 was an indication of things to come, it is time for him to find a new home.
Team X — Better or Worse?: Power Rankings in the off-season are a load of crap in my opinion. Start talking when they have played a game. Week 1 had its share of upsets and there were definitely some teams that didn't deserve the hype. The Cowboys, Saints, Jets and Vikings all looked like they may have been over-hyped. On the other hand, after just one game it looks like the Chiefs, Titans, Jags and Lions will be better than I expected. Then there are the Raiders who actually looked like they got worse -- if that's even possible.
Patriots — Paging the defensive unit: Yes they got the win but it wasn't pretty. That defensive unit felt like they were aging by the minute. They almost made the Bengals D look good -- one that has clearly regressed from last season. They get the Jets next week and need to get their act together quickly otherwise no matter what their 100 million $$ QB does, it won't be enough.

Countdown to Kick-Off: AFC Preview

Nat — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:36:39 +0000

Pittsburgh Steelers Prediction (14-2): The Champs didn’t change much from last season and should be the team to beat once again. It would take some pressure off from Big Ben if Willie Parker can stay healthy and contribute consistently. Defensively this team is as sound as it gets and it doesn’t hurt that the schedule this year for the Steelers creates an easier path to the post-season.
Cincinnati Begals Prediction (8-8): Carson Palmer’s elbow looks good but its a matter of “will it hold up”. They lost T.J but the combo of Laveranues Coles and Chad Ochocinco’s is very potent and if they can keep things focused on the game rather than off the field antics they should get a chance to make it to the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens Prediction (7-9): They always look good on paper but it never translates. The Ravens success will rely heavily once again on the performance of Joe Flacco who has a year of experience under his belt. The departures on defense will hurt but this team has a chance to repeat last seasons success.
Cleveland Browns Prediction (4-12): The only good news for this team is that the schedule is favorable which should get them a few wins. Eric Mangini has discarded the Browns best player – Kellen Winslow, created a possible QB controversy and has no offensive weapons to work with.

New England Patriots Prediction (13-3): He’s BAAAAACK! The team barely missed the playoffs last year and with the additions of Shawn Springs, Leigh Bodden, Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis, they instantly become contenders again. As a result, the Patriots could pick up where they left off in 2007, blowing out opponents for much of the season. If Brady returns to 2007 form, anything less than a division championship appearance should be considered a letdown.
New York Jets Prediction (8-8): The Jets are working with a new QB and a new coach – they are probably studying what the Raven’s did last season and hope to have similar success. On the positive though, the team is sound on D and have a reliable ground game. If they manage to find some receivers to help out the QB they should be able to make some noise this season.
Miami Dolphins Prediction (6-10): With the return of Brady, and the Jets looking better than expected, there is no chance in hell the Dophins can duplicate last season’s success. A brutal schedule will negate the positives the team added over the off-season. Essentially the team could be equal or better than last season but still finish with half the wins and no post season in sight.
Buffalo Bills Prediction (5-11): They are solid at WR with Terrell Owens and Lee Evans, while Marshawn Lynch has shown he can run with the big boys. A major weakness still lies on the O line which will make using the running game very challenging and the QB is going to face quick pressure from breakdowns. The team has no stellar defensive lineup to put on the field and will rely heavily on trying to put up big offensive numbers.

Indianapolis Colts Prediction (11-5): As far as coaching changes go, this one should be a smooth transition since Jim Caldwell is not a totally new face. Peyton Manning may have lost his favorite receiver but still has Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, rookie Austin Collie and TE Dallas Clark to connect with. Add in an upgrade on the offensive line along with a better running game should have the Colt’s back on top of this division.
TennesseeTitans Prediction (9-7): The loss of Haynesworth will hurt and their schedule to the start the season may send the team stumbling. Kerry Collin’s is the QB of choice for this team and needs to build chemistry quick with new WR’s on the team to take some heat off from RB Chris Johnson. They surprised people how good they were last season but this year people are watching and with a weaker defense, the Titans may be the surprise “disappointing” team.
Houston Texans Prediction (8-8): Going into the season under the radar, I expect the Texans to have a successful season. Add on a win or two playing behind a solid defense and they could see themselves playing in January. Andre Johnson is one of the best WR’s in the game right now and with a light schedule for the first part of the season, the team is well positioned to finally make some noise in the AFC.
Jacksonville Jaguars Prediction (4-12): The running game is fine with Maurice Jones Drew but David Garrard is no Tom Brady. The team plays in a tough division and the schedule isn’t doing them any favors. There are just not enough weapons on offense to offset the weak defense for this team to improve over last season.

San Diego Chargers Prediction (9-7): I am assigning this as the worst division in the AFC and the Chargers should be a lock to finish on top. Philip Rivers will continue to do his thing but Tomlinson’s star is fading. If Gates, Tomlinson and Merriman all manage to stay healthy this team will be as dangerous on the field as they look on paper.
Denver Broncos Prediction (7-9): The Cutler drama may be in the past but Kyle Orton is no savior. With a new coach, a QB who threw 3 interceptions in his first season game and a disgruntled WR, the Bronco’s are going to struggle to put together a winning season.
Oakland Raiders Prediction (5-11): The Raiders are set at the RB spot and have one of the best corner backs in Asomugha. They may surprise and finish ahead of the Broncos at the end of the season but the usual drama that follows this team makes me believe something will go wrong before things fall into place.
Kansas City Chiefs Prediction (3-13):The Chiefs are in full rebuilding mode and that means a whole lot of L’s in the loss column. A weak O line and a QB who has no one to throw to when the season starts, this team is going to take a beating from the rest of the league.

Author Profile – Miss KJ

Nat — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:19:00 +0000

A few things about me…

1. I’m trying my hardest to learn more about the wonderful sport we call football (and no, I’m not referring to soccer for our European visitors). Yes, I’m reading “Football for Dummies” (laugh if you want, but Howie Long is the man! Thanks Howie!) and Holly Robinson Peete’s “Get Your Own Damn Beer…I’m Watching The Game!” (I remember Holly from “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper” – she shares the same humour in this women’s guide to football).

2. I attempted to play Madden ’09 with my little brother and got creamed. He scored a touchdown. ON THE FIRST PLAY. True story. When he’s at work I think I’ll get some practice time in with Madden ’10 and beat him at his own game. Said little brother is very patient with me and my many questions when we watch football games together (“Why did they run that play?” “Man that guy is HUGE!” “Where the heck is the quarterback?” “Why are they blowing the whistle all the damn time?”) Thanks, Scotty.

3. I’m a Colts fan – partly because I love the city of Indianapolis (I’d give anything to live there after visiting a few years ago). Indianapolis reminded me very much of a small Canadian city by the name of Regina – a city I lived and worked in for almost two years. Regina is Canada’s number one football city – they’re home to the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders. I’m still a fan of the Green & White despite my relocation back to Toronto. Indianapolis was a sea of blue and white during my brief visit. It seemed everyone in the city packed into the Colts’ then-home, the RCA Dome. The fans were friendly and they loved their team. And they have good reason to!
I also became a Colts fan due to the work ethic and personal life of former coach Tony Dungy. Like Coach Dungy, I’m a believer in Christ. He also subscribes to good work ethic, solid morals, keeping calm in stressful situations and bringing out the best in others. I also like his no-shouting rule (read his book “Quiet Strength” to gain more insight on that). Another reason to love the Colts? Peyton Manning and Dwight Freeney. D-Free and I have similar backgrounds. I know Reggie White (RIP) was given the title “Minister of Defense” but that’s my nickname for D. Peyton is a strong QB who is a proven leader…and it doesn’t hurt he’s a member of a football dynasty.

4. I’m a television news producer and radio anchor based in Toronto, Ontario. News is extremely important to me – the delivery, the storytelling, the pictures and sound. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m looking forward to what’s in store.

5. The homegirl Nat and I met through Scott Carefoot’s Raptorblog. We’ve been to a few games together (thanks to her, I got the amazing opportunity to see Big Shaq when he was with the Heat) and she’s a great friend. She’s also amazing due to the fact that she still decides to talk to me even though I’ve fallen out of love with the Raptors (and the NBA). Ha!

6. I Twitter…not ferociously, but hey, I know how to chirp. Follow me @mskimjohnson

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