I know the Colts blew a golden opportunity last season by losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in the AFC playoffs, especially since they didn’t have a chance to meet their arch rivals, the New England Patriots, but I firmly believe that as long as quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Tony Dungy are joined at the hip, then the game will be cool. They must be perennial and legitimate AFC Championship contenders.
Whether the Colts can overcome the loss of several key free agents in 2006 to make Cena a legitimate contender is another story entirely.
Oh, and by the way, the clock benefits both Manning and Dung.
I hate to say this, but the similarities between Manning and Miami’s Hall of Fame QB, Dan Marino, are strikingly similar. although Manning has been blessed with more talented teams than Marino throughout his career.
Hopefully, the senior Manning can win at least a Super Bowl title before it’s done. If nothing else, Peyton’s father, Archie, who was the best player on the horrible New Orleans Saints teams in the 1970s deserves it.
Looking back, here’s my breakdown on the chicks of 2006.
Quarterbacks
I know that Peyton Manning is this version of Marin – a gunslinger who continues to put up eye-opening statistics, only to fail come playoff time. I’m not disappointed, most of the Colt’s disappointments are not Manning’s fault, however, as we all know, the QB usually bears the blame in the long run. However, I have a pretty good idea, and I also say that Peyton, with his quick release and excellent skills, will not be able to escape the attack that the Pittsburgh Steelers threw at Manning’s constant sliding and either twisted or robbed him of an errant pulse.
As I always say, it’s hard to throw when you’re lying on your back.
If the Cubs’ offensive line can perform better in 2006, the Cubs could go all the way.
Running Backs
All Edgerrin’s chickens want to try to calm James. The bottom line is, the best running backs in the league didn’t lose easily. I replaced it, if anything.
I have nothing at all against Dominic Rhodium and Joseph Addai; But he replaced the ponds, which was next to impossible. I like what I’ve seen so far from Addai – and Rhodes is a smart veteran, but I’m still going to be skeptical.
Wide receiver/tight end
Hmmmm, the Colts have Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley. What more? Pure I’m going to throw Dallas Clark at tight end and complete what is probably the league’s best receiver.
Heavy line
I know that the entire Indy starting unit is back from last season, but I have to state that the way the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t catch the fastball in last year’s playoffs, that can’t be good.
Center, Jeff Saturday and tackle Tarik Glenn, Pro Bowl players in 2005, are the leaders of the offensive line; That also includes tackle Ryan Day and guards Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja.
The Colts brought a pair of tackles (Michael Toudouze and Charlie Johnson) and had better hope at least one of them would be a starter. If not, the Cubs could be looking at another sack parade come playoff time.
Defensive Linemen
The Colts lost released Larry Tripplett in free agency and veteran Josh Williams at the end of the season. However, Indy returns defensive ends Dwight Freeney, Raheem Brock and Robert Mathis, who will step up with defensive tackles Monte Reagor and Corey Simon to power Indianapolis.
The Cubs defensive line should be better in 2006 than it was last season. The addition of Simon I in particular, not only gives the Cubs tackles, but who also puts pressure on the quarterback, and gets at least 6 sacks this season, taking the incredible pressure off Freeney.
Linebackers
As much as I like the Colts defensive line, this is how cold I am towards the linebacking group.
With 109 tackles and five interceptions, two of which he returned for a touchdown, Cato Junius is a bona fide player.
Middle linebacker, Gary Brackett posted impressive numbers last season, but rarely made a game-changing impact unlike June. Gilbert Gardner should start on the other side of June with Rob Morris coming off the bench in the rotation. Second-year linebacker Tyjuan Hagler is back after missing his rookie season with a herniated disc injury and rookie Freddie Keiaho is back at either linebacker spot. However, I am not impressed with this unit as a whole. If another player steps up to Pro Bowl quality, or anywhere near it, the Cubs will be in business.
Defensive Backs
Again, I’m not too impressed. Salute, Bob Sanders and Mike Doss are the starters while Nick Harper, Jason David and Marlin Jackson are expected to battle for playing time at cornerback.
Von Hutchins, Kelvin Hayden, Jerome Sapp, Dexter Reid and Matt Giordano, Tim Jennings, T.J. Torrens and Anthony Bethea are all competing for roster spots at both corner and safety.
I don’t know what it is about Indianapolis, but the Cubs never seem to have Bowl-quality defensive backs, and this year doesn’t look like it will be any different.
Special Teams
The Cubs scored a major basket, Mike Vanderjagt with former New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is hands-down the best big-game kicker in league history.
If the Cubs end up in the playoff game, Vinateri could be the difference maker. Punter Hunter Smith returns for his eighth year with the team and also serves as the team’s owner. The Cubs will be looking at some new faces as kickers and punters and rookie T.J. Being fired will get the ability to fulfill those functions.
Coaching staff
Indianapolis returns its entire staff from last year. However, I want to mention now that unless the offensive line protects Manning better, and the Cubs find some way to keep opponents decent with the threat of running the ball, Indianapolis may actually take a slight step back. 2006
One thing is certain; should be quite a ride for the 2006 chicks.
