Colts coverage and the NFL http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts finally enter the draft late in round two after trading the pick in round one last season to the 49ers for Tony Ugoh. In round two they got another lineman, center Mike Pollak http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Ok here is our final 2008 NFL Mock Draft. Glad we got the first pick right and guaranteed not to get all 32 thanks to the Patriots, but never came close anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Patriots have agreed to a contract with former COlt and Lions TE Marcus Pollard according to the Boston Globe. Pollard will add depth for a team that likes their tight ends http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net So it's time to release our first 2008 NFL Mock Draft - another will come Friday before the draft. There is lots of intrigue and different scenarios and some trades will factor in of course, but we'll take a look where things are at now. See our 2008 NFL Mock Draft http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts chose not to match the offer sheet signed by TE Ben Utecht with the Cincinnati Bengals, so Utecht becomes a member of the Bengals http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts have resigned DE Josh Thomas. He provide good depth on the defensive line, playing the run much better than the pass http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Eagles have signed another defensive lineman... but wait former Colt and Patriots Dan Klecko will be moved to fullback in Philadephia. It is a position he has been used in part time in the past http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Bengals have signed Colts restricted free agent TE Ben Utecht to a 3 year offer sheet. The Colts have a week to match or get nothing in return as he was undrafted out of college and received the low tender http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Titans have signed former Colts guard Jake Scott to a 4 year deal worth about $20 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts have released DT Anthony McFarland and LB Rob Morris clearing some needed cap space. The team had high hopes for McFarland, but blew up in their face http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts have agreed to a 6 year deal with TE Dallas Clark that will make him among the highest paid tight ends in the league and also signed starting guard Ryan Lilja to a 5 year deal worth about $19 million http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts had no plans of letting TE Dallas Clark get away, so tag your it. Tuesday they placed the franchise tag on him, which isn't so bad on a tight end whose franchise number is just $4.522 million. You can be sure he'll get more than that from the long term deal that will get worked out eventually http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Ah yes tax time is near and the pain of seeing how much money we fork over to cause deep pain in our stomachs. Then of course there is all the good that comes from it, such as members of congress spending the day listening to the he said she said of Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee (don't forget Andy Pettitte too) and now a new wonderful word "Nannygate", ugh what has this world come to? Add to that Arlen Specter grilling NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over the spygate issue, threatening congressional hearings and the league's antitrust exemption. Do these blowhard's not have anything better to do with their days??? Do we not have any serious issues to be tackled in this great country that we have time to bicker and seek headlines with this crap? Hey guys call me when you fix the economy, health care, homelessness in this rich country and a list longer than.... then we can get around to which retired baseball players did what. Other than Barry Bonds the rest of this is ridiculous and makes me not want to pay attention to the sports we all love so much. This country has become addicted to soap opera's and reality crap where everyone wants their 15 minutes. It's not like this is all brand new, the Steelers of the 70s admittedly used steroids and they certainly were not alone but no one is calling to take back their Super Bowl wins. Lester Hayes is probably my favorite corner of all time, but he reported used something to help him get a better grip. Can we all just move on and focus on trying to fix things rather than going over the top about the past. Either way Roger was dominant, the Patriots were superior and as much as it pains us Bonds was a Hall of Famer before they all crossed the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy was highly rumored to be retiring with Jim Caldwell taking over, but Dungy has decided to stay on for another year. Caldwell will be the next coach and most likely after the 2008 season http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net This year has been interesting, more than I can remember in the last 5 years combined there are so many coaches withdrawing from consideration or not even wanting to interview for head coaching job this year it is getting comical. The latest is Seahawks assistant Jim Mora who has pulled out of consideration with the Redskins... let that lead to rumors about Mike Holmgren. Anyway it seems Gregg Williams is the man there anyway http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net We don't yet know if Tony Dungy will return next year for the Colts, but we now know for sure who would replace him if he doesn't. Not that it is a surprise but now has been confirmed by ownership that Jim Caldwell would be the new head coach. And if not this year it seems surely next year Dungy would retire http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts assistant head coach and QB coach Jim Caldwell is a popular man right now. He has been a target of all the head coach openings with the exception of Miami. However his most likely chance at a head coaching gig is in Indy. Either after this year or next Tony Dungy is likely to retire and Cadwell would be the most likely replacement. The Rooney rule requires teams to interview at least one minority coach before hiring, has done a lot of good to be sure. It is certainly getting Caldwell's name out there, but it won't likely land him a job. Last year 49ers assistant head coach Mike Singletary was a hot candidate and was at that time said to be very impressive, but he hasn't gotten so much as a nibble this year. Continuing the interesting way "hot" candidates come and go look at Jim Schwartz, who nearly landed the job with the 49ers that went to Mike Nolan and then was untouched for two years and now is hot again. The same thing happened to current Packers head man Mike McCarrthy, who while the Saints offensive coordinator was a hot name only to disappear for a few years and then surprisingly landed the Packers job and look what he has done there. It is interesting how this all works, not necessarily smart but interesting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is the leading candidate to replace Joe Gibbs as the head coach in Washington, but the first interview was Titans coordinator Jim Schwartz. William interview will come soon for sure and Jim Caldwell's name is in the mix as well, though not a likely choice http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The season of obvious awards continues with Patriots QB Tom Brady winning the league MVP award. He took 49 of the 50 votes with Packers QB Brett Favre the only remaining vote. Brady simply was amazing this year and it makes you wonder what more he could have done in the past with more receivers. He and Randy Moss seem to have brought out the best in each other and tore up opposing defenses all year. Brady set the single season passing touchdown record with 50, one better than Peyton Manning in his MVP season http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Not much in the way of surprises in the award season as today Bill Belichick was named as the AP coach of the year. He won with 29 votes, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was second with 15 of the 50 available votes. You can talk about spygate if want, but seriously they went 16-0.... who else did more than that? The Packers 13-3 season was great, but even a 15-1 season is a long ways from 16-0! Sygate happened during the first game and had no effect on the rest of the year. Belichick without doubt deserved the award and if anything we are surprised he didn't get more votes! Dallas' Wade Phillips and Jacksonville's Jack Del Rio each got 2 votes, and Indianapolis' Tony Dungy and Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden got one each to round out the voting http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The NFL suffered a tragedy with the loss of Redskins safety Sean Taylor who was shot in his home during a suspected buglary, he was 24 years old. We extend our sympathy to Sean's family, friends and teammates http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Houston Texans will no longer be an easy task for the Colts. An injury riddled Texans team continue to fight in a 30-24 loss. Without Andre Johnson and losing Ahman Green in the first half the offense was sure to be challenged but never gave in. The Colts were patient and smart but are finding some new challenges in their division http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts and Titans rivalry is back. Vince Young has helped bring the Titans back and Peyton probably isn't too happy about that. The Titans used to be a tough game, but that changed as their fortunes did, now Peyton knows regardless of other circumstances it will be tough. The Titans almost pulled out a win Sunday. The Colts were up by 10 at the half but as they learned last year, it's not enough. Amazingly for the second straight week though the Colts defense showed up and played well saving the game in the end http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Return man and a shifty little receiver, the Bengals released Antonio Chatman so they could sign rookie center Dan Santucci, who they drafted this year in the 7th round. Santucci was cut and then signed to the Colts practice squad so the Bengals had to sign him to the active roster to get him back http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Someone may have forgotten to tell the New Orleans Saints that the season started on Thursday for them. Their offense must have thought this was another preseason game as they got taken apart by the Colts 41-10. A little surprise to start the season http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net DT Corey Simon who was released earlier by the Colts has signed a one year deal with the Tennessee Titans. Simon as a standout defender a few years ago with the Eagles, but has always had weight issues. He didn't play last year. He didn't play last year and wasn't around this year either under cloudy reasons. Will have to see if he can return to be a contributor http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net So much for the talk of 10 wins for the Lions if the third preseason game was any indication. The Lions looked way over-matched against the Colts and not just Peyton Manning, but his backup as well which only 25% of Colts fans can name... ok that may not be nice but how often is Peyton not on the field? His name is Jim Sorgi and in college he went to a prolific passing school of Wisconsin.. oh wait they are a run dominant team. Well Sorgi looked very sharp against the Lions undermanned d http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Here is a great article by Fox Sports' John Czarnecki about how the NFL rookie are being paid way too much. "It doesn't make sense that LaRon Landry is the highest paid safety in the game," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones told me. "And that Joe Thomas (Cleveland's top pick) has a better deal than Tom Brady. For example, Chiefs running back Larry Johnson signed yesterday for less guaranteed money than what Johnson and Thomas collected, and only a moron would say those rookies deserve more than one of the NFL's best running backs... we're right there with you John, good work http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Things keeping getting worse in Indy for the Colts. DT Corey Simon was released Friday and now Anthony McFarland will be lost for the season after injuring his knee. There are different reports as to exactly what the injury was but no questions it will end his year and leave the run defense in rough shape http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net It was a great year for the Colts, but the off season was rough and isn't getting any better. Left tackle Tarik Glenn has decided to retire from the NFL. While some see a play for a contract extension, Glenn says that's not it. The Colts and especially Peyton Manning will hold out hope he returns, but this off season just keeps getting worse. Tony Ugoh was draft in the second round as the left tackle of the future, but he isn't ready for that spot quite yet http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Following up on a trade the Colts gave up their 1rst round pick next year and their 4th rounder, #126 overall this year to get the 49ers pick at #42 which they used on Tony Ugoh. So the 49ers gave up their first rounder next year to get tackle Joe Staley and then get a first from the Colts for them to get a tackle as well... interesting. It basically matches the picks the 49ers gave up too, but we~re betting the Colts will pick later in the first round next year. So completing the 49ers scenario they swapped spots in the first round next year, their 4th rounders this year with the Colts and gave up their second rounder for Staley http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts traded up with the 49ers to select OT Tony Ugoh in round two. The Colts get some depth on the offensive line, but this is a bad pick they traded up and passed on LB David Harris. Ugoh has potential in the years ahead for them but they had bigger needs http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts needed a slot receiver and chose Anthony Gonzalez with their first round pick. He was the best choice in the draft for the slot. He will be a great option for Peyton Manning. He is very smart, has good speed and hands http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts decided against matching the offer sheet from the New Orleans Saints to cornerback Jason David and they will now receive a 4th round pick in return for David from the Saints. David will step into the starting lineup for the Saints next to Mike McKenzie and allow the Saints not to be forced to get a starting caliber corner in the draft. The Colts on the other hand have lost both starting corners and have lots of holes to fill in the draft this weekend http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts may be losing another player, the New Orleans Saints have signed CB Jason David to a front loaded 4 year offer sheet. If the Colts do not match the offer they will get a 4h round pick in return http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts backup QB Jim Sorgi has signed his one year tender offer as a restricted free agent to return to the Colts this year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Former Colts safety Mike Doss has signed a one year $1 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings according to the Star Tribune. Doss suffered a torn ACL in October but is hoping to be back to start training camp. That may be a bit early but if he is ready to start the season even as the team's third safety he will add great depth behind Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings are visiting with free agent WR Aaron Moorehead and safety Mike Doss, according to the Star Tribune. Both played for the Colts last year. Doss will also visit with the Eagles http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts backup WR Aaron Moorehead will visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday according to the Indianapolis Star. Moorehead would be the 6th player to leave this off season. http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Guard Rick DeMulling left the Indianapolis Colts two years ago for a better offer with the Lions, now he is headed back home according to ESPN http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The NFL announced the prime time games for the opening weekend at the owners meeting. The Saints will travel to Indianapolis in the opening game Thursday night. The Sunday afternoon national game features the Bears traveling to San Diego where new head coach Norv Turner will face off against his brother, Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner. The Sunday night game is Giants at the Cowboys and as last year there are a pair off Monday night games. First the Ravens travel to Cincinnati and then the Cardinals visit the 49ers in San Francisco http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Philadelphia Eagles quickly signed former Colts DT Montae Reagor to a 3 year $8.3 million contract according to ESPN. Reagor is quick and will help in the pass rush but will not help the Eagles run defense. The Eagles now have incredible depth at tackle so someone else could be on the block, either the trade or chopping block http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Denver Broncos have signed former Browns DT Alvin McKinley and former Colts WR Brandon Stokley, who if healthy will be a solid pickup. Injuries have been a big issue for Stokley though and if healthy it seems he would be competing with Rod Smith for the #3 job if you believe the team that Smith is the #3 and youngster Brandon Marshall will be the starter. For a team like the Broncos that rarely used the #3 much less #4 receivers it would seems they are fighting for a roster spot since neither would have much to offer on special team, a prerequisite of the #4 receiver http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Eagles are looking to boost their depth on the defensive line and will meet with former Colts DT Montae Reagor. He is a quick penetrating tackle who would be effective in the rotating group the Eagles use on their d'line. The Eagles already have a decent group but love to have a deep stocked depth chart on the line http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Bucs have signed former Colts LB Cato June. The deal according to ESPN is for 3 years and is worth $12 million. June is an excellent fit in the Cover 2 defense and will now pair with Derrick Brooks to help improve the Bucs average at best defense of last year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts added some depth with a pair of signings. Former Cardinals QB John Navarre and LB Mike Labinjo both played college in the state of Michigan. Navarre adds solid depth at QB not that it has ever been needed with Peyton Manning at the helm but still nice to have http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Tennessee Titans have signed former Colts CB Nick Harper to a 3 year deal which will ease the blow when they boot Pacman from the team. Harper is a solid corner, up there in years but not showing it on Sunday's he is a good addition for the Titans. The Colts have been bringing in replacements for a while and now will have to replace him for good http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Keeping the quick run of signings at the running back spot the Raiders have agreed to 2 year $7.5 million deal with former Colts RB Dominic Rhodes according to the NFL Network. His arrest for DWI on the eve of free agency didn't help his cause but since when have the Raiders been too concerned with things like that? Rhodes and Lamont Jordan will team for for a solid backfield for new head coach Lane Kiffin. They still need to get some blocking, oh and someone to hand the ball off to them http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts have resigned LB Rob Morris. The former first round pick lost his starting middle linebacker job last year and was a backup at all three spots. He took over on the strong side for the final three regular season games and the played and played a vital role http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts are close on terms to resigning LB Rob Morris according to the Indianapolis Star. Morris played for the league minimum last and started out as a backup before starting late in the season to help improve the run defense http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The New York Giants met today with Colts RB Dominic Rhodes. The Giants want a back they can platoon with Brandon Jacobs http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Indianapolis Colts have released defenisve tackle Montae Reagor and wide receiver Brandon Stokley http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Tomorrow morning isn't Christmas but may seem like it in some NFL cities as free agency begins . There will be some quick signing and the sticker price will shock and awe http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Detroit Lions will need to add some new corners if as expected they trade Dre Bly. One name to watch in free agency is Colts CB Nick Harper who would be an excellent fit. Depth will come in the draft which is deep at corner http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts QB Peyton Manning has restructured his contract according to ESPN saving the team $8.2 million in cap space for the upcoming year http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts RB Dominic Rhodes ran for 113 yards and a TD in the Super Bowl and is set to cash in during free agents.. but along comes a road block, almost... Rhodes was arrested overnight on charges of driving while intoxicated according to the Indianapolis Star. He was going 81 mph in a 55 zone. Never known as a speed back it appears it may be due to heavy feet. Not the impression you wanted to make before free agency http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts have announced that head coach Tony Dungy will return to the team for his sixth season. He had considered retiring as he has the past few years, but has decided to come back and defend the team's championship http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Here's a shocker: the Colts have placed the franchise tag on DE Dwight Freeney. Ok everyone knew it was coming but we had to keep you reading. Freeney will get a huge long term deal eventually but for now the Colts guarantee he isn't going anywhere for now http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Miami Dolphins have hired former Indianapolis Colts defensive quality control coach Diron Reynolds to be their new defensive line coach. Reynolds worked on the d'line in 2001 at Indiana University with new Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Minnesota Vikings have hired Leslie Frazier as their new defensive coordinator. Frazier was the secondary coach for the Colts for two years after being fired as the Bengals defensive coordinator in 2004 http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Note to self: don't make dumb bets. A Chicago Bears, Scott Wiese has started the process of changing his name to Peyton Manning after pledging he would if the Bears lost in the Super Bowl. Is it any surprise he agreed to it in a BAR? Lacking in the reports is how much he had to drink first. We have all made some bad decisions before but http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera interviewed Tuesday in Dallas and said he is not tied to one defense and the Cowboys personnel could run a 3-4 or 4-3 and he could see using some of both. Colts assistant head coach and QB coach Jim Caldwell will interview Wednesday and a decision should be made before the end of the week. Norv Turner still is the majority pick in the media but Wade Phillips isn't out yet either. Some still mention Mike Singletary and while he certainly made a good impression it is unlikely in our eyes http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net With the Super Bowl win behind them the Colts quickly need to look to the off season. With very little room under the salary cap and a number of free agents it could be a rough off season in Indianapolis. DE Dwight Freeney will not be going anywhere and will get the franchise tag if not resigned before, but some players will be going elsewhere. Dominic Rhodes had a tremendous Super Bowl but may be hard to retain http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net What happened to the pass rush generated by the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship game? The Bears front four disappeared in the Super Bowl, getting very little pressure on Peyton Manning. They were a tired bunch even at halftime and didn't do much vs the run either. While Chicago will fault them, it's about time the Colts offensive lineman get some credit. They do not get mentioned much for the work they do in protecting Manning or run blocking. Manning is hardly a mobile QB, and that is being very polite, but yet is always among the least sacked QB in the league. Ask Edgerrin James home much he misses them after running behind the Cardinals so called line last year. They are a quiet but excellent group coach by Howard Mudd http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts assistant head coach Jim Caldwell may be hearing from the Dallas Cowboys soon to interview for their head coaching job http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Peyton Manning won the Super Bowl MVP. It was an honor that cold have gone to either RB Dominic Rhodes or Joseph Addai, but a tie goes the QB in this game, especially when the name is Manning. Manning had a good game despite an early interception and an active Chicago defense he calmed his team, the Bears and their fans by going 25 of 38 for 247 yards with a TD and the INT. Rhodes and Addai split the workload with Rhodes gaining 113 yards on 21 carries and a TD. Addai had 77 yards on the ground but also had 10 catches for 66 yards. Either could have been the MVP but they split the work too well. Addai nearly tied a record for catches and had more overall yards, but Rhodes provided the tough yards and helped seal the game in the second half. Still it was Manning who guided the team, not only in the game but for years and his performance was very good in the big game everyone said they couldn't win... can't say that any longer http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts are Super Bowl Champs beating the Bears 29-17. Finally getting over the hump against the Patriots and ignoring the rainy weather, Peyton Manning and the Colts played a strong game to get the monkey off their back http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net Colts CB Nick Harper will be a game time decision due to his sprained ankle, but S Bob Sanders is expected to play despite sitting out practice Friday to rest http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22 PFInsider.net The Colts added DE Robert Mathis and CB Jason David to the injury report for the Super Bowl, both are listed as probable http://www.pfinsider.net/team.php?tid=22