Jan. 1, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Pat Angerer (51) celebrates after making a tackle against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

Even though the Colts’ 2011 statistical averages were in the basement, there were some individual bright spots.  It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that I love Pat Angerer.  I love how he plays the game, and I think he is a great addition to the Colts’ defense.  I know that, from a defensive standpoint, the Colts didn’t have the greatest year but it’s been a while since the Colts have had a top-ranked tackler at linebacker.  Think about it.  Every time you talk about  bone-crushing defenses, they usually have one thing in common: a maniac at linebacker.  Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher immediately come to mind, but, guess who finished fourth overall in tackles in the NFL this year?  That was Pat Angerer with 148.  In fact, going back ten years, guess how many Colts have placed higher than the top 5 in tackles other than Angerer.  Give up? None.

Pat reportedly underwent surgery this off-season to have a bursa removed from his knee.  Now that you know a little bit about Pat as a player, lets take a look at his knee.

A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that is found in and around joints.  The main function of a bursa is to reduce friction in the joint, allowing it to move better and providing a nice, smooth surface for proper joint articulation .  Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa.  This  occurs for many different reasons.  In Pat’s case, it became an issue because of the constant swelling and joint irritation.  When Bursitis persists and is unresponsive to more conservative measures, doctors sometimes elect to remove the bursa.  The most common bursa in the knee to have this problem is the prepatellar bursa (pictured below)

The prognosis and recovery is usually pretty good for a condition like this, and all Colt fans should look forward to seeing Pat back in action next year.  Within a few weeks, range of motion is usually pretty good and the athlete can begin normal activities.  I’m just glad for Pat that it wasn’t one of the ligaments in his knee or a meniscal tear.  I mean, in a perfect world, one would rather not have surgery.  But if you are going to have knee surgery, having a bursa removed is the way to go. It’s the best of the worst, so to speak.

So,  Colts fans,  NFL stats don’t lie.  Pat Angerer is a top notch linebacker and I, your friendly neighborhood sports chiropractor and blogger, have been saying it since his rookie year.  And now since you know a little more about Pat (and his knee), how about showing number 51 some love? Go buy a Pat Angerer jersey and start cheering for some defense!