Colts - Saints (1 Viewer)

[mcnabbmcnow]

The Saints only beat the Eagles last year because run defense was the Eagles achilles heal, and the Saints had the krptonite that could beat the Eagles. That said, Seattle gave the Bears a better game than the Saints did, and I think I may have overrated the Saints. New Orleans did nothing to upgrade their defense, which was their weakness, in the offseason, and their receivers were not getting as much separation as I thought.

Manning to Wayne and Harrison was sick last night, and even Dallas Clark gets involved. Addai looks like a stud RB, as the Colts have a lot of balance offensively. So far, the losses on defense do not seem to have hurt the Colts.

 

[NYGus]

There are no guarantees in fantasy football but Peyton is pretty darn close.

Regardless of the 2 billion commercials his in or weather you like his 'aw shucks' personality or not-we are witnessing the greatest of the great at the QB position.

I also learned that 23,000 Addai owners collectively crapped their pants when he took that 1st hit and was on the mat for a while.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

1) Addai looked great. His running will open up the long ball even more that usual.

2) E Johnson will be just like he was in SF 3 years ago. The guy is a stud and was my darkhorse for a good year. Unfortunately I waited too long to grab him, as he went in our 10th round.

3) Same ol Manning, Wayne, Harrison, Clark

4) Bush is way overhyped. From a team's perspective, he's great to have. But from a fantasy perspective, he's too inconsistent and is too sitautional to be efffective. I have no idea why anybody would take him before round 3.

5) Brees and Colston may miss Horn more than realized. Yes, Horn was hurt a lot. But the guy ran great routes. Looks to me like Devery Henderson was completely out of synch on routes.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Even though he's reportedly a jerk, Bill Pollian is the best GM in football. He built a great Buffalo team when he was in Buffalo and he has built a great team in Indianapolis. Their drafts are not only second to none, but they do a tremendous job of keeping their key players. Remember when everyone freaked out about Manning's contract and said that since they gave Harrison money they'd never be able to keep Wayne? And then everyone was up in arms because they didn't have the money to keep James? And then everyone said that their defense would surely suffer due to their money on offense? And then everyone said that THIS year their defense would be in a lot of trouble because they lost Cato June?

Pollian just doesn't seem to get his due for some reason. Everyone is slobbering all over AJ Smith in San Diego. And he's done a nice job. But they haven't won jack.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

I learned that the projections for the Colts came true in Spades and that New Orleans is going to have to bounce back.

I think the main thing that happened and I am sure it was pointed out is that this Tampa Two thing can work if the offense doesn't know how to beat it. The Colts kept everything in front of them and the Saints wanted to go deep.

 

[Tong Po]

Peyton Manning is in almost every commercial made today.

I can do without the "Manning Pep Talk" spots.Those were pretty weak.

 

[greedygoat]

If you want to crown them, go ahead and crown their asses,

They are who we thought they were!

 

[Ghost Rider]

Last night was all about preparation and adjustments. The Colts coaching staff did a great job in both areas, and the Saints coaching staff did a poor job in both areas. It really is that simple.

 

[Workhorse]

An undersized, quick to the ball, cover 2 defense will swallow up a finesse offense every time.

The Colts defense had the perfect target in the Saints. It will be interesting to see them against teams that feature a more physical, smashmouth offense.

 

[[icon]]

Manning had been talking all eason about their offense going back to the 2004 Juggernaut.

I sorta believed him as he's not one to talk smack like that.. but still chalked some of it up to the typical prreseason BS.

Now I believe him. Peyton, Harrison, and Wayne are going to be complete MONSTERS this year. Wayne AND Harrison could both finish top 5.

 

[Phil Elliott]

...all the pre-season hype was just hype.

 

[greedygoat]

The odds of the Colts repeating hinges on Tony Ugoh.

 

[zamboni]

Pre-season rankings of defenses mean very little.

 

[sholditch]

I learned that Deuce was a shaky pick even in rounds 4-5. Thank God I didn't take Bush. I also learned that Payton may be one of the worst playcallers I've ever seen. There wasn't a single coherent thing about the Saints offense last night.

Hopefully Payton will go to school and let Deuce be the bell cow and let that set up the pass and the gadget plays.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Manning had been talking all eason about their offense going back to the 2004 Juggernaut. I sorta believed him as he's not one to talk smack like that.. but still chalked some of it up to the typical prreseason BS. Now I believe him. Peyton, Harrison, and Wayne are going to be complete MONSTERS this year. Wayne AND Harrison could both finish top 5.

I'm not sure if I would go so far as that. NO was tied for 2nd most passing TDs allowed last year, and it doesn't appear that they made any improvements in their secondary.

 

[Doug B]

Maybe it's just the disappointed homer in me ... but the Saints look like a 6-win team to me. Maybe I'm not giving the Colts enough credit, I don't know.

Really, you can only go by what you see on the field. The last two Saints games (NFC title + last night) strongly suggest that the Saints offense has been figured out. Strangely, last season, Sean Payton was the Adjustment Master. Last night, he looked very lost to me.

Jason David won't be starting much longer. I don't want to hear it was Peyton Manning and Harrison and Wayne. David Garrard, Reggie Williams, and Matt Jones would do the same thing. Heck, Steve Smith could catch for 250 yds on these guys. Garcia to Galloway all day. Harrington will look like a star ... especially with Joe Horn licking his chops against his old squad.

Something is up, and it's not going to be a pretty picture for Saints fans. Maybe the team's been reading its press clippings. And of course, don't forget the Kiss of Death -- SI picking the Saints to win the Super Bowl. When's the last time they got that one right?

 

[Marc Faletti]

4. Addai didn't do anything special but he sure did rack up yds and TD tonight.

This is correct.Addai did fine, but with the terrible LB play of the Saints, anything less than 100 on 23 carries would have been a shocker. Addai did just fine, don't get me wrong, but this game doesn't answer the main questions. We'll know more in about 7-8 games; that's when we'll learn if he's still running strong midway through the season and has churned out yards against tough Ds.

One thing I do know: saying he's arrived and will be fine all year off a game when New Orleans D looked like it barely got off the bus is too premature. He jumps and dances too much, and definitely runs too high, for me to believe he's a lock to keep this up all year. Injury or wear and tear could easily slow him down.

Easy to love him tonight, but I'd be selling high if I had him.

WOW!

Some people just baffle me.

Apologies if I was unclear. What about my thoughts didn't make sense? Or do you just disagree with my analysis of his game?To me, Addai isn't very good. *gasp* I know, I know. It's asking for a beating to admit this. And I do think if he stays healthy and energetic all year, he'll be a very good fantasy RB b/c of his situation. But I honestly don't like how he plays.

Watch replays of *any* run and check how many steps he wastes hopping and bouncing, both behind the line and in space. Not only that, but he stays so upright that he takes monster hits on routine plays regularly. For a guy who's never carried the load, even in college, this would be alarming to me if I owned him. I feel most starting RBs in the league would have done more with the chances Addai had last night. In other words, he had a big night, and I think most guys would've had a HUGE night. And on top of that, we will only know if Addai can justify his ADP later this season. If he has a great 6 weeks and wears down or breaks down, this game will be forgotten.

I don't like runners who treat the game like it was hopscotch, even when they put up good numbers against a team that barely came to play. I can only hope this doesn't make me the LHUCKS of Joe Addai.

Meanwhile, given that I had Addai ranked lower than your average bear, I would happily trade him for a RB I like more than him anyway (eeeeeven Reggie Bush) and a WR1. Blasphemy now, but we'll see by the end of the season.

 

[lumpas]

1. The Saints just ain't been practicing right.

2. Deuce should and will be the workhorse on that team.

3. Pick up Kenton Keith if you (like me ) have Addai.

 

[switz]

Even though he's reportedly a jerk, Bill Pollian is the best GM in football. He built a great Buffalo team when he was in Buffalo and he has built a great team in Indianapolis. Their drafts are not only second to none, but they do a tremendous job of keeping their key players. Remember when everyone freaked out about Manning's contract and said that since they gave Harrison money they'd never be able to keep Wayne? And then everyone was up in arms because they didn't have the money to keep James? And then everyone said that their defense would surely suffer due to their money on offense? And then everyone said that THIS year their defense would be in a lot of trouble because they lost Cato June?

Pollian just doesn't seem to get his due for some reason. Everyone is slobbering all over AJ Smith in San Diego. And he's done a nice job. But they haven't won jack.

Thing is, Smith learned from Butler who learned from Polian.Polian took the Bills to 4 super bowls, led the Panthers to one pretty quickly for an expansion team, and has the Colts as the best team in the NFL now. He is the best GM in football easily.

 

[RBM]

Laughing at the Saints being the stiffest competition to the Bears NFC crown

 

[[icon]]

Manning had been talking all eason about their offense going back to the 2004 Juggernaut. I sorta believed him as he's not one to talk smack like that.. but still chalked some of it up to the typical prreseason BS. Now I believe him. Peyton, Harrison, and Wayne are going to be complete MONSTERS this year. Wayne AND Harrison could both finish top 5.

I'm not sure if I would go so far as that. NO was tied for 2nd most passing TDs allowed last year, and it doesn't appear that they made any improvements in their secondary.

I hear ya man.... trust me. Perhaps it's as much hunch as anything.. but they looked like the killer-instinct offense from a while back. It will be very interesting to see how they fare week 2.....

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Random Musings

Dwight Freeney is worth every penny of that contract
Jason David still thinks he's playing in a cover 2
Freddy Keiaho will be better than Cato June
Reggie Bush is back to his early 06 ways, buy low - he figured it out last year, and he will again this year
Addai did what he was supposed to do, but I still hate the way he runs
Dallas Clark is still going to be the #3 option for awhile, the timing b/w Gonzalez and Manning looked off
Eric Johnson doesn't realize that he's made of porcelain, running tough after the catch
Kenton Keith is legit and definitely worth owning in all but the most shallow league - he should get at least 5-7 touches in most games, more when Addai gets the wind knocked out of him
The Saints are wishing they would have taken Posluszny instead of Meachem
Matt Giordano is quite the speed merchant (seen this in his special teams play too), and would be a solid IDP play if (when) Sanders misses time
Ugoh will be just fine, he gave up some pressures, but held his own against Will Smith and looked great in space on the bread and butter stretch play

 

[switz]

Apologies if I was unclear. What about my thoughts didn't make sense? Or do you just disagree with my analysis of his game?To me, Addai isn't very good. *gasp* I know, I know. It's asking for a beating to admit this. And I do think if he stays healthy and energetic all year, he'll be a very good fantasy RB b/c of his situation. But I honestly don't like how he plays.

I disagree with your analysis completely. And I wonder if you can separate what you like, from what is good.

Watch replays of *any* run and check how many steps he wastes hopping and bouncing, both behind the line and in space. Not only that, but he stays so upright that he takes monster hits on routine plays regularly. For a guy who's never carried the load, even in college, this would be alarming to me if I owned him. I feel most starting RBs in the league would have done more with the chances Addai had last night. In other words, he had a big night, and I think most guys would've had a HUGE night. And on top of that, we will only know if Addai can justify his ADP later this season. If he has a great 6 weeks and wears down or breaks down, this game will be forgotten.

Addai doesn't "hop", he stutter steps, slashes, makes slight moves, keeps his feet going, and evades alot of tackles by doing that. Did you watch the same game the rest of us did? Did you see the small cuts he made to avoid ankle tackles and such? Or do you just dislike him, and won't allow anything to change your mind. He really is an Edge clone. Watch film of the two of them side by side - remarkably similar runners.Also, he took ONE big hit last night, and that wasn't due to his running style.What makes you think his "big night" would have been a "HUGE night" if a different runner was back there? He only had 18 carries - the team's philosophy is to pass first. He still put up 5.1 YPC and scored a short yardage TD (where his detractors also said he sucks ). I don't think there is a single RB in the league that would have done more in the same situation.

I don't like runners who treat the game like it was hopscotch, even when they put up good numbers against a team that barely came to play. I can only hope this doesn't make me the LHUCKS of Joe Addai.

I guess that means you don't like A LOT of RBs, like Edge, LT, SJax, MJD, Westbrook, FWP, and many others who run with a similar style. And RBs in history, like OJ, Barry, Dickerson, etc. must not be good in your books. I can understand if you prefer guys like Gore or LJ who run over people, but to discount guys who slash and cut is not wise IMO.I'd lump you in with LHUCKS - stubborn and dogmatic. I'm that way at times too. But at some point (like after a season where a guy excels, and then after a game he dominates) you need to change your view.

Meanwhile, given that I had Addai ranked lower than your average bear, I would happily trade him for a RB I like more than him anyway (eeeeeven Reggie Bush) and a WR1. Blasphemy now, but we'll see by the end of the season.

I guess that's the problem. Instead of letting talent on the field affect your rankings - you rank and then refuse to allow evidence to change your mind.I'm certain if Addai has one bad game this season, but dominates the rest, you'll still be here next year saying he has no talent.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Wow, the Addai haters are still out? Sell high they say? Where was Bush/McAllister last night?

 

[Musesboy]

I learned that Marvin Harrison is still an elite receiver. He may be 35, but some olympic 100 meter runners were effective at that age. It's not like he has to run for 60 minutes without a break. I see no reason to believe that his production will drop off anytime soon. He's just about the classiest guy in the league too.

Dallas Clark will be Manning's roommate this year and he'll be stating his case for more involvement in every game. He should be the clear option behind Harrison and Wayne in the passing game. They even had him run the ball last night.

The Colts' defense shocked me. They actually stopped the run, and made the Saints look like a mediocre offense. It's just one game, but it will change a lot of things if the trend continues. Teams won't be able to run it down Indy's throat every game. The Colts' offense should see more time on the field as games will in effect be longer due to the opponent running less. The Colts will have more opportunities to make big plays because Freeney and Mathis will see more passing plays. The Colts will have more opportunity to create turnovers through FFs and INTs as a result.

Addai has almost no competition for carries and the passing offense is as good as ever. It's almost impossible to stop everyone on that offense. If he stays healthy, he won't finish lower than the top five and has a legitimate chance to be in the top three. It's more about opportunity than talent. Addai isn't an elite RB, but he should be valued like an elite back right now.

Cato June won't be missed judging by Keiaho's performance.

Bob Sanders makes a difference when he can get on the field.

Never start a defense against the Colts (ok, that was just a reminder).

When will Vinatieri miss a kick at home?

Peyton Manning really is first round value in redraft leagues, and his dynasty value is vastly underestimated.

The Colts' OL should be just fine. Smith was able to lay hands on Manning but couldn't do any real damage.

This is the week to target Saints players in trades. Brees doesn't just fall from elite to poor in one game. The offense will be effective as the season progresses. Colston and Henderson missed time during camp, but they will adjust to their roles without Horn.

Oh, and, I really missed football.

 

[Doug B]

Brees doesn't just fall from elite to poor in one game.

Maybe not, but something's not right here. I see a sharp decline.

The offense will be effective as the season progresses. Colston and Henderson missed time during camp, but they will adjust to their roles without Horn.

We'll have to see. They have a huge amount to prove IMHO. As far as I'm concerned, 2006 never happened and these guys are starting all over.

 

[guderian]

I have learned by reading various threads that a lot of people are overreacting to one game.

The Bears lost to Miami last year 31-13 despite being huge favorites. The year Barry Sanders ran for 2,000 yards he had only 53 yards in the first two games and many people panicked. Priest Holmes started out very slowly when he first went to the Chiefs. There's a lot of football to be played and people shouldn't overreact to one game.

 

[twitch]

Even though he's reportedly a jerk, Bill Pollian is the best GM in football. He built a great Buffalo team when he was in Buffalo and he has built a great team in Indianapolis. Their drafts are not only second to none, but they do a tremendous job of keeping their key players. Remember when everyone freaked out about Manning's contract and said that since they gave Harrison money they'd never be able to keep Wayne? And then everyone was up in arms because they didn't have the money to keep James? And then everyone said that their defense would surely suffer due to their money on offense? And then everyone said that THIS year their defense would be in a lot of trouble because they lost Cato June?

Pollian just doesn't seem to get his due for some reason. Everyone is slobbering all over AJ Smith in San Diego. And he's done a nice job. But they haven't won jack.

Thing is, Smith learned from Butler who learned from Polian.Polian took the Bills to 4 super bowls, led the Panthers to one pretty quickly for an expansion team, and has the Colts as the best team in the NFL now. He is the best GM in football easily.

While Im not going to nessecarily argue against him being the best at what he does, he also has Manning at QB. And Harrison at receiver for that matter...who he didnt draft. But you cant understate how much of a luxury it is having that fella Manning leading the team. And noone else has him but Polian.

 

[BroadwayG]

It seemed to me that Manning was looking for Wayne a lot more than Harrison. But I could be wrong.

I think he was just facing left more often because he wanted to keep an eye on the rookie.

 

[Fantaholic]

I learned that Bill Poilan is truly greater than our own Scott Peoli. Polian managed to keep Jason David a Colt while being disguised as a Saint. It's absolutley genius how he pulled that off. Bravo Bill.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Manning, Harrison, and Wayne do great things.

You learned this tonight?

Just going over the ABCs of Indy

 

[Jason Wood]

It's one week so really we've learned nothing. But looking beyond the box scores, this is what I THINK we saw...

1) Tony Ugoh will have rough moments but Manning's quick release and the line calls are going to obfuscate some of the concern of losing Tarik Glenn

2) Anthony Gonzalez will do no better than, if not worse, than the typical Colts WR3, which is to say WR80 and someone not worth having on your roster

3) Bob Sanders (when healthy) is one of the single-biggest difference makers on defense in the league

4) Marvin Harrison is going to extend his streak of 10+ TD seasons to 8 years

5) Reggie Wayne could be the #1 wideout on 20+ teams in this league

6) Sean Payton can still fall into a conservative, formulaic play-calling mode that cost him his duties in New York and Dallas

7) Eric Johnson will be used in the passing offense a lot more than I expected

8) Reggie Bush gets taken down far too easily from behind

9) Reggie Bush has to stop dancing so much, there were at least two clear first downs he danced his way out of

10) ONE WEEK DOES NOT A SEASON MAKE

I blogged about this game as a microcosm for the ups and downs of fantasy football in general:

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/07/th...ntasy-football/

 

[0-Face]

-Keith was a great pickup a week ago. Will be a hot name on the WW this week

-Fujita was a great flex LB start this week. Had some great tackle numbers

-Bob Sanders will have a great year(if he stays on the field). Looked like Polamalu out there.

-Marvin will still be a stud this year

-Eric Johnson will be $$$ this year in ppr leagues(again if he stays healthy as well)

 

[freeannyong]

-Tony Ugoh will eventually cost this team some wins....against a real D.

Holding down a pro bowl end wasn't enough for you?

 

[BroadwayG]

-Tony Ugoh will eventually cost this team some wins....against a real D.

Holding down a pro bowl end wasn't enough for you?

I thought he did fabulously all things considered.

 

[freeannyong]

Even though he's reportedly a jerk, Bill Pollian is the best GM in football. He built a great Buffalo team when he was in Buffalo and he has built a great team in Indianapolis. Their drafts are not only second to none, but they do a tremendous job of keeping their key players. Remember when everyone freaked out about Manning's contract and said that since they gave Harrison money they'd never be able to keep Wayne? And then everyone was up in arms because they didn't have the money to keep James? And then everyone said that their defense would surely suffer due to their money on offense? And then everyone said that THIS year their defense would be in a lot of trouble because they lost Cato June?

Pollian just doesn't seem to get his due for some reason. Everyone is slobbering all over AJ Smith in San Diego. And he's done a nice job. But they haven't won jack.

Thing is, Smith learned from Butler who learned from Polian.Polian took the Bills to 4 super bowls, led the Panthers to one pretty quickly for an expansion team, and has the Colts as the best team in the NFL now. He is the best GM in football easily.

While Im not going to nessecarily argue against him being the best at what he does, he also has Manning at QB. And Harrison at receiver for that matter...who he didnt draft. But you cant understate how much of a luxury it is having that fella Manning leading the team. And noone else has him but Polian.

Polian drafted Manning when it was an actual debate over who to draft, so he has to get credit for drafting him.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I saw an offense that seemed to FORCE the ball to Bush. Nothing was smooth or unexpected..They have too much talent to do that. The NO offensive line on passing downs was Very bad. Brees could be in for a long season if it doesnt turn around..

I'm wondering what an offseason of study might yield as it relates to defending the Saints. I wouldn't ring the alarm bells yet...but I was surprised by how confused the Saints looked. Brees simply didn't look downfield and almost seemed to be tipping off when he'd be going to Bush. Strange evening for them...

 

[Footballhead]

I know its only 1 game but I'll try to start my WR's against Saints D when I can.

 

[pizzatyme]

Does anyone doubt that the Colts will adjust support for Ugoh? He was managing in this game to hold his own.

Also, many said Edge in his early years was nothing special until he kept doing it. Only time will tell, but Addai seems to have the goods to go the same path.

Jason David IS that bad. On an island or not, he was beaten badly on many occasions. He was still playing like he was in the cover-2.

The Colts scheme makes many a player look better than they truly are. That is why the Colts have spent their highest picks on offense and taken role players for the defense. It's pretty simple, really.

And, Bill Polian is one of the best ever at talent evaluation/selection.

 

[GroveDiesel]

While Im not going to nessecarily argue against him being the best at what he does, he also has Manning at QB. And Harrison at receiver for that matter...who he didnt draft. But you cant understate how much of a luxury it is having that fella Manning leading the team. And noone else has him but Polian.

Well, that's kind of the point though. Polian also could have had the immortal Ryan Leaf. Everyone said that it was a 50/50 tossup between who was better. But he made the right choice. He then traded away Marshall Faulk (that one could go either way IMO) and took the best RB in that draft, even though many people thought that Ricky Williams was the better pick. The Colts, under Polian, have a fantastic record of hitting on their draft picks. And then they seem to make great decisions on when it's time to part with players. So yeah, having Manning is a luxury, but it's one that Polian bought fair and square. And as previously mentioned, look at the job he has done with other teams previously. Just about the only major screwup that I can think of with the Colts, was signing Cory Simon.

 

[Marc Faletti]

I guess that's the problem. Instead of letting talent on the field affect your rankings - you rank and then refuse to allow evidence to change your mind.I'm certain if Addai has one bad game this season, but dominates the rest, you'll still be here next year saying he has no talent.

Hey switz,Sorry I made you feel that way. It's really not my MO. In fact, it's everything I'm against in football and fantasy football analysis. One post where we disagree and you're ready to paint me a Sean Salisbury. Sheesh! My "rankings" are constantly in flux, but I like a fair number of RBs more than Addai, especially in terms of the talent and running style they bring with them. One game against that "defense" doesn't change it for me. I love learning new things about teams and players -- it's a big part of the joy of FF to me. But I don't overreact, especially when the Colts put up 41 and Addai only snared 1 TD and 23 carries. I wouldn't be surprised if this game fell out of the top 5 RB games for the week.To some of your points:I call a "hop" what happens when you bounce off the ground with two feet and land on two feet. He does that plenty in this game. He also took at least a half dozen really hard hits by my count, much harder than RBs who run lower to the ground. I guess we _were_ watching a different game if you didn't see that, too.And since I like Reggie Bush et al, it's hard to say I hate "slashers" as you suggest. Rather, I don't see Addai as a slasher. He truly does look like he bounces and hops. I've never seen a RB run his way. Maybe that means I'll be totally surprised by it's effectiveness, but given his slight frame and the way it exposes him, I don't think so (thus the surprise I suppose!). His style doesn't make many people miss IMHO, it really just seems to waste steps. I'm pretty shocked you would say he runs just like Edge.I think it's possible to not like a guy while not being a "hater." This was one game. He ran the same frustrating way he always has. And as I said, I think he could and should have done even more -- seldom do you get the blowout score + terrible D paradise, and usually when you do, your RB goes off. Addai may not even be top 5 *this week* much less this year. But I promise, if Addai proves me wrong this year by staying healthy and racking up numbers, I'll shout it from the rooftops. And I'll never doubt hopscotch again.

 

[Tong Po]

Laughing at the Saints being the stiffest competition to the Bears NFC crown

Actually, that will be the Eagles IMO... provided McNabb can stay healthy.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Addai - top 5 RB (it's still the Saints D)

Manning - 35-40 TD's

Bush - top 5 bust

NFC - sucks balls

Are you saying he'll be one of the top 5 busts or that he's a player people took in the top 5, who will bust.Because one might be true but there was no way in heck he ever should have been drafted in the top 5. EVAH.

I am stunned at how bad the Saints collapsed last night. Brees looked like Grossman in the Super Bowl...

Hmmm... maybe this Indy D is OK...

Addai took a licking and kept on ticking... (with a brief break to have his back re-aligned)

As folks pointed out above, Duece a) isn't running the clock out for NO, and b) can't run when Brees can't find a recieever to keep secondaries honest.

And if Reggie Bush's value - and I admit, it was my spiel this off season - is he can catch the ball and run - why did he drop the ball one too many times last night? That ain't good.

On the other hand - as Joe said - don't throw the baby out with the bathwater year - in fact it might be a good time to go see how panicked the Bush owne rin your league is. He got better late in the season - I think he'll come on.

But an awful start to the Season for the Saints.

Oh, and those cats from Indy do ok on Offence, huh?

 

[NoFBinLA]

Eric Johnson doesn't realize that he's made of porcelain, running tough after the catch

I just spit OJ on the keyboard.Now I have to call IT - thanks Bloom.

 

[corpcow]

Apologies if I was unclear. What about my thoughts didn't make sense? Or do you just disagree with my analysis of his game?To me, Addai isn't very good. *gasp* I know, I know. It's asking for a beating to admit this. And I do think if he stays healthy and energetic all year, he'll be a very good fantasy RB b/c of his situation. But I honestly don't like how he plays. Watch replays of *any* run and check how many steps he wastes hopping and bouncing, both behind the line and in space. Not only that, but he stays so upright that he takes monster hits on routine plays regularly. For a guy who's never carried the load, even in college, this would be alarming to me if I owned him. I feel most starting RBs in the league would have done more with the chances Addai had last night. In other words, he had a big night, and I think most guys would've had a HUGE night. And on top of that, we will only know if Addai can justify his ADP later this season. If he has a great 6 weeks and wears down or breaks down, this game will be forgotten.I don't like runners who treat the game like it was hopscotch, even when they put up good numbers against a team that barely came to play. I can only hope this doesn't make me the LHUCKS of Joe Addai. Meanwhile, given that I had Addai ranked lower than your average bear, I would happily trade him for a RB I like more than him anyway (eeeeeven Reggie Bush) and a WR1. Blasphemy now, but we'll see by the end of the season.

He does dance, but I've always thought he was fairly decisive once he turns upfield. He hits holes hard, and though he does "waste steps" at time, he is still fairly solid there. There's a subtle distinction between patience and "dancing". It was not dancing like Reggie did last night

 

[ipljeff]

I learned that the Colts only have 4 players on their roster who have ever played for another NFL team.

I Bill Polian

 

[corpcow]

Laughing at the Saints being the stiffest competition to the Bears NFC crown

Actually, that will be the Eagles IMO... provided McNabb can stay healthy.

Brees was just doing his best Rex impersonation last night.

 

[coliva]

Polian took the Bills to 4 super bowls, led the Panthers to one pretty quickly for an expansion team, and has the Colts as the best team in the NFL now. He is the best GM in football easily.

While Im not going to nessecarily argue against him being the best at what he does, he also has Manning at QB. And Harrison at receiver for that matter...who he didnt draft. But you cant understate how much of a luxury it is having that fella Manning leading the team. And noone else has him but Polian.

It seems that you've forgotten about Ryan Leaf. There was a huge controversy at the time about who the Colts should take as the #1 overall pick that year. Polian chose wisely, as he usually does.And for all of the Addai-haters in this thread- No, I don't think that he is as good as Edgerrin James, but then that is why James was #4 overall (another good choice by Polian instead of Ricky Williams) and Addai was selected as #30 overall. But he is in an excellent situation and should serve the team very well.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I learned that the Colts only have 4 players on their roster who have ever played for another NFL team.I Bill Polian

That was to me too.I wonder how that compares to the other teams? Too much other stuff going on to run that down.J

 

[Ozymandias]

It's one week so really we've learned nothing. But looking beyond the box scores, this is what I THINK we saw...

1) Tony Ugoh will have rough moments but Manning's quick release and the line calls are going to obfuscate some of the concern of losing Tarik Glenn

2) Anthony Gonzalez will do no better than, if not worse, than the typical Colts WR3, which is to say WR80 and someone not worth having on your roster

3) Bob Sanders (when healthy) is one of the single-biggest difference makers on defense in the league

4) Marvin Harrison is going to extend his streak of 10+ TD seasons to 8 years

5) Reggie Wayne could be the #1 wideout on 20+ teams in this league

6) Sean Payton can still fall into a conservative, formulaic play-calling mode that cost him his duties in New York and Dallas

7) Eric Johnson will be used in the passing offense a lot more than I expected

8) Reggie Bush gets taken down far too easily from behind

9) Reggie Bush has to stop dancing so much, there were at least two clear first downs he danced his way out of

10) ONE WEEK DOES NOT A SEASON MAKE

I blogged about this game as a microcosm for the ups and downs of fantasy football in general:

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/09/07/th...ntasy-football/

C'mon guys, it's ONE GAME.Or do you forget week 2 last season? Jaguars 9, Steelers 0. Fast Willie Parker was headed for the garbage pile--11 rushes 20 yards. How did that work out in the end?