Indianapolis Colts Team Report by Andy Hicks
| Ind Projections (9/3) | Passing Stats | Rush Stats | Receiving Stats | Fantasy | |||||||||||
| Change | Name | Pos | Att | Comp | % | Yds | TD | Int | Att | Yds | TD | Rec | Yds | TD | Pts |
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| Totals | #NumberFormat("#tot_patt#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_pcmp#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#evaluate(100*tot_pcmp/tot_patt)#", '_____._')#% | #NumberFormat("#tot_pyds#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_ptds#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_int#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_ratt#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_ryds#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_rtds#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_rec#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_cyds#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_ctds#", '__,_____')# | #NumberFormat("#tot_pts#", '__,_____')# | ||
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Quarterbacks Starter - Peyton Manning Backups - Brock Huard, Cory Sauter Starting Quarterback: Is there a player that means more to a club than Peyton Manning? He is the franchise pure and simple. Manning has only been in the league for 4 years, but has made a tremendous impact in that short period of time. He has started every single game for the Colts and thrown all but a few passes since his debut in 1998. Let us look briefly at the statistical evidence to confirm this young mans path to greatness. An average of 4100 passing yards, 28 Touchdown passes and 2 Rushing touchdowns per season indicates this is a very special player. The downside is his 20 interception per season average. This should be improved by Manning not having to force as much this year. Manning's completion percentage has risen from 56.7% in his rookie year to 62.1, 62.5 and 62.7 in the 3 years that have followed. Expect more of the same this year. Peyton Manning is a guaranteed Top 5 Quarterback and more than likely top 3. Those with Manning in their fantasy squads are well set in at least one position. Backup Quarterback(s): The chasm between Manning and his backups is enormous. If Manning were to miss any time, it would simply devastate the Colts season. Brock Huard is a 4th year veteran who comes to Indianapolis after spending the last 3 years at Seattle. He started 4 games during his time as a Seahawk and was a highly touted NFL prospect heading into his senior season at Washington. From the evidence shown so far in his pro career, his feet are going to get him injured. His slow movement in the pocket has already resulted in injuries. Cory Sauter leads the race to become the 3rd Quarterback on the roster. He was not with an NFL team last year after spending the previous 2 years at Detroit. Running Backs Starter - Edgerrin James Backups - Shyrone Stith, Ricky Williams Starting Running Back: Edgerrin James has it all. Great Running ability, speed, vision and wonderful hands. James was well on his way to winning the NFL Rushing Title for the 3rd year in a row when the ACL in his left knee gave way. After strange denials by all concerned, the surgery took place in late November, leaving many to wonder if he would be ready for the start of this season. His recovery has been solid, give or take a few flag football games, and he is expected to start in week 1. The biggest concern for Edgerrin owners is how will he play upon his return? History has shown that the comeback from an ACL is rarely smooth. The question remains, has James been able to retain all the skills he had before joining the repaired knee club? Even 80% of the old James would be good. Anything above will be considered a bonus. Backup Running Back(s): With the news that Dominic Rhodes is out for the season with a torn ACL, the backup position at Indianapolis has been thrown into turmoil. Peyton Manning was heard to muse "It's pretty scary when our healthiest back has a recovering ACL". Dominic Rhodes surprised all by his effectiveness last year, so if Edgerrin James were to go down, whoever gets the gig could be quite productive. A trade for Ricky Williams (no, not the high profile Ricky Williams) took place on 9/1 and he is likely to win the number 2 job within a few weeks. For now the # 2 looks to belong to Shyrone Stith. Stith is more suited as a return guy though so the team could make additional moves if James were to get hurt. With the doubt surrounding the return of Edgerrin James, one of the most interesting stories to follow in the upcoming weeks will be who earns the backup job. Fullback(s): Jim Finn, Wes Ours: Move along nothing to see here. Mr Irrelevant from a few years ago, Jim Finn should start, but will see incredibly little on ball action. He is actually starting the preseason game against Cincinatti at Running Back, but only because everyone else is injured and they need Manning protected. Wes Ours is borderline to make the roster, he is enormous, but not worth mentioning further. Any fantasy stats from this pair will surprise. Wide Receivers / Tight Ends Starters - Marvin Harrison Backups - Qadry Ismail, Reggie Wayne Starting Receiver(s): A remarkable receiver is Marvellous Marvin. He currently holds the record for most catches through his first 6 seasons. More than Jerry Rice, anybody!! Over the past three years his WORST figures in the 3 major categories are: 12TDs, 109 catches and 1413 yards. Of the Big 3 receivers (Harrison, Terrell Owens and Randy Moss) Harrison is the safest selection. No feuds or playing when he wants to, just professionalism at all levels. Harrison's achievements are made the more remarkable considering his stature. At 6 foot and 180lbs, he is probably the lightest receiver ranked in the top 40 heading into this year. The common perception that Harrison fades in the second half of the season was put to rest last year, where he achieved 773 yards in the last half compared to 751 in the first. His route running, catching ability, great work ethic and almost subliminal relationship with Manning make him a lock to continue his good form. Backup Receiver(s): One of Qadry Ismail and Reggie Wayne will start opposite Marvin Harrison and the loser will still see considerable time in 3 receiver sets. Qadry Ismail was a great coup for the Colts during free agency and his speed and big play ability will allow Harrison more space. Qadry achieved good stats in 1999 and 2001 for the Ravens, considering the average play of Tony Banks and Elvis Grbac respectively. The biggest problem Ismail has is holding off Reggie Wayne for the Number 2 spot. Wayne's rookie season started scratchily with a sprained ankle and niggles carried on throughout the rest of his season, including a knee sprain in the middle of the year. Coming out of college, Wayne was known as a good route runner with nice hands. Manning has always been full of praise for Reggie and with Indianapolis promising to run a lot of 3 receiver sets, both Ismail and Wayne should see considerable time. The No 4 and 5 spots are up for grabs. The main 4 names mentioned are Tony Albea, Drew Haddad, Desmond Kitchings and Troy Walters. There is no guarantee that 2 of these 4 will make the roster. Walters and Haddad are the favorites, Walters because of kick returning abilities and Haddad because of his knowledge of the system. Pre-season will be crucial to deciding their fates. Tight End(s): Marcus Pollard, Jermaine Wiggins With the release of Ken Dilger, Marcus Pollard's opportunities are expected to increase. With the Tony Gonzalez holdout continuing, Pollard has leapt to the top of many a cheatsheet in the Tight End slot. He has the height, speed and power to do very special things in this offence. His yards per catch of 15.7 last year, was more than 2.5 yards higher than any other top tight end from last year. 8 Touchdowns put him behind only Bubba Franks last year and he was the only tight end to post multiple 100 yard games. With teams mainly focusing on James and Harrison, Pollard should see more ball this year. The signing of Wiggins gives the colts a capable backup to Pollard. Fresh from his Super Bowl experience Wiggins, whilst not blessed with the same skills as the departed Ken Dilger, should see more time than the average No.2 Tight End. Place Kicker Mike Vanderjagt: Vanderjagt is currently the most accurate kicker in NFL history with a Field Goal completion percentage of 87.7%. He will be playing the majority of his games indoor and has scored over 25 field goals in each of the last 3 years. He also has a minimum of 40 PATS in each of the last 3 years. His accuracy between 40 and 50 yards is astonishing with 31 out of 40 kicked, including 4 of 7 past 50yards. These last figures are excellent if your league rewards long field goals. Don't worry about the recent signing of Michael Husted. Husted will concentrate exclusively on kickoffs. All told Vanderjagt is the safest bet out of all the available kickers this year. Defense Generally considered to be one of the most inept units in the NFL. Tony Dungy is rapidly overhauling this area. 7 of the 8 draft picks went on improving the defense, whilst the 3 key free agent acquisitions of Walt Harris, Greg Favors and James Cannida should provide a positive impact. This defense is unlikely to be a reliable fantasy starter, but should improve as the season wears on. They could actually be a nice waiver wire pick up running into the fantasy playoffs. Indianapolis play Houston in week 13, Cleveland in week 15 and the New York Giants in week 16. None of these teams are expected to offer strong offense this year. Dungy through Ron Meeks his defensive co-ordinator will use a scheme that involves all 11 defenders swarming to the ball. This tactic should ensure more turnovers and more big plays. It will also cause its fair share of points allowed. Coaching Tony Dungy's move in the off season to Indianapolis, following the loss of Jim Mora couldn't have come at a better time for the Colts. On the back of a disappointing 6-10 season, with all the offensive talent on board they rapidly needed improvement in other areas. Tony Dungy's record at Tampa speaks for itself. He was able to take a perennial loser into the playoffs on an almost annual basis. The criticism that he couldn't take the team further is a divisive issue, but one thing is for sure: Most franchises in the NFL will take a man who can get them into the playoffs. Dungy has proven himself to be a class act throughout his career, even more so during the Glazers bizarre handling of the coaching situation at Tampa. Tom Moore has been retained as offensive co-ordinator, much to the relief of Colts fans. Hopefully Dungy can resist meddling with one of the best offences in the NFL. Intangibles Many questions exist for the Colts this year. Can Tony Dungy bring his success to the Colts? Can he resist the temptation to tinker with the offense? Will Edgerrin James be able to return to the lofty heights displayed pre ACL injury? Can Reggie Wayne and Qadry Ismail provide that extra threat to take pressure off Manning and Harrison? Can the Colts rebound from a 6-10 season? The draw has been kind to the Colts. In a weak division consisting of the expansion Texans, the rebuilding Jaguars and the enigmatic Titans side, the Colts have every chance to score the division title and therefore a trip to the playoffs. Add in games against the Ravens, Bengals, Cowboys, Browns and Giants, and the Colts should have no excuses for failing to improve on the 2001 season. |