The other side of the ball
 

There's alot to be optimistic about on the offensive side of the ball for a change, but I can't shake the feeling that the Geathers/Hooker injuries are going to continue to be a problem for this season. And with a deficit of proven talent on D, that will be a significant problem for this new unit's development...........I hope I'm wrong but this just feels like the unwarranted optimism they had for Luck playing last season..........

“I think it will be good and because of the way the offseason goes where there are a couple guys where you get close and they’re probably close, but it’s like let’s just wait until training camp, get everybody out there, be at full strength,” Reich said. “That’s what we’re hoping and optimistic for because it’s a long grind.”

https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2018/...training-camp/

I like the talent in the backfield. Based on their new head of athletic performance I'm optimistic about Hooker and Geathers. Wilson is going to be good for a long time. Desir and Hairston can be effective, especially if the new scheme fits their skill sets.

Beyond that though, this roster is a big question mark at best, and a shit show at worst. I'll never support cutting Hankins or Anderson. Our DTs went from a roster strength to a weakness for no reason. Our DEs will be mediocre. Our LBs haven't been good for over a decade. We'll get run on badly again this year, that's nothing new.

I'm with you, getting rid of Hankins and Anderson made no sense to me. Fucking coaches need to figure it out and not get rid of talent like those 2 guys.

I'm interested to see how Basham looks in Year 2 + a 4-3. He showed some good speed off the edge a few times last year and I want to see if it translates into consistent pressure this go around.

I don't know what they cut those guys on the DL either

Most of the D is a big question mark

We may be back to the days of needing to score 30+ to win. Which will be frustrating. But it will still be more exciting and keep me more interested than the shitshow we watched last year.

If this coaching staff can figure out when to call a time out and how to get the ball on the correct hash for the FG unit, it will be a quantum leap for the fans

Even though Reich is a rookie head coach, I believe he's already better than Pagano ever was. That right there will be an added bonus and improvement for the team.

Unfortunately agree about the defense. I just don’t know what we have. Maybe this will work out but I’m hoping I don’t have to watch games being lost because people run all over us. I think with all these young guys the first part of the year may be ugly. Hope I’m wrong again. Still looking forward to the season. At a minimum I hope I get to enjoy watching players mature It’s fun to see guys become good

And I agree completely about the coaching. My wife says she’s looking forward to me not yelling and cursing about stupid coaching decisions

I'm hoping he's better. But until you see the guy in action, you never know. There are some people who are terrible decision makers under pressure. Reich has shown he's good on the field, so lets hope that's going to continue.

The D is an enigma, and honestly, I a fine with returning to the 4-3, but I hope it is less Tampa 2 and more something, not that. I hae nightmares of the best pass rush in the NFL being negated by the fact they can't stop the run, ever.

You can’t blame that on the Tampa 2. That was polian being a complete failure in terms of properly building a defense

But I do agree. I would prefer a more attacking d

The one year we had a compentent 3-Tech (Booger McFarland), we won the SB.

Now granted, NO ONE thought that our regular season defense would do more than usher in a "1-and-done" but the defense's playoff performance is a great example of what a Tampa-2 can do with the right personnel. They were incredible.

But, more of a Seattle "Legion of Boom" days where it is a relentless, attacking defense with swarms of folks? Yeah, I can get behind that.

Walk Worthy,

Does it matter that in 4 of the10 years with Dungy, the Colts had a top ten D in points? The super bowl year they were a mess without Sanders. When he returned, the D was pretty good in the playoffs.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/clt/

Oh, and they had a top ten D in points first year of Caldwell. Saying Polian didn't build a D is a little silly. Mathis, Freeney, June, Sanders, Bethea, the two corners from the SB who had big interceptions in the playoffs, were from Polian drafts.

Fully prepared for a defensive shitshow, tbh. I don't see much if any reason for optimism. I'll just look forward to seeing Quincy Wilson actually play.

Wish I could be excited for Hooker Year 2, but man, I just can't shake the feeling this will be a lost year at best for Hooker (half-season at best playing 100% IF he comes back to play Week 1, IMO, and no guarantee he'll be the same player, whose game relies on range...)

From what's on the field, I think you have good reason to feel that way.

There are some good guys, guys who can play. There is a great unknown of rookies and free agents. And there isn't a Freeney, Sanders, or Mathis on the roster.

As a guy from the 'stands', I wish the DC would have a plan that would allow for WTF moments. As in, be unpredictable, and be willing to gamble. Why not? Don't be the same old Colts, we know what they will do. Let the guys have a little fun. Yeah, there will be failures. I would rather see failures of effort than failures of acceptance.