Brentastic Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 They are ranked as 7th best. I drafted them last night in my BOTH league not knowing this. My question is why. Is it because their relatively easy schedule or is it the actual defense getting some props here. I was unhappy about my defensive situation but now after seeing their high ranking, I'm somewhat optimistic. Can anyone encourage my optimism or relinquish my shame? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 (edited) Colts were one of the top teams in sacks last year, and forced a lot of turnovers. If your league rewards for things like that, you made a good pick. If it rewards keeping the score low or for yardage totals, you made a bad one. The pass defense will be much better this year. The run defense . . . Edited August 29, 2005 by CaptainHook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcoltfan Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 Freeney led the NFL in sacks last year. I think the colts finished with the SECOND most sacks behind Falcons (?) Teams were behind a lot last year and forced to pass. That led to many INTs. They will continue to get those INT's. Colts secondary got better with the addition of Marlin Jackson and a second round pick (another DB). They have gained another year of experience under Dungy. They still can't stop the run but improve enoough to turn some heads. No Homerism there Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crispirons Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 i don't get it either. they don't have the best talent on that side of the ball. i think what most people are buying into, is that their offense is so good and will get up on opponents early. meaning there defense will be on the field alot. maybe its there return team??? i don't know. maybe they are thinking teams are going to throw alot on them, providing them more opportunities for interceptions. freeney is good for some sacks, but i'm just not buying. i would rather have the cowboys or bears defense personally. can be had late in all drafts i've been in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted August 29, 2005 Author Share Posted August 29, 2005 i don't get it either. they don't have the best talent on that side of the ball. i think what most people are buying into, is that their offense is so good and will get up on opponents early. meaning there defense will be on the field alot. maybe its there return team??? i don't know. maybe they are thinking teams are going to throw alot on them, providing them more opportunities for interceptions. freeney is good for some sacks, but i'm just not buying. i would rather have the cowboys or bears defense personally. can be had late in all drafts i've been in. 955449[/snapback] They are not a unit I wanted to get, that's for sure. My thinking when I drafted them was that they will have early leads forcing their opponents to become one dimensional and hopefully causing many turnovers. However, if they give up a lot of yards, I could be in trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 okay...their defense isn't bad...they have Freeney...they play NFC west and AFC north...plus the Titans and Jags twice.... and the offense is prolific....teams play catchup alot and take shots in the dark by airing it out... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 (edited) They are not a unit I wanted to get, that's for sure. My thinking when I drafted them was that they will have early leads forcing their opponents to become one dimensional and hopefully causing many turnovers. However, if they give up a lot of yards, I could be in trouble. 955458[/snapback] they will give up a lot of yards Like I said, they are MUCH improved in pass defense this year. The Colts invested their top two picks in cornerbacks, and put some better athletes at safety. They are deep at linebacker. BUT, they did nothing to address the defensive line. Then Josh Williams, a starting DT, gets a sports hernia and appears to be headed for the PUP list. They are woefully thin at DT. I would love to see them pursue Simon, but it's not gonna happen. I fear that teams will remember how easy it is to run on the Colts. That being said, Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson appear to be very active in the run defense for DB's, and should contribute a lot of tackles. They will give up yards, though. Edited August 29, 2005 by CaptainHook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Croc Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 They have a great match-up Week One against Kyle Boller . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trots Posted August 29, 2005 Share Posted August 29, 2005 They have a great match-up Week One against Kyle Boller . . . 955523[/snapback] Jamal and Chester will have 45 combined carries. (Boller will still throw 1-2 picks and take 3 sacks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chavez Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 (Boller will still throw 1-2 picks and take 3 sacks) 955606[/snapback] So you're predicting the Ravens will attempt 15 or so passes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redcoltfan Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 Good one Chavez....Boller is good for at least TWO picks.. Jamal is a lock for 100 yards and Manning may only throw 2-TD's Manning and Moore have 2-3 weeks to game plan for the Ravens. I see a win from the visitor. Colts win 24-17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest THEbigred Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 The Colts' secondary will be *somewhat* improved (though it would be hard to get much worse so BFD) - as stated if you don't penalize much for giving up pts/yds then they're a decent D to have, although they will not repeat last year's turnover ratio IMO. I guess playing TEN and HOU twice a year doesn't hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted August 30, 2005 Author Share Posted August 30, 2005 they will give up a lot of yards Like I said, they are MUCH improved in pass defense this year. The Colts invested their top two picks in cornerbacks, and put some better athletes at safety. They are deep at linebacker. BUT, they did nothing to address the defensive line. Then Josh Williams, a starting DT, gets a sports hernia and appears to be headed for the PUP list. They are woefully thin at DT. I would love to see them pursue Simon, but it's not gonna happen. I fear that teams will remember how easy it is to run on the Colts. That being said, Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson appear to be very active in the run defense for DB's, and should contribute a lot of tackles. They will give up yards, though. 955472[/snapback] thanks for the insight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 These are the D scoring rules that B is talking about: For position: Def/STs 10.0 point(s) for 0 to 150 total yard(s) allowed. 5.0 point(s) for 151 to 250 total yard(s) allowed. 0.0 point(s) for 251 to 350 total yard(s) allowed. -5.0 point(s) for 351 to 400 total yard(s) allowed. -10.0 point(s) for 401 to 500 total yard(s) allowed. -15.0 point(s) for 501 to 999 total yard(s) allowed. Sacks 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 1.0 bonus point(s) for every 3.0 sack(s) recorded, starting with 3.0 sack(s). Fumbles Recovered 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 2.0 bonus point(s) for each 1 fumble(s) recovered, starting with 1 fumble(s) recovered. Interceptions 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 2.0 bonus point(s) for each 1 interception(s), starting with 1 interception(s). So, in this scoring system, it's really a yardage heavy league, and sacks don't count for much. It's all about the yardage. Points scored against don't count. This is based on DMD's perfect scoring system, which can be veiwed under "archived articles" on the home page. Before you critisice it, read the article. I makes a lot of sense, but the rankings are based on the more traditional FF defensive scoring rules, not this system. Smoke and mirror D's like the Colts don't fare well, but the truely good defenses, using NFL performances as a reality check point make teams like the Ravens and Pittsburgh very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted August 30, 2005 Author Share Posted August 30, 2005 These are the D scoring rules that B is talking about: For position: Def/STs 10.0 point(s) for 0 to 150 total yard(s) allowed. 5.0 point(s) for 151 to 250 total yard(s) allowed. 0.0 point(s) for 251 to 350 total yard(s) allowed. -5.0 point(s) for 351 to 400 total yard(s) allowed. -10.0 point(s) for 401 to 500 total yard(s) allowed. -15.0 point(s) for 501 to 999 total yard(s) allowed. Sacks 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 1.0 bonus point(s) for every 3.0 sack(s) recorded, starting with 3.0 sack(s). Fumbles Recovered 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 2.0 bonus point(s) for each 1 fumble(s) recovered, starting with 1 fumble(s) recovered. Interceptions 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 2.0 bonus point(s) for each 1 interception(s), starting with 1 interception(s). So, in this scoring system, it's really a yardage heavy league, and sacks don't count for much. It's all about the yardage. Points scored against don't count. This is based on DMD's perfect scoring system, which can be veiwed under "archived articles" on the home page. Before you critisice it, read the article. I makes a lot of sense, but the rankings are based on the more traditional FF defensive scoring rules, not this system. Smoke and mirror D's like the Colts don't fare well, but the truely good defenses, using NFL performances as a reality check point make teams like the Ravens and Pittsburgh very good. 956299[/snapback] So TDs don't count? If not, I clearly didn't read the rules well enough. Unfortunately, I had Ravens targeted with my 6.7 pick only for a Def run to start earyl in the 6th round. Thought I could wait for the Cats but I was wrong. After that, there were no defenses I liked, just a clump of about 8 teams that all seemed the same. Oh well, such is ff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 Like I said, they are MUCH improved in pass defense this year. The Colts invested their top two picks in cornerbacks, and put some better athletes at safety. They are deep at linebacker. 955472[/snapback] Not sure I agree with Hook, but I hope he's right. The Colts D was able to rack up a lot of sacks and INTs last season because their offense was able to go up by three TDs on opponents by the 3rd quarter of many games. That forced opposing offenses to become one-dimensional (and predictable). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 They were 28th against the pass last year. I guarantee they are better than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trots Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 So TDs don't count? If not, I clearly didn't read the rules well enough. Unfortunately, I had Ravens targeted with my 6.7 pick only for a Def run to start earyl in the 6th round. Thought I could wait for the Cats but I was wrong. After that, there were no defenses I liked, just a clump of about 8 teams that all seemed the same. Oh well, such is ff. 956408[/snapback] 'Tastic, not true. TDs do count. Defensive Scores 1 rule defined: For position: Def/STs 6.0 point(s) for each touchdown. 2.0 point(s) for each safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 They were 28th against the pass last year. I guarantee they are better than that. 956833[/snapback] Of course, most teams do nothing but pass against them in the 4th quarters of most games, so those stats are not a good representation of their secondary's effectiveness. I'm more concerned about their run defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Croc Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 The question against Baltimore will be whether the Colts can get a 10-14 point lead against that D, thus at least partially taking away the running game. I'm thinking they can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 Of course, most teams do nothing but pass against them in the 4th quarters of most games, so those stats are not a good representation of their secondary's effectiveness. I'm more concerned about their run defense. 957028[/snapback] While I can see what you are saying about the yardage, the simple fact was that they were a bad defense against the pass. They finished near the bottom in opponents passer rating, opponent's completion percentage, and opponent's yards per pass. It started in the pre-season and held true throghout the year. The secondary was just plain bad. But, I think they fixed it. There will be a new free safety, new strong safety, and at least one new cornerback in the season opener. I share your concern with the run defense. New England showed it was just as easy to run on the Colts as it is to pass. Teams will try to exploit it again this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 The secondary was just plain bad. But, I think they fixed it. 957118[/snapback] I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach on that one. Mike Doss' four-game suspension certainly won't help. Hopefully "building defense through the draft" will finally pay off this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach on that one. Mike Doss' four-game suspension certainly won't help. Hopefully "building defense through the draft" will finally pay off this year. 957242[/snapback] Two game suspension for Doss. And Joseph Jefferson is better anyways, especially in coverage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 (edited) Two game suspension for Doss. And Joseph Jefferson is better anyways, especially in coverage. 957251[/snapback] They moved Jefferson over from corner? Wow, I really haven't been paying attention. I suppose that a converted CB will almost inherently be better in coverage, but I can't see him doing as good a job as Doss in run support. Then again, Doss pulls his groin muscle every third or fourth game, so what the hell does it matter? Edited August 30, 2005 by Bill Swerski Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted August 30, 2005 Share Posted August 30, 2005 They moved Jefferson over from corner? Wow, I really haven't been paying attention. I suppose that a converted CB will almost inherently be better in coverage, but I can't see him doing as good a job as Doss in run support. Then again, Doss pulls his groin muscle every third or fourth game, so what the hell does it matter? 957270[/snapback] He has looked very good at safety. He played it in college. It looks like it fits him better. He's been in on a lot of run support plays so far the pre-season. I'm not sure Doss gets his job back when he returns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.