Player Spotlight: Joe Addai & Dominic Rhodes (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2006 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Joseph Addai & Dominic Rhodes, RBs, Indianapolis Colts

Player Page Link: Joseph Addai Player Page

Player Page Link: Dominic Rhodes Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[BlueOnion]

I am going to break a few rules and not include any projections. But I think the larger debate is going to be who gets more playing time.

To be honest, I don't know as much abotu Joe Addai as I do other rookie running backs, but Polian does have a knack for being successful with first round picks. Having said that, the Colts are a high-end offense and look no further than the franchise player Peyton Manning. So much of the Indy offense revolves around Peyton Manning and more pointedly, his protection. The current book on the Colts is to blitz their offense early and often (see San Diego & Pittsburgh of 2005). Reading blitzes, picking up blitzes and being on the same page as the offense will take precident over any pure running back skill Rhodes or Addai bring to the table. I suspect Rhodes will get 2/3 of all the snaps (at worse), largely because he has played within the Colts offense so long, will make minimal mistakes when reading and picking up the blitz.

What the heck, I see Rhodes bringing in the following numbers:

300 carries

1,290 yards

30 catches

280 yards

12 touchdowns

 

[djcolts]

I think they will split carries in the first half of the year, and Addai will eventually get a bigger share as the season goes along. What little I've seen in the press about Addai since the draft is an AP article on Manning - with Manning implying heavily that Addai is going to be the main guy at RB, and an AP article saying that Colts defenders say that Addai is faster and stronger than expected.

Another factor is James Mungro - because he could be the short yardage/goal-line specialist. Or not. But, that is something to watch in camp.

I'll say that Addai will get 60 to 65 % of the carries, Rhodes get 30 to 35% of the carries, with Mungro getting 5 to 10% of the carries. Assuming a RB "pie" of 1400 yards rushing, 400 yards receiving and 10 TDs, then...

Addai: 840 yards rushing, 240 yards receiving and 5 TDs rushing and 1 TD receving

Rhodes: 490 yards rushing, 160 yards receiving and 3 TDs and 0 TD receiving

 

[Sigfawn]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

Rhodes is going to run with the job and put up 1,100 yards, 8 tds.

 

[stanmarino13]

Addai Played some fb in college so blocking shouldnt be too much of a problem that and hes got great hands and there shouldnt be too much of a worry of him loseing 3rd down action.

 

[zamboni]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

I don't have the stats to prove it, but I don't think there's a strong correlation between Wonderlic scores and RB production. I think it's more about instincts.

 

[BlueOnion]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

I don't have the stats to prove it, but I don't think there's a strong correlation between Wonderlic scores and RB production. I think it's more about instincts.

True. But lets not lose scope of the offense Addai is going to playing in; we are talking about the Colts after all. Whoever wins the job for the Colts is going to have to be very comfortable (almost mastered) the ability to read complex blitz packages, pick up blitzers and make the block. It is very unlikely a running back who is average or adequate at these particular aspects of the running back position will actually get to start in the backfield with Manning.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I thought blocking and picking up the blitz were Addai's strengths (along with speed).

 

[djcolts]

I thought blocking and picking up the blitz were Addai's strengths (along with speed).

Yep. And good hands, too. His knocks are durability, lack of "wiggle" and that he gets tackled too easily.

 

[BlueOnion]

I thought blocking and picking up the blitz were Addai's strengths (along with speed).

At the college level. He still has training camp and maybe he will be up to the task at the pro level. Personally, I think it would be to much for the Colts to swallow.

 

[Tau837]

I thought blocking and picking up the blitz were Addai's strengths (along with speed).

Yes. From NFL Prospect Profiles:

STRONG POINTS

Addai is a very quick and agile runner with the feet to make sharp cuts and can bounce inside runs outside when the middle is clogged up. Has very good vision and instincts, and really shows patience following his blockers and cutting sharply off their blocks. Has good hands catching passes out of the backfield and can make sharp cuts in the open field, which makes him a good open-field runner. Has the strength and balance to keep his feet when taking hard hits. Does a good job of pass blocking -- can cut block or block upright, and is effective doing both.

Looks like he should be an asset to the passing game. To balance that:

WEAKNESSES

Despite measured size, Addai looks like a third-down back on film and plays smaller than his size. While he can keep feet against hits, he lacks the power and strength to break tackles. An upright runner that takes a lot of hits because of it, and struggles to run with power on inside rushes. Not a shake-and-bake runner that can make tacklers miss. Despite being a good athlete, he lacks the explosive burst and top-end speed you expect from a guy who runs a 4.4 in the 40.

EDIT: And from the MENTAL ALERTNESS section:

Addai is a smart football player and makes it apparent when you see how well he does in pass protection -- he uses good technique and always seems to be in the right place to pick up the free man

IMO it sounds like lack of ability to pass block or catch is not going to be a reason he doesn't get on the field.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

I don't have the stats to prove it, but I don't think there's a strong correlation between Wonderlic scores and RB production. I think it's more about instincts.

mongo see hole, mongo hit hole...* he does have a well-rounded skill set... i think he was a prep QB & played FB & WR at LSU, so he can block & catch...

 

[FunkyPlutos]

I like Addai getting:

925 yards, 6 TDs Rushing

35 catches, 305 yards, 2 TDs Receiving

I think he will do well. Guy has serious talent!

 

[The Ref]

This is a classic situation where I think we, as serious FF players, get ourselves in trouble. Most of us do not draft until late Aug, well into the pre season. Making projections are a very good tool to get yourself ready for the upcoming season. But at the end of the day (well today anyway) it's much too early to make any sort of real projection on this situation. The only thing you can do at this point is promise yourself to keep an open mind. I have seen to many situations where someone will try and make a bold projection now, only to stand by said projection when it comes draft time and end up making a bad pick when the evidence closer to the regular season shows you should have either selected the other guy or stayed clear altogether.

But with that being said, this is probably the number one (or 1A, Den RB) situation that I will be monitoring during the preseason. If it can be determined that one or the other will end up with >=66% of the bulk said player becomes a very valuable commodity.

 

[MLBrandow]

Addai Played some fb in college so blocking shouldnt be too much of a problem that and hes got great hands and there shouldnt be too much of a worry of him loseing 3rd down action.

I think he'll be an ideal 3DB for Rhodes this year.

Rhodes - 240/1050/6 25/230/1

Addai - 110/520/3 15/170/3

People greatly underestimate the complexity of the IND offense in terms of Addai taking over.

I'm fairly sure he can overtake Rhodes eventually (2-3s), but he won't be the feature back this year unless Rhodes goes on IR, and he won't be a full-load back until '08. I see Rhodes' successes this year warranting him something like 40-45% of the carries next year as a floor.

 

[Gopher State]

I see Rhodes on the bench by week 5.

I See Rhodes 425 rush 80 rec and 3 tds for the year

I see Addai going 1050 rush, 350 rec and 10 tds

Addai has to much talent to not play, plus being paid first round money helps playing time. I do claim the C. Benson disclaimer, if Addai does not sign and comes to camp late, it's Rhodes show for 06. Otherwise Addai should lead the way.

 

[MLBrandow]

I see Rhodes on the bench by week 5.

I See Rhodes 425 rush 80 rec and 3 tds for the year

I see Addai going 1050 rush, 350 rec and 10 tds

Addai has to much talent to not play, plus being paid first round money helps playing time. I do claim the C. Benson disclaimer, if Addai does not sign and comes to camp late, it's Rhodes show for 06. Otherwise Addai should lead the way.

I'm not sure you'll see Addai hold out, especially since he was more projected as a second round talent.Addai has the ability to overtake Rhodes for sure. But when Rhodes performs admirably (fringe RB1/solid RB2), which he will, and the Colts will be winning...

....why bench Rhodes? Anyone can run in front of Manning, and while I think there's a great chance Addai is the starter next year regardless of how well Rhodes plays, I don't believe we'll see Addai as the feature back unless he starts making rediculous plays with regularity to the point where they have to give him more time (LJ/Priest).

I very highly doubt that though

 

[Family Matters]

Interesting thoughts on Addai so far. Yet it seems the most obvious has been missed. If Addai is not the man then was he drafted in the first round?

IMO-Indy clearly did not feel comfortable with Rhodes as their RB. If they did they wouldn't have drafted a RB in the 1st round. They could've waited until later in the draft but they didn't. And there must be a reason for that. The only back they liked better was Maroney from what I've read.

With that said, they have raved about what they've seen in him so far. He has handled himself quite well. He runs well. He blocks well. He catches well. He picks up the blitz well. How many first round RB's do teams keep on the bench? How many times has Indy found gold in their first round RB's in recent history with say Edge and Faulk? I'd say they have a good track record.

My prediction for Addai: 240-1152-8 & 24-204-1 with Rhodes getting the back up duties.

 

[ProdigyofParcells]

Well there is another thread where I rank the rooks. Why would Indy draft a guy that is Edgelike in size and potentially ability if they were totally ok with Rhodes? I will let Addai take it from here:

I didnt even take into consideration his vast receiving ability. I see Addai being Edgelike in production.

 

[cracKer]

How many first round RB's do teams keep on the bench?

In recent year it's happened quite often. It's not unthinkable that the Colts drafted Addai as their RB of the future with the idea that he'll make a nice complement to Rhodes for a year or two. With the idea that teams do draft quality RB depth in the first couple of rounds these days, helping the present while planning for the future, I have very tempered expectations for Addai in '06.Let's throw this out there. The Colts, knowing that Rhodes will explode as the new feature back, now have leverage when he threatens to hold out for a new contract.

 

[Ozymandias]

Think Cedric Benson and Ronnie Brown. First rounders, but they split carries. A lot.

I don't think it is outside the realm of possibility that Addai will spend this year learning the Colts complex offense, with Rhodes getting the lion's share of the carries.

Besides, I think every team would like to be covered in the case of injury to their main man. I guess it's all speculation right now. The preseason should tell us a lot.

 

[Rushmore]

Picking Rhodes this year could easily be like picking Thomas Jones last season. On top of experience, I think Rhodes has looked awfully good at times in this offense. People are seeming a bit quick in assuming that this rookie will step in and get most of the carries. His value isn't all that great IMO because of that.

 

[zamboni]

On top of experience, I think Rhodes has looked awfully good at times in this offense. People are seeming a bit quick in assuming that this rookie will step in and get most of the carries. His value isn't all that great IMO because of that.

I agree that Rhodes has looked good in the past, but the thing is, that past was 4 years ago and he didn't look particularly good last year. IMO, Dungy probably doesn't fully trust Addai yet and is using Rhodes as a more proven stopgap, as well as motivation for the rookie. But if Addai shows he can handle the job full-time, I think Rhodes gets pushed into the background.

 

[lebowski]

Picking Rhodes this year could easily be like picking Thomas Jones last season. On top of experience, I think Rhodes has looked awfully good at times in this offense. People are seeming a bit quick in assuming that this rookie will step in and get most of the carries. His value isn't all that great IMO because of that.

I agree here. I'm not ready to annoint Addai as the next E. James yet. In my oppinion the best thing to do with this situation is handcuff the running backs together. That way you are sure you get indy's RB. Unfortunately you could very likely see a RBBC here.

 

[Family Matters]

How many first round RB's do teams keep on the bench?

In recent year it's happened quite often. It's not unthinkable that the Colts drafted Addai as their RB of the future with the idea that he'll make a nice complement to Rhodes for a year or two. With the idea that teams do draft quality RB depth in the first couple of rounds these days, helping the present while planning for the future, I have very tempered expectations for Addai in '06.Let's throw this out there. The Colts, knowing that Rhodes will explode as the new feature back, now have leverage when he threatens to hold out for a new contract.

I can't argue as this has perfect logic. We've seen it before. However, the Colts have a different track record. They like to go with 1 back. When they signed him it was a back up type contract. They never really thought of him as an every down back. And to prove this point they drafted Addai in the first round. If they did were thinking RBBC then why not wait until the 2nd or 3rd round where they could get cheper priced quality RBBC type help? Why pay 1st round moey for RBBC players? That's not what teams like to do by design is it?OK so I can see where they might go with that to start the year but I can also see where if Addai can establish himself then they will let him go with it. So maybe the first 4-6 games is a RBBC but then the remainder is more of a 70-30 split. If so then Addai is gold during the fantasy playoffs.

But I can see whereby it could go either way. I just can't think the Colts where planning to take a first round RB to play RBBC.

 

[lebowski]

I saw today on the NFL network or ESPN (sorry I can't remember) that the Colts plan to start Addai off slowly and gradually work him into the offense more and more as the season progresses. (No Link...sorry). Sounds like he will be getting most of the carries by seasons end. However, that being said, I'm willing to bet that was Chicago's plan last year too and Thomas Jones had a different plan.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

I don't have the stats to prove it, but I don't think there's a strong correlation between Wonderlic scores and RB production. I think it's more about instincts.

True. But lets not lose scope of the offense Addai is going to playing in; we are talking about the Colts after all. Whoever wins the job for the Colts is going to have to be very comfortable (almost mastered) the ability to read complex blitz packages, pick up blitzers and make the block. It is very unlikely a running back who is average or adequate at these particular aspects of the running back position will actually get to start in the backfield with Manning.

I don't think Edge is or was very intelligent, and he started from day 1.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Interesting thoughts on Addai so far. Yet it seems the most obvious has been missed. If Addai is not the man then was he drafted in the first round?

I can hardly think of a team with a more pressing need for a position than Indy and RB. They had the number 2 D in the NFL last year, three strong WRs, are deep at TE and don't need a QB. Getting someone to replace the only guy with four 1500+ rushing seasons that's not in the HOF sounds like a good idea.I'd imagine the Colts will use both Rhodes and Addai. I don't see any reason not to. In recent years the SB champions have had very valuable RB2s on their teams, so it's hard to say you need one RB.

I have a question for the FBG staff doing projections, though, so maybe MT, Jason Wood, Dodds, Chris Smith or Bob Henry will chime in. They each have Addai projected at 195-220 carries, and Rhodes at 150-170 carries. Is this projection how you expect the Indy backfield to look this year, or a weighted projection illustrating that you believe Addai has a 55-60% chance of being the starter and Rhodes at 40-45% chance?

 

[mlball77]

For 2006, I honestly feel its RBBC in Indy. I'm not sold Addai will be able to pick up the pass rush effectively enough (as it seems tough for many rookie RBs and will be very important in Indy) and do all of the small things right out of the gate that would make him an every down NFL RB (or close to every down). By the end of the year or in 2007 this may be the case for him... but I see it taking time.

Also, call me crazy, but I see the loss of Edge negatively effecting Indy's rushing game in 06... at least in a small, but noticeable manner. The Colts RBs averaged around 1740 rushing yards along with 14 rushing TDs in the past two years... and I feel its likely both catergories will experience a drop in 06.

........................

Rhodes-

Rush Yds: 750

Rush TDs: 7

Recs: 30

Rec Yds: 215

Rec TDs: 1

........................

Addai-

Rush Yds: 675

Rush TDs: 5

Recs: 25

Rec Yds: 175

Rec TDs: 1

 

[The Man With No Name]

Rhodes contract is done after this season. He will be looking for a big payday as a free agent. Addai will see plenty of work, but Rhodes has the ability to get the majority of it. Whether he does or not remains to be seen.

 

[purestrength]

I saw today on the NFL network or ESPN (sorry I can't remember) that the Colts plan to start Addai off slowly and gradually work him into the offense more and more as the season progresses. (No Link...sorry). Sounds like he will be getting most of the carries by seasons end. However, that being said, I'm willing to bet that was Chicago's plan last year too and Thomas Jones had a different plan.

Just curious. Did they have Bill Polian, Tony Dungy or a Colts player on saying this? Or was it an announcer speculating?

 

[diesel7982]

Rhodes contract is done after this season. He will be looking for a big payday as a free agent. Addai will see plenty of work, but Rhodes has the ability to get the majority of it. Whether he does or not remains to be seen.

He'll be looking for any contract over one year long that pays above the veteran minimum.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Rhodes contract is done after this season. He will be looking for a big payday as a free agent. Addai will see plenty of work, but Rhodes has the ability to get the majority of it. Whether he does or not remains to be seen.

He'll be looking for any contract over one year long that pays above the veteran minimum.

OK. He will be looking to get the biggest contract of his career. $750,000 last season was the most he has made. Signing bonus could be more than that.

 

[Ozymandias]

Rhodes contract is done after this season. He will be looking for a big payday as a free agent. Addai will see plenty of work, but Rhodes has the ability to get the majority of it. Whether he does or not remains to be seen.

He'll be looking for any contract over one year long that pays above the veteran minimum.

OK. He will be looking to get the biggest contract of his career. $750,000 last season was the most he has made. Signing bonus could be more than that.

If that is true, let's speculate a little:1. If they start Rhodes, and he becomes as good as he was in '01 (or whenever), then they face having to re-sign him for a big amount, or see him go to another team. And they would still be paying Addai big bucks.

2. If they start Addai, and keep Rhodes as a backup, then they can re-sign Rhodes for backup money.

Purely from a financial standpoint, and assuming that the two backs are about even in quality, it's a no brainer. You start Addai.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Rhodes contract is done after this season. He will be looking for a big payday as a free agent. Addai will see plenty of work, but Rhodes has the ability to get the majority of it. Whether he does or not remains to be seen.

He'll be looking for any contract over one year long that pays above the veteran minimum.

OK. He will be looking to get the biggest contract of his career. $750,000 last season was the most he has made. Signing bonus could be more than that.

Something doesn't add up. According to an article on Google, he signed a 2 year 4.75 million contract in 2005. It includes a $2 million signing bonus. NFLPA salaries are $750,000 last season and less than that yhis season. Wonder if the contract was incentive laden.NFLPA salaries

contract signing $

 

[djcolts]

Rhodes contract is done after this season. He will be looking for a big payday as a free agent. Addai will see plenty of work, but Rhodes has the ability to get the majority of it. Whether he does or not remains to be seen.

He'll be looking for any contract over one year long that pays above the veteran minimum.

OK. He will be looking to get the biggest contract of his career. $750,000 last season was the most he has made. Signing bonus could be more than that.

If that is true, let's speculate a little:1. If they start Rhodes, and he becomes as good as he was in '01 (or whenever), then they face having to re-sign him for a big amount, or see him go to another team. And they would still be paying Addai big bucks.

2. If they start Addai, and keep Rhodes as a backup, then they can re-sign Rhodes for backup money.

Purely from a financial standpoint, and assuming that the two backs are about even in quality, it's a no brainer. You start Addai.

Late 1st round draft picks make medium bucks (about $1 million/year or so). Unless you're a top 10 pick, you don't make big bucks in your rookie contract.

 

[jerseyh8r]

I'll say that Addai will get 60 to 65 % of the carries, Rhodes get 30 to 35% of the carries, with Mungro getting 5 to 10% of the carries. Assuming a RB "pie" of 1400 yards rushing, 400 yards receiving and 10 TDs, then...

Addai: 840 yards rushing, 240 yards receiving and 5 TDs rushing and 1 TD receving

Rhodes: 490 yards rushing, 160 yards receiving and 3 TDs and 0 TD receiving

That is a small pie for them to share considering the Colts rushed for 1700 yds last year and 1850 in 2004.

Interesting thoughts on Addai so far. Yet it seems the most obvious has been missed. If Addai is not the man then was he drafted in the first round?

I think this had more to do with the fact they didn't pick again until another 32 picks went past, and they knew they needed a RB. I wouldn't put alot of thought into it like "they invested a 1st round pick on him", as much as they realized they needed to reach a little bit to fill need.

 

[Franknbeans]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

Rhodes is going to run with the job and put up 1,100 yards, 8 tds.

Maybe not

 

[Sabertooth]

I think this is obviously a great handcuff type situation here where hopefully you can stash these guys for a few weeks until the situation sorts itself out. Making projections on these guys right now is a bit foolhardy as neither has staked claim as the top dude. Combined, I can see probably 1500 yards coming out of here. So I'll take a stab at it:

Addai: 900 yards

Rhodes: 600 yards

But I don't think this will be a tradition RBBC situation. I can see one or the other pulling a Thomas Jones and staking this job. He who has this player will be rewarded handsomely. I think Addai will do it but wouldn't be surprised if Dom did it. I will try to acquire both and play the wait-and-see game until one of them is the true starter.

 

[Tau837]

I'm not sold Addai will be able to pick up the pass rush effectively enough (as it seems tough for many rookie RBs

Given that pass blocking is a strength for Addai coming out of college (see earlier posts), all those who continue to cite this as a reason must feel this is a con that should be applied to every rookie RB. Yet many rookie RBs do start and have productive rookie seasons. Thus, inability to pass block must not be a valid reason to downgrade a rookie RB.

 

[BlueOnion]

I'm not sold Addai will be able to pick up the pass rush effectively enough (as it seems tough for many rookie RBs

Given that pass blocking is a strength for Addai coming out of college (see earlier posts), all those who continue to cite this as a reason must feel this is a con that should be applied to every rookie RB. Yet many rookie RBs do start and have productive rookie seasons. Thus, inability to pass block must not be a valid reason to downgrade a rookie RB.

For the most part yes, but each scenario is different. Not every team has a 20 million dollar quarterback dropping back to pass on over 50% of their plays.The Colts are only 1 missed blitz pickup\block away from seeing their franchise quarterback go down and their season go down the toilet. Considering this, I would expect Dungy to over-emphasize the discrepency in experience than any surmountable talent discrepency when deciding the starting back.

It is early and it is not out of the realm of possibility that Addai fills this roll in extrodinary fashion. It is also not out of the realm of possibility that Rhodes fills the role of starting running back for the Colts as well as James did.

 

[joffer]

Rhodes really impressed in 2001, but I don't think he's been the same back since the torn ACL. The Colts will bring Addai along slowly, but I think by midseason he'll have won the job outright. Nothing approaching Edge numbers, but he'll be effective. I also think Mungro could vulture some goal line looks.

Addai

185/820/5

22/214/1

Rhodes

165/693/3

24/178/0

 

[TheFanatic]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

Rhodes is going to run with the job and put up 1,100 yards, 8 tds.

I don't know if this is such a big deal. There is a reason that RB's tend to hit the ground running (pardon the pun) where QB's and WR's tend to falter the first year or two. Addai has to learn to pick up the blitz. That's it. He doesn't have to learn to run long routes and find seams in a secondary. He doesn't have to learn what each defensive front means. Manning knows that and will audible to make sure that Addai is in the right place at the right time to either make the play with the ball or keep the linebacker from levelling Manning.

 

[mlball77]

I'm not sold Addai will be able to pick up the pass rush effectively enough (as it seems tough for many rookie RBs

Given that pass blocking is a strength for Addai coming out of college (see earlier posts), all those who continue to cite this as a reason must feel this is a con that should be applied to every rookie RB. Yet many rookie RBs do start and have productive rookie seasons. Thus, inability to pass block must not be a valid reason to downgrade a rookie RB.

For the most part yes, but each scenario is different. Not every team has a 20 million dollar quarterback dropping back to pass on over 50% of their plays.The Colts are only 1 missed blitz pickup\block away from seeing their franchise quarterback go down and their season go down the toilet. Considering this, I would expect Dungy to over-emphasize the discrepency in experience than any surmountable talent discrepency when deciding the starting back.

I agree with what you've said here... Manning being the key. I stated in my post that it was particularly important in Indy for the RB to pick up the pass rush. I read a couple of blurbs stating that Addai was supposed to be a solid blocker in college, but that remains to be seen at the pro level still, as players are much faster and stronger. Addai may very well turn out to be a great pass blocker right out of the gate, but it seems most rookie RBs have some difficulty with this... and 1) Indy will put a huge emphasis on protecting Manning, imo and 2) Rhodes is a capable RB. These two factors could keep Addai off of the field somewhat. Speculation and deduction on my part... but this seems logical and likely to me.

 

[Sabertooth]

I might be wrong here, but Peyton looks to have been sacked 29 times in 2001 when Dominic Rhodes was the main back there. Now, Rhodes didn't get meaning playing time until week 7 at Buffalo.

After that, Peyton was sacked 17 times in 10 weeks for a rate of 1.7 per game or once per 38 attempts.

I notice on NFL.com that his passer rating was the lowest of his career that season if you throw out his rookie year. Rhodes only started one other game in his career, and he was sacked once.

Just throwing this additional info out there. It appears that Rhodes is a mediocre pass protector while one of Addai's strength is his size and blocking ability.

Addai outweighs Rhodes by about 11 pounds.

 

[mlball77]

I might be wrong here, but Peyton looks to have been sacked 29 times in 2001 when Dominic Rhodes was the main back there. Now, Rhodes didn't get meaning playing time until week 7 at Buffalo.

After that, Peyton was sacked 17 times in 10 weeks for a rate of 1.7 per game or once per 38 attempts.

I notice on NFL.com that his passer rating was the lowest of his career that season if you throw out his rookie year. Rhodes only started one other game in his career, and he was sacked once.

Just throwing this additional info out there. It appears that Rhodes is a mediocre pass protector while one of Addai's strength is his size and blocking ability.

Addai outweighs Rhodes by about 11 pounds.

Interesting stuff. Maybe I have it totally backwards...

 

[Sabertooth]

I might be wrong here, but Peyton looks to have been sacked 29 times in 2001 when Dominic Rhodes was the main back there.  Now, Rhodes didn't get meaning playing time until week 7 at Buffalo. 

After that, Peyton was sacked 17 times in 10 weeks for a rate of 1.7 per game or once per 38 attempts. 

I notice on NFL.com that his passer rating was the lowest of his career that season if you throw out his rookie year.  Rhodes only started one other game in his career, and he was sacked once. 

Just throwing this additional info out there.  It appears that Rhodes is a mediocre pass protector while one of Addai's strength is his size and blocking ability. 

Addai outweighs Rhodes by about 11 pounds.

Interesting stuff. Maybe I have it totally backwards...

They sure do look neck and neck right now though. Who knows, one might blow out a knee in training camp and render the whole discussion useless. We'll have to see what happens.

 

[ILoveMyLions]

Great discussion guys...very informative.

For those of us with top picks in the upcoming draft, this is very important.

Anyone have links to the minicamp reports on the Colts and Addai?

 

[zamboni]

Anyone have links to the minicamp reports on the Colts and Addai?

I don't have anything offhand, but I wouldn't put too much stock in what happens without the pads.As noted above, training camp will go a long way towards deciding which direction Dungy is leaning.

 

[Family Matters]

Addai also got a 10 on the wonderlick and is dumb as a post. I don't see him picking up the Colts offense to where he's going to be protecting mannings blindside.

Rhodes is going to run with the job and put up 1,100 yards, 8 tds.

Maybe not

This sounds an alot like what I've been saying about him too. Guess I'm not the only one after all.