Colts may lose DT McFarland (1 Viewer)

[joffer]

just looking at the blogger

Three Colt Defenders Undergo MRI'sJohn Oehser, Colts.com - [Full Article]Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said several players missed Saturday morning's scrimmage undergoing MRIs in Indianapolis - defensive tackle Anthony McFarland, linebacker Rob Morris and defensive end Robert Mathis. This is significant in that the Colts had just terminated the contract of DT Corey Simon. More specifically, a source close to the situation believes McFarland's injury is serious, and likely season-ending. The Colts aren't announcing the severity of the injury, if it indeed is severe. Stay tuned. This could spell trouble for the defending champs.

this isn't specifically about the potential loss of McFarland, but rather the Colts defense in general. you hear a lot of arguments about how a team's defense impacts the potential performance of that team's offense.poor defense means offense is on the field less = badpoor defense means lots of shootouts = goodetc.got me thinking specifically about the Colts, and whether having a struggling defense is good or bad for Manning, Addai, Harrison, Wayne. i tend to think that for a team with a stud offense that is a favorite to make the super bowl, a bad defense is a good sign for offensive projections.any thoughts?

 

[Keith Lewis]

It's good for Peyton, Wayne and Harrison.

Bad for Addai.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

It doesn't matter. Look at Frank Gore and Steven Jackson. They played on teams with pretty horrible defenses and it didn't effect their stud ability one bit. Why should I expect differently from any Colts players?

 

[redman]

Look at the Colts regular season stats from last year. That was a pretty poor defense.

 

[joffer]

Look at the Colts regular season stats from last year. That was a pretty poor defense.

The Colts are going to be the Colts, it's not like the defense is going to have that big of an impact. i'm talking about the potential difference between great and off-the-charts great (ala 2004). i would think whatever factors keep the games close, keep week 15 and 16 meaningful, and keep the offense on the field are a good thing

 

[redman]

Look at the Colts regular season stats from last year. That was a pretty poor defense.

The Colts are going to be the Colts, it's not like the defense is going to have that big of an impact. i'm talking about the potential difference between great and off-the-charts great (ala 2004). i would think whatever factors keep the games close, keep week 15 and 16 meaningful, and keep the offense on the field are a good thing

If "the Colts are going to be the Colts", then why bother starting this thread?

got me thinking specifically about the Colts, and whether having a struggling defense is good or bad for Manning, Addai, Harrison, Wayne. i tend to think that for a team with a stud offense that is a favorite to make the super bowl, a bad defense is a good sign for offensive projections.any thoughts?

 

[joffer]

Look at the Colts regular season stats from last year. That was a pretty poor defense.

The Colts are going to be the Colts, it's not like the defense is going to have that big of an impact. i'm talking about the potential difference between great and off-the-charts great (ala 2004). i would think whatever factors keep the games close, keep week 15 and 16 meaningful, and keep the offense on the field are a good thing

If "the Colts are going to be the Colts", then why bother starting this thread?

that

 

[redman]

Here's the Colts 2004 defensive breakdown:

|---------- PASSING -----------||----- RUSHING -----|  TOTAL			  CMP  ATT   YD	YPA   TD INT  ATT   YD	YPA  TD	 YD			  365  557  4232   7.60  26  19  440  2037  4.63  12   6269NFL rank --->  31   30   31	 28   22  10   15   24	30   15	 30

Here's their 2006 breakdown, which I figure they'll most resemble in the absence of McFarland:

|---------- PASSING -----------||----- RUSHING -----|  TOTAL			  CMP  ATT   YD	YPA   TD INT  ATT   YD	YPA  TD	 YD			  266  414  2705   6.53  16  15  519  2768  5.33  20   5473NFL rank --->   3	2	2	  8	6  20   31   32	32   31	 17

Neither defense was particularly stout, but they were obviously a last year. I'm not sure that you could expect 2004 to happen again under any circumstances anyway as there were simply too many statistical passing outliers for me to think a repeat is feasible.

 

[duaneok66]

its an unconfirmed rumor . . . nothing to see here . . .

 

[Jon_Moore]

They've had a bad defense in the past, I don't see it changing things much, if any. If it does, they should have to pass a bit more to stay in games, bump for passing numbers, but hell it's not like they're going to get that much higher.

I think part of 2004 was the offense being on the field so much, less plays for the opposing offense and their defense was able to stay fresh.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Adam Schefter just reported on the HOF Game pregame show that he has been told that McFarland has a torn ACL and will miss the season. He didn't report that he had firsthand knowledge, but he threw it out there as if it was a story he was pretty confident in.

 

[duaneok66]

its an unconfirmed rumor . . . nothing to see here . . .

I stand corrected . . .

 

[Josh the FunkDOC]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...

I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.

-Josh

 

[Routilla]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Mike Chappell of the Indy Star reporting that the injury is a torn patella tendon but confirming that "multiple sources" report that McFarland is likely out for the season:

Colts' McFarland may miss season By Mike Chappell mike.chappell@indystar.com The Indianapolis Colts might have to mount their Super Bowl defense without a big part of their defense -- tackle Anthony McFarland. According to multiple sources, McFarland has informed teammates and close friends he suffered a serious knee injury in a training camp practice Friday at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute. It's believed he tore a patella tendon, which likely would be season-ending.

Neither McFarland nor his agent, Karl Bernard, could be reached for comment. The Colts also had no comment when contacted Sunday afternoon. Saturday, coach Tony Dungy said McFarland was one of several players who underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test in Indianapolis.

Dungy described the procedure as "precautionary," but the damage apparently was severe.

Losing McFarland, 29 and in his ninth season, would be a substantial blow to the Colts' defense. The unit was instrumental in the team capturing its first world championship in 36 years, but ranked last in the league against the run during the regular season.

Even with the 300-pound McFarland anchoring the middle of the defense, the Colts allowed 173 rushing yards per game and 5.3 yards per attempt.

McFarland's loss comes on the heels of the team terminating the contract of veteran defensive tackle Corey Simon. Ironically, McFarland's injury occurred almost a year to the day Simon suffered an injury to his right knee that required surgery and contributed to him missing the entire season.

The Colts acquired McFarland last October in a trade with Tampa Bay, sending the Bucs a second-round draft pick.

With McFarland out of the mix, the interior of the defensive line loses experience and bulk. Raheem Brock returns for his second season as a starter, but the depth behind him includes Darrell Reid, Dan Klecko, Quinn Pitcock and Keyunta Dawson. Reid and Klecko have appeared in a total of 62 regular-season games, but only four as starters. Pitcock was a third-round pick in the April draft who missed the first week of training camp with a leg injury while Dawson is a seventh-round draft pick.

Phillip B. Wilson contributed to this story.

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830.

 

[Memphis Foundry]

Mike Chappell of the Indy Star reporting that the injury is a torn patella tendon but confirming that "multiple sources" report that McFarland is likely out for the season:

Colts' McFarland may miss season

By Mike Chappell

The Indianapolis Colts might have to mount their Super Bowl defense without a big part of their defense -- tackle Anthony McFarland. According to multiple sources, McFarland has informed teammates and close friends he suffered a serious knee injury in a training camp practice Friday at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute. It's believed he tore a patella tendon, which likely would be season-ending.

Neither McFarland nor his agent, Karl Bernard, could be reached for comment. The Colts also had no comment when contacted Sunday afternoon. Saturday, coach Tony Dungy said McFarland was one of several players who underwent a magnetic resonance imaging test in Indianapolis.

Dungy described the procedure as "precautionary," but the damage apparently was severe.

Losing McFarland, 29 and in his ninth season, would be a substantial blow to the Colts' defense. The unit was instrumental in the team capturing its first world championship in 36 years, but ranked last in the league against the run during the regular season.

Even with the 300-pound McFarland anchoring the middle of the defense, the Colts allowed 173 rushing yards per game and 5.3 yards per attempt.

McFarland's loss comes on the heels of the team terminating the contract of veteran defensive tackle Corey Simon. Ironically, McFarland's injury occurred almost a year to the day Simon suffered an injury to his right knee that required surgery and contributed to him missing the entire season.

The Colts acquired McFarland last October in a trade with Tampa Bay, sending the Bucs a second-round draft pick.

With McFarland out of the mix, the interior of the defensive line loses experience and bulk. Raheem Brock returns for his second season as a starter, but the depth behind him includes Darrell Reid, Dan Klecko, Quinn Pitcock and Keyunta Dawson. Reid and Klecko have appeared in a total of 62 regular-season games, but only four as starters. Pitcock was a third-round pick in the April draft who missed the first week of training camp with a leg injury while Dawson is a seventh-round draft pick.

Phillip B. Wilson contributed to this story.

Call Star reporter Mike Chappell at (317) 444-6830.

Link: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...ORTS03/70805009

 

[BoltBacker]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

How so?

 

[To commish is my wish]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

How so?

If the games stay close, Addai never gets to take the 4th quarter off.

 

[JaxBill]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

How so?

If the games stay close, Addai never gets to take the 4th quarter off.

It's hard to run the ball when the other team is racking up 375 rushing yards on you.

 

[JaxBill]

Any word on Morris or mathis?

 

[QUEZILLA]

Still not sure how Bruce Allen managed to swindle the Colts out of a 2nd rounder for this guy. Spent most of his time in Tampa injured

 

[Enraged Nerfball]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

How so?

Seems to me you also don't want to put an already questionable defense back on the field after taking just 2-3 minutes to score. More teams seem to be scheming Indy to give Manning the underneath routes and the running game, in hopes of eliminating the big strike. That was evident last year. Manning's passing attempts were higer than the 2 years prior, but his YPA were lower than the 2 previous years. To me that means more checkdowns to the RB's and TE's. That means the offense is on the field for longer periods of time than in the past, and Addai is a big part of that underneath, running game approach.

 

[Routilla]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

How so?

Seems to me you also don't want to put an already questionable defense back on the field after taking just 2-3 minutes to score. More teams seem to be scheming Indy to give Manning the underneath routes and the running game, in hopes of eliminating the big strike. That was evident last year. Manning's passing attempts were higer than the 2 years prior, but his YPA were lower than the 2 previous years. To me that means more checkdowns to the RB's and TE's. That means the offense is on the field for longer periods of time than in the past, and Addai is a big part of that underneath, running game approach.

Beat me to it. I think Joe had about 10 catches in the SB vs CHI as part of a RBBC. My thoughts on the added value was in regards to receiving stats.

 

[BoltBacker]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

It adds value to Addai IMO.

How so?

Seems to me you also don't want to put an already questionable defense back on the field after taking just 2-3 minutes to score. More teams seem to be scheming Indy to give Manning the underneath routes and the running game, in hopes of eliminating the big strike. That was evident last year. Manning's passing attempts were higer than the 2 years prior, but his YPA were lower than the 2 previous years. To me that means more checkdowns to the RB's and TE's. That means the offense is on the field for longer periods of time than in the past, and Addai is a big part of that underneath, running game approach.

Meh, I dunno.In the three glaring games where INDY got run off the field and lost because of it last year here was their P/R ratio...INDY vs TEN(Addai 1 catch)28/29INDY vs JAX(Addai 1 catch)50/20INDY vs HOU(Addai 4 catches..... for 8 yards)27/18... so it seems to me they didn't react the way you describe last season. If anything they progressively passed more each game while getting pounded on the ground. I just can't picture Manning allowing his RB decide the teams fate if INDY is on the ropes because the D can't keep opponents off the field. When in a tight game I can't help but think he tries to score quickly(especially with two new talented offensive weapons in Gonzales/Hall) and take the opponents running game away from them by grabbing the lead. If INDY is ahead the opponent can't as easily afford to grind on the clock.

 

[BoltBacker]

Beat me to it. I think Joe had about 10 catches in the SB vs CHI as part of a RBBC. My thoughts on the added value was in regards to receiving stats.

I see where you're coming from but in the games mentioned above where INDY really got themselves into trouble because they couldn't stop the run Addai wasn't an integral part of the passing game and this year he only has more competition for those underneath passes imo. Don't get me wrong, I like Addai as a runner(not sure he can handle the 300-400 carries Edge used to though) but I see any flaws in the defense detracting from his effectiveness and INDY's defense is setting itself up to be plenty flawed this season. I'm not sold on their DL, LB, or DB's being as good as last year...... and they weren't great last year.

 

[djcolts]

This gives more credence to PFP's projection of Jacksonville as division champions...I don't think it will hurt the offense though. Remember, Addai is also an excellent receiving back just like Edge was, so he'll stay involved no matter what.-Josh

Jax's problem is not the Colts, it is themselves. Until I see them play consistently well week after week, against the good AND bad teams, I'm still skeptical of them.

 

[djcolts]

Clearly - whatever expectations I've had of the Colts this season is much lower than a few weeks ago. I'm just going to enjoy the season, even if they flop at go 6 and 10. Saying a team that loses both starting CBs (even though after last night it is clear that Jason David isn't much of a loss), their top tackling LB, their Pro Bowl LT and their biggest DT is going to repeat is basically insane.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Good thing they cut Simon last week.