Opposition Talking Points: Indianapolis Colts
Posted by Holly Phelps on August 26, 2010 Jump To Comments
Due to technical difficulties, I wasn’t able to present this myself on last night’s CheeseheadRadio show…but here it is, in its glorious entirety:
In addition to being "Sheriff" of the Colts offense, Peyton Manning is an advertiser's dream.
Tonight’s game is a dress rehearsal for the regular season, with starters expected to play for at least a half. When you look at the matchup, you may feel a touch of déjà vu. Like the Packers, the Colts have a field marshal at quarterback who throws to some of the best wideouts in the biz…not to mention a tight end who’s a mismatch no matter where he lines up. Each defense is looking to tighten and increase creativity in the second year of a new scheme. Each team is bringing back nearly all of its starters, on offense AND defense.
With so many veterans, there really aren’t many roster battles. One to watch is between rookie Brody Eldridge and Gijon Robinson for the backup tight end spot. In Indy, the 3rd TE is a chameleon, stepping in to block, run, catch, and tackle. The Colts are known for finding late-round gems like Pierre Garcon and Antoine Bethea, and many fans think Eldridge will be the next. With All-Pro Dallas Clark out with a leg injury, keep your eyes peeled for #81.
Also, the Colts (like the Packers), are still looking for a solid kick and punt returner. Indy was 18th in kick returns and 28th in punt returns in 2009, and with their top returners no longer on the team, there is a rare opening for a new face.
Both teams have plans that extend into February, but only the Colts (ALL of the Colts) have Super Bowl experience. Both teams are confident coming into the season…tonight should be fun to watch…for a half, anyway. It is still preseason, after all.
Want to read more about this game before kickoff? Head over to CheeseheadTV’s The Other 31 for my full Opposition Research post, which includes a rant about Reggie Wayne. Enjoy the game!
Got a question about the Colts or any of the Packers opponents? Shoot me an email at holly@brentfavre.com. You can also find me on Twitter at @htphelps and at CheeseheadTV’s The Other 31.
