Robert Mathis may see more snaps (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

Indianapolis Star

The Colts are apparently planning to significantly limit Dwight Freeney's snaps early this season. Not surprisingly, really, but the Indy media have finally gotten around to confirm and report on the backup plan. It appears that Raheem Brock will move back out to end on early downs -- where he played earlier in his career -- and Robert Mathis may see time on the right side on early downs. That would greatly increase Mathis' playing time from last season, when he sat the majority of base defensive downs.

 

[tuttiface]

This is great news for mathis owners. Mathis' value increases huge with more opportunitys for sacks. I could see him being back into the top 10-15 DE

 

[tuttiface]

The Colts have decided against "easing in" Dwight Freeney after his foot surgery. He'll be a full-time player.

Freeney won't be on a snap limit and will start at right end. Raheem Brock will play LE and kick inside on passing downs, with Robert Mathis replacing him outside. Mathis should still play a lot, but is no longer an official starter.

Jene, How much does this hurt Mathis' value?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

This isn't great news for Mathis, but he's proven in the past that he can still be productive with fewer snaps.

 

[Jene Bramel]

The Colts have decided against "easing in" Dwight Freeney after his foot surgery. He'll be a full-time player.Freeney won't be on a snap limit and will start at right end. Raheem Brock will play LE and kick inside on passing downs, with Robert Mathis replacing him outside. Mathis should still play a lot, but is no longer an official starter.Jene, How much does this hurt Mathis' value?

Puts him squarely in the same situation as last season, if the Colts are serious about this. Mathis played about one series in three on base downs and was a nickel rusher the rest of the time. Depending on the matchup and flow of the game, he'll get anywhere from 15-25 snaps per game. Ruins any chance of a return to 50 solos, though he should still have a shot at 8-10 sacks if he finishes a high percentage of his pressures.I'm a little skeptical that the Colts will use Freeney 60 snaps a game, however, until a little later in the season and I don't know that the tackle rotation is deep enough to allow Brock to stay outside that often. And the Colts cut Jeff Charleston, who was playing on base downs for Mathis last season. I'd bet that Mathis gets 30 snaps minimum through the first couple of weeks right now.