[FarmBoy]

My name is FarmBoy, and I'm a Luck-aholic

Okay, okay, so I google "Andrew Luck" just about every day this time of year to see what's going on with our favorite NFL sophomore. It's easy to be a fan of the Colts based on all the Stanford guys on the, who are all doing well during camp. Why doesn't Grigson do away with the pretense, trade for Toby Gerhart and David Decastro, changes the team colors to Cardinal and White and be done with it?

Anyway, from Stampede Blue's daily report of "camp" (http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/7/30/45...-day-three):

Coby Fleener

In the four touchdowns Luck threw today, Fleener had the best grab, rotating his hips around to snag the pass away from his body and the defender. Earlier, he brought in a jumping catch along the sidelines and made the two defenders around him look useless in trying to stop it. And in the middle of both of those, he beat LaRon Landry deep and brought in a long pass from Luck that would have resulted in an 80-yard TD. And the best part? No drops. Fleener isn't showing too much during blocking drills, but his receiving skills have been dynamic.

Grif Whalen

And the Griff Whalen hype train just keeps on chugging along. Whalen made a few decent receptions throughout most of the practice, but he never did anything to really 'wow' me until the very end. Within the span of three plays, Whalen brought in two touchdowns in the back corner of the end zone off fade routes. He had to tap his toes in and secure the catch each time with defenders right behind him. Both were tough catches to make, but it just ends up looking routine for him....Whalen was even used as a holder for Adam Vinatieri field goals, as Tyler Brooke pointed out. In the long run, he'll have to contribute on special teams as the fourth or fifth WR to be useful to the team. It might as well be something like holding.

Luck

He had his best day of camp, going 22-33 with four touchdowns and one interception. Truthfully, he should almost be credited with another INT since he threw it directly into Butler's hands, where it was dropped. But otherwise, Luck threw smart passes and hit his downfield targets more than he had before today. A lot of those incompletions were the receiver's fault and not his. Either way, it's easy to see the day-to-day progress the offense is making as a whole. The first scrimmage should be a fun one.

Apparently Luck has also decided to use rookie Bjoern Werner to brush up on his foreign language skills by speaking to him only in German on the field.  And he spends QB meetings explaining the difference between Ivan Pavlov and Sigmund Freud to Matt Hasselbeck.

[FarmBoy]

My name is FarmBoy, and I'm a Luck-aholic

Okay, okay, so I google "Andrew Luck" just about every day this time of year to see what's going on with our favorite NFL sophomore. It's easy to be a fan of the Colts based on all the Stanford guys on the, who are all doing well during camp. Why doesn't Grigson do away with the pretense, trade for Toby Gerhart and David Decastro, changes the team colors to Cardinal and White and be done with it?

Anyway, from Stampede Blue's daily report of "camp" (http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/7/30/45...-day-three):

Coby Fleener

In the four touchdowns Luck threw today, Fleener had the best grab, rotating his hips around to snag the pass away from his body and the defender. Earlier, he brought in a jumping catch along the sidelines and made the two defenders around him look useless in trying to stop it. And in the middle of both of those, he beat LaRon Landry deep and brought in a long pass from Luck that would have resulted in an 80-yard TD. And the best part? No drops. Fleener isn't showing too much during blocking drills, but his receiving skills have been dynamic.

Grif Whalen

And the Griff Whalen hype train just keeps on chugging along. Whalen made a few decent receptions throughout most of the practice, but he never did anything to really 'wow' me until the very end. Within the span of three plays, Whalen brought in two touchdowns in the back corner of the end zone off fade routes. He had to tap his toes in and secure the catch each time with defenders right behind him. Both were tough catches to make, but it just ends up looking routine for him....Whalen was even used as a holder for Adam Vinatieri field goals, as Tyler Brooke pointed out. In the long run, he'll have to contribute on special teams as the fourth or fifth WR to be useful to the team. It might as well be something like holding.

Luck

He had his best day of camp, going 22-33 with four touchdowns and one interception. Truthfully, he should almost be credited with another INT since he threw it directly into Butler's hands, where it was dropped. But otherwise, Luck threw smart passes and hit his downfield targets more than he had before today. A lot of those incompletions were the receiver's fault and not his. Either way, it's easy to see the day-to-day progress the offense is making as a whole. The first scrimmage should be a fun one.

Apparently Luck has also decided to use rookie Bjoern Werner to brush up on his foreign language skills by speaking to him only in German on the field.  And he spends QB meetings explaining the difference between Ivan Pavlov and Sigmund Freud to Matt Hasselbeck.

[FarmBoy]

Has Hasselbeck been confusing Pavlov and Freud in the huddle

Perhaps it's part of the new jargon that Pep is implementing as part of his "no coast" offense. The whole concept of "no coast" seems very existential to me. Perhaps they should be using "Nietzsche" and "Camus" instead.

[FarmBoy]

Has Hasselbeck been confusing Pavlov and Freud in the huddle

Perhaps it's part of the new jargon that Pep is implementing as part of his "no coast" offense. The whole concept of "no coast" seems very existential to me. Perhaps they should be using "Nietzsche" and "Camus" instead.

[CochinoJanks]

FarmBoy!  You're not alone!

I do the same thing and I actually suggested what you suggested through there Colts MailBag Blog.  They gently reminded me that they will not comment on players on other teams.

I have also been following Owen Marecic and his situation is not good with the Browns.  The fans are calling for his head and there is a chance he may not make the roster.

If he is let go, I am hoping that the Colts will take notice and give him an opportunity.  Next year pick up Toby, and... Maybe someone from this year’s team in the draft, and...

[CochinoJanks]

FarmBoy!  You're not alone!

I do the same thing and I actually suggested what you suggested through there Colts MailBag Blog.  They gently reminded me that they will not comment on players on other teams.

I have also been following Owen Marecic and his situation is not good with the Browns.  The fans are calling for his head and there is a chance he may not make the roster.

If he is let go, I am hoping that the Colts will take notice and give him an opportunity.  Next year pick up Toby, and... Maybe someone from this year’s team in the draft, and...

[Hank 91]

I had been a Cowboys fan my entire life, but I formally severed all ties with the team the minute the Colts drafted Luck. After being so invested for so long, I simply couldn't turn off the switch. Go Colts!

[Hank 91]

I had been a Cowboys fan my entire life, but I formally severed all ties with the team the minute the Colts drafted Luck. After being so invested for so long, I simply couldn't turn off the switch. Go Colts!

[fullmetal]

I have also been following Owen Marecic and his situation is not good with the Browns.  The fans are calling for his head and there is a chance he may not make the roster.

Is Marecic performing that poorly? :(

[fullmetal]

I have also been following Owen Marecic and his situation is not good with the Browns.  The fans are calling for his head and there is a chance he may not make the roster.

Is Marecic performing that poorly? :(

[stan01]

It's the perfect chance for Harbaugh to get his perfect football player back.

[stan01]

It's the perfect chance for Harbaugh to get his perfect football player back.

[Redrum]

First Tommy Vardell,  now Owen Marecic.  And, of course, the fans are disappointed.

I'd be willing to accept that Marecic does not stand out in the pros like he did in college.  That's what happens in a population of performance-selected, all highly-motivated players.  Marecic's standout asset at Stanford was that he brought it...on every damned play.  He played with an NFL attitude among college guys.  Now he's playing among NFL guys who all have NFL attitudes.  I don't know enough of what Cleveland's strengths and weaknesses or scheme requirements are to speculate on whether Marecic really is or isn't measuring up.

[Redrum]

First Tommy Vardell,  now Owen Marecic.  And, of course, the fans are disappointed.

I'd be willing to accept that Marecic does not stand out in the pros like he did in college.  That's what happens in a population of performance-selected, all highly-motivated players.  Marecic's standout asset at Stanford was that he brought it...on every damned play.  He played with an NFL attitude among college guys.  Now he's playing among NFL guys who all have NFL attitudes.  I don't know enough of what Cleveland's strengths and weaknesses or scheme requirements are to speculate on whether Marecic really is or isn't measuring up.

[rudruff]

He is playing a position that is disappearing in the pros for a team that is one of the worst in the league. Hardly a place to shine.

[rudruff]

He is playing a position that is disappearing in the pros for a team that is one of the worst in the league. Hardly a place to shine.

[FarmBoy]

Yet another former Stanford player in the mix with the Colts

Not a good practice for Matt Hasselbeck, verging on horrible. He floated a few of his passes, one getting picked off over the middle by safety Delano Howell, and many of his other throws just weren't catchable.

Howell isn't a name I've mentioned at all this week, and that may be wrong on my part. He's been running with the second unit through five practices and finally stepped up among the group of no-name defensive backs and made good plays on the ball today. I don't think that John Boyett will play at all this season, so there is a gaping hole available as the fourth safety on the roster after Antoine Bethea, LaRon Landry and Joe Lefeged. Count me in as someone who thinks that spot will go to Howell, narrowly beating out Larry Asante, who also made some good plays in coverage today.

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/8/1/458...m-day-five

[FarmBoy]

Yet another former Stanford player in the mix with the Colts

Not a good practice for Matt Hasselbeck, verging on horrible. He floated a few of his passes, one getting picked off over the middle by safety Delano Howell, and many of his other throws just weren't catchable.

Howell isn't a name I've mentioned at all this week, and that may be wrong on my part. He's been running with the second unit through five practices and finally stepped up among the group of no-name defensive backs and made good plays on the ball today. I don't think that John Boyett will play at all this season, so there is a gaping hole available as the fourth safety on the roster after Antoine Bethea, LaRon Landry and Joe Lefeged. Count me in as someone who thinks that spot will go to Howell, narrowly beating out Larry Asante, who also made some good plays in coverage today.

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/8/1/458...m-day-five

[Hank 91]

Offered as a public service:
http://www.nflshop.com/Indianapolis_Colt...ader-Colts

[Hank 91]

Offered as a public service:
http://www.nflshop.com/Indianapolis_Colt...ader-Colts

[FarmBoy]

First Depth Chart released

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/8/6/459...epth-chart

- Griff: currently listed third in depth at the WR1 position (5th or 6th overall?) That doesn't seem to match the excitement I've read from reporters about his performance. Hopefully they're making him "earn it"
- Delano Howell: listed third in depth at Free Safety. How many FS's does a team take? It seems unlikely they would keep more than 3 on the 5 man roster, right?

[FarmBoy]

First Depth Chart released

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/8/6/459...epth-chart

- Griff: currently listed third in depth at the WR1 position (5th or 6th overall?) That doesn't seem to match the excitement I've read from reporters about his performance. Hopefully they're making him "earn it"
- Delano Howell: listed third in depth at Free Safety. How many FS's does a team take? It seems unlikely they would keep more than 3 on the 5 man roster, right?

[kuz]

First Depth Chart released

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/8/6/459...epth-chart

- Griff: currently listed third in depth at the WR1 position (5th or 6th overall?) That doesn't seem to match the excitement I've read from reporters about his performance. Hopefully they're making him "earn it"
- Delano Howell: listed third in depth at Free Safety. How many FS's does a team take? It seems unlikely they would keep more than 3 on the 5 man roster, right?

The guy in front of Whalen (LaVon Brazill) is suspended for the first four weeks - and also apparently hasn't played very well in camp. Take the depth chart with a pinch of salt; there's no way Ahmad Bradshaw will end up behind Donald Brown, for example.

[kuz]

First Depth Chart released

http://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/8/6/459...epth-chart

- Griff: currently listed third in depth at the WR1 position (5th or 6th overall?) That doesn't seem to match the excitement I've read from reporters about his performance. Hopefully they're making him "earn it"
- Delano Howell: listed third in depth at Free Safety. How many FS's does a team take? It seems unlikely they would keep more than 3 on the 5 man roster, right?

The guy in front of Whalen (LaVon Brazill) is suspended for the first four weeks - and also apparently hasn't played very well in camp. Take the depth chart with a pinch of salt; there's no way Ahmad Bradshaw will end up behind Donald Brown, for example.

[Hank 91]

Here's Reggie Wayne comparing Manning and Luck. He likes what he sees in the new kid.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/st...ndrew-luck

[Hank 91]

Here's Reggie Wayne comparing Manning and Luck. He likes what he sees in the new kid.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp13/st...ndrew-luck

[Bruce Wang]

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9543...thy-record

Good article in Grantland today about the Colts.

The following two sentences in a paragraph about Pep Hamilton stood out to me as an oblique reference to the post-Luck pre-Hogan interregnum.

"If the Colts can run the ball well and create play-action opportunities for Luck, there's nothing wrong with a balanced offense. If balancing the offense means "establishing the run" by plowing Bradshaw and Ballard into the line for two yards on first down every drive, that's setting the offense back."

BTW I like the idea of keeping this thread alive for Colts news.

[Bruce Wang]

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9543...thy-record

Good article in Grantland today about the Colts.

The following two sentences in a paragraph about Pep Hamilton stood out to me as an oblique reference to the post-Luck pre-Hogan interregnum.

"If the Colts can run the ball well and create play-action opportunities for Luck, there's nothing wrong with a balanced offense. If balancing the offense means "establishing the run" by plowing Bradshaw and Ballard into the line for two yards on first down every drive, that's setting the offense back."

BTW I like the idea of keeping this thread alive for Colts news.

[Hank 91]

BTW I like the idea of keeping this thread alive for Colts news.

Seconded.

[Hank 91]

BTW I like the idea of keeping this thread alive for Colts news.

Seconded.

[FarmBoy]

Well, what Publius and Hank want, Publius and Hank get.

I watched a bit of the Colts pre-season game Sunday (are my weekend afternoons really that devoid of activity that I watch pre-season NFL...). Here are some observations of Stanford East:

Fleener made a couple of nice catches from Luck but fumbled in the open field after one big gain, leading to a turnover. There’s some grumbling among fans about his 2012 production and with Dwayne Allen sidelined for a couple of weeks, he has a big opportunity to work with the ones. He later had an opportunity to pull down a TD in the EZ (w/ Hasselbeck at QB) but he wasn’t able to pull it down. Hopefully his confidence isn''t hurt. 2 catches for 37 yards, so he is showing an ability to stretch the defense.

Delano Howell started at FS. He made a few nice plays on defense. Broke up a few passes.  Howell also appeared on special teams (with Fleener). I checked the box score and it looks like he lead the team in tackles. I assume that means he's on track to make the 53 man roster, but don't have special insight.

Griff Whalen came in with the 2’s, so no opportunity to hook up with his college roommate. Seemed to be used for blocking, mostly. He ended with 3 receptions for 26 yards so he must have seen more action in the 2nd half. He was apparently targeted 7 times though, which is a lot. DOes that mean the QBs view him as a reliable target? But only coming down with 3 of them is not great production.

Pep Hamilton’s offense was pretty efficient.  And seemed to allow for more options for Luck than just throwing deep. Luck was 4/6 for 51 yards, so decent production for two series, though they failed to score on either.

[FarmBoy]

Well, what Publius and Hank want, Publius and Hank get.

I watched a bit of the Colts pre-season game Sunday (are my weekend afternoons really that devoid of activity that I watch pre-season NFL...). Here are some observations of Stanford East:

Fleener made a couple of nice catches from Luck but fumbled in the open field after one big gain, leading to a turnover. There’s some grumbling among fans about his 2012 production and with Dwayne Allen sidelined for a couple of weeks, he has a big opportunity to work with the ones. He later had an opportunity to pull down a TD in the EZ (w/ Hasselbeck at QB) but he wasn’t able to pull it down. Hopefully his confidence isn''t hurt. 2 catches for 37 yards, so he is showing an ability to stretch the defense.

Delano Howell started at FS. He made a few nice plays on defense. Broke up a few passes.  Howell also appeared on special teams (with Fleener). I checked the box score and it looks like he lead the team in tackles. I assume that means he's on track to make the 53 man roster, but don't have special insight.

Griff Whalen came in with the 2’s, so no opportunity to hook up with his college roommate. Seemed to be used for blocking, mostly. He ended with 3 receptions for 26 yards so he must have seen more action in the 2nd half. He was apparently targeted 7 times though, which is a lot. DOes that mean the QBs view him as a reliable target? But only coming down with 3 of them is not great production.

Pep Hamilton’s offense was pretty efficient.  And seemed to allow for more options for Luck than just throwing deep. Luck was 4/6 for 51 yards, so decent production for two series, though they failed to score on either.

[stupac2]

Looks like Fleener got concussed: http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p...5909&fhn=1

[stupac2]

Looks like Fleener got concussed: http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p...5909&fhn=1

[fullmetal]

Ouch :(  Will Allen's foot injury heal up before Fleener's concussion subsides?

[fullmetal]

Ouch :(  Will Allen's foot injury heal up before Fleener's concussion subsides?

[FarmBoy]

I know it goes without saying, but I really want this guy to succeed.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20130905...drew-Luck-

I wonder how accurate a portrayal this article is of his "branding strategy". Is he really expecting to maximize his long term marketability by being more focused on football now? I expect that he just wants to focus on football because he wants to excel at his craft. Part of me hopes we never see Luck in a ubiquitous national advertising campaign.

[FarmBoy]

I know it goes without saying, but I really want this guy to succeed.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20130905...drew-Luck-

I wonder how accurate a portrayal this article is of his "branding strategy". Is he really expecting to maximize his long term marketability by being more focused on football now? I expect that he just wants to focus on football because he wants to excel at his craft. Part of me hopes we never see Luck in a ubiquitous national advertising campaign.

[Bruce Wang]

I know it goes without saying, but I really want this guy to succeed.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20130905...drew-Luck-

I wonder how accurate a portrayal this article is of his "branding strategy". Is he really expecting to maximize his long term marketability by being more focused on football now? I expect that he just wants to focus on football because he wants to excel at his craft. Part of me hopes we never see Luck in a ubiquitous national advertising campaign.

Andrew is just saving all his marketing fire power for the soon to be introduced Neckbeard Comb.

[Bruce Wang]

I know it goes without saying, but I really want this guy to succeed.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20130905...drew-Luck-

I wonder how accurate a portrayal this article is of his "branding strategy". Is he really expecting to maximize his long term marketability by being more focused on football now? I expect that he just wants to focus on football because he wants to excel at his craft. Part of me hopes we never see Luck in a ubiquitous national advertising campaign.

Andrew is just saving all his marketing fire power for the soon to be introduced Neckbeard Comb.