Freeney awaits Veldheer and friends
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 at 9:58 am in Oakland Raiders.
As much as Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney would like to take on rookie left tackle Jared Veldheer one-on-one, he’s not counting on it.
“Normally what happens when I go against a rookie is there are two other guys with him,” Freeney told Bay Area reporters by conference call Wednesday. “I’m sure they’re going to scheme and not just leave him by himself. That wouldn’t be too smart.”
With eight sacks and two games to play, Freeney is two shy of his seventh season with double-digit sacks. He has five forced fumbles, giving him 41 for his career.
Freeney and left end Robert Mathis, who has three 10-plus sack seasons, form the NFL’s best outside pass rushing duo. The Raiders will counter with Veldheer at left tackle, either Langston Walker or Mario Henderson at right tackle, and plenty of help from extra lineman Khalif Barnes, tight end Zach Miller and chipping from running backs and fullback Marcel Reece.
Veldheer got this dose of faint praise from Freeney: “He’s done a decent job. He hasn’t done an overly great job, he’s hung in there.”
Even against veteran left tackles, Freeney estimates he gets two or three plays per game with single blocking other than three-step drops where the ball is out quickly. Otherwise, it’s a guard and tackle, a tight end and tackle or running back and tackle _ and often on both sides.
The best way to deal with Freeney and Mathis is to simply be effective running the ball, and the Colts’ veteran has a healthy respect for Oakland’s running game.
“They do a lot of different things, a lot of reverses, use their speed to their advantage,” Freeney said. “You can’t book ‘em for just one thing.”
Listening to Freeney discuss the Colts’ 29th-ranked run defense is similar to the way Tommy Kelly describes Oakland’s issues with “stop, stop . . boom.”
“Sometimes people look at the stats and say, Oh, Colts are 29th in the NFL against the run, so they’re horrible against the run, and that may not be the whole truth,” Freeney said. “Normally the average is high for us because of one run. It’s not like every run is eight yards a pop. It will be one run, 80 yards, with one or two guys out of their gap, which will skew the whole stats.”
Indianapolis is coming off a 34-24 win over Jacksonville which gave the Colts control of their own destiny as far as the AFC South race, holding Maurice Jones Drew and the Jaguars to 67 rushing yards in the process.
“What we did the last game was make sure 11 guys play together, not just once in awhile,” Freeney said, adding that Oakland’s big-play ability is a concern.
“Obviously they have home run ability, and it’s going to be very important that we wrap up and two or three guys get around that ballcarrier,” Freeney said. “We can’t just rely on one guy making the tackle because they’er very good at making guys miss.”
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December 22nd, 2010 at 10:01 am
mario henderson vs freeny and mathis, means big trouble.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:03 am
Whatever Nams, you’re still posting on the last story.
Looks like another lame fan blog nothing more
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
3rd
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
Raider O Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 9:37 am
BSJ = Liberal Preppie Rambo!
I can’t believe preppie was in the military.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yes I enlisted to protect your freedom to be a suckeye banker sack-swinger…
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:04 am
Actually the colt front is small and quick. let our big boys pound them with downhill power run blocking. None of that zone stretch stuff where they can beat people to the edge or zip into a crease. line them up and plow right over the top.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:05 am
ExLAseasonticketholder,
You are 100% correct that there’d be no skin color defense if Troy Smith was here. If JC was white, Mistic would be blasting his a$$ to the mooon.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
Yeah, we’ll ground and pound them into submisson and then you’ll give all the glory to JC again. I know.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
2. Yup. Never been to it.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
Satele and Carlisle cannot plow…
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:08 am
# aig-raiders Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:05 am
ExLAseasonticketholder,
You are 100% correct that there’d be no skin color defense if Troy Smith was here. If JC was white, Mistic would be blasting his a$$ to the mooon.
====================================================
I have no idea where this is coming from.
Joe montana is the greatest qb of all time in my mind. Im no anthropologist, or genetics expert, but im pretty sure he is white.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:09 am
Dwight Freeney would like to take on rookie left tackle Jared Veldheer one-on-one, but he’s not counting on it.
“Normally what happens when I go against a rookie is there are two other guys with him,” Freeney told Bay Area reporters by conference call Wednesday. “I’m sure they’re going to scheme and not just leave him by himself. That wouldn’t be too smart.”
Veldheer got this dose of faint praise from Freeney: “He’s done a decent job. He hasn’t done an overly great job, he’s hung in there.”
***
oh snap!
I hope Jared Veldheer uses this as motivation and renders Freeney and/or Mathis a non-factor with little or no help. Barnes & either Zmiller or Reece blocking EVERY passing play would severely limit this passing offense. Miller & Reece are 2 of JCamp’s favorite targets outside of McFadden & Ford!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:09 am
9. Yeah Satele is playing some of the best ball we’ve seen as a Raider but struggles against tougher defenses.
His knock has been not getting second level or looking bad in space but he’s playing much better. He’s also struggled in his early career with bigger DTs but we’ve rawed the AFC and all our opponents run a 3-4 with you gueesed it, big NTs.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:11 am
4. Thanks for serving. I appreciate those dwindling freedoms every day and pay hommage to those who gave away all of their tommorows for our today.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
Mistic,
If JC was white, you know darn well you’d be trashing him right now. Dont even bother to reply. I already know your answer.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
I like the veldeheer kid. i think he will be a solid lt for years, may even get to probowl level. He is a work in progress, but there is no doubt that he has upgraded the left side of that line.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
8. Okay.
I went to it and….
Its not bad.
http://www.raidernationstation.com/raider_war_room_3
lol! I can admit when I’m wrong.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:15 am
aig-raiders Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:06 am
Yeah, we’ll ground and pound them into submisson and then you’ll give all the glory to JC again. I know.
——————-
Dude no doubt JC benefits from it when our run game is crackin’.
Cannot take the game on his shoulders and win it htru the air. Not with these WRs anyway.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:16 am
16. Its just another resource to try and quench my insatiable appetite for all things Raider!!!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:16 am
238.RaiderRockstar Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 9:47 am
Colts still a threat
***
N21, if Seymour & Asomugha play we will win this game by 17 points
Nnamdi on Wayne. Routt on Garcon
Huff is the help over the top from FS
Indy = not a running team. GAME OVER
^^^^^^^
I wish it was that simple but it aint.
Routt better not get dusted by Garcon!
If it rains like it is expected to, and the field will probably be in worse shape than it was against Denver, then playing on that type of field definitely helps the Raiders and hurts Indy a bit.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:16 am
# aig-raiders Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
Mistic,
If JC was white, you know darn well you’d be trashing him right now. Dont even bother to reply. I already know your answer.
=========================================================
LOL!
This is how you deal with your ridiculously off base assessment of jc?
Weak.
Again Joe cool is white played for the team i hate, and i consider him the greatest ever.
Are there even any black people in montana?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:17 am
Why are you people still arguing over JC and Grads over and over and over again still?
It’s over, it’s done….move on!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
Mistic1 Tha Supavillain Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
I like the veldeheer kid. i think he will be a solid lt for years, may even get to probowl level. He is a work in progress, but there is no doubt that he has upgraded the left side of that line.
=================
This kid deserves props mang. To step in from the GLIAC and become a starting left tacklein the NFL is no small accomplishment. Wow!
We’ve been struggling there for YEARS with Barry Sims and Mario. Phew! Glad to have it apparently shored.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:18 am
18. Use it mang!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:19 am
Good Morning Raider Nation!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:19 am
21. Word.
We’ll start the whole “Who should be QB” thing in the off season. “Will it be McNabb? Carson Palmer?!”
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
I appreciate your service Preppie. I enjoy the freedom of watching my Buckeyes stick it to Mich for the last 8 years.
Thank you.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
If we don’t make the playoffs, it’s because of Grads. Over.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
Mornin Ray!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
okay, so Freeney and Mathis get their 0.7 sacks/game. The key is for JaSoup is to keep the ball from being tomahawked on those plays.
the Raiders will get their pressure to annoy Peyton as well. the key is to disrupt the timing with his receivers.
all said and done, on another muddy track the Oaktowners have to stuff the run game down Indy’s throat leaving their front seven to wonder if anyone got the number of the train that ran them over.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:22 am
19. I think SD could fall to Cincy. Benson is ready to bust loose…
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:22 am
Nnamdi,
A good QB makes it happen with whoever is at the WR position. There have been many examples posted on this blog of QB’s in this league that makes it happen with no name WR’s. The WR defense was used to defend Jawalrus and now being used to defend JC. A good QB makes it happen. Even Grad has made it happen in a couple of games last year and this year. And most on here have already dumped Grad.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:22 am
27.kokomo Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
If we don’t make the playoffs, it’s because of Grads. Over.
^^^^^^^
Huh?? How the heck would it be because of Grads?
hahaha…
Ridiculous.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
N21, if Seymour & Asomugha play we will win this game by 17 points
Nnamdi on Wayne. Routt on Garcon
Huff is the help over the top from FS
Indy = not a running team. GAME OVER
^^^^^^^
I wish it was that simple but it aint.
Routt better not get dusted by Garcon!
If it rains like it is expected to, and the field will probably be in worse shape than it was against Denver, then playing on that type of field definitely helps the Raiders and hurts Indy a bit.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
27.kokomo Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:20 am
If we don’t make the playoffs, it’s because of Grads. Over.
—————–
Based on what? Did Grad play in SF, which was our worst QB performance of the year?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
20. “Are there even any black people in montana?”
==============
If they can help it, not for long…
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:23 am
I wish it was that simple but it aint.
***
the Raiders philosophy has always been “just beat the guy across from you”.
How can the gameplan be THAT complicated?
If we go with the old AD classic man2man with pressure from the front 4 only defense, we will roll Indy.
If Marshall tries to get cute with a 5 safety package, zone defense with heavy blitzing or prevent style … Manning will carve us up rain or shine!
Seymour, Kelly, ShoNasty & Houston is enough to disrupt the pocket and force PM to make quick decisions with the football. I think Branch can handle Tamme and CJ37 can handle Blair White. Routt on Wayne would be a mismatch, so I hope Nnamdi is ready to go by Sunday. Garcon is average and I think Stan can handle him
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:24 am
FACTS:
COLTS–>32th vs the run
OAK–> 2nd in rushing
COLTS–> 1st in Passing
OAK–> 5th in Pass defense (and 3rd in sacks)
Like it or not Manning and co, we MATCH UP WELL here. Even better match-up than us vs SD (ie SD top 5 rushing D and we still gashed them).
Collie going on IR today only further tilts the balance our way.
Most importantly, OAK plays its best when its back is up agaisnt the wall and the outside planet/media completely dismisses their chances.
Both very true here.
OAK 30
INDY 17
BOOK IT DANO
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:26 am
31. How many of these “good QBs’” you suppose are in the League?
Not alot of Peyton’s floating around in FA.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Just beat the Colts Oakland!
Peace nation!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:26 am
Trade Jon Condo for Earl Boykins!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:27 am
37. Hope so. Go Raiders!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:27 am
JC did not lose against Miami, AZ, Texans, and he played well against Jax.
Bruce GarbageKowski with his 5 TDs, 7 INTs, and 66 QB rating lost those games.
I also blame the coaching staff.
We are 26th against the run, and we allow 131 yards per game.
Find a DC who can fix this crap. I’m sick of it!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:28 am
36. Gotta keep Peytie pie off the field with our ground game and put up copious points.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:28 am
I would welcome Carson Palmer to compete. JC has to be pushed, and start 2011 far better than he did 2010.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:29 am
for those of you who visit the idea of Tom Cable GM, you can point to Jared Veldheer. It seems clear that Cable has had something (including input on drafting him) to do with the kid’s being in at LT.
other than Veldheer I see no clear examples of Cable’s greatness as a talent evaluator. much to the contrary.
and while Cable’s promise to Popgun that Brucekowski could return to start once he regained his health may show loyalty and a man keeping his word, it shows nothing of being a correct decision-maker, and it was a promise that never should have seen the light of day when valued against “for the good of the Oakland Raiders”.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:30 am
42. I think our best defense against the run is our running game.
When our O can eat the clock, move the ball and put up points to defend it plays to oaklands defensive strength which is rushing the passer and covering the pass.
This type of D gets exposed when they are forced onto the field after countelss 3 and outs.
Teams eventually pop one for 70 + yds and pfft! There goes the run D stats.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
45. “other than Veldheer I see no clear examples of Cable’s greatness as a talent evaluator. much to the contrary.”
=============
Dude, word life brah…
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
I don’t think Veldheer will be intimidated by Freeney.
Veld will hold his ground…wow Freeney recognized Veld?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
AZ – came down to Jano. missed 2 times.
KC – came down to Jano twice as well. made both of them.
let’s lay the blame on Grad though.
Had JC played in Houston, do you honestly think he would have brought the team back down 17 points? Show me 1 piece of evidence this year where JC brought the team back when down by 17 points? He couldnt even do it with 7 points in Jax. Short term memory loss?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
Fug! Audi.
Enjoy the day nation! Go Raiders!!!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:34 am
I don’t think Veldheer will be intimidated by Freeney.
Veld will hold his ground…
***
ray,
with no help?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:34 am
Bo,
I like C Palmer too, and I font think he is done. I just think he needs a fresh start.
I want us to sign J Joseph. He will allow our D to play man without giving a ton of plays, and focus more on stopping the run with 8-9 players in the box.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
GarbageKowski is a good backup at best.
GarbageKowski sucks as a starter.
We should apse blame the coaching staff for starting GarbageKowski!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
GarbageKowski is a good backup at best.
GarbageKowski sucks as a starter.
We should also blame the coaching staff for starting GarbageKowski!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
CB Joseph will be tagged. same with dolt wr V JAX
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:38 am
Veld n tha gang!
Gotta give credit, where credit is due…
Veld has done a modest job, for a rookie.
Better than Gallery, his first year!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:42 am
# aig-raiders Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:22 am
Nnamdi,
A good QB makes it happen with whoever is at the WR position. There have been many examples posted on this blog of QB’s in this league that makes it happen with no name WR’s. The WR defense was used to defend Jawalrus and now being used to defend JC. A good QB makes it happen. Even Grad has made it happen in a couple of games last year and this year. And most on here have already dumped Grad.
=======================================================
Score board bra, 9th ranked scoring offense, that is making it happen.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:43 am
Cinci is to cheap to tag players. He will be a FA.
Mike Brown is too cheap to pay/ tag or resign players. He gives extentions.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
TEAM:
REMEMBER the H in brah, POR FAVOR!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:44 am
Too*
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
My turkey comment last thread was filled with so many fun comments. Maybe you’ll like this one too, I have large pond and canadien geese and ducks are on the property all the time, during the spring and fall.
They are annoying as they quake up all the time or honk!! relentlessly.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:45 am
Grads is an average QB at best. He did well last year given it was comparing against jaBustUs. Agreed, SF game was blown because of Campbell and Hue Jackson going brain dead with playcalling. What about Arizona? Three times in red zone and coming off with FGs. Miami game was a disaster and so was the Houston game with Grads. He is a backup at best and not a starter. The fact is Campbell is 6-4 and Grads is 1-3. Enough said.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
Preppie,
What about Bro? I know You People like to stay hip.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
# M Lonetree Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:29 am
for those of you who visit the idea of Tom Cable GM, you can point to Jared Veldheer. It seems clear that Cable has had something (including input on drafting him) to do with the kid’s being in at LT.
other than Veldheer I see no clear examples of Cable’s greatness as a talent evaluator. much to the contrary.
and while Cable’s promise to Popgun that Brucekowski could return to start once he regained his health may show loyalty and a man keeping his word, it shows nothing of being a correct decision-maker, and it was a promise that never should have seen the light of day when valued against “for the good of the Oakland Raiders”.
=========================================================
Davis makes cable better clearly. Cable seems to help balance Davis how much is not known. advantage, old man AL
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:49 am
We People prefer to stay hep. Thanks.
Hip is for beancounters, bro.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:50 am
I wanna be like Dell. No more banker crap.
I wanna a nice house that has a huge lot with wild life, Raiders season tickets, and I want to eat out (Italian) LOL.
I wanna be like Dell!!!!!!
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 am
The same Carson Palmer that gave up a huge lead to the bills?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 am
Dell, your solution = one border collie.
Works to perfection on the links too. I hate putting through geese flatus.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 am
Carson Palmer plays defense now?
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
I know he threw like 2picks and a pick 6
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 am
LMAO Bro.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 am
Carson Palmer had one good year for an erstwhile moribund franchise for which he was lauded.
Never been the same since the knee injury.
While he may resurrect his career away from Cincy, he may also be solely yesterday’s news.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:57 am
Nvm no pick 6 but a pick in the endzone with almost no pressure on him, and like others would say, he was spotted 7 points from a pick 6 (Jonathan Joseph).
Also, even if the Raiders sign Joseph what will it take to make everyone realize not every corner is Aso/Revis and will go up completions? We’ll be looking for Joseph’s replacement after a season or two.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
Guy Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 am
I know he threw like 2picks and a pick 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Easily cured by Dr. Southwick.
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
BSJ
Can I borrow Lamont??
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:01 am
I meant give up not go up .
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
Raider O Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:50 am
I wanna be like Dell. No more banker crap.
I wanna a nice house that has a huge lot with wild life, Raiders season tickets, and I want to eat out (Italian) LOL.
I wanna be like Dell!!!!!!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
My little minnie mee!!(Raider O)
life has some unexpected twists and turns. Trying to be similar or like someone is not who you are.
You are intelligent, great in sales and want to fire every Raider coach all the time.
Get your degree, stay in portofolio analysis and thing BIG!! You will then have the choice of anyplace and any home. Just remember, you control your own destiny.
As far as being like me, no doubles allowed in this world.
Peace and prosperity.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 am
Raider Dell Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 am
BSJ
Can I borrow Lamont??
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The kibble and Uhaul rental are cost prohibitive, I think.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:09 am
BSJ
Lamont could fly out. I’m sure the TSA people will have no problem scanning him.
I’ll pay for his vari kennel to be comforted for a plane ride and have plenty of good doggie magazines to read during the flight.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 am
This matchup of the Colts d-ends worries me perhaps more than Manning and the Colts passing game.
Hue can really earn some major respect this Sunday by designing and sticking to an effective gameplan. It’ll be on Campbell too to make quick decisions and get rid of the ball on time — something he has not done well at all this year for the most part (when he is given a lot of time he does pretty well).
I’d run it right at Freeney early and often, try to beat him up and make him honor the run more.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:15 am
Sunday was a much better experience inside Lucas Oil Stadium than my last trip (Chargers), and it catapulted the Colts into the lead in the AFC South, now just two wins away from their 8th AFC South Division title. It was one of those games that looks mighty impressive while watching live, but you just had a feeling the stats weren’t going to paint a pleasant picture (they aren’t great). It’s games like these that give credence to the “football isn’t won by stat geeks” crowd, which happens.
It was great to see the Colts finally control the line of scrimmage against a team who, on paper, was superior to them in the trenches. It’s not going to show up in the Winning Stats, however, because we know, on the whole, passing leads to more wins than running, when looked at independently. That doesn’t make this Colts win any less impressive. I said on Sunday night I’d only put the Giants game ahead of this one, but I think I’d put the Chiefs game ahead of this one too. Still a great win.
Some notes from the game:
•Elias: Donald Brown’s 9.2 Yards per Carry was the highest for a Colts RB (minimum 10 carries) since Peyton Manning was a rookie. The great Marshall Faulk had 11.3 YPC against the Ravens back in ‘98. Great job by Brown, and the Offensive Line.
•Colts.com: More on Brown’s big day – It was the first 100 yard rusher for the Colts since Joseph Addai ran for 105 against the Texans in November of 2008 128 against the Redskins in Week 6. His 49 yard run in the first quarter was the longest run by a Colt since 2004 (Dominic Rhodes, 55 yards vs. Titans), and his 43 yard TD run was the longest TD run since 2001 (Rhodes, 46 yards vs. Jets).
•CBS RapidReports: The Colts have now won 30 consecutive games in which they didn’t turn the ball over. I can’t stress enough how important holding onto the ball is for the Colts. It clearly is. Adding to this, the Colts have now won 37 consecutive games when they have a +2 turnover margin.
•Colts.com: Reggie Wayne has now caught a pass in 78 straight games, which moves him into 2nd place in team history, passing Marshall Faulk. Let’s keep this streak going for years to come.
•Colts.com: Tyjuan Hagler’s onside kick return was a first in team history, and the shortest kickoff returned for a TD in team history. I’m giving half credit for this to Special Teams coach Ray Rychleski, who was responsible for calling the timeout, clearly frustrating the Jaguars.
Let’s get to the numbers in this big Colts victory…
Non-Adjusted Stats:
Statistic Offense Rank Defense Rank Off/Def Above Off/Def Below Record
DSR 73.3% 14 71.0% 15 N N 3-2
ANPY/A 6.525 15 7.282 22 N N 7-0
Turnovers 0 1 2 6 Y N 8-1
Yds/Drive 34.18 9 32.36 21 N N 5-2
ToP/Drive 2:41.6 16 2:45.6 19 N N 4-2
Yds/Play 5.875 8 5.836 23 N N 7-1
First Downs/Drive 1.73 16 1.82 19 N N 2-3
3rd/4th Down 38.5% 14 43.8% 24 N Y 4-3
Avg Start Pos 32.2 12 27.1 7 Y N 9-1
3 and Outs 3 10 4 9 Y N 6-0
RZ Eff 61.9% 20 81.0% 19 N Y 4-3
Plays/Drive 5.818 13 5.545 16 N N 5-4
Penalty Yds / Play 1.063 23 0.902 13 N N 3-3
RB Success 41.7% 20 50.0% 18 N Y 3-4
Yds/Carry 6.46 4 3.05 7 Y N 8-3
Net Punts Yds/Game 22.67 31 47.25 32 N Y 3-3
Ranking – Week (32) 11 18 13
Ranking – Season (448) 157 261 193
Adjusted Stats:
Statistic Offense Rank Defense Rank Off/Def Above Off/Def Below Record
DSR 69.4% 22 65.7% 8 N N 3-2
ANPY/A 4.537 22 6.822 19 N N 7-0
Turnovers 0.6 11 2 11 Y N 8-1
Yds/Drive 28.59 13 28.30 16 N N 5-2
ToP/Drive 2:33.8 18 2:24.4 8 N N 4-2
Yds/Play 5.053 18 5.507 21 N N 7-1
First Downs/Drive 1.48 21 1.47 11 N N 2-3
3rd/4th Down 34.9% 21 39.4% 18 N Y 4-3
Avg Start Pos 33.9 11 27.4 6 Y N 9-1
3 and Outs 3 15 6 4 Y N 6-0
RZ Eff 62.2% 22 77.3% 19 N Y 4-3
Plays/Drive 5.600 15 5.023 9 N N 5-4
Penalty Yds / Play 1.110 24 1.090 7 N N 3-3
RB Success 44.8% 18 45.0% 15 N Y 3-4
Yds/Carry 6.30 3 2.57 6 Y N 8-3
Net Punts Yds/Game 23.83 32 45.35 30 N Y 3-3
Ranking – Week (32) 21 10 18
Ranking – Season (448) 239 173 197
Some thoughts:
•From my preview:
Their one weakness is turnovers, where they are 28th in the league. The Colts absolutely must force a turnover or two to win. Turnovers have been the key to almost every game in the 2nd half of the season. It will be again on Sunday.
Done and done. I like it when I’m right
•The defense did a great job getting the Jaguars off the field, especially in the first half. Those numbers are a little skewed as well, as the garbage time yardage gained on dump-off passes to Rashad Jennings count the same. It’s clearly what the Colts wanted them to do, so I won’t hold that against the Colts one bit.
•For the second week in a row, the defense did struggle in the Red Zone. They’ve been so good all year, I hope they can get back to their first 12 game form for the home stretch of the schedule.
•The Offense really struggled sustaining drives, which is a little baffling to me. I think the numbers went down significantly when Austin Collie was knocked out of the game. They also had several 4th and 1 plays that they punted on, which is very frustrating (the coming up short part, not the punting part).
•I also said in the preview they just needed a 40% RB Success rate, and they got over 40%, and won the game. Here’s where I get back on my soapbox saying you can explain parts of football with numbers…
•Teams that were above average in Yards per Carry on both sides of the ball were a fantastic 8-3 this weekend, which is quite rare.
Adjusted Season Stats through Week 15:
Statistic Offense Rank Best Defense Rank Best Record Win %
DSR 75.2% 4 Patriots 69.5% 16 Giants 71-15 0.826
ANPY/A 6.041 13 Patriots 5.164 11 Packers 96-15 0.865
Turnovers 1.77 16 Patriots 1.43 25 Giants 110-25 0.815
Yds/Drive 35.28 2 Patriots 29.75 17 Giants 79-21 0.790
ToP/Drive 2:53.0 10 Packers 2:51.0 26 Giants 92-20 0.821
Yds/Play 5.395 13 Eagles 5.000 10 Chargers 68-33 0.673
First Downs/Drive 2.11 3 Patriots 1.73 18 Giants 74-22 0.771
3rd/4th Down 45.4% 5 Falcons 38.4% 14 Giants 82-27 0.752
Avg Start Pos 27.7 31 Bears 30.1 13 Falcons 105-23 0.820
3 and Outs 3.13 7 Jaguars 4.17 11 Jets 64-24 0.727
RZ Eff 78.4% 4 Patriots 59.5% 8 Steelers 76-28 0.731
Plays/Drive 6.518 1 Colts 5.838 25 Raiders 74-30 0.712
Penalty Yds / Play 0.662 6 Dolphins 0.764 23 Raiders 56-43 0.566
RB Success 45.4% 16 Patriots 50.9% 29 Steelers 66-41 0.617
Yds/Carry 3.60 31 Eagles 4.33 20 Steelers 71-51 0.582
Net Punts Yds/Game 39.26 15 Cowboys 40.62 29 Bears 46-41 0.529
Overall 7 Patriots 17 Giants
A couple thoughts here:
•Many of these numbers don’t change much, now that we’re mostly through the entire season. The Colts moved up 2 spots on the defensive side, and hold steady on Offense. The Offense no longer has the worst starting field position, and aren’t the worst rushing team in terms of Yards / Carry.
•Passing the ball well, along with stopping the pass, are still the most telling factor in the NFL. You shouldn’t be surprised.
Week by Week Numbers:
Colts Opponent Non-Adjusted Adjusted
Week Offense Defense Total Offense Defense Total
1 Texans 62 403 234 131 328 245
2 Giants 71 35 10 10 20 2
3 Broncos 149 271 195 254 326 335
4 Jaguars 31 438 260 67 415 258
5 Chiefs 123 117 63 119 107 55
6 Redskins 203 140 134 200 206 193
7 BYE
8 Texans 60 127 42 124 45 25
9 Eagles 216 361 327 169 272 221
10 Bengals 318 120 205 308 113 217
11 Patriots 67 445 311 74 357 200
12 Chargers 380 266 394 317 167 276
13 Cowboys 189 376 325 233 321 322
14 Titans 39 356 166 33 408 215
15 Jaguars 157 261 193 239 173 197
Still haven’t had a stand-out game, in terms of stats, since the Monday nighter against Houston. Hopefully we’ll see two of them over the next two weeks.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
The Colts have now won 30 consecutive games in which they didn’t turn the ball over. I can’t stress enough how important holding onto the ball is for the Colts. It clearly is. Adding to this, the Colts have now won 37 consecutive games when they have a +2 turnover margin.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:18 am
219.Dakota Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 9:30 am
212.No Mas Diamante Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 9:17 am
dakota – That’s what I thought…lol.. when you make a staement have the cajones to back it up…
++++++++++++
Sorry you didn’t know about Al’s interview on the radio in August. There, maybe now you have enough info to go look it up. Or are you just generally lazy?
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yes I heard that interview but did not specifcally hear Al say he made every pick or built the this team by himself. And as far as me being lazy… Well, in between running two business and raising a family, I do manage find a little couch time every sunday to watch my beloved silver and black.
Just don’t have the extra time to research your bs. back to work…
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:25 am
He!! no to Palmer. He has a decent line, great receivers,and good running back. And he still sucks!!!I’d rather have Campbell or Bruce anyday. I like the kid from Boise. He plays like a pro at the collegette level, but everyone is gonna say he is to small. Somebody is gonna get a gem with him.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:27 am
The best way to deal with Freeney and Mathis is to simply…
Have Cable go over and stomp on they’re thoats, during the pre-game stretch..problems solved..
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:28 am
Hope we see boots, naked boots, and options, that will slow em down. Trips, bubble to Ford.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:29 am
Why does anyone even think Grads is a good backup? The only way I’d let the Wonderlic Wonder (he got a 15) back on this squad next year is as the #3 guy.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:31 am
Koko,
you do realize the reason Grads was even playing in those early season games was because we couldn’t even MOVE the BALL with Campbell.
I mean, you did watch him play vs the Titans and Rams and produce zero, zip, zilch. You did WATCH this right?
It’s like some of you guys think Jason was playing at some pro-bowl level, and then the coaches decided to bench him for %&^$ and giggles.
He was ATROCIOUS. That’s why Grads played. To say we would have won with Jason…lol.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
Raiderfankirk,
you want Jason Campbell, who folds under pressure, running NAKED bootlegs towards either Dwight Freeney or Mathis? No blockers. Just JC in all his glorious athleticism and non-panic decision-making against those track star DEs.
Ok.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
If Jason has to throw the ball 30 times, we lose.
Simple as that.
The Cover-2 takes away dump offs in the flats.
This means they will stack and force Jason to throw to the receivers down the field. In a hostile environment vs a good pass rush (think Tennessee and Pittsburgh).
Uh oh.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:37 am
Raiderdebo,
probably because he beat two playoff teams last year in Pittsburgh and Cincy, he held his own against the Ravens, he helped beat the Rams, put up 225+ yards in most of his starts, kept us in it vs the Texans.
For backup material, that’s dang solid.
Certainly better than our current backup. Or most team’s.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:38 am
Kirk,
the Boise kid has a Matt Leinart arm, and no amount of moxie, smarts, or any of that can overcome a Leinart arm at the NFL level.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:40 am
Yes I do. What happened the last time he did it?
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:41 am
Alex7 are u tarded or sumpin? Have you seen that kid play? STFU
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:41 am
Palmer has been GREAT before.
Going through a bad season after making the playoffs twice the last few years.
Can he rebound like Kurt Warner, Jeff Garcia in Philly, Vick in Philly, Kitna in Dallas? Veterans who had shown greatness, yet people thought they were done.
I’ll take a veteran who has shown greatness over a never-has-been, never-will-be, as the historical evidence PROVES that if a QB isn’t great by their 5th year STARTING, they never will be.
Next year will be JC’s 7th of mediocrity and a career losing record.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:42 am
# alex7 Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:35 am
If Jason has to throw the ball 30 times, we lose.
Simple as that.
The Cover-2 takes away dump offs in the flats.
This means they will stack and force Jason to throw to the receivers down the field. In a hostile environment vs a good pass rush (think Tennessee and Pittsburgh).
Uh oh.
—————————————————-
Cover 2 means both safties deep, it forces you to throw underneath.
If Jc throws more than 20-25 passess it is bad news, not because he cant but because we should be running the ball at their undersized porous run defense. actually this game isnt about jc, its about our o-line vs the indy front.
power runs, play action pass. By the way because freeny and mathis are so aggressive getting up the field, screen passes to the backs is a recipe for success.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:43 am
Kirk, were you impressed by Cade McNown in UCLA back in the day?
By Tim Couch at Kentucky? Tebow in Florida? Leinart at USC? All those guys looked awesome in college, but had weak arms and are bound to struggle in the NFL.
There have been numerous weak arm, smart, successful college QBs that couldn’t hack it in the NFL.
I can’t think of a single weak arm QB in the NFL. Look at Bruce.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:44 am
# alex7 Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:43 am
Kirk, were you impressed by Cade McNown in UCLA back in the day?
By Tim Couch at Kentucky? Tebow in Florida? Leinart at USC? All those guys looked awesome in college, but had weak arms and are bound to struggle in the NFL.
There have been numerous weak arm, smart, successful college QBs that couldn’t hack it in the NFL.
I can’t think of a single weak arm QB in the NFL. Look at Bruce.
=========================================================
Joe montana ( g.o.a.t) and steve young were as noodle armed as they come, id say they were pretty solid nfl qbs
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:45 am
No Mistic, that’s not what cover 2 means. You can have 2 safeties and play man.
What makes Cover 2 unique is that the corners press and cover the flats, taking away dump offs and helping with screens.
You beat this by throwing deep passes along the sidelines, behind the corners and in front of the safeties, or threading a needle between the 2 deep safeties beating a linebacker down the middle of the field with touch.
Have we seen those throws this year?
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Like Montana and Brees also right?
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:50 am
2 safties and play man? Your as dumb as they come. Cover two is all zone.
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:51 am
# RaiderRockstar Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 8:58 am
I rather have a bull, than a clown..
***
LMN,
who is higher on AD’s scholarship list?
John Herrerra or Sam Williams ???
______________________________________________________
well I actually would say Alvis Whitted, of those two Herrera of course the highest..
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:51 am
Any variation is man-zone
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 am
I’d like to see the Raiders run left at Freeney all day. Veldheer & Gallery, baby!
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
the only one in the league with a weaker arm than lienart is gradowski…
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Right on Kell w/ a full back or pulling guard. Wish they would activate B Campbell. I bet he can pull like nobobies buisness!!
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Lienarts problem is not his arm. It’s his brain. lol
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
KoolKell Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 am
I’d like to see the Raiders run left at Freeney all day. Veldheer & Gallery, baby!
+++++++++++++++++++++++
I’m just a semi-pro blogger, but this is exactly what I’d do. Run it straight at Freeney & Session.
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
Pi$$ of Freeney.
Eat his lunch Veldheer!
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
off*
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
KK, you wont see anything from your section 8 house will you?
Buy a ticket with purp lips stimulus check and stimulate the economy! You can even bring your supermodel wife with you to the game!
_______
KoolKell Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 am
I’d like to see the Raiders run left at Freeney all day. Veldheer & Gallery, baby!
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:07 pm
I hope the whole Colts team has Freeney’s attitude. “Yawn. We’re just gonna waltz in there and crush them without really trying.”
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I’m sure they will try running at Freeney. Thats what pretty much everybody tries.
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
You dont change your game plan or what works just because some mope like Freeney flapped his gums. We will run where we see fit, allover and everywhere that includes Freeney but the entire Colt Def is needs to smashed.
If you want to follow KK down the road of idiocy be my guest but consider the source!
______
SilverNBlackPA Says:
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I’m just a semi-pro blogger, but this is exactly what I’d do. Run it straight at Freeney & Session.
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Madden Generation knows nothing.
Arm strength? Quickness?
Performance is all that matters.
Dink and dunk vs. vertical? You can do both…Gannon, Young, Garcia, racked up huge yards and won games.
So many people here with an agenda hoping for street cred while trying to be the next Jim Rome of the blog…wow, such lofty goals.
How’s this, a boat load of Strong armed QBS have failed as have “intangible” QBs with weak arms.
For those on a crusade, I’m tossing your comments in the “TBU” (True but Useless” file and bypassing your chest pounding….
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Alex7,
you are confusing cover 2 with tampa 2, Regardless of the version both defenses keep the safeties deep, forcing the offense to throw underneath the deep safeties
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/354520/understanding_nfl_football_the_cover.html?cat=14
bone up a little, and be informed
December 22nd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Mista,
I’d run it at Freeney because he’s an average run defender and Clint Session is a light, oft-injured weakside ‘backer. Pat Angerer on the strongside is a much better run defender than Session and Mathis can be a bit more disciplined at staying home against the run.
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
Remember when Wheatley racked up a bunch of yards against Tampa and their fast sideline to sideline defense a few years back? It is still the model for how to beat a fast defensive front. Run it straight down their throats and forget about trying to bounce it to the outside too much. I can see Michael Bush being the key to winning this week moreso than McFadden. No matter who runs the ball, the best way to beat Indy is to score on long drives and keep their offense off the field as much as possible. I think this is a good match-up for the Raiders as long as Cable and Hue get some help from the D.
December 23rd, 2010 at 9:42 am
Im happy to be a Raider fan once again I think we came along way but without veteran leadership at receiver and Oand D limemen that come to play every down I don’t think we’ll go much further next year. I am a JC fan and think given a couple of years in the same system he will be awsome. Stanford Rout must go, he’s so bad I call him toast (gets burned every game). Manning will pick us apart Sunday if he doesn’t get help. We also need some ball hawks on D. Maybe Washington will throw Haysworth to us since they can’t us him. Wow I must be happy to be a fan I have my Raiders hook on today!