Ask a Colts fan from Stampede Blue

by Brad Wells on Oct 20, 2009 9:09 AM CDT

Greetings Rams fans!

I'm BigBlueShoe, and when I am not ranting and raving about how corporate media sucks on one of Turf Show Times' podcasts, I waste a lot of my time blogging at Stampede Blue, SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blog.

Well, we saw that you almost beat our annoying rivals, the Jaguars, last week. Many of us were rooting for your guys to slap those Glitter Cats across the face. Sadly, it was not to be. But what the game did show is that your record does not show how your team has improved. This is not the team that was blown out by the Seahawks in Week One.

For me, I have a lot of respect for Steve Spagnuolo and his philosophy. The Rams are rebuilding and are looking to find the right pieces that fit.

I'm here to answer any questions I can about the Colts and the upcoming game against your Rams. Other Colts bloggers like shake n bake might drop in as well. Please use the comments to ask your questions, and we'll do our best to answer.

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Comments

BigBlueShoe?

I’d ask a question but I’m how am I supposed to trust any information I get from someone who doesn’t use their real name?

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions

Is using 50% of my name in my SN enough for trust?

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 20, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm not so sure.....

Then I could only trust 50% of what you say…..

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions

how many bloggers use their real names??

Is your real name Tackle Box?

The way our defense is set up, it puts me in situations where I'm one-on-one in making tackles on running backs. When I go into it, I think I am going to win. It really doesn't matter the size, height, weight, whatever. I'm not afraid of putting my body in there." - Bob Sanders

by coltsfan723 on Oct 20, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Response

How can you trust a paid corporate writer who you have never met and whose loyalty is to his company and not to you?

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

by Brad Wells on Oct 20, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Easily.

He uses his real name. That lends credibility.

Btw, BBS. I figured you’d at least get the joke since you and 3k had a conversation on Turf Show Radio about this.

My bad………….

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Now that i think about it.

It was Van you were on the radio with.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 20, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Weenie?

Or was it weiner? We’re just a bunch of .. bloggers. BigBlueShoe indeed.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

I got the joke. That guy we were talking about in that podcast just went on another colts blog and started chatting in their comments.

by Brad Wells on Oct 21, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Are you serious?

You’re talking about the “journalist” who had the big beef with you, right?

That’s funny. What I don’t get is why don’t these guys start their own blogs? It’s like their too stubborn to accept change. They’re like the old guys who “don’t use cell phones because if someone wants to get a hold of me, they know where to find me!!!!”

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 21, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually,

one of the “official journalists” in Indy did start a blog.

http://blogs.indystar.com/philb/

It’s my favorite blog on the Internet. Access + rational opinions = win (in this case at least)

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 22, 2009 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Oesher

Has a good one too at indyfootballreport.com. Another blogger with some access.

"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."

by Colts Homer on Oct 22, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

how?

how will the colts survive our aerial assualt? Also can peyton manning find an open guy with are shut down corners and menacing pass rush? Do you think the colts stand a chance against are 0-6 rams? haha all jokeing aside hows dwight freeny and bob sanders doing this year i really like those two chaps and hows your ground game this year i havent been keeping tabs on you guys ever since you left baltimore.

by keeperskillz24 on Oct 20, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions

Answer

Freeney has looked dominant even while nursing a pulled quad muscle. Bob is… well, Bob. Which means he is hurt. Again.

Bob has not played any football of any kind since January. He’s practicing again after sitting out training camp, pre-season, and the first 5 games. Maybe we will see him against the Rams. Maybe we won’t. At this point, I don’t care. In my opinion, Melvin Bullitt has supplanted him as the starting strong safety. Melvin can stay healthy. Bob can’t.

by Brad Wells on Oct 20, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

The Bob issue is a bit of a dividing topic on SB

BBS has his opinion and plenty of backers, while I’m in the camp that while durability is something that should effect Bob in contract talks, when he’s healthy it shouldn’t factor into who is the starting SS. When he gets back in the next week or two I think the Colts will be using the setup they talked about going into the season with Bob the starter and Bullitt giving regular spells and fitting in at other spots to keep Bob healthy and a great player like Bullitt contributing.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 20, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I've been in Shake's camp

on that. We appear to be in the minority on that ATM. I think the sides will switch when we see Bob play again. I have a feeling some people just forgot what a great player he is and actually think Bullitt might be better. They should change their minds when they see The Eraser again.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 22, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Re; The ground game

The numbers are a little misleading. While Addai and Brown haven’t put up good numbers yet, the running O has improved from the beginning of the year/last year (abysmal) to now (slightly effective). All the running game really needs to be is good enough to set up Peyton’s play-action. It has been the last couple of weeks. We’ve also converted a couple of those 2nd and 3rd and 1’s that have been plaguing us for a while now. The O-line run blocking still sucks.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 20, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Colt's Run Defense

How good has the interior of the Colt’s front 7 been so far this season? what can we expect from steven jackson ?

by jb22 on Oct 20, 2009 12:18 PM CDT reply actions

The Dolphins OL dominated the Colts DTs (but they did that to the Jets too and their D is legit)

and the Jags had some success, but the last 3 games there hasn’t been much of anything going on the ground against Indy. Against Seattle and Arizona that’s not a surprise, but the Titans didn’t run well against the Colts either.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 20, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions

though Jackson is the kind of BIG back that can give Indy's small D some trouble.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 20, 2009 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

actually I looked back into that a bit and I don't think there's much basis for saying big backs do better against Indy

I think it’s just leftover scars from the lowest point of the 2006 season, getting gashed for 150 by Ron Dayne.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 21, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

I think the Colts just quit in that game.

The most pathetic performance I’ve ever seen from this team, bar none.

But yeah, I wouldn’t just pencil Jackson in for 150+ yards against this D. It’s certainly possible, but it appears unlikely.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 22, 2009 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Interior

The Interior is pretty good, much stouter than in year’s past. The Dolphins game was a fluke as the Wild Cat was something the Colts had never faced before. Since that game, the Colts have held opponents to under 80 yards rushing a game, including the Titans (the #1 rushing team going into that week).

by Brad Wells on Oct 21, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Q: Donald Brown

Do Colts fans think he’s played up to his draft position?

Do you think he’d be able to carry the load on his own should Addai go away for whatever reason (trade, injury, contract issue) ?

I remember the questions about Addai’s ability to do that because of his lack of carries in college, just wondering how you guys see Brown.

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 20, 2009 7:17 PM CDT reply actions

he looks great

He’s not Addai in the passing game (but few backs are), but he’s looks very good as a runner and has the pass blocking and receiving skills to work in the Colts pass heavy O.

Brown shouldered a heavy load in college without an issue, so if I had to guess I’d say he could take a lead back’s workload, but you don’t really know until it happens. Addai showed no durability issues until they leaned on him to take more than 50-60% of the workload.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 20, 2009 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Donald Brown is liked

He’s performed well. The truth of the matter is Addai and Brown have run well when the line blocks with even moderate success. I think a big objective of the Colts coaching staff and front office was to enter the post-season with fresh backs. The last time we did, we won the Super Bowl. Brown should be fully acclimated to the system after training camp, preseason and 16 games, so I like the plan. If the line continues to gel (stay healthy) then the running game should be at peak performance come January and Brown will be a significant threat to those game planning against the Colts.

by Merr on Oct 21, 2009 6:48 PM CDT reply actions

Comment Regarding The Rams

Colts fan, again, here. I have been watching the Rams a lot this year. I hear coach Spags on NFL radio with Tim and Pat every week, and I like what I hear. I think the Rams are not that far off. It really seems like you’ve had a significant number of bad breaks or mental lapses at crucial times which are all very likely to be corrected with good coaching. Last thing…Laurenitis looks like a steal.

by Merr on Oct 21, 2009 6:53 PM CDT reply actions

The post-Dungy era has begun successfully it would seem

I had a feeling it would be pretty seamless, but your great start proves that…any issues worth noting about Caldwell v. Dungy? He can’t be a complete clone, can he?

by tbell61 on Oct 21, 2009 8:46 PM CDT reply actions

he brought in a DC that ran a bit more agressive style of Tampa-2

though the Colts still are zone heavy and one of the least blitzing teams in the league.

They seem to have opened up to a bigger variety of formations, but that might just be the personnel changes, they mixed it up more last year under Dungy too.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Oct 21, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions

More Caldwell v. Dungy.....

One of the issues going into the season is the unknown regarding Caldwell’s in-game coaching skills. Dungy was an expert at in-game situations, which was by far his most underrated skill. Like Dungy, Caldwell has shown that he can take well-calculated risks, like with a gutsy 4th and 1 play at the 3 yard line in the 1st quarter that resulted in a Manning-Wayne touchdown. I also haven’t noticed any TO blunders, which is one of my biggest pet peeves. Caldwell also hasn’t thrown any challenge flags to date, which worries me slightly because there have been a few calls/spots that I would have liked Caldwell to challenge. Nothing major though.

Also, Caldwell has shown that he doesn’t hold loyalties too high in his mind. Immediately upon taking the coaching reins, he (basically) fired DC Ron Meeks and ST Coordinator Russ Purnell. He also cut a couple of veteran backups that he deemed weren’t performing well enough and benched the pronounced starter at OLB for not performing well enough in preseason. He also benched the starting LT (Tony Ugoh, a 2nd round pick), and started a fan whipping boy in his place. All of these appear to be great moves ATM.

So while not a “Dungy clone,” Caldwell has performed spectacularly as a head coach to date. Of course, it always helps to have Peyton Manning at QB.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 22, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Question for Rams fans

Would you say that your defense is prone to giving up big passing plays? This is for fantasy reasons on whether Pierre Garcon or Austin Collie should start for me this week.

"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."

by Colts Homer on Oct 22, 2009 11:51 AM CDT reply actions

I suppose.

But since our line often gets little pressure on the QB, look for recievers to simply have big days. I think that’s more the problem. There have been some big plays but most of the time, it’s just catch after catch after catch.

One thing the Rams have going for them this week is a full compliment of a healthy(?) D-backfield. But, James Hall is injured and we have a hard enough time putting pressure on the QB anyway, so I wouldn’t let that deter you too much.

Bottom line. Our defense isn’t bad by any streatch of the imagination. The problem is exposure. They spend a lot of time on the field since the offense seems to prefer getting off the field as soon as possible. So, it usually adds up over the day.

Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.

by Tackle Box on Oct 22, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks

So Collie it is assuming Clinton Portis is too banged up to be effective.

"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."

by Colts Homer on Oct 22, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

homer start collie i think he will have a bigger day than Garcon with the D we face. he will def.

have more receptions the questio is Yac and i believe collie is the man for the job

by TheAngelsColts on Oct 23, 2009 3:38 AM CDT up reply actions

Now I am starting 4 Colts

Manning, Brown, Collie, and Stover. I hope we have a big game.

"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."

by Colts Homer on Oct 23, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Q: What Will Indy Fans Say If and When

…Steven Jackson rips off big yards right up the middle of the field, through a hole in the defensive line created this last week when Head Coach Jim Caldwell cut the starting DT, Ed Johnson?

Benching Ugoh is one thing. Completely cutting a guy from the team is another. I guess it’s time to see what kind of game your 2nd Rounder has, eh?

Lived in LA during the Rams and Raiders days. Now based in NorCal, I am still a die hard Rams fan and Raiders season ticket holder.

by CoachConnors on Oct 23, 2009 7:48 PM CDT reply actions

He was 20 lbs overweight

and wouldn’t do the work necessary to take it off. He also was invisible for the past 2 or 3 games.

Now a proud annoyance on Stampede Blue, 18to88, Indy Football Report, and Phil B's blog.

Man, I need a life...

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses. Wonder how long it would take to sing that before a game.

by Cassieper on Oct 23, 2009 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions

i remember,

Orlando Pace keeping freeney out of our QB’s face, Barron should do the same

"Time For Action, Fire It Up!"

by moy on Oct 23, 2009 10:34 PM CDT reply actions

but we dont just have freeney now we got mathis as well. also we have lead the lead rusher down i think we

will hold you down. also as far as us cutting johnson i wouldn’t worry and know it wont be on our second rounder from this year. we will be starting muir who played some last year and moala will be getting some time in to but not the majority unless he out preforms muir and sanders will help against the run as well i think

by TheAngelsColts on Oct 24, 2009 12:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe

But will they be able to keep Mathis out of Boller’s(?) face? Sanders on a blitz? This is the best pass rush the Colts have had in a long time.

"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."

by Colts Homer on Oct 24, 2009 8:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Bulger's starting

Reserved-- been waiting 6 weeks to have this sig, I guess I can wait 1 more

by Carneros on Oct 24, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Okay

I should have known that since Boller was running scout team.

"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."

by Colts Homer on Oct 24, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions

yes and

our pass blocking is better now than prior yrs. our WR just can’t get open, but with your quick but smaller Dline and the stunts they run, i’m hoping SJax will be able to break some good runs up the middle, and that should open up some double TE short pass plays. please don’t kick my sand castle it’s looking so nice right now.

"Time For Action, Fire It Up!"

by moy on Oct 24, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions