Ask BigBlueShoe: Week 12

by Brad Wells on Nov 19, 2008 6:11 AM PST

Chargers fans, I'm BigBlueShoe, the head writer at SB Nation's Colts blog: Stampede Blue. It is now time for you to take a few more shots at the Colts, the team your team has beaten three straight times (including one agonizing playoff game). This Sunday, your team play my favorite team, and this FanPost offers you the opportunity to ask me questions about the Colts. Is Bob Sanders healthy? Is Peyton's knee fully recovered? Did the Colts circle this game as a revenge game? I'm happy to answer your questions as best I can.

Sometimes joining me in these Q and As is Stampede Blue's contributing writer shake n bake. This upcoming Sunday night game should be a slug fest. Both teams are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt even though both started the season as everyone's favorite to win their respective divisions. But injuries and bad luck had both these teams stumble early.

Looking forward to the game and answering your questions. I often enjoyed reading DaBolts' FanPosts over at Mile High Report, and i'm thrilled he has his own Chargers blog now. Ask away.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Bolts From The Blue community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bolts From The Blue editors or SB Nation.

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Welcome

Please Rec this post to keep it up top folks.

I’ll start off with a couple, like the Chargers the Colts running attack has struggled and is averaging just under 80 yards a game. What has happened there, and do you expect it to improve?

Early in the season the Colts waived DE Ed Johnson after a drug arrest. Did you agree with that move, and how well has the defense coped with that loss?

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 19, 2008 7:17 AM PST reply actions

Answers

Yes, I do expect it to improve. The Colts o-line was decimated with injuries to start the season. They also lost Joseph Addai for several games. Now, both Addai and the line are healthy and gelling. That doesn’t mean that they will run all over the Chargers, but week-to-week I have seen improvement.

I agreed with cutting DT Ed Johnson, yes. The Colts talk a lot about setting an example, being a role model, and living (as well as playing) the right way. They told Ed from day one they had a zero tolerance clause with him. One screw up and he is bagging groceries. The Colts were true to their word. Did it cost them some wins? Maybe, but there are more important things than wins and loses. Your word is who you are. Sell that out and you sell yourself. Far too often we see exceptions made with athletes. This was not one of them.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by Brad Wells on Nov 19, 2008 7:57 AM PST up reply actions

A few more...

Are there any players on the Colts that Charger fans are not likely to have heard of that could make a big impact on the game?

What do you think the Colts need to do to win this Sunday?

Indy has a great reputation for drafting great talent. The Colts had no first round draft choice this year, but picked up center Mike Pollak and Phillip Wheeler at linebacker; have they made any impact for the Colts? Do any of the lower round picks look to have potential?

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 19, 2008 12:49 PM PST reply actions

Answers

Yes, a few. SS Melvin Bullitt has helped the Colts win the last two games by making big INTs to end those games. Another player is DT Antonio Johnson. He has helped anchor the interior of Indy’s d-line.

To win they must pressure Rivers and force him into turnovers. In the playoff game last year, the Colts generated very little pass rush. This allowed Rivers and Bill y Volek to throw at will. Pass rush is very key in this game.

Pollak was drafted with the idea to convert him into a guard. He is now the starting OG, and is improving week to week. He was very shaky at first. Wheeler has a lot of upside, and they are using him on special teams now. Rookie TE Jacob Tamme has loads of potential, but sees little time because of Dallas Clark. Tamme reminds others of a rookie Dallas Clark. WR Pierre Garcon has looked ok returning kicks.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by Brad Wells on Nov 19, 2008 2:26 PM PST up reply actions

The rookie who's been the biggest was undrafted

Eric Foster (seen here saving the Steelers game and possibility the season for the Colts) has been huge filling the gap left by Ed Johnson smoking his way out of the league and Quinn Pitcock retiring after one season. He’s 265lbs and was drafted to play the undertackle spot, but has been filling in at the NT. He has started 8 of the 10 games and has made some huge plays.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Nov 19, 2008 3:51 PM PST up reply actions

That's amazing

You folks don’t have a lot of beef on the defensive line; all speed I guess?

"Football is a physical sport, sometimes you have a disagreement on what's going on, and you have a discussion about it." Kris Dielman

by Brian (DaBolts) on Nov 20, 2008 9:24 AM PST up reply actions

now there's a bit

with a 310lber they picked up off the Titans practice squad, but they still are small everywhere else in the front 7 and have only been playing the big guy in obvious run downs.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Nov 20, 2008 10:26 AM PST up reply actions

Daniel Muir

Muir is another 310-pounder the Colts use at NT, but he has been hurt recently. Weight and height are over-rated attributes when it comes to football players, but certain key positions (like NT and SAM backer) require bigger players.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by Brad Wells on Nov 20, 2008 1:54 PM PST up reply actions

How stoked is Peyton Manning that Merriman is out and Cromartie is having his sophomore/junior slump?

Ron Rivera. Change we can believe in. YES WE CAN!

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Nov 19, 2008 3:48 PM PST reply actions

Merriman is the big one there

Cromartie had Manning’s number for one game. Merriman has been the thorn in Peyton’s side for the last 3 Charger-Colt matchups.

"Whoa... You can't say stuff like that!"
"I get it Chief. I'll play ball. You just gotta blow the whistle and call the fouls. Alright?"

by Wonko on Nov 19, 2008 4:28 PM PST up reply actions

Colts injury news

Bob Sanders didn’t practice at all this week, but they haven’t ruled him out yet. He’s probably not playing unless the swelling in his knee miraculously disappears tomorrow.

CB Kelvin Hayden is expected back and went through a full practice today. He’s the Colts best cover CB.

Probably the only other player that the Colts will be missing is special teamer (6’4" 240lb WR with 4.3 speed, but questionable hands) Roy Hall who hasn’t played since the opener.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Nov 21, 2008 2:21 PM PST reply actions