Okay, that's about what I thought would happen. I can't say that I expected the Bears to roll up 41 points, but I did expect the Colts would have a hard time running, abandoning the running attack and suffer to score points, while they would also have a tough time keeping the Bears out of the end zone.
QB
Considering his diminished receiving corps and the even less-talented quintet in front of him, Andrew Luck did a pretty creditable job. It's important to note that he improved steadily throughout the game, despite the fact that everybody in the stands knew he was virtually forced to pass on almost every play. Readers of ColtPlay know I had no belief Luck would work miracles right away, and he didn't. Instead, he looked like a rookie with great promise.
HB
The Colts virtually abandoned the run game, but it was pretty ineffective before they did. Brown was as wildly inconsistent as ever, tempering the widely held idea he has the potential to be a successful feature back. To give you an idea of how feast-or-famine he runs, here are his rushes against Chicago: -2, -4, 18, 18, 1, -3, 0, 7, 13. Four carries went for seven or more yards, but the other five were for minus-eight. I realize nine carries is a small sample size to judge a back, but it's annoyingly inline with his career tendencies. His inability to come down with both balls thrown to him were very disappointing. The other backs did not accomplish much, and are unlikely to challenge Brown for many snaps. Mewelde Moore caught a nice little dump he stretched for 11 yards, but it was part of his niche role. Vick Ballard, a more likely challenger to Brown's spot, could not get anything started.
WR
Austin Collie was a late scratch, and TY Hilton was also out, so the Colts started veterans Reggie Wayne and Donnie Avery with rookie LaVon Brazill and first-year Kris Adams shuttling in and out. Wayne appeared like his usual self, but was a victim of Luck's high throws, especially early. Avery was also a victim of frequent overthrows, but did not look like a polished or refined receiver. Ordinarily, I'd say he'd have to step it up to stay in the lineup, but without Collie and Hilton, the team has little choice but to run him out there and hope for the best. Brazill appeared a little overwhelmed by the experience. He caught a late-game pass, but had an incomplete wiped out by a penalty. Kris Adams appeared a little more comfortable, but not as talented.
TE
After a quiet preseason, Coby Fleener was a pleasant surprise, looking like the team's best receiving option after Wayne. His blocking was not very good, but that's forgivable. Dwayne Allen was mostly invisible, but Dominique Jones showed some flash at fullback.
OL
This was such a debacle, I'm gonna devote and entire post to it.
DL
Except for one third-quarter assist by Cory Redding, the starting defensive line was completely skunked on the stat sheet. But that does not mean they did not play decently. They tangled up linemen a bit, provided some containment and Redding, at least, offered a little push against Cutler. That all said, they played decently, not well. They'll have to step it up if they want to make a difference, and they will see much better o-lines than Chicago's.
OLB
Dwight Freeney, as many predicted, looked somewhat out of place in the team's new scheme before leaving with an ankle problem. He was replaced by the outlaw Jerry Hughes, who totally disappeared. On the other side, however, Robert Mathis looked very much like he was designed for his new position, recording two sacks, a tackle for loss and even some decent coverage.
ILB
As expected, Kavell Conner was stout against the run and terrible in coverage. His contributions as a blitzer were a pleasant surprise. Jerrell Freeman made two huge plays — an early pick-6 that put the Colts on the board and a great stuff of Devin Hester — but was also inconsistent and occasionally pushed around. He shows great potential, but I think the team will improve when Pat Angerer returns.
DB
This, too, deserves its own post.
ST
As does this.
4 comments:
My impression of Brown from this game is consistent with my overall opinion on him- he can turn a 2 yard gain into a 3 yard loss, and a 4 yard gain into a 34 yard gain.
He is not able to make something out of nothing, but if given a lane he is explosive.
His two drops were indefensible- especially the second. That's high school football- catch the ball before you turn your head to run. Not making certain he did this after the first drop is shocking.
The o-line was horrible. Worse than advertised.
D.Brown is the best HB the Colts have now. On a scale of 1-10, he's abt a 7 who can be an 8. The O-line is horrible. The GM needs to hit the FA market. There are a few guys there who are better than what they have now. On Def. - No pass rush makes any QB look like an all pro. And makes the DB's look terrible. I'd rather see them go down blitzing more.
R: I'm with you on Brown, but there's no real option. The o-line has a little promise, but not much. Look for them to draft heavily there next year.
BG: They signed Essex, but there's not much else out there. You're right, outside of Mathis, the pass rush was minimal. But is blitzing the answer? I counted 13 blitzes by ILBs and 9 by the DBs resulting in almost zero pressure/
Yo JL, it only really counts as blitzing if they actually get to the QB! No I hear you, but they gotta do a better job of it. If the D-line isn't getting the job done you gotta keep sending guys from different angles & sides. You can't let the QB sit back there drinking brews & eating pizza.
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