News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Sports

Discussion

Welcome to our online comments feature. We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable as well as posts that are attacking other users. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
comments powered by Disqus
August 26, 2010

Off to the non-frozen tundra of Lambeau: Colts starters expected to play at least first half tonight

Tom James Tribune-Star Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS — When it comes to preseason games, the Indianapolis Colts have been  consistent in recent years.

 And we’re not talking about the 9-22 record since 2004, either. Team president Bill Polian, former coach Tony Dungy and current coach Jim Caldwell are all in agreement. They view the preseason as an evaluation period for the team’s first-year players and those veterans who are usually relegated to backup roles once the regular season commences.

“I think you have to evaluate everything. I just think that’s the way it is in our business. You can never get comfortable,” coach Jim Caldwell said earlier this week.

“You can never get complacent, always trying to unearth something new and different, always trying to find a way to get an edge. You don’t want to place any limitations on anyone. You want to see the competition and let it unfold. That’s what makes it fun.”

Indianapolis’ first-team offensive and defensive units should see their most work tonight at Green Bay (8 p.m., ESPN). But the rookies and second-tier players will have plenty of chances to show what they can do. The first round of NFL-mandated roster cuts will be Sunday, so what happens this evening could determine whether somebody stays on the team.

“[The upcoming roster cuts is something] we don’t focus on at this point in time because we allow the performances [in the game] to dictate what happens when we do have to reduce the squad. That will happen in the ballgames,” Caldwell said.

“The guys will be able to solidify a position and move themselves into a little bit better position to make the team. It’s tough. Those decisions are tough. What we do is evaluate the film, watch the film, determine what we’ve seen in practice and make a decision from there.”

The Colts coaching staff have kept things — scheme-and-play-wise — pretty close to the vest in the first two preseason games, losses to San Francisco and Buffalo. Tonight, though, more (but not all) of the Colts’ regular offensive and defensive systems should be on display.

“You hold back, I think, a significant amount because of the fact that if there is something you’re doing that is a little bit different than what you’ve done before, you don’t necessarily want to give any teams a little head start in preparation,” Caldwell explained. “There are some things that you may not divulge. But for the most part it is a fairly significant package.

“We do also want to keep things relatively simple because we like to see what guys can do and if they are out there thinking a little bit too much. I think that sort of retards what we consider to be a gift of ours and that is our speed and able to run to the ball and execute effectively without having to necessarily think about what is going on. That’s kind of how we’ll approach it, so it’s a little bit of both.”

• Playing on the non-frozen tundra — Tonight’s game at Lambeau Field should have a regular-season feel to it.

 Both team’s starters will most likely play for most, if not all, of the first half. The Packers and their fans should present an interesting scene for Indianapolis.

 “It’s a great benefit. It’s a great atmosphere. They are an outstanding team with speed to burn at their skill positions. A a very talented quarterback [and] a good offensive line that is going to be a great match for us.”

“Conversely, you look at the other side, they have a real stable defense with big guys up front that certainly try to control the line of scrimmage,” Caldwell said.

“They give you enough variety, in terms of their stunts and blitzes, to keep you on your toes, particularly on third down, and they are fine cover people. Schematically it is a great challenge both offensively and defensively, the kicking game, as well. They have good return men. [Wide receiver] Jordy Nelson is a very fine return man. There are a lot of great things they do. They have an outstanding kicker, [Mason] Crosby and an outstanding coaching staff. You couple that with the fact that it is one of the most unique [game day] atmospheres in the National Football League. It’s a great mix.”

Injury list —  Among those not expected to play tonight are tight end Dallas Clark (leg), offensive tackle Charlie Johnson (foot), cornerback Marcus McCauley, running back Devin Moore, cornerback Jeraud Powers (foot), center Jeff Saturday (knee) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (knee).

 Running back Allen Patrick and cornerback Glen Sharpe, both signed earlier in the week, may be limited in what they can do against the Packers.

 “It’s pretty early, but we’ll try to get them as familiar with what we do as quickly as we possibly can,” Caldwell said.

 Undrafted rookie Brandon James, seventh-round draft pick Ray Fisher and veteran Sam Giguere will all get an opportunity to return kickoffs and punts. Another undrafted rookie, Javarris James, missed some practice time this week with a left knee injury but could also be in the mix as a kick returner.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Sports
SPT 021112 GANT MASKED.jpg

Masked man: Indiana State's Justin Gant (5) passes to a cutting player Saturday at Hulman Center.

Local Interest
High School
College
SPT 021112 GANT MASKED.jpg

Masked man: Indiana State's Justin Gant (5) passes to a cutting player Saturday at Hulman Center.

  • Indiana State connects on all 12 of its 3-point shots vs. SIU and sets three NCAA records in process

    When you’re a shooter and you’re in a slump, the boilerplate cure is to summon amnesia, forget about your struggles and keep on shooting.

    February 12, 2012 6 Photos

  • ISU's Webb wins heptathlon

    Indiana State’s Robert Webb captured the heptathlon Saturday at the Grand Valley State Big Meet as he totaled the second most points in ISU history while dominating the event. Webb scored 5,140 points, which is second only to former Sycamore Anthony Bertoli’s 5,189 points in 2008.
    Webb, a senior, established three more personal best efforts enroute to the overall victory as he ran 8.45 in the 60 meter hurdles and 2 minutes, 50.73 seconds in the 1,000 meters while also clearing 13-1 1/2 in the pole vault. Webb entered the second day of the event in the lead with 2,893 points after winning three of the four Friday events and setting personal bests in the long jump and shot put.

    February 12, 2012

  • SPT-021112-JORDAN-PRINTY.jpg Perfect game: ISU shoots NCAA record 12-for-12 from 3-point range in win over SIU

    Indiana State set an NCAA record for 3-point percentage and consecutive 3-pointers made Saturday afternoon in Hulman Center, connecting on all 12 attempts during a 78-68 win over Southern Illinois.

    February 11, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘Frustrated’ Sycamores regroup to face Southern Illinois

    Indiana State’s men’s basketball struggles have hit one Sycamore senior hard.

    February 11, 2012

  • Thomas nets double-double as ISU women end losing streak

    The halftime speech is one of the most time-worn clichés in sports, but once in a while, it’s meaningful. It certainly was for the Indiana State women’s basketball team on Friday against Bradley.

    February 11, 2012

Sports Columns
Pro Sports
1 SPT 020512 01 GIANTS FAN.jpg

A New York Giants fan, center, leads a cheer as he and his fellow fans walk to Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, Sunday.

Terre Haute Rex
Colts
Auto Racing
Latest News
Multimedia

Like us on Facebook!
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
Front page
AP Video
Panthers put away Devils Lusetich: AT&T Rd. 2 recap Hate to be Rude: Bubba Watson Heat wallop Wizards Sandusky makes a statement Dee and Cuff discuss Jeremy Lin 2.9 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am -- Jim Harbaugh Maria Menounos dons a Giants-colored bikini after losing Super Bowl bet-2/7 Michael Phelps is ready to win more gold in the Olympics-2/8 Iguodala is selected to his first All-Star Game Adventure Sessions - Vail, Colorado Schenn and Hartnell help the Flyers snap their skid Ovechkin: "I don't think we deserved to lose today." Lusetich: AT&T Rd. 1 recap Victor Cruz's magical season Owens excited to be a Wrangler Trending: Zip it! Thomas' moratorium: 'I'm out, peace' Tiger Woods 13: Legacy mode SportsTalk Live: Most hated athletes - 2/8
NDN Video
Recording Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48 Fans 'Speechless' Over Houston's Death Romney Tops Santorum in CPAC Straw Poll First glimpse of Blue Ivy Carter Absolute Lin-sanity Hate to be Rude: Bubba Watson Peek inside Barbie's closet Test on Comforter in Powell Unit Shows Blood Angry Dad Shoots Teens Laptop Hero Driver Saves Kids From Burning Bus Funeral to be held for Powell boys Sandusky on having to stay inside and people turning on him Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama Woolly Mammoth Caught on Camera? Did JLo 'Assault' Marc Anthony on Camera? Christie Brinkley's Runway Slip Toddler forced to run half-naked in snow Halle Wants to Leave the Country Northern Lights shine above earth Plane makes perfect belly landing
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

    March 12, 2010

activity