5.Next man standing.
It’s no surprise to Colts observers that the team has won this season getting major contributions from backups. That’s been a theme around the Colts for several seasons, but doesn’t it just seem a bit more prominent this season? Blair White? Jeff Linkenbach? Cody Glenn? The Colts drill into players the idea that they’re one play away from contributing, but none of those players were drafted by the Colts and White and Linkenbach signed as collegiate free agents after the 2010 NFL Draft. One area in particular the Colts would like to stop utilizing the Next Man Up mantra is offensive line. Offensive left tackle Charlie Johnson practiced this week and his return is important. The first-team line has played together just two games – the first two games of the regular season – this season. The line needs continuity and cohesion moving forward and while Manning has flourished this season whatever the lineup in front of him, getting the offensive front playing at a high level remains key.
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