The Herald Bulletin

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November 2, 2009

Rick Teverbaugh: So far so good for Colts

Questions linger after win

Much has been written about the Indianapolis Colts season to this point. Most of it very good.

Certainly everyone expected the offense to be good; after all, Peyton Manning is still the quarterback and anything that comes after that has to be a cut above average. His 7.3 completion percentage is a bit better than most could have forseen.

Yet there were questions. After all, Manning was without his record-setting hookup with Marvin Harrison, and Anthony Gonzalez started the season hurt. It turns out the passing game is fine. I’ve been impressed with the depth and versatility of the team.

It is no surprise that Dallas Clark leads the team in catches and that Reggie Wayne is topping the squad in yards receiving. But I have been pleasantly surprised by both Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. They have combined for 38 catches and more than 500 yards with six touchdowns. The Colts have 12 TD receptions compared to just two for the opponents.

Which brings me to the defense.

Colts foes are averaging just 13 points per game. That might be a bit high for some teams, but when your offense is averaging about 29 points, 13 works just fine.

Antoine Bethea tops the team in solo and total tackles while Clint Sessions leads in assists. Understandably, Dwight Freeney’s six sacks and Robert Mathis with 4.5 get a lot of attention. Yet the pressure the Colts have been able to apply with occasional blitzes has made the team much more entertaining.

Yet there’s another phase of the Colts’ game that has pleased me — special teams.

True, the return side of special teams still leaves a bit to be desired. Getting 21 yards per kickoff return and six per punt return isn’t exactly eye-popping. But in stopping big returns, Indy has been much improved.

So it will be one of today’s highlights to watch the Colts host the San Francisco 49ers. I know with the number of ex- and current Chicago Bears fans around, there will be a sentimental pull for 49ers coach Mike Singletary. I have no such allegiance as I have never rooted for the Bears.

I’ll have my Colts jersey ready to wear and hopes for a seventh straight victory.

Where the Pacers are concerned, defense still leaves a bit to be desired, though Friday’s showing against Miami was improved over the opener in Atlanta.

I know Indiana is still limited a bit by Tyler Hansborough and Mike Dunleavy being out of the lineup with injuries, but in terms of defense, those two probably aren’t the keystones to stopping opponents from scoring.

But the team is still enjoyable to watch and stands to be even more entertaining when back at full strength. Next up in a home contest against Denver. Defense will be tested there.

Contact Rick Teverbaugh at 640-4886 or rick.teverbaugh @heraldbulletin.com.

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