Culcasi's Thoughts

"Every offseason, you get better - regardless." -Dwight Freeney

Improvement for Dwight Freeney was a scary thought after he posted 45 solo tackles and 13 sacks as a rookie in 2002. Development from a players first to second year can sometimes be radical as they adjust to the NFL, and last year Freeney found out just how hard it is to be a "diamond surrounded by trash" (as a future Hall of Fame running back once put it). A tremendous pass rusher with big play potential, he was often neutralized as the teams only threat along the defensive line, leading to disappointing totals of 28 solo tackles and 11 sacks. Has anything changed entering 2004?

Tony Dungy and the Colts stunned many when they selected Dwight Freeney with the 11th overall selection in the 2002 draft. Sure, he was the best pass rusher in the draft, coming off of a senior season in which he led the nation with 17.5 sacks, but at 6'1 266 he was likely to experience limitations as an NFL defensive end. What Dungy saw was a disruptive force who fit his scheme well. With 4.4 speed and a nonstop motor, Freeney provides instant penetration with a wide array of moves, a big-time playmaker who forced eight fumbles during his last year at Syracuse, nine during his first year in the pros.

Positives

• Exceptional speed, a full toolbox of moves, a nonstop motor...the attributes of a great pass rusher.



• He's not a great wrap-up tackler, but he's better against the run than he's given credit for.



• A Pro Bowl alternate as a rookie, Pro Bowl starter last year. His 24 sacks during his first two seasons ranks 4th all-time (Reggie White 31, Derrick Thomas 30, Jevon Kearse 26).

Negatives

• He absolutely needs help. Without a complement threat, offenses will continue to focus on Freeney, neutralizing the Colts top playmaker along the line.

Final Thoughts

Until Freeney gets help along the defensive line, it's hard to expect a repeat of his tremendous rookie season. He can only do so much on his own, although this doesn't mean that he can't improve on last year. As he develops in Tony Dungy's system, he should continue to be a disruptive force, capable of huge games but disappearing in others.

Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:

To view the entire thread, click here: DL Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

grady:
"Dwight Freeney is all about one thing.....speed. He was the most dominant defensive end during the second half of 2002 (yes, even over Jason Taylor). He had the injury bug in 2003, but still had a very good per game average in the 2nd half of the season after he got over some of the nagging effects of said injury.

The one thing that scares me a bit about Freeney is that he is a one-dimensional player. He is fast and not much else. This would work for a team with a top front 4, but the Colts are weak on the remainder of the line which will allow teams to develop blocking schemes to stop Freeney.

DL Rank: 15 with top 3 potential."

Projections

IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery