After this year’s draft, much of the conversation turned to what else the Colts needed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t asking the question, “What player or positional improvement puts us in the Super Bowl conversation” but more along the lines of “If we don’t get better at this position, how bad are we are going to suck?”. Pierce being hurt saw the biggest area of concern shift from an Edge rusher, to a proven, dependable WR. Swing Tackle was a concern, as was a RB2. I was personally concerned with the inexperience at LB.
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Training camp came and eased some of the RB concerns. McGowan was able to impress in practices and looked good in preseason games as well, while showing he could contribute on STs when called upon. Some didn’t like the choice for #3 RB, but Giddens has also been in the building for two years and must have gained more confidence that Bentley. We saw some good play out of what will be depth or situational Edge play from our later rookies, even if we never got a glimpse of our starters on the outside. We may still be a pass rusher away from being the best that we can be.
One unforeseen weakness did appear during camp. We discovered that the loss of Pinter left us without a Center who could handle snapping the football. Many tried, but all looked bad in their efforts. It was glaring enough that we had to make a low level deal to bring in an experienced backup. Given that OL players seldom get through a season unscathed, I feel better about our backup Center, without the benefit of ever seeing him play a snap.
As camp ended, we did as hoped by bringing in an experience WR. Some of the shine came off of our new toy, when overserved, crossed paths with a bad choice, to result in an arrest. We may or may not lose Allen for a few games this year, but if it happens, it will likely be manipulated to minimize the loss. This leaves Swing Tackle as the last perceived deficiency to address. Tenuta was not as popular among the coaches as he was with fans, as he didn’t make the 53 man roster and had to clear waivers to remain on the practice squad. It looks like we are more willing to move our Guards to Tackle, than to have a true Swing Tackle. We may have to call that position a weakness.
I didn’t see my desire to bring back Pratt materialize as a stabilizing force. With Allen missing time and the overall inexperience of the group, I thought having an adult in the room might be a good idea. There honestly isn’t really a good free agent or cut option out there, but my guess is that we have to live with some mistakes. I’ll will simply be happy if I see a LB (any LB) anywhere near a receiver, 15 yards downfield over the middle. It would also be great if they were battle tested by the stretch run. I expect us to take advantage of our deep defensive backfield and have a lot of two LB or even one LB defensive sets.
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Overall, I am happy going in. We got through the preseason without losing anyone for extended time. Our QB is legit and we have a lot of weapons for Shane to take advantage of. The offense has experienced success and knows what it looks like. I don’t think it was a fluke and I believe that it is repeatable. On defense, I’m not worried about the starters, but the rotational DLs do give me some concern. If the defense can raise their game in any number of ways, including better pass rush, better middle of the field coverage, or even causing a few more turnovers, I expect the team to be formidable.
We get to find out early, with a tough stretch to start the season. Personally, I’m optimistic, but that should not be news to most of you. What do you think of the roster as we approach “For Real” games?
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