A discussion about the Colts offense (1 Viewer)

[Spike]

Rightly or wrongly, Edgerrin James is now with the Cardinals.

Again, rightly or wrongly, there is uncertainty as to how the Colts running game will pan out.

Assuming the running game takes a hit (not unreasonable):

How does that affect the Colts passing game?

Should we figure that Manning will be throwing more to the TEs and short/intermediate patterns for the WRs? If we think this could be the situation, and it's quite possible, wouldn't looking more towards Dallas Clark to take on more of the load make sense?

Would the Colts instead look to be throwing more to WRs running deep patterns, hoping it will get the DBs off the line of scrimmage, thus opening things up for the RBs. (And, as a consequence, negating the short passing game.)

I'm not trying to convince anyone of this, just throwing it out there for discussion.

 

[Zaphod]

I think what you will find is that if the running game falters to any large degree, you will see more ineffective passing. So while you may see more passing attempts by Manning, you will see a lower YPA and an overall static effect on the passing game fantasy statistics as a whole.

 

[Biabreakable]

I think Clark and Wayne will get more targets this year as part of compensating for less carries from the running backs.

I also do not see Rhodes/Addai as being as effective as Edge was as a reciever. And some of those Rb recieving targets will likely go to Clark/Other Tes.

Overall I see the biggest benifit being for Clark (if he can stay healthy). More passing attempts but fewer overall plays.

While under normal circumstances I would agree with Zaphods comments about a poor running game making the passing game and offense as a whole less effective. Peyton Manning is not normal. He has averaged 67.05 completion percentage over the past 4 years. Even if this takes a substaintial hit, due to teams not focusing on the run as much and less effective play action, this would still only drop Manning down to better than most Qbs in the league. In terms of completion percentage. Which will be a key factor in keeping drives alive by making 1st downs.

Therefore I do not see the passing game as a whole being static compared to past years. But increasing in total yards attempts recptions ect.

 

[thecardiackid]

This game @ NYG should be very interesting - especially since the INDY rushing game has looked rough in the pre-season (first teamer wise).

With Edge gone and replaced by 2 relatively unproven rbs, the O line's average run blocking will be even more exposed than in years past. Teams should be able to handle the Indy rush attack in their base package (not bringing safeties in the box), which will enable them to drop enough DBs to "manage" Marvin and Reggie.

I'd agree that should provide more opps for D Clark - since teams will drop 4/5 to deal w/ Harrison and Wayne. Also Stokely *if he's really healthy* should benefit and look more like the 04 version vs. last year. Peyton is just too good to get shut down, but overall, w/ the decreased run threat I think he's in for a more challenging year.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Teams should be able to handle the Indy rush attack in their base package (not bringing safeties in the box), which will enable them to drop enough DBs to "manage" Marvin and Reggie.

I'll paraphrase Biabreakable here, and say that while most teams may be able to manage WRs in an offense with a less-than-effective running game, Peyton Manning does not call a game normally.His hallmark consists of a lot of audibles at the line, causing tons of movement behind the line of scrimmage. This forces LBs and safeties to shift around in order to stay on their assignments. All Manning does is find the one soft spot in the D, and attack it -- sometimes it's an outlet pass, sometimes it's a dump to the TE in the open part of a zone, sometimes it's burning the d backs deep down an open seam.A less-effective running game may enable a D to manage the opposing passing game a little better. But the way Manning calls plays under center gives the Colts the ability to exploit D backs downfield. If Indy's running game falters, the WRs may take a small of a hit, but they will not fall off the map by any stretch. I do agree that Dallas Clark benefits the most out any hit to the running game.

 

[trader jake]

In the case of a Peyton Manning led Colts team, IF the running game falters I would say the #3 wideout benefits the most. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne are going to get theirs either way, but if the Colts running game just isn't there...they will spread the field with 3 wides and throw the ball at a rate Mike Martz would be proud of. So my long-term season answer is Brandon Stokley.

The fantasy player that would benefit most from a poor running game would be Adam Vinatieri though.