Colts Notebook, October 31st, 2012
The players had the day off from practice yesterday, but we have some quotes and information for today’s Colts Notebook, courtesy of the Indianapolis Colts Public Relations Department.
A Battle of 4-3 Teams
This week, the Colts will be taking on the Miami Dolphins at home. Miami and Indianapolis managed a combined 8-24 record last season. How quickly things can change.
Now, a game few people expected to be important to the AFC standings before the season has become just that. Both teams come in at a surprising 4-3 with highly drafted rookie quarterbacks at the helm in Andrew Luck and the Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill.
“You got two young teams, first-year staffs with guys that are playing hard,” coordinator/interim head coach Bruce Arians said on the Pagano Show. “They obviously have bought in down there like our guys have bought in. Both are 4-3 and they got a three-game winning streak and we got a two-game winning streak. This is a big game for the AFC.”
Tougher Test for the Improved Rushing Attack
Miami’s defense might not sound intimidating at first. They rank 22nd overall, allowing 363 yards per game and 27th against the pass (281 yards per game). However, their 3rd ranked run defense (82 yards per game) has the potential to make an offense one-dimensional, allowing OLB Cameron Wake (7.5 sacks) more chances to rush the passer.
This will be a tough test for the Colts’ running backs. Bruce Arians, however, feels good about what each of his three running backs brings to the table. “I knew we had a good set of backs,” Arians said on the Pagano Show. “Each guy that’s stepped in there now has a role.
“With Delone (Carter) in short yardage, he’s done a good job since he was injured. I know Donald (Brown) was going to be an explosive player for us and we all thought Vick (Ballard) was going to become a really good player. He got thrown in there more than we hoped to early but he’s answered the challenge. Now, we have some good depth.”
Pagano Visits the Colts Complex
Chuck Pagano has not only been able to watch the past two victories from his home, he also paid a visit to the Colts complex this week and talked with his staff.
“Probably shouldn’t tell you,” Arians said Monday when asked for and update on Pagano, ”but Chuck was in our staff meeting today. He had a great visit with his doctors and his counts were way up, he was feeling good, so he stopped in and was able to sit in the office with his staff and listen to everybody’s comments about the game.
“I think it was great medicine for him. So, he’s doing extremely well and with his white count going up now that he’s ready for a second round of chemo next week now that that count has gone up. They’ll hit him pretty good next week and hopefully he’ll be able to be around a little bit more.”
A Few More Good Quotes
Anthony Castonzo was asked how the role of head coach has affected Bruce Arians. He recalled a story from the practice field. ” Actually the defense made a play in practice,” he said. “I forget what day it was, and he was getting all pumped. I think it was (Mike) McGlynn that said to him, ‘What are you switching sides?’ It was just kind of funny to see him on the defensive side of things.”
The team has won some games while not playing their best football for four quarters. Dwight Freeney was asked if that illustrates where they could be if they played better. “Absolutely,” he said. “It definitely shows that we are winning games when we are not firing on all cylinders. When we do, obviously you would think that the outcome would be a lot better, as far as the gap, margin of victory.
“These guys are excited that we won on the road. I definitely am especially winning against a divisional opponent, on the road. I don’t think you realize how hard that is and we got it done.” Freeney raises a good point about the difficulty of winning important divisional road games.
Vick Ballard was able to score his first NFL touchdown with his dad in attendance. “It was special for me because he wanted to come to my first start but it was in New York so he wasn’t able to make it,” Ballard said. “Then last game against the Browns, he couldn’t make that game either. He said he wasn’t going to miss this one so it was better because he saw my first touchdown.” Ballard has certainly improved of late. There should be plenty more touchdowns in his future.
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I know this was not in your post, but i just can't ask it enough... how, the hell is this team 4-3 with only forcing thrree turnovers?!
(Shoot, would the 2005 Colts be 4-3 forcing only three turnovers?)
@DougEngland It means, among other things, that we are at least getting off the field on D. It also means that we are lucky.
@Payton @DougEngland It boggles my mind. They're on pace to break a record for fewest turnovers forced in a season (82 Baltimore Colts). I fear it could be a warning sign (and probably not the only one) that we have been watching some fluky wins, and the wheels could be about to fall off. I hope not, but for now, I'm just enjoying 4-3. The team isn't very talented, but they're finding ways to win, for now. I hope it lasts.
@mattshedd @Payton @DougEngland Matt, I like the sound of that. Positive outlook. I think if their pass rush improves, their coverage will as well, and that will get them some turnovers. They have also been kind of unlucky on some occasions where they should've picked off a pass and dropped it.
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@MarcusDugan @Payton @DougEngland The other way of looking at this would be: what happens if the defense clicks and starts causing turnovers? If this D created 1 turnover each game going forward, would that lead us to a very good record?
