Mr. Indispensable

SI ranks the most indispensable non-QBs for each team:

Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Saturday

Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd characterized the offensive line’s 2008 performance as mediocre. That’s generous. Time and again quarterback Peyton Manning bailed out his offensive line with quick throws or smart audibles at the line that lessened the damage in 2008. The Colts line was awful, failing to pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher for just the second time in 12-years. At the heart of the issue was the Pro Bowl center, Saturday, missing games and fighting a calf injury all year.

The 2009 campaign has begun auspiciously, too, with Manning getting sacked three times in six snaps in the Colts’ first preseason game. Still, two linemen were held out and it was just a preseason game. Saturday has taken improving the line’s play personally. If he stays healthy himself, things already get better.