One aspect of this reloaded Indianapolis Colts team that has looked well overall is the special teams. A thin and often-abused part of the Colts roster for a long time, the 2012 special teams coverage and consistency has been one side of the the Colts that has looked solid so far this season. Concrete special teams play is even more important for a young team that might often find themselves playing a low-scoring game based on field position.

One of the special teams players that has stood out for the Colts already this season, is defensive back Joe Lefeged. Lefeged was taken as an undrafted free agent by the Colts in 2011. He played in all 16 games last season, but had only three special teams tackles. In the first three games this year, Lefeged leads the Colts with seven special teams tackles. Against the Chicago Bears in week one, Lefeged batted two punts out of the opponent’s end zone and back into the field of play, where they were downed inside the five-yard line. Lefeged has also downed two punts inside the opponent’s five-yard line on his own.

The second-year defensive back gives a lot of credit to his punter, Pat McAfee. “Pat did a great job just putting the ball where he did,” said Lefeged.  “He’s been doing it in practice.  As a gunner, you have faith in the punter placing the ball in that area.  You just have to get to the spot.  He did a great job, and the coaches have been doing a great job of teaching me the techniques to beat the double-press and being able to get down the field.”

McAfee returned equal respect when speaking of Lefeged. “He’s the type of guy you want on your team, the type of guy you want for your business. If you’re going to war, he’s the type of guy you want on your side.”

Joe Lefeged may provide some excitement for the Colts this season.

When the Colts released their first 2011 depth chart yesterday, most eyes turned to the names along the offensive line, at linebacker and at cornerback, positions which have been in flux for the team this off-season.  Amid that ruckus, one name quietly rose to near the top of the charts for his position, and with good reason.   From all accounts, strong safety Joe Lefeged is putting together the kind of solid training camp that just may make him the latest in a long line undrafted rookie free agents who turn into success stories with the Colts.

Lefeged came out of Rutgers with scouting reports that were all over the board.   Some experts insist he is better in pass coverage than against the run, while others claim that he attacks the line of scrimmage well but sometimes gets burned downfield.   The overall impression is that he is talented but inexperienced and tends to shy away from tough tackles at times.  He draws consistently positive reviews for his special teams play, though, and that may be his ace in the hole as training camp enters its final week.

During camp, Lefeged has continued to suffer from limited opportunities because Curtis Painter hasn’t exactly been Peyton Manning in creating downfield plays.  Still, Lefeged has been solid in the looks he has received, and he is showing promise on special teams.  The guess here is that he holds onto his status as Melvin Bullitt’s backup, and we all know that Indy’s undersized safeties generally have trouble staying healthy and on the field.

In other words, don’t be surprised if Lefeged makes it all the way into the starting lineup at some point this season.