What’s up, Colts fans? Last Sunday’s game was fun for about 30 minutes, then we all wanted to start throwing things at our TV’s. Sadly, this is where we are right now. I think we all understood things were going to be a bit of a struggle this season as Chris Ballard rebuilds the regiment, but that doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating. And hey, Andrew’s back practicing. Things can only get better, right?
Let’s see what’s on your minds…
Q: Did we accidentally let the wrong coach on the field the first half of that game? Because we need that person back, like, yesterday. (WTH HAPPENED SUNDAY NIGHT?! We were fighting so hard, and then BLAGH!) – Kimberly
This isn’t hindsight because I said it then, but I’m absolutely stunned that Charles Pagano challenged those two calls in the first half without hesitation. It wasn’t a pretty half of football, but the team played hard and executed just well enough to make it a competitive game. I was actually delighted fans of other teams still had a reason to watch.
Then reality set in. The only way the Colts were going to win that game was if everything went right. Pete Carroll isn’t a dummy though, and he made adjustments at halftime. Anytime this happens, Charles Pagano stands dumbfounded on the sideline, not knowing what to do. #ChuckNay
Q: Why does football make me so sad this year? – Stan
You don’t get Chiefs games in your market? That’s my best guess. Andrew hasn’t taken a snap yet, but he might as well be the given the NFL MVP award. He covers up so many flaws in talent and coaching. It’d be funny if it weren’t so sad. It’s even more depressing when you look at the schedule thus far and know if #12 had been out there the record looks much better.
We will have nice things again. Don’t lose hope.
Q: Give it to me straight- how can we bandage this team up to stop the bleeding? Aka- what can we do to stop sucking so badly? – Amy
I sort of just answered your question in the previous one. Get Andrew back. During the first half Sunday I thought the defense played really well, and remember thinking “this is a playoff team with Andrew.” Andrew can only do so much though. The best way to help this team is to remove the head coach. Unfortunately, that’s not happening soon. Sigh.
Q: With Luck practicing this week, how long do you think it’ll be before he can play? – Jodi
I was hopeful for this Sunday against the 49ers, because the team really needs a win before taking on Tennessee in Week 6, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be out there. I’m guessing or am hopeful he’s there for the Tennessee game, but we’ll just have to wait and see. It’s hard being patient, but in the end I think it’ll be worth it. It’d be nice if we could know for certain how he’s feeling.
Q: Do you think this unit – the defense – is more talented, and their improvement will show up in the statistics once (if ever) the offense gets back on track, or are we just getting excited over a few welcome aberations? – Marcus
This is something that will probably be discussed in more detail in another Colts Authority article, so I don’t want to get too much into it. Marcus prefaced his question by mentioning both good (more depth, turnovers, big plays) and bad (statistically bad, poor depth at ILB, giving up big plays in the 2nd half) things about the Colts defense.
Off the top, I’ll say that this defense is much better than last year’s or 2015’s. I’m not worried about the statistics. They’re a little skewed due to a couple of games. Seattle adjusted and exposed the weaknesses at ILB during the 2nd half. I’m not sure if that’s the big issue or if it’s Pagano’s maddening inability to adjust in return.
There’s a lot to be excited about with this defense. They rush the passer much better. The run defense is better. Guys like Hooker (more on him in a minute), Hankins, Simon, Sheard, Wilson and Hairston have shown some flashes.
Q: Who is the best safety of all time and why is it Malik Hooker? – Ryan
Yeah, I’m all over this bandwagon. He’s just the natural ball hawk type the Colts haven’t had. After his pick Sunday, even Cris Collinsworth broke out the Ed Reed comparison. What concerns me is this coaching staff. Malik is already pretty good, but we want him to be great. Some of that is on him and his willingness to hone his craft – which I doubt will be an issue – but it’s also on the coaching staff, and I think that’s a legitimate concern.
Q: What are your thoughts on the Trevathan hit on Davante Adams, other than it was a bunch of %#$%#$? – C the Tea Lizard
C is a Green Bay fan and all around great person, so her question about a play that has nothing to do with the Colts is still welcomed. She’s referring to the cheap shot from Danny Trevathan in the Packers – Bears contest on September 28. By now I’m certain you’ve seen it, so I won’t link to it. Green Bay was up 21-7, the Bears are so bad the game was basically over and I was starting to lose interest, when bam, Trevathan woke America up.
The old school football fan in me went “holy %$%$, what a hit!” at full speed, but upon replay it was a clearly unnecessary cheap shot. Adams was already wrapped up and was going to be stopped. There was no reason for Trevathan to do what he did. The new school football fan in me sees guys who literally give their lives to the game and gets pissed off when the league talks player safety, then doles out a mere one game suspension for a hit like this. You can’t play this both ways, NFL. You’re either for player safety or you’re not.
Another thing about this game is it was on CBS. In 2016, I probably would’ve either long turned the game off by the time this hit happened or not even watched it at all. Why? Phil Simms. By now you know he’s been replaced by Tony Romo, and fans everywhere are eating it up. Romo is a natural behind the mic. He’s fantastic at breaking down plays, and I love it when there’s a replay and he demands different angles from the production booth. Nothing against Romo, but I never thought he’d be this good. He’s amazing.
Q: Who is the best undrafted rookie punter of all time, and why is it Rigoberto Sandwich? – Marcus
Ah, RighteousBurrito Sanchez, our new punter and kick off specialist. He has low key been one of the team’s MVP’s this season. Doing a tremendous job of negating the return game. In short, he’s doing job and doing it very well.
Q: What Phil Collins (solo or with Genesis) song best summarizes the Colts year thus far? I personally go with “Land of Confusion” – Nick
Great question. My friend Rich submitted “Throwing It All Away” as an answer. I like both, and will add in “Misunderstanding” as well, if only for the line “there must be some kind of mistake.”
Also, Phil Collins is the supreme being of all-time.
See you soon, Colts fans.
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