| 1070 the FanWith the midway point of the 2018 season here http://www.coltscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-eric-ebron-jersey , Colts general manager Chris Ballad gave his recap on his team’s 3-5 start.Frank Reich’s Offense Finding Its Rhythm Entering Bye Week | 1070 the FanOver the past few weeks, the Colts have found a new offensive rhythm, rivaling any stretch in the Andrew Luck era.Coach Robert Mathis whipping Indianapolis Colts pass rush in to shapeHe could be on a beach right now, cocktail in hand. Instead, Robert Mathis is putting in long hours helping whip the Colts' pass rush into shape.Andrew Luck On Overcoming The Nerves That Went With Replacing Peyton ManningIndianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, in an appearance on Colts.com’s “The Reitz Stuff,” discussed being embraced by the state of Indiana since being taken with the No. 1-overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, and the challenges that came with replacinUPDATED: Colts Will Not Make Moves At Trade DeadlineThe NFL’s trade deadline came and went at 4 p.m. ET today with no moves made by the Indianapolis Colts, although general manager Chris Ballard says “we’ve always got our lines in the water” when it comes to other possible moves.COLTS MEDIAThe "Reitz" Stuff With Special Guest Colts QB Andrew LuckColts QB Andrew Luck joins former teammate Joe Reitz as this week's guest on TheFilm Room: Quenton Nelson vs. the Cincinnati Bengals defensive line Heading into the Week 1 match-up with the Cincinnati Bengals, fans were aware that there would be a real test for the offensive line. This is one of the most talented and deepest groups the team will face and Geno Atkins is a six-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All Pro defensive tackle. Hey, Quenton Nelson? Welcome to the NFL.There is no doubt that Andrew Luck experienced his share of pressure on Sunday. A number of the shots he took resulted in penalties that ended up helping Indianapolis but it is discouraging to see him take hits when there is so much concern about his surgically repaired throwing shoulder.This film room piece will attempt to gauge how much of the pressure Luck faced was directly due to Quenton Nelson’s performance in his first regular season NFL game. I have already read in the comments on Stampede Blue that he did not have a stellar performance and the self-anointed “game graders” at Pro Football Focus have been pretty harsh on him to this point in his young career.Let’s take a look ourselves, shall we?When I watched the replay of this holding call on Quenton Nelson (#56) during the live television broadcast, I thought it was a bad call. It appeared that Atkins (#97) lost his balance when he attempted to spin http://www.coltscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-matt-slauson-jersey , and when Nelson fell to the ground it was like pulling a chair out from behind him.Looking at the All-22 film replays from both angles it is clear that he committed the hold. He gets beat badly to his inside and Ryan Kelly (#78) is no where to be found. He tries to recover but has given up so much leverage that he has no chance and wraps his left arm around the outside of Atkins to keep him from getting to the quarterback.Welcome to the NFL.For those who do not break down the film to determine responsibility on these plays, this is another example where Atkins gets pressure up the middle and is credited for a hit on Luck. It is easy to note that Atkins is lined up across Quenton Nelson pre-snap. It would also be easy to mistakenly believe that Nelson is responsible for the quarterback hit.Instead, when we review the film we can identify a stunt on the second pause. This is a designed defensive play call where Atkins is tasked with slanting inside to get enough push, and keep enough attention, to allow Ryan Glasgow (#98) to twist across the quarterback’s face and pressure the quarterback.Nelson identifies the stunt and attempts to pass Atkins off to Kelly. You can see that Kelly gets rocked back onto his heels by Atkins and ends up on roller skates. He is unable to meaningfully recover and allows a hit on Luck. I want to be clear that this is a very difficult blocking assignment for interior offensive linemen, particularly with a talented defensive tackle like Atkins. However, if we’re being entirely fair here, Nelson did what he was supposed to do and even recovered quickly enough to keep Glasgow from getting to Luck. Kelly is primarily, if not solely, responsible for the quarterback hit. I would be willing to bet a lot of pesos that PFF graded this against Nelson.This should look familiar. Once again, Atkins slants to cross the face of Andrew Luck. Nelson gets a strong initial hit to relieve the pressure up the middle. Nelson identifies that Jordan Willis (#75) is attempting to stunt into his gap and get pressure on the quarterback.At this point, Atkins becomes Kelly’s responsibility and Willis becomes Nelson’s. Nelson gets back into his gap and shoves Willis wide of his target, allowing Luck to get the pass away. Kelly gets shoved wide and allows a lane for Atkins into Andrew Luck’s face.This is another tough blocking assignment and another example where the primary responsibility falls on Ryan Kelly’s shoulders. It would be easy to come into the game with the expectation that Quenton Nelson would be primarily responsible for anything Geno Atkins does in the game. If Atkins has multiple quarterback hits and a sack Cheap Chester Rogers Jersey , it must be on Nelson. Right?As we have already seen, this is incorrect. In this play, there is another example of a stunt. This time Atkins takes an outside lane in hopes of springing a gap for Carl Lawson (#58) as he stunts to the inside. Nelson recognizes the stunt after he drives Atkins wide of the pocket and into Joe Haeg. Haeg is off-balance, as Ryan Kelly was in our earlier clip, and is never able to gain leverage on Atkins.You should note that Nelson had the quickness and strength to recover and get his arm extended to lock-out Lawson and force him wide of Luck. If Haeg is also able to win, Luck has a pocket to step into or a lane to escape. Another difficult assignment for the offensive line and another instance where PFF likely credited Nelson for giving up a sack when the bulk of the responsibility has to be on Haeg.This play is an easy illustration of one of Quenton Nelson’s biggest weaknesses and an area where he must improve. He has the tendency to swing and miss off of the line when a defender sets him up. He comes out quickly here and attempts to gain early control of the interaction with Atkins.Instead of going directly into Nelson, Atkins takes an initial side-step with his right foot and avoids getting locked out. He utilizes a spin move and counter explosion to beat Nelson inside and blow up the running play.Welcome to the NFL rookie.We have analyzed multiple examples where stunts went wrong and how it resulted in pressure, hits, or sacks on Andrew Luck. We also pointed out that a lazy viewing of a play could lead to placing blame on the shoulders of the wrong offensive lineman.This play is an example of how the offensive line should react to a stunt. Here, Nelson quickly passes off Atkins to Kelly who has his base set and is able to get leverage under his shoulder pads. Nelson neutralizes Glasgow and the play is over.This is what you want every inside stunt to look like if you’re an offensive line coach.Here is another example of winning on an inside stunt. The first example had Atkins coming over the top of Glasgow and this example has Glasgow coming over the top of Atkins. The result is the same on both plays. With continuity and experience playing next to each other, you have to hope that most inside stunts look like this.This play is an example of Nelson engaging Atkins and sticking with him throughout the entire play. He is able to keep the pocket clean and leave a big gap up and to Andrew Luck’s left to escape the pocket and get positive yards. When we compare this play to the holding penalty at the beginning of this film review, we can see that Nelson is much better prepared to handle Atkins’ hand-fighting and his attempt to pressure the quarterback.This is the only play in the film review that has someone other than Geno Atkins across from Nelson. On this play, massive nose tackle Andrew Billings (#99) gets completely neutralized. While this isn’t necessarily a spectacular piece of film http://www.coltscheapshop.com/cheap-authentic-denico-autry-jersey , it helps to illustrate how effective Nelson was against other key rotational defensive linemen on one of the deepest and most talented lines the Colts will face this year.I saved the best for last. At first glance, this play will look like nothing spectacular. In fact, I’ll tell you that there is pretty much nothing “text book” about how this looks. However, in the NFL, the reality is that things will happen in the blink of an eye and those who are able to make split-second adjustments will separate themselves from the rest of the pack.Nelson makes it a point to give Atkins a little extra shove to help safely transition him to Haeg before releasing to pick up a stunting Carl Lawon. This extra little push nearly ends in disaster. Frankly, for the vast majority of NFL offensive linemen, this is either a sack, deflected pass, or a brutal blind-side hit. Nelson is aware enough and athletic enough to turn his back and serve as a wall protecting Luck from a straight shot. He is able to get enough of a push on Lawson to knock him off track and allow Luck to release the pass.ANALYSISWhile Quenton Nelson certainly had a couple rookie moments, he did a solid job against Geno Atkins and one of the most talented defensive line groups he will face in 2018. If he had hopes for easing his way into the NFL, those were completely dashed on Sunday.Nelson was in on all 82 — 82! — offensive snaps. There were certainly some snaps where Atkins drove him back a few yards but the plays included in this film review were the ones that I felt best illustrated his performance overall. If I include the recognition that he most certainly didn’t simply own Atkins throughout the day and give him a small handicap for being a rookie, I’d give him a “B” for the entire body of work.There are a whole bunch of offensive linemen who will face Atkins this year and will head into the game hoping to be lucky enough to exit the game with a “B” grade. Not very many of them will get their wish.
Colts fans Womens Denico Autry Jersey , join Stampede Blue FanPulse We are considered the voice of the fan here at Stampede Blue and we talk every day about how the Indianapolis Colts are doing- fans feel about that awful call from the referees. Now we’re starting a new polling project that will pull together the insights of the most *plugged-in* Colts fans. If that describes you, then SIGN UP HERE to join me and other *knowledgeable* fans (including some other Stampede Blue contributors) on our new project called SB Nation FanPulse.If you sign up, you’ll be among a hand-selected group from Stampede Blue who answers quick polls each week developed by SB Nation. We want to build the definitive poll of *informed* Colts fans, and that includes you. Your votes will be anonymous--though if you join, you’re welcome to tell anyone you like. The results of each poll will be published by Stampede Blue, and may end up on SBNation.com also along with the results from other team sites.Ready to sign up as an Stampede Blue FanPulse participant? CLICK HERE. Frank Reich has the inside track on Philadelphia.He coached the quarterbacks, helped construct one of the league's most innovative offenses and worked closely with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz before leaving for Indianapolis in February.On Sunday, the Colts are hoping Reich's knowledge could give them a leg up on the defending Super Bowl champs this weekend."Nothing too dramatic, a few things here and there," Reich said when asked about this week's conversations with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus."Not anything that would be over the top. My experience is if you say too much it just confuses the matter. So you give a few personnel things, a few philosophical things Womens Kenny Moore Jersey , maybe one or two things to look for and then you let our defense play the way we've been playing."Of course, Reich downplays the significance of this weekend's reunion. Most coaches do.But Reich's third game as a head coach will understandably be a big deal.It was in Philly where Reich went from rising assistant to head coaching candidate after spending two seasons with coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Carson Wentz, who is expected to make his season debut Sunday.It was in Philly where Reich finally put his fingers on the Super Bowl ring that eluded him so many other places.It was in Philly where Reich turned down interviews so he could focus solely on winning playoff games with Nick Foles following Wentz's season-ending knee injury.And it was in Philly where he finally got the Colts' phone call after Josh McDaniels reneged on a commitment to take over as head coach.Neither Reich nor his players see much point in making this game bigger than it needs to be."I didn't even think about that (Reich's return)," quarterback Andrew Luck said Wednesday. "I don't think anyone in this locker room needs extra motivation to win a game for him. I mean I think our guys are hungry to play. Yeah, that would be special, that would be special, that would be cool."Reich already has given the Colts (1-1) a fresh perspective.They are off to their best start since 2013 and Luck has looked like his old self in an offense that, not so surprisingly, resembles the Eagles' plan.Four-time Pro Bowl receiver T.Y. Hilton is off to the best start of his career as he lines up in multiple spots. Running backs Marlon Mack and Jordan Wilkins delivered a one-two punch last week that was reminiscent of Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement. Nyheim Hines possesses natural versatility, like Darren Sproles, and the Colts' tight ends are being asked to do more Authentic Joe Haeg Jersey , too.Eberflus, who faced the Eagles twice a year while coaching previously in Dallas, has the Colts defense clicking, too.Rookie linebacker Darius Leonard was selected as the AFC's defensive player of the week Wednesday after getting 18 tackles in last weekend's 21-9 victory at Washington.Eberflus can always seek additional advice from linebacker Najee Goode, a free-agent signee who played with the Eagles last season.The Eagles know all about the potential pitfalls in facing their former offensive coordinator and are planning accordingly."He (Reich) knows, obviously, our structure offensively, what we try to do, how we attack things and maybe even some of the terminology and verbiage. So, we have to be careful there," Pederson said on a conference call with Colts' reporters."At the same time Womens Skai Moore Jersey , we can't change everything. There is some similarity, but at the same time we're aware of it. We are looking forward to seeing him again on Sunday and welcoming him back to Philadelphia."Even if the reception is less than warm — as Eagles' fans tend to make it.But Reich returns with fond memories of the city, organization and staff that welcomed him with open arms and nothing but gratitude for the opportunity he got. All he wants to do now is win."It (leaving Philadelphia) was bittersweet in that it was such a great experience there, such a good relationship with everyone there," Reich said."But there's only 32 of these things and if it's a goal and it's an aspiration, you have to seize the moment."Notes: Indy has signed running back Jeremy McNichols to the practice squad, released quarterback Phillip Walker from the practice squad and waived running back Josh Ferguson from the injured reserve list. ... Team owner Jim Irsay and his family have donated $100,000 to the Wheeler Mission to help the local charity expand the Center for Women & Children, which provides emergency shelter and long-term programs for homeless women and women with children.
OSS: Sacked in Seattle One day Blue Leonard Floyd Jersey , a Quarterback named Russell called a talk radio show under the name “Sacked in Seattle” at the behest of his 67-year old Coach Pete.f his defense, and the offensive line that was never there for him. He proudly states that he has remained confident and unafraid when on the field, despite the adversity he routinely faces. Regardless of the challenges, he is content with his life. Unbeknownst to Russel, Coach Pete, who has always hated his Quarterback’s confidence and bravery, seeks to finally find someone who can strip those things away from him forever...Half-way across the country, in Chicago, Khalil Mack, new edge rusher for the Chicago Bears, is listening intently to the broadcast. As he hears Sacked in Seattle lay bare his soul on the air, he can’t help but think: “I could be the one. The one to finally break this man. I have to meet him”. So, he writes a letter to “Sacked in Seattle”, care of the radio station. Coach Pete finds the letter, and realizes this may be his best opportunity to finally break his Quarterback’s spirit for good! So he sets up a Monday Night Football game between his Seahawks and the Chicago Bears. “Could he be the one?” he thought, “The one to finally ruin my Quarterback once and for all?”And, so, Russell and Pete boarded a plane on Sunday, and set off for Chicago. On their way to a date with destiny, and Khalil Mack, at Soldier Field. Could this be the game? The game Russell finally breaks? Pete can only hope. But maybe. Just maybe, fate is on his side...Alright guys Youth Roquan Smith Jersey , just a quick OSS for the weekend. I didn’t have a ton of time, so I decided to do something simple, and this just popped into my head. I know, it’s another movie poster, but I promise. It’s just a coincidence. They won’t all be movie posters. In fact, I had an illustration planned for this OSS, but I just didn’t have the time to get to it. Hopefully next time!Here’s a quick little gif of the basic process for those that are interested. As always, all credit to the original photographers and artists:We had a number of good suggestions last week, and I may end up doing one or two of them eventually. I thought about doing an Avengers team poster as suggested by Hester23Jordan, but I decided to wait until I could get everyone in the navy jerseys without having to do a jersey swap on the new guys. If you have any suggestions for a Bears related photoshop or illustration, share them in the comments section. If your idea is chosen, you will receive credit in the post!Feel free to share any bears related photoshops or illustrations of your own! I’d really like these articles to be a space for people to get creative and share. Also, go ahead and share what music you’re listening to currently! I’m always looking for new stuff since I’ve generally got something playing while I work. Just something to keep the deafening silence from driving me insane. Anyway, here’s mine:Currently listening to: Terryfold by Chaos Chaos and Justin Roiland (you’re welcome)Bear Down everyone! As the Bears embark on their journey through the AFC East in the month of October, I caught up with Kevin Nogle, Editor at The Phinsider to try and get a handle about the curious start to the Dolphins season. This is a team with some shared history despite only seeing each other every four years. Adam Gase is in his 3rd year as Head Coach after leaving Chicago and Jay Cutler spent a year in a Miami hotel going through the motions of an NFL quarterback last year. The Bears traded for Brandon Marshall from these Dolphins a few years back. And of course, the only blemish on the ‘85 squad came at the hands of Dan Marino. New year, new teams - let’s dig in. Windy City Gridiron - 1. From afar, most of the news coming out of Miami in the Adam Gase era has been around culture. After the trades of Jay Ajayi to the Eagles and Jarvis Landry to the Browns, and roster turnover (Suh) can you explain what that culture is and is it headed in the right direction? The Phinsider: Adam Gase wants players who love the game and do their job. I know it sounds cliche, but that seems to be exactly what he is looking for with his players. Jay Ajayi spent too many plays trying to dance in the backfield and find the perfect hole rather than just hit what was there and pick up three yards, then go for another three on the next play. There were always reports of Jarvis Landry and Ndamukong Suh freelancing on their routes/gaps, which is great when it works http://www.authenticschicagobears.com/cheap-pat-o_donnell-jersey , but frustrating when it does not. He also wants players who know their role and fit into it, bettering the team rather than worrying about the individual - which is why we saw Jordan Phillips get released this year. He was never consistent during his time in Miami, one play looking like a future Pro Bowl player and the next being no where to be found. When he blew up on the sideline about his playing time I think that was the last straw. People have said Gase does not like strong personalities, but I do not think that is it - otherwise players like Reshad Jones and Kenny Stills would have issues because they also have strong personalities. I think it is he does not like people who have strong personalities and cannot keep themselves focused on the team rather than the individual. I think they are headed in the right direction - but they have to make some changes too. Play calling has been questionable this season, the team needs to stick to the run game, and Ryan Tannehill has to play better than he has the last two weeks. WCG: 2. The Dolphins shot out of the gates to a 3-0 start, were blown out by the rival Patriots, and suffered a collapse this last week against the Bengals. Is there a reason for these uneven results? What does this team do well, what do they struggle with? Phinsider: Really, I cannot even figure out what happened with the Patriots game. The Dolphins just never even showed up for that contest. After a 22-yard pass on the first possession, the Dolphins barely moved the ball the rest of the game and the defense struggled - in part because they could not stay off the field when the offense kept struggling. Against the Bengals, the 17-0 lead through the first half and into the second made it look like the Dolphins had figured out whatever happened in New England. Then, Laremy Tunsil was placed in the concussion protocol and everything fell apart from there. The Dolphins entered this season with an offensive line that looked like a complete unit and a competent unit. Five weeks into the season and three of the five opening day starters are injured, two for the season, and the depth options are not able to open holes or protect Tannehill. It is a good thing the Bears do not have a strong pass rush or anything....right?!?Editor’s note: Who’s going to break the news to Kevin?WCG: 3. Ryan Tannehill looks fully recovered from injury (wasn’t that year of Jay Cutler fun?) and was off to a good start to the year. Is he still considered the future in Miami and if not, what does he have to show this year to prove to Dolphins fans that he’s still the guy? Phinsider: It depends on the results. Through three weeks, Tannehill was literally in the top five of Peter King’s MVP Watch; after the last two weeks, fans are calling for his head. It really depends on the latest results. Tannehill is an above average quarterback that needs a clean pocket to excel. He is not going to pick up a team and carry it on his back, but he can win and he can put the Dolphins in position to succeed, if he is protected. The best analogy is Alex Smith. He can win, but if you can find Patrick Mahomes, you probably are going to move on. Until the Dolphins find their Mahomes, they will probably keep Tannehill - and hopefully fix the offensive line (again) to make Tannehill find success.Oh Youth Eddie Jackson Jersey , and thanks for Cutler. It was....an experience.Editor’s note 2: <insert laugh/cry emoji>WCG: 4. What can we expect from this Dolphins defense? Since Suh’s departure, who are the players Bears fans need to keep an eye on? Phinsider: Obviously Cameron Wake is still there, if he is healthy this week after missing last week’s game. Robert Quinn is playing really well on the opposite side of Wake. Reshad Jones is an elite safety, and Xavien Howard is turning into a true shut down cornerback. Minkah Fitzpatrick looks like the player they wanted when they selected him, with little learning curve showing thus far no matter if the team is asking him to play cornerback, nickel, linebacker, or safety. Raekwon McMillan at linebacker looked better last week than he has this season, and Jerome Baker also played well at linebacker. The linebackers have been the weakness of the defense so far this season, so if they start to play better, that is a huge bonus for Miami. A new name to watch is defensive tackle Vincent Taylor. With Jordan Phillips’ release, Taylor will see more playing time, and he has been strong in a limited role early this season (20 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits, 1 sack, 1 blocked kick). He is a young player who could be something exciting if he can turn a small sample into something bigger with additional opportunities. WCG: 5. The Bears will play the entire AFC East over the next 4 weeks (@MIA, NE, NYJ, @BUF). Is there a particular style that defines this division &/or is there a type of team that this division usually struggles with? Phinsider: Beat Brady? It seems like every few years, the teams in the AFC East that are not the Patriots start over in trying to find a way to beat the Patriots. This year, the Bills and the Jets both are starting with rookie quarterbacks, hoping they can finally reach that point. Defenses have long been the focus of building among the Dolphins http://www.authenticschicagobears.com/cheap-bobby-massie-jersey , Bills, and Jets, probably because of Brady, with pass rush the main focus. I think that has fallen off a little, with teams starting to try to get the offense built up - at least in Buffalo and New York as Miami spent the last two drafts largely working on the defense, and we are starting to see it come together. I don’t know that there is a theme among the division, other than Brady.WCG: 5b. With Brady nearing the end and Belichick getting up there, new QBs for Buffalo & the Jets, is there a sense of change nearing this division and where do the Dolphins fit into that future?Phinsider: At this point, I am not sure there ever is an end for Brady and Belichick. It just feels like they are going to be there forever. The other three teams in the division feel like they are all still trying to figure out what their identities should be compared to the Patriots. There is definitely some feeling that, after Brady, who will be the top team, but right now, I do not know that there is an answer. I feel like Miami’s defense should position them to be that team, but after these past two weeks, I don’t know anymore. WCG - Bonus: For Bears fans making the trip down to Miami - what is the one food item visitors have to try to make their trip complete? Phinsider: I would say the obvious - a Cuban sandwich. There are obviously a ton of places around Miami to find really good ones. If you can get a great Cuban sandwich, and I am sure everyone in Miami will have great suggestions and great places to get one - and everyone will have their own favorite. But, yeah, find a good Cuban sandwich and you will not be disappointed.Thank you to Kevin and The Phinsider and a good luck to Dolphins fans after this week!