September 4, 2008 – 9:47 am
After the longest pre-season ever (sounds like it will change soon!) the Colts are ready for prime time, but with a few questions. Can Peyton Manning step right back in and look sharp after no real snaps? How will the experience factor on the o-line’s interior play a role against Chicago? Both will look and feel different. Rookie Jamey Richard, young Dan Federkeil and Charlie Johnson will have to open holes and help protect an ailing QB. Don’t expect a pretty performance. Look for Manning to hand off as much as he can as the Colts battle their way to victory.
Posted in Colts, Sports | by Chris Widlic |
August 27, 2008 – 11:49 am
A few days after my Lucas Oil Stadium experiences, and there’s no doubt the place is top notch. Jeane Coakley and I strolled through the concourses, filled with huge monitors, gadgets, giant football helmets, interactive games, lots of food and restrooms, but the best place is the LOS pavilion. Dragsters, tractors, speedboats, cars, awesome stuff in a wide open area. Perfect place for fans to mingle before the game or even hang out and watch from the end zone standing room area. The locker rooms and media areas are great, and the press box is one of the biggest around. Only problem, it’s WAY up there! That will take some adjustment. Honestly, it’s no higher than Houston, the Meadowlands and some others, but here at home we were spoiled by the intimate RCA dome. It’s a great venue, lets hope we see some great football this fall.
Posted in Colts, Sports | by Chris Widlic |
August 26, 2008 – 9:11 pm
Peyton Manning practicing today is exactly what the Colts and their fans have been dying to see. You know it had to drive Manning crazy not being able to practice at all in the preseason. Now the next question is will he be ready for the Bears?
Coach Tony Dungy said today that he thinks Manning will be ready for week one. I must admit I was hearing a lot of things a couple of weeks ago about how Peyton may be out for the first two games, etc…you know all the “crazy” rumors, but there’s no stopping Mr. Manning. I really believe he will get back to mid-season form in time for the Bears and as far as his connection with Marvin, Reggie and Dallas: Colts fans don’t worry. Peyton will make sure they work overtime in practice to get it right. Peyton, welcome back…Colts fans and Dungy have been waiting to say that for almost two months.
Posted in Colts, NFL, Sports | by Anthony Calhoun |
August 19, 2008 – 7:19 pm
Rumors have been flying around the Colts franchise player, now it appears they can be put to rest.
We’ve been hearing that Peyton had another more serious procedure, or will be out half the season. That’s what happens when Manning was sheltered from view since his bursa sac surgery. The Colts probably added to the speculation by keeping him out of harms way to prevent infection…that’s what gets people talking, when the most visible player in team history is AWOL.
Peyton joined his teammates for the first practice at Lucas Oil five weeks after his procedure, and will probably go full bore at practice next week. Expect to see him against Cincinnati next Thursday as he prepares for the season opener. It would take something unusual to keep the competitive Manning off the field.
Posted in Colts, NFL, Sports | by Chris Widlic |
August 15, 2008 – 6:01 pm
An unusually cool and starless Colts camp wrapped up in Terre Haute with a few observations.
Some of the young draft picks: Pollak, Hart, Tamme all look like they can contribute quickly and may have to fill some shoes.
Chemistry is also important and the veterans getting the feel back was also accomplished. But not having the likes of Freeney, Sanders and most importantly, Peyton Manning on the field, was different.
Nothing unusual for Sanders. He’s been limited at camp to save his kamikaze-like body. Freeney looks a bit overweight, but is on his way back.
Not even seeing Manning in Terre Haute was strange and the rumors are out there that his rehab is behind or that he had another procedure done and that Jim Sorgi will start the first few games. The Colts say he’s a few weeks away from field work. But the longer he’s away, the more those stories will continue.
Posted in Colts, NFL, Sports | by Chris Widlic |
August 11, 2008 – 10:39 pm
I had the opportunity to visit the new Lucas Oil Stadium today and all I can say is “incredible”.
What a site it’s going to be for Colts games, major sporting events and especially the 2012 Super Bowl! This building leaves you speechless when you walk inside it from the dynamic big screen scoreboards to the retractable roof. Colts fans are going to have a ball watching these games. The stage is set for Dungy, Peyton, and the Colts to bring home another Super Bowl title!
Posted in Colts, NFL, Sports | by Anthony Calhoun |
August 4, 2008 – 7:36 pm
I wasn’t sure what I was going to blog about … the Colts first preseason game was the obvious choice but there is plenty of time to talk Colts football. So with much thought I decided to write about the people that don’t get much credit … the PR peeps!
These are the people who help us (the media) out. And I pretty much love them all .. they feed me… that’s usually the best way to my heart! From the Pacers (Krissy and DB - the best!), to the Colts (Craig, Pam, Vernon, Justin), IU (Jeff Keag), IUPUI (Ed), Butler (Jim McGrath) alright this list could go on and on. But I do have to give a shout out to Matt Segal from the Indians. He’s actually leaving the team for a better gig. He will be missed and not just for making sure I ALWAYS left with highlights and a Hot dog!
Thank you Matt and all the PR peeps who make my job easier (well sometimes…) and yes I expect to be given an exclusive from each of you for giving you big time props!
Posted in Sports | by Jeané Coakley |
August 4, 2008 – 4:53 pm
Sunday’s pre-season opener in Canton, Ohio was a mixed bag. Seven starters sat out, and the young players who did see a lot of action showed some stuff. In typical Colt fashion, the blue and white lost, but big deal, it’s all about seeing who’s coming along and who might contribute, and there were a handful of guys who did step up. Offensive linemen Mike Pollak, Jamey Richard and Steve Justice all got in, Pollak could very well be starting sometime this season, and they had their typical ups-and-downs, Justice snapping the ball through the end zone for a safety. Defensive end Marcus Howard showed some pass rushing skills, receiver Pierre Garcon some speed and hands, and Mike Hart just that… heart. He picked his holes, smartly followed his blockers, and impressed with 53 yards on four carries and a nice reception. All good signs. But it will still be weeks before we see the big hitters… Manning, Marvin, Freeney and Sanders showing their stuff again.
Posted in Colts, Sports | by Chris Widlic |
August 3, 2008 – 3:48 pm
My first visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame found me surrounded by Redskin nation. We arrived on induction Saturday where two of the new enshrinees wore maroon and gold, Art Monk and Darrell Green, and thousands of ’skin fans came out to support their heroes.
Ironically, among the 247 Hall of Famers, only 11 have Colts ties and just one, running back Eric Dickerson actually played in Indianapolis. That will change over the next decade. Marvin Harrison, Peyton Manning, Adam Vinatieri should all have their day, and then we’ll see Canton over run by blue and white horseshoe lovers.
It was encouraging to see the NFL mandate all rookies tour the shrine to get a feel and grasp of the history of the game and get a feel for the men who laid the groundwork for their good living.
The game itself tonight will find the Colts without their best…Manning, Harrison, Freeney and Sanders, so check out the youngsters. Mike Hart, Pierre Garcon, Mike Pollak getting their first taste in an historic place.
Posted in Colts, NFL | by Chris Widlic |
July 31, 2008 – 10:33 pm
Since I can’t talk you into going to a Fever game for the next four weeks, (they are taking a month off for the Olympics) I can still have you rooting for our girl Tamika Catchings. No surprise she made the team, it’s her second time competing in the games.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Tamika is the type of athlete you want representing your country. Her greatness goes beyond the court (and she’s one heck of a ball player — Jermaine O’Neal once said Tamika will be a legend in her league) She is a kind, genuine person, who’s character transcends way beyond basketball.
My younger sister grew up idolizing her — she wears #24 because of Tamika. She spent the summer with me and got to do some pretty cool things — but getting a hug from Tamika was the greatest thing that ever happened to her. Okay, I digressed but you get the point. Tamika is a wonderful role model and I’m glad my sister looks up to her, of course, when I’m not around :) — (Okay, I’m not as cool as Tamika but I AM the older sister who introduced her to idol — So I got some crazy cool points for that!)
Anyway –Just root for Tamika and US womens’ basketball team!
Posted in Fever, Olympics, Sports | by Jeané Coakley |
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