Some links to get you through the Friday afternoon lull:

• PhilB is not optimistic about Kelvin Hayden's knee injury (Tip to Matic). I'm numb to injuries now. If we can get through one game without losing someone for a significant period of time, I'd almost consider that more of a win than an actual win.
  
• Another AOL Fanhouse comment that makes absolutely no friggin' sense:

  Peyton Manning is like the Phil Mickelson of football and that should be self explanatory.

  Uh, it isn't, unless you are suggesting Phil Mickelson is the greatest golfer of his generation. If you are, your comment makes you sound even stupider than I thought possible. Stick to reporting sports. Lose the comedy (and the pathetic attempts to compare golf with pro football).
• I managed to eek out a win in the Stampede Blue Fantasy Football League. I thought True_Blue had me, but this past Monday I had the Vikings defense and he had Adrian Peterson. Peterson did nothing, and the Vikes defense scored 19 points. I won 114-99. 
• I won in my league against Fanhouse as well. My opponent left DeAngelo Williams on his bench.
• 18 to 88 has their 18 plays up from last weeks Texans game. Always an enjoyable read.
• I don't know WTF is up with Tony Ugoh. It seems the Colts are starting Charlie Johnson at LT over him. Ugoh dressed against the Texans. When you dres, that means YOU CAN PLAY. Yet, Ugoh did not play, and Johnson is getting murdered out there because he is NOT a left tackle. I don't think this is an injury. I think he was benched and the Colts don't want to talk about it.
• Ugoh aside, it is nice to see Pollak and Richard in there. These two were excellent picks by Polian. We may be a bit snake bitten on the d-line, but Polian has done a very good job totally rebuilding Indy's offensive line. Now they need to gell and get some consistency.
  
• Will be see Daniel Muir play this week? According to shake n bake's injury report update, Muir practiced. He should play.
• And finally, aslo from PhilB (same link as above), Philip Wheeler will start at SAM backer this weekend. If the run defense improves with Clint session not starting at SAM, that tells us something. I still maintain Session is one helluva linebacker... at WILL backer. Not SAM.

I have Photoshop. I use it. I love it. I'm working on creating some logos for the following series we run here at Stampede Blue:

Know Your Colts History (JakeTheSnake)

Stampede Blue Prediction Contest (mgrex30)

Injury Report (shake n bake)

General Football Open Thread (me)

But as I started developing logos, I thought it might behoove us to have some of you submit your logo ideas to us. If you are nifty with a photo or image editor and would like to make a custom logo for one of these series, send me an email. If we use it (and if you send me something, we likely will) everytime we use the logo it will have "Logo by _____" to let folks know it was your great talent that created the logo. Just another way for you folks to brand this site as your own, not my own.

I'm also still tinkering with a podcast logo for a show we're thinking about doing with the AFC South bloggers. Tell me what you think:

We've re-started our weekly writers poll for team power rankings. Here are the SB Nation NFL power rankings for Week 6 (special thanks to Matty I for doing the heavy lifting on this):

Would the Colts consider trading a first round pick for Rams DT Adam Carriker? Photo: ESPN

In 2006, with the run defense ailing and Corey Simon's mysterious illness landing him on IR (and eventually out of football), Bill Polian swung one of the best (and most under-rated) trades in recent NFL history. He traded a 2nd round pick to Tampa Bay for DT Anthony "Booger" McFarland. McFarland, one of the better DTs in football at the time, was the anchor for a very good Bucs defense, but that year the Bucs offense was so bad it started them off at 0-5. That start sparked a "fire sale" for veteran players like Booger. The Colts got him, and his play was vital to the Colts winning Super Bowl 41.

Without that trade, the Colts do not win it all in 2006.

This year, similar to 2006, the Colts have problems stopping the run. Both their young, talented DTs from 2007 (Ed Johnson and Quinn Pitcock) quit on football. The Colts have two decent but not Pro Bowl caliber DTs to replace them. In order for the Colts to right their ship and fix their run defense, they might have to swing yet another trade at the deadline. such trades are very rare, but if you are the Colts, and your problems are so obvious, then a trade might be in order.

Yahoo Sports has an article up with some potential players on the block. They list the Colts as potential teams for three of the ten trades:

2. DE Dewayne White Detroit

Comment: “He isn’t a great player, but he’s a good one and he can help any rotation. Plus, you can move him inside from time to time. He probably won’t get more than five or six sacks, but that’s worth it if you’re the right team.” Said another exec: “Try finding a pass rusher at this point of the year.”

Detroit's defense is awful, and they run a similar scheme to Indy (Tampa 2). Rod Marinelli is their head coach, and he was once Tony Dungy's defensive line coach in TB. In fact, Dungy wanted Marinelli as his defensive coordinator in Indy back in 2002, but the asshats known to the rest of the world as the Glazers blocked Marinelli from going to Indy. If Marinelli has good things to say about White, who is a 273 pound DE, maybe the Colts trade for him. Problem is the Colts need a DT, not a DE who can play three technique DT. Eric Foster, Raheem Brock, and Keyunta Dawson all can play that spot well as is. Indy needs a nose tackle.

Speaking of potential NTs and Detriot...

7. DT Cory Redding, Lions

Comment: “If I’m the Lions, I clean house starting now. I don’t even wait for a new GM. This guy played hard for a contract and hasn’t done anything since. Again, I think it’s more about Detroit than the player, so I’d take a chance … if he’s motivated, he can rush the passer from the inside.”

It is possible that Redding (6'4, 300 pounds) has dogged it because it is Detroit, but that reveals a lot about Redding's character. When the chips are down, he folds and doesn't give a crap (kind of like Randy Moss). Redding has the body type and the talent to thrive at NT in a Tampa 2, but his attitude has always gotten in the way.

10. DE Antwan Odom, Texans

Comment: “They just signed him as a free agent (in the offseason), so I don’t think he’ll be available. But I think they realize he’s overrated. He’s purely a complementary player.”

First off, Odom is with the Bengals, not the Texans. Second, this is another DE prospect when the Colts need a NT. Odom had a career year last season in Tennessee. It was also a contract year. Now, he is in Cincy and sucks again. What a shocker. Odom, like Albert Haynesworth, is not someone you want to lock up long term. They play like demons when money is on the line, but lack the heart and professionalism needed to play Colts football.

So, those are Yahoo's prospects. Here are mine:

1. DT Adam Carricker, Rams

BBS Comment: This is a long shot as Carriker is a good, young player with upside. He is 6'6, 310 pounds, but he is quick and could thrive, especially against the run, as a NT in a Tampa 2. The system they have in St. Louis is retarded for his, and everyone's, talents. Current Rams head coach Jim Haslett, promoted from defensive coordinator after the Rams fired Scott Linehan a few weeks ago, is a clueless buffoon. He has no business coaching professional football. The Rams are so bad they may not win more than two games. Carriker is a fine young talent rotting on a bad team. The team is for sale, and draft picks would help this sinking team rebuild. However, for Carriker, the Rams are going to insisit on a first round pick, especially from a team like the Colts. Carricker was picked 13th overall in 2007.

2. DT Domata Peko, Bengals

BBS Comment: Though their defense is wretched, Domata Peko is a good young DT. Fans nickname him the "Flying Squirrel" because of his crazy hair that flies out of his helmet. At 6'4, 325 pounds, he is a big boy. And for the morons out there that say "WE NEED A BIG FATTIE!" the Bengals have a gigantic defensive line... and they still can't stop the run. Peko, despite playing for this team, is one of their better players. He plays hard, has ability, and really flies to the football. He is familiar with the Colts (and the Colts with him) as his brother Tupe Peko was once an offesnive linemen for Indy back in 2003.

3. DT Ryan Sims, Buccaneers

BBS Comment: Hell, why not another trade for a DT with TB! Ryan Sims was a player many had high hopes for in 2002, when he was drafted #6 overall by the KC Chiefs. Sims really busted big time in Kansas City, and was traded to Tampa Bay last year. The Bucs might be willing to trade him for more picks, or for picks and a back-up (like LaJuan Ramsey) to provide depth. Sims is big enough (6'4, 325 pounds) to play Tampa 2 NT, but he has never lived up to the expectations set for him.

So, as you can see, there are not any Booger McFalrand-type DTs out there. But, there is the possiblity the Colts might make a move. We will see next week. The trading deadline is October 14th.

Hiya Ravens fans! BigBlueShoe here, and before you go hating on me for loving the team that used to call Baltimore home, please know that I loved the Baltimore Colts. Johnny Unitas is the greatest QB that ever lived to me. Better than Montana, Young, Elway, Marino, any of them. Raymond Berry is Jesus at the WR spot, and Milt Davis is a personal hero of mine.

But as much as I'd love to talk old Baltimore Colts football, I'm more interested in your questions about the current Indianapolis Colts. Both teams have a big game this Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium. Your Ravens have lost 2 in a row, and my Colts just pulled a rabbit out of their colective BUTTS, beating Houston with 21 points in the final 4:45 minutes of the game.

As with all games between our clubs, it will be hard fought and physical. If you have questions about certain players, injuries, schemes, and other topics pertaining to the Indy Colts, ask away. I'm happy to answer them.

Ok, I figured I'd hold off for a few days in case you folks were frothing mad over the game. I didn't want to be a jerk and come in here and say, "hey, great game guys!" when really I'm sure all of you feel the Colts stole the game. I will say this, and I do sincerely mean it:

The Texans are a very good up-and-coming team.

This year, for whatever reason, they've been hit with rotten luck. Lots of teams have. San Diego, the favorite for most pundits, is 2-3 and just lost to the friggin Dolphins. The Jagurs really should be 0-5. If not for horrible officiating in their game against my team and yours, they lose those games. Bad calls gave them 2 wins. Bad calls, a hurricane, inconsistent play, and the flu gave you guys 4 loses. 

Please let it be known that your team is now feared. Your front 4 is very good. You have a great young RB. Schuab, when healthy, is effective. And it seems your front office and your coaches are on the same page. It might not seem like much right now, but this organization is in much better shape now than 4 years ago, or even last year.

Hang in there.

We Colts fans fear your team more so than Tennessee or Jacksonville. The Jagurs are a shell of their former felves, and the Titans have the #2 overall pick in the 2006 draft sitting on their bench because he stinks. Know we like and respect your team. Know that, each and every year, it gets harder and harder to beat them. This year, it took 4:45 minutes of miracle.

Hang in there. You have a good team. I know you know this, but sometimes the "bad guys" need to put things into perspective for you. I am not looking forward to Week 11. Your boys will be looking for payback.

Go Colts!

Gary Brackett makes big plays. Gary Brackett is THE leader of the Colts defense. Gary Brackett, outside of Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney, is one of the most important players the Colts have on defense. So, when I look on message boards, I chuckle when I see topics that say "CUT BRACKETT" because they are clearly made by idiots who do not know or understand the Colts. Gary Brackett is an oustanding Cover 2 middle line backer, and today the NFL recognized that.

This past Sunday, Gary Brackett made a memorable play that kept the Colts from slipping two games under .500 for the first time in seven seasons.

On Wednesday, Brackett was honored for the effort.

Brackett, a sixth-year veteran middle linebacker, on Sunday returned a fumble 68 yards for a key touchdown in the Colts’ come-from-behind, 31-27 victory over the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. On Wednesday, Brackett was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Brackett, who played collegiately at Rutgers and who also is the Colts’ defensive captain, scored his third career touchdown on a bizarre play that helped the Colts rally from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit.

Gary Brackett is a stud, and anyone who does not appreciate his efforts and contributions for this team does not know this team. Is he Brian Urlacher or Patrick Willis? No, but he is better than players like Mike Peterson, Antonio Pierce, and Bradie James, in my humble opinion. Gary is arguably the best coverage LBer in football. Any mug worth a damn in this league should be able to tackle, but it takes a special player to make plays like the fumble recover last week, or the INT last year against Tom Brady.

Gary is a special player, and a damn fine MLBer.

Tony Mandarich, former #2 overall pick in 1989 draft

Many of you read MasterRWayne's article on Tony Mandarich last week. His article was prompted by all the news and buzz circulating around Tony Mandarich's two part interview on Showtime's Inside the NFL. Part one aired last week, and on the show Tony admitted to taking steroids at Michigan State. He maintained he did not take steroids in the pros, but he did continue the self-destructive cycle he'd gotten caught up in when in high school and college. This cycle was one of drugs, alcohol, and pain killers. Part two of the Showtime interview, which airs this evening, will cover his sobriety and his second chance at football with the Indianapolis Colts. Tony retired from football in 1998, and has a photography and media business. Tony also has a blog for his business (a smart move, but then again I'm a bit biased).

Last week, Tony was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss his new book (My Dirty Little Secrets - Steroids, Alcohol & God - The Tony Mandarich Story), his Showtime interview, his dark years struggling with drug and alcohol dependency, and his playing career with the Packers and Colts. 

You can read the interview with Tony on the flip. Special thanks to him for granting his time, and to Sharon Shaw Elrod for her efforts to set up the interview. As a teaser, here is one quick answer from Tony that we both laughed over:

BBS: What was it like to play with a then-rookie Peyton Manning in 1998?

Tony Mandarich: [Laughs] Well, with Peyton it was chasing down a lot of interceptions [laughs again].

Full interview on the flip. Enjoy.

Continue reading this post »

I've spent most of the day ignoring real life chores, like paying bills, shopping for groceries, and feeding the cats, and instead thought mostly about the win over the Texans. I am still dumbfounded as to how improbable that win was. I've also bee transcribing my interview with Tony Mandarich, which I plan to post tomorrow (not today, as I said).

You'll also notice that now we have feeds to digg and Facebook as well as Yahoo's Buzz. Go ahead and promote stuff if you so desire.