I’m not an X’s and O’s guy on the defensive side of things, so I had to do a bit of reading up on what that means.  From what I gathered, the 3-4 defense is three linemen and four linebackers.  So instead of Freeney and Mathis right there up against the offensive line, they are probably going to be back with the linebackers in a standing pose and still can fly up the field to stop the run and possibly blitz the quarterback.

This will be a change for those guys so used to lining up in the four point stance and attacking the quarterback on about every play. But I think they are both talented enough to adapt to this new look, and from what I’ve been hearing they might line up like normal at times as well.

I do think at times the defense will have to win some games for this Colts team as the offense might sputter with all the new changes on their side.  It will be good because Indy isn’t viewed as a defensive team, but with a few wins, maybe that persona could change.  Or at least people will see how both sides of the ball can win games.  It’s going to be quite the season to watch on this side of the ball as well as the offensive side.  What do you expect out of the defense this year?

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New rookie quarterback in Andrew Luck.  Granted he’s being touted as one of the can’t miss type guys.  But he’ll still have his ups and downs.  I know I said it in the season expectations article that Peyton Manning went 3-13 in his first season.  I do think Luck will come around, but who knows how well he’ll do this first season.

But he will have that tight end, Coby Fleener, who he played with at Stanford, so that might be a good tandem.  And then there’s Reggie Wayne, who you know what you’re getting. I wouldn’t be surprised to see lots of passes his way and just a great season for him.

There’s also Austin Collie around the wide receiving core, who might be able to get back to form for himself.  Last season, he only caught one touchdown pass, but did play in all sixteen games, which is good to see.  I think this could be a good season for him.

The line will be important for protection for Luck, and to open up this running game.  That seems to be the knock every year, when are the Colts going to be put together a running game?  This might happen this year with Donald Brown in a contract year, and running for a new deal.  Delone Carter looked good at times, and seemed to get pulled too soon after he would make a small mistake.  Hopefully, there’s a longer leash this time, and he can show what he can do.

This is just a big unknown with all the different personnel. I think it will be a few games before we get a read on what this offense can do, and how the Colts will attack things.  Part of me thinks it will still be pass happy and the passing game will be opened up.  But then I know that this is a new coaching staff, so maybe they want to instill a running game and make teams really not know what they will be calling next.  One thing is for sure, this season will be an interesting one.

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With rookie minicamp in the books, Colts’ players get one last short vacation before officially returning to work and beginning OTAs – Organized Team Activities – on May 15th. With the 2012 regular season now less than 5 months away, the Colts are working hard to ready themselves for play after enduring some of the most radical offseason changes in recent memory. The team’s attitude is one of determination; these Colts are willing to do whatever it takes. But this week, #ColtsNation learned that sometimes “whatever it takes” can overstep some boundaries.

Rookie Camp Review

The Colts ended rookie minicamp last Sunday, and most walked away from the orientation impressed. According to ESPN’s AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky, the rookies handled Coach Pagano’s “overload” of playbook information pretty well. Recently-drafted Colts TE Coby Fleener told the Indy Star’s Phil Wilson that Andrew Luck had already mastered several 30-word play calls. It’s all systems go in Naptown, but the team isn’t taking any chances on their new prized quarterback. Luck was required to wear a red jersey - an indication the player is not to be touched – during all workouts. This was a practice Peyton Manning refused to follow, saying he didn’t like to be separated from the other members of the team. However, Luck will have to reach more of a veteran status before he can be awarded this privilege.

Grounded…literally

With camp over, Luck will not be able to return to Indianapolis until mid-June, after he finishes his final undergraduate exams at Stanford. To help with the missed practice time, Jim Irsay offered his private jet to the soon-to-be-graduate to help him organize workout sessions with out-of-town players. However, the offer was made prematurely and without much thought. According to league rules, the move is prohibited. The offer of Irsay’s jet would be viewed as an impermissible bonus – a way of “skirting the salary cap.” That means Luck will have to fly commercial – meaning the seat next to him will be up for grabs. Let the bidding war begin.

Back to Anderson

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For a while, there was speculation that the Colts would not return to Anderson University for their 2012 training camp. However, the team will in fact return to the facility for the third straight year, and the camp will be open to the public. Players will report on July 28th, and the first practice will take place on July 29th. Andrew Luck will be back by then.

You May Not Have Known…

Twitter is the place to go for little-known facts and obscure statistics, and these two tweets were the most eye-opening for me this week. I’m sure you’re all aware of the excessive amount of wheelin’ and dealin’ that took place during the first round of the NFL Draft. In a very bold move, the Cleveland Browns traded up to draft the dynamic running back from Alabama, Trent Richardson. However, did you know that the Browns inquired about Luck? Apparently the Browns contacted the Colts about possibly trading for the first pick so that they could acquire the Stanford prodigy. Thankfully, the Colts said no.

Another fun fact involves the Colts second-round draftee – Coby Fleener. Fleener majored in Communications at Stanford, and he wrote a feature on SI writer Peter King for a school assignment. The story was posted on Twitter, and it’s incredibly well written. I see a second career for Fleener – as a fellow Communications student, I can appreciate good writing, and I was impressed.

Goodbye to Addai

In the final news story of the week, Colts running back Joseph Addai signed with the New England Patriots this week – in other words, he went to the dark side. Addai was the Colts’ first round selection in 2006, and he played six years with the team. He became a fan favorite and was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2007. He didn’t go to the most desirable location – at least, in the eyes of many fans – but he is certainly going to a team with talent and should fit in well with the Pats’ offensive scheme. Remember, #ColtsNation, the NFL is a business, and these kinds of things happen all the time. Be happy for Addai and remember all the great moments he gave us. Listen to Robert Mathis!

That’s all #HorseBytes has for you this week. Check back in next Friday for updates on the first OTAs of the year!

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