Random News

There have been several changes around the Colts complex in the past couple weeks. Just to keep you up to date (because that’s what we’re here for), here are some of the random things to note:

The Colts have been awarded two additional compensatory draft picks in the 2010 NFL draft. They will receive two picks in the seventh round (nos. 240th and 246th overall) for losing two unrestricted free agents in Darrell Reid and Hunter Smith and without signing qualifying free agents prior to the 2009 season.

The Colts have announced several coaching changes this past week, covered nicely by Derek. Here are the highlights, Clyde Christensen has been promoted to offensive coordinator with Tom Moore now retaining the title of senior offensive assistant. Pete Metzelaars was promoted to line coach to replace the recently retired Howard Mudd and Jim Bob Cooter, was named an offensive assistant. Also a couple of new coaches have been added, Ron Turner, who will become wide receivers coach and Ron Prince will be come assistant offensive line coach.

Recently at the owners meetings in Orlando, Jim Caldwell had a few comments during his chat with the press. Here are some highlights (and my thoughts):

After recent neck surgery, QB Peyton Manning is in good shape and doing fine and won’t miss any off-season time (A sigh of relief was just let out all over Colts Nation). The offense will plan on using 4WR sets next year with Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez (hopefully this will open up the offense and allow more of a run/pass balance). Both Bob Sanders and Anthony Gonzalez are progressing nicely from season ending injuries and both should be healthy to start off-season workouts (I can’t wait to have both back, we have missed you both) . And finally, as far as he is concerned the Super Bowl loss is behind them, you cannot analyze the game you lost and play the what-if game, and they are ready to move forward (I am ready to avenge the loss and meet again with Mr. Lombardi).

Here is a question for you, how is Dwight Freeney’s ankle? Since the season ended, there has been no news from the Colts regarding this subject. I guess “no news is good news” to borrow the phrase. As bad as Freeney’s ankle was prior to the Super Bowl, he did enough therapy to allow him to play. We saw the after effects of the second half, which due to a long halftime, saw the ankle stiffen and therefore making him less effective thereafter. I am sure after much needed rest, Freeney has continued his off-season training and should be expected to make a full recovery. We will keep an eye on this as training camp nears.

As the draft nears, here are a few thoughts. Who should the Colts draft with their picks? I say that they will be heavy on the offensive line and defense, particularly defensive end, linebacker and corner. Some possibilities, in no particular order or round chosen, include, Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers; Taylor Mays, S, USC; Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida; Charles Brown, T, USC; Daryl Washington, LB, TCU; Brandon Lang, DE, Troy; Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU. We will see if a few or any of these guys will be wearing a Colts jersey next year.

Finally, the NFL has changed the overtime rules for the playoffs, the proposal passed by the owners with a 28-4 vote (the Bills, Vikings, Ravens and Bengals voted against the proposal).

According to the new rule:

Both teams have a possession once during overtime, unless the team that wins the coin toss scores a touchdown on its possession, in which case it’s the winner. If the team that has the first possession scores a field goal, the other team will get a possession. If that team scores a touchdown on its possession, it is the winner. If that team score a field goal, the team that scores next by any means will be the winner. If the score is tied at the end of a 15-minute overtime, or if the overtime possession has not ended, another overtime will begin, and play will continue until a score is made, regardless of how many 15-minute overtime periods are necessary.