Ask BigBlueShoe, Colts blogger (Week 6)

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 8, 2008 7:51 PM EDT Comment 41 comments

Hiya Ravens fans! BigBlueShoe here, and before you go hating on me for loving the team that used to call Baltimore home, please know that I loved the Baltimore Colts. Johnny Unitas is the greatest QB that ever lived to me. Better than Montana, Young, Elway, Marino, any of them. Raymond Berry is Jesus at the WR spot, and Milt Davis is a personal hero of mine.

But as much as I'd love to talk old Baltimore Colts football, I'm more interested in your questions about the current Indianapolis Colts. Both teams have a big game this Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium. Your Ravens have lost 2 in a row, and my Colts just pulled a rabbit out of their colective BUTTS, beating Houston with 21 points in the final 4:45 minutes of the game.

As with all games between our clubs, it will be hard fought and physical. If you have questions about certain players, injuries, schemes, and other topics pertaining to the Indy Colts, ask away. I'm happy to answer them.

The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!

0 recs | Comment 41 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

A have few questions.

Who will win the battle between the Ravens Defense and the colts offense?
How will the colts run defense fair against the best ruching attack in the league without bob sanders?
How well do you think the colts o-line will protect Manning aganst one of the best pass rushes in the nfl?
I’ll have a few more later.

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Oct 8, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Answers

Well, the Colts offense will. Duh! ;)

Seriously, Ravens defense is very, very good. Last year’s blowout was more a result of Baltimore’s injuries than Indy’s offense owning them. This year, Baltimore is healthy. It will be a tough fight.

Colts run defense v. Ravens run offense- it will probably favor Baltimore. Indy has not shown they can consistently stop the run this year. Maybe, as players like Daniel Muir and LaJuan Ramsey get used to the system, they will improve. But, right now, run D is a big liability.

Colts oline is now healthy, for the most part. LT Tony Ugoh needs to get healthy and back to playing. He is still nursing a sore groin (ouch!). Mike Pollak, Jamie Richard, and Charlie Johnson can play the guard spots very well. Having OC Jeff Saturday back is a big lift.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 8, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the answers

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Oct 8, 2008 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manning

What is the biggest reason for his not so Manning performances?
If you lost to the Texans who would be the media target in Indy this week?

by raven on Oct 8, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Answers

His knee, I think. He is still not 100% healthy, and his o-line has not been 100% healthy.

If they lost to the Texans, the run defense would still be getting thrown under the bus.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 8, 2008 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Questions

How healthy is Dwight Freeney? Will he struggle against Jared Gaither?

Who’s the backup for Ugoh and how prepared will he be for Suggs and company?

Does Indy even have the Personnel to stop our Hefty Formation (6 OL, Lorenzo Neal at Fullback, Le’Ron McClain converts to a 6 foot RB) Usually there’s a TE in there too. How do you think Dungy will respond to that formation?

Do you have any questions for us?

by math_geek on Oct 8, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Answers

Freeney is very healthy. He strained hamstring against Houston, but overall he is a-okay. He had a sack and forced fumble against Houston.

Charlie Johnson is the back-up, and while he will likely be prepared for Suggs and company, no back-up LT can match Suggs and company. If they could, they should not be a back-up.

Yes, they do. The key is health. Daniel Muir and LaJuan Ramsey can man the NT position. And players like Gary Brackett, Freddie Keiaho, Antoine Bethea, and Marlin Jackson are very physical.

Questions for you? Ok. What is a good seafood place in Baltimore?

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 8, 2008 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What is a good seafood place in Baltimore?

ACK, I always get asked that question, and I never have a good answer. In my opinion, the best seafood is on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and as I used to work there in the summer, that was where I would eat seafood.

After all, seafood is best in the summer.

If you’re looking for a good Baltimore crab house, I would go with Obrycki’s on 1727 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21231. I’ve had good experiences there, and it’s definitely what a Baltimore crab house should be.

Sadly, I don’t live in Baltimore anymore, although I could tell you the best place to get a Philadelphia Cheesesteak.

by math_geek on Oct 8, 2008 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best Crab Cake in Baltimore

In my humble opinion, the best crab cakes I’ve enjoyed here are now at G&M Seafood, not far from the airport. Huge lump crabmeat. Get the double dinner (2 crabcakes) and take one home for later. Yummy!!!

Rexx

by Rexx on Oct 9, 2008 7:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mmmmm

Some excellent suggestions, folks. Many thanks.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 9, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wit or witout?

What are the names of those famous dueling cheesesteak restauraunts in Philly- across the street from each other? I saw them on a food show a few weeks ago (when I turned the tv from another Ravens 4th quarter train wreck : ) We could use one in B-more…Don’t ask me fine dinning questions… I still think Wawa and Royal Farms have good subs! I even buy the pre-made ones that sit in the warm fridge to forgo the fresh made lines and to avoid actually seeing the gargoyles who make them.

by raven on Oct 9, 2008 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pat's and Geno's are the two that you were referring to

Although Jim’s on 4th and South street is the best for my money.

by math_geek on Oct 9, 2008 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw that show on the Foood Network...

…I started drooling and I gave up red meat last year, but might make an exception if I ever get there!

Rexx

by Rexx on Oct 9, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Veggie

I’m a vegetarian, so the cheese steak thing doesn’t appeal to me. But, I do enjoy seafood every once and while!

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 9, 2008 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

theres no meat in a real philly cheesesteak anyway :-)

by math_geek on Oct 9, 2008 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Dog counts as meat. ;)

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 10, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The numbers on Freeney

in four games he has 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. That puts him on pace for he best season since 2004 when he was a pro bowler and 1st team all-pro with 16 sacks.

I ain't tryin' do you, I'm just tryin do me
Last album did two, I'm just tryin' do three
-Young Jeezy "I Luv It"

by shake n bake on Oct 9, 2008 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adding to this

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis ARE the Colts pass rush right now.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 9, 2008 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

6 sacks so far this year

3 by Freeney, 2 by Mathis, 1 by DT/DE/FB/Special teams ace Darrell Reid.

I ain't tryin' do you, I'm just tryin do me
Last album did two, I'm just tryin' do three
-Young Jeezy "I Luv It"

by shake n bake on Oct 9, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a few more questions

How well do you think Joe Flacco will preform in indy?
How do you think Jared Gaither will do against Freeney?

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Oct 8, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Answers

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 8, 2008 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Answers, redo

Flacco is a stud. You know, Indy was going to draft him if he fell further in the first round. They were talking about trading up into round one to get him. Flacco will struggle, but he is a calm guy with tremendous talent.

Gaither will struggle, but if Baltimore runs the ball it will neutralize Indy’s pass rush.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 8, 2008 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great Questions...

…and answers as well. Thanks for visitng the site and I’ll do the same over at Stampede Blue.

Rexx

by Rexx on Oct 9, 2008 7:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

My pleasure

Now gimme more questions! What, no questions about what we think of your new coach, Jimmy Harbaugh’s brother John?

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 9, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Questions

What did you think of Harbaughs clock management during the Tenn. Can you write that off to being a rookie coach or do you, like me, think that is a major fundamental flaw in his judgement? What do you think about Cam Cameron and is it just a fluke (or Pennington) that Miami is beating good teams now that he’s gone? I know it’s early to play these cards but some things are starting to rear their ugly heads.

by raven on Oct 9, 2008 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Answers

I think it was just a fluke thing for Harbaugh. I think he was a very good signing as a head coach for your team. He is not a blown hard buffoon like Billick. Harbaugh us an actual coach, not some glorified coordinator.

Cam Cameron is an idiot. He might be a decent OC, but the man is an utter clown. He does not command respect and does not coach players very well.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 9, 2008 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

yeah, your right about Harbaugh..“major fundamental flaw” was a little over the top by me..where did i get that..ha ha. I need to take a break.

by raven on Oct 9, 2008 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's with the Cam Cameron hate

That he struggled as a Head Coach in Miami? That team had so little talent and so many injuries. I don’t understand why we blame Cam Cameron for drafting Ted Ginn Jr. and John Beck. Isn’t that the General Manager’s job? Miami was one of the most completely talent deprived teams in the NFL last year. I don’t know if it means Cam can’t coach.

However, if there is other reasoning for your statement, I’d love to hear it. I was under the impression that he worked very well with Quarterbacks and was excited about his opportunity to work with Joe Flacco.

by math_geek on Oct 10, 2008 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My concerns on Cameron...

…focus on:
1. The good job he did with the Chargers. With LT running great and Rivers being a very good young QB, how hard was it to be labeled a good o-coordinator (see Brian Billick in Minnesota)?
2. If he was so good as an o-coordinator, it doesn’t always mean that translates well to head coach (see Billick again, as well as Norv Turner in SD).
3. Is there anything to the recent comment on this blog from a reader who asked if there was any coincidence between Cameron being gone from Miami and the Dolphins doing better this year w/o him?
4. While his playcalling was impressive the first two games, it has not looked much different than Matt Cavanaugh’s the past two!

Rexx

by Rexx on Oct 10, 2008 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

some concerns

1. Developing QBs is part of a OC’s job, and Cameron has done that at every level that he’s coached – Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers were both coached under Cameron, and I truly believe coaching plays a big role in QB success. Cameron was never working with a Vikings level offensive talent either. LT and the QBs were quite good, as was Gates. But there was no Randy Moss/Chris Carter level WRs

2. Absolutely true, but I don’t really see how that’s relevant

3. Talent – Talent – Talent. Remember, They had to start Cleo Lemon and John Beck for half of the season, and their best offensive player, Ronnie Brown, went down with a knee injury as well. Possibly over half of their starters are new (I can’t find the exact number). I’d say Bill Parcells had as much or more to do with these changes than Tony Sparano.

4. I liked the playcalling in the Pittsburgh game. I didn’t get to see all of the Tennesee game so I can’t make a full judgement, but things definitely change when you’re playing excellent defenses. I’d hardly call it Matt Cavanaugh though. When did Matt Cavanaugh have the kind of diverse packages that Cam Cameron has. Protecting the QB and running the ball are not “imaginative,” but they need to be the keys to an offense with a rookie QB.

by math_geek on Oct 10, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rebuttal

1. It is the job of the QB coach to develop the QB. The OC’s job is to develop the entire offense, from TEs to WRs to O-line. He also must develop a consistent game plan and philosophy that helps the players succeed. Coordinators like Tom Moore take an approach to tailor the offense to the talent, not force the talent to work within the offense. Cameron forces talent to work within his offense. Also, Drew Bees was the first pick in the 2nd round in 2001 and Philip Rivers was a first round pick. So, it is not like Cameron had lunch meat to work with. Brees and Rivers (more so Brees because Rivers stinks IMO) had lots of talent and ability coming in. That helps.

2. Cameron is a horrid head coach. Horrid.

3. Cameron drafted John Beck. In fact, he said it was his plan to draft Ted Ginn and then, later in the draft, get Beck. Also, Sparano seems to have gained the respect of his players in Miami. Cameron could never get that. Cameron was always too busy obsessing over what players were confiding to the media.

4. Again, Cameron can be a good OC, but do not expect fireworks from him. His offense always floundered in the playoffs in SD.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 10, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My response

1. Well, obviously the OC has to develop the entire offense, but the QB is the most difficult and important position to develop. That being said measure our offensive line this year compared to our offensive line last year. The difference is stunning. Even though our line has struggled at times, it’s actually been against talented defenses this time, as opposed to letting themselves get mangled by the Bengals D-line last year. Check Albert Haynesworths performance against the Ravens last Sunday. He only touched Flacco after the whistle.

2. I still don’t care.

3. OK, that’s fair, but I feel very strongly that Head Coaches shouldn’t be drafting players. That’s crap. The Eagles might be the only good team where the HC does the drafting. Shanahan does but his defenses are always sub-abysmal. Even Bill Bellicheck relies heavily on Scott Pioli. Give me Polian or Newsome or Pioli or AJ Smith any day.

4. If the Ravens had had a league average offensive performance and passing game over the past 8 years, we wouldn’t be hearing about a Patriots dynasty. I think we more or less agree that Cameron can (and has been) be a good OC, and I can totally respect resentment from him doing a bad job with your favorite College team. I don’t know how much stock I put in “floundering in the playoffs.” The Cameron offense made it to the playoffs TWICE. In addition, they moved the ball well in both games. In the first game, that included driving up the field for the game-tying TD in the fourth quarter. The Chargers defense should have played way better in San Diego against New England. That was a defensive meltdown after a great first half.

by math_geek on Oct 10, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cameron hate answers

My loathing for Cameron actually stems further back than his Miami debacle or his career as the OC in San Diego. Cam Cameron used to be the head coach of Indiana University’s football program, and he was utterly incompetent running it. He had Antwan Randel-El as his QB (he played QB in college), and Randel-El was an amazing player in the Big Ten. Cameron’s problem is players do not respect him and most Madden players know more about defense than him. Can he be a decent OC? Yes, he isn’t bad. But he does not inspire trust or command respect. Those are bad qualities in any coach.

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 10, 2008 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As far as his clock management...

if you’re referring to the end of the first half, with the whole timeout 14 sec. debacle after just running off a huge gain, I think it was more an issue of him trying to not allow the Titans to change defensive personnel after the huge gain. It just didn’t work with whole false start thing.

Kevbo: [to George Sherrill] George, you look a lot like Vin Diesel...

Flatbill: Let's get somethin' straight... Vin Diesel looks like me.

-From "The Making of Orioles Magic"

by dayzd toe on Oct 10, 2008 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Horribly poor clock management.

No excuses at all for his screw up that DEFINITELY cost us three points!

Rexx

by Rexx on Oct 10, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everythings going to be fine

Stop worrying about the coaching. They are managing a rookie quarterback that will get better over time, as will this team. They have been put in tough situations because of their effort to nurse this quarterback and when he gets better the situations will become easier to manage and you wont be complaining about the coaching. We won the first two weeks and We will win this weekend because were good and they arent the team they used to be. Their new stadium doesnt belong to them. It belongs to the bears and the jaguars. This weekend we are moving in for the day. We will probably hang out for like 5 or so hours, use the bathroom (not flush) and then ride out with a W.

You cant see me LaRon McClain pound pound watch out

by Ravensfan52 on Oct 10, 2008 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like your optimism,..

..as opposed t my reality. Hope your thoughts end up as my reality as well. Thanks!

Rexx

by Rexx on Oct 10, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nicely Said

Raven52,
that is the best thing i’ve heard yet, we will win and I just can’t wait to see Peyton complaining away. Every Indy Colt fan that I know complains about everything. We need a win to help send them out of the playoffs.

by section117 on Oct 10, 2008 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Colts Final Injury Report

hot off the presses

I ain't tryin' do you, I'm just tryin do me
Last album did two, I'm just tryin' do three
-Young Jeezy "I Luv It"

by shake n bake on Oct 10, 2008 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Butt officially kicked..

After carving us up, Manning is still sharp enough to cut through cans..We’ll be watching the Colts in the playoffs. Looked like old times out there for Colts and same old times for Ravens. McCallister still looking for his grill and jock.

by raven on Oct 13, 2008 12:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs