Ill Communication

RTV6 sports director Dave Furst offers some inside information about the boys in blue in Dave's Colts Blog. Get the latest tidbits "Furst-hand" from the road, on the practice field and from inside the locker room.

The results are in, and John Lynch might be taking up a collection over the next few days.

On Tuesday, the NFL hit (no pun intended) the Broncos player with a $75,000 fine for his vicious hit on the Colts' Dallas Clark last Sunday. If you're keeping track, this is the fourth time in the last three years that Lynch has been involved in plays like this. And afterward, he told the Denver media that he was hoping to send a "message" to the Colts.

Now, I do believe that Dallas may be a bit more timid as he goes over the middle this Sunday (if he plays -- he's listed as "questionable" after that helmet-to-helmet hit). But what "message" is there to be sent in the NFL? What is this, Pop Warner? Is this grade-school ball, where the cross-county rivals better watch out for John Lynch "Mob"?

Tony Dungy questioned Lynch, his former player, as well. He said Monday that there's no such thing as "messages" in the NFL. The only one that counts is in the win-loss column. So far, when it comes to the playoffs, the "message" has been sent: The Broncos had better show up if they want to advance.

Then again, the REAL message in all of this was the one Lynch received from the league on Tuesday.

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Dec. 28: Hollywood Scripting

It was a script fit for Hollywood. The Colts trail by 15. San Diego has outplayed them throughout the game, leaving everyone in the press box wondering if Peyton would have to break the record at Denver next week.

Cue the John Williams music. Peyton's parents arrived at the game with just nine minutes left in the game. (They get there by way of Jim Irsay's plane after the Mannings were stranded in Memphis due to weather delays.) And the comeback is on. Touchdown No. 49. Two point conversion. Game winning field goal in overtime. Roll the credits.

Video

Video Montage: Manning's 49 TD Passes Quiz: All About Peyton

I was lucky enough to be at Busch Stadium in St. Louis when Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris' record for home runs in a season. But as drama goes, that event had nothing on Peyton's. Keep in mind, the Cardinals weren't playing for much, other than the HR record.

The Colts are playing for everything -– record, momentum, an improved defense, a third seed in the playoffs, and perhaps the Super Bowl. What a sequel that would be.

Dec. 20: The Right Way

So, here we are, two games after the official "countdown" to the record and Peyton's pursuit persists. (Frankly, it's hard to tell which wait will be longer, the TD record or the opening of the Colts' new stadium.)

But you have to give Peyton, Tom Moore (offensive coordinator) and Tony Dungy a little credit: This record won't come cheaply. Sunday night, instead of allowing Edgerrin James a rushing TD in the third quarter, they could have run the now-famous play action pass to a wide-open tight end over the middle. Instead of taking a knee, they easily could've attempted a play in the waning seconds of the game just to tie Dan Marino's mark. (Plus, I can't see Dungy tacking one on like that against his ol' Vikings buddy Brian Billick.)

No, the brain power behind this horse power wants to do this the right way, and in a league that sometimes lacks a little class, it's good to there's some good guys left.

By the way, if you're looking for a REAL scapegoat in the fact Peyton didn't get the record, blame it on the Yankees. New York shortstop Derek Jeter was at the dome Sunday night to support his Gatorade pal Peyton. Perhaps the Curse of the Bambino has been transferred. Let's just hope it's not "de ja vu, all over again" against the Chargers.

Dec. 17: The Watch

We're now, officially, into game 2 of "The Watch," Peyton's pursuit of Dan Marino's record.

Don't be surprised if he doesn't break Marino's mark this Sunday. Baltimore comes in with the sixth best defense in the NFL (the seventh best against the pass -- fourth best in scoring), and their defensive backfield has given up a whopping 10 touchdowns the entire season.

You do the math -- that's less than one touchdown pass a game. And Peyton's expected to throw three?

On one hand, Colts fans need to be realistic as they head to the dome. On the other hand, IF Peyton breaks the record, it's a mark that becomes that much sweeter.

By the way, the great debate in the Colts locker room this week was who would eventually catch number 49? Everyone wants it, including the offensive line. (Why not make Ryan Diem tackle eligible -- if for no other reason than because he's a member of our Lucas Oil "Maximum Horsepower," Sunday nights at 11:20 p.m. on RTV6.)

Edgerrin says he'll put it on eBay. Marcus Pollard says he'll have a "kung-fu" grip on it and may go so far as to stick it in his jersey while he's helping out on the extra point, just to keep it away from Manning.

So, good luck No. 18 -- on the Ravens "D" -- on the record -- on getting (buying) the ball from your teammates.

And who said this was the season of giving?

Dec. 7: Another Clincher In Houston?

It's deja vu all over again.

Nearly a year after the Colts went to Houston and beat the Texans to win their first AFC South title, the Horse are primed to do it again. This week, armed with Peyton's 44 touchdowns (he'll tie Dan Marino's record of 48 in a season on Sunday and then break it next Sunday against Baltimore), Edgerrin James' ever-improving run game, and a defense that's playing much better than it did to begin the season, the Colts head to the home of last year's Super Bowl to win their second straight division title.

And they go there with plenty of momentum. Last five games, five big wins. And considering NFL teams are judged by what they do in November and December, the Colts challenge anyone to bring 'em down. But here's the thing. The guys on the team -- especially on offense -- actually think they can be even better. You name 'em, they said it after their win over the Titans. What, 50 touchdown passes in a season isn't enough? Hey, if they believe they can be better, who is to argue otherwise? I, personally, can't wait to see it. Just like a win this Sunday in Houston.

Nov. 30: Unbroken Line

All right. Please forgive me. I took a few days off to give thanks -- for the fact the Colts took Peyton Manning instead of Ryan Leaf. (I honestly thought Leaf would be the correct choice.)

Anyway, the buzz around the locker room Monday was the fact the offensive line will have another look this week. It turns out that center Jeff Saturday will be out with a right calf injury and OG Rick DeMulling will take his place. Only one problem: Rick has never played the center position in a competitive situation.

Now, usually I'd fear the worst, but not with this O-line. Line coach Howard Mudd has done an incredible job of getting this group ready for anything. If Jake Scott needs to come in and play, he does so like a seasoned veteran. Ditto for Ryan Lilja and, more remarkably, Trevor Hutton.

This week, the line won't miss a beat again, and they'll do it against a Titans defense that has big issues in the injury department. (Seven starters are out nowadays.) Talk about "laying it on the line."

Nov. 19: Another NFC North Triumph?

Now that we've put the whole "Desperate Housewives-Monday Night Football" thing to bed -- no pun intended -- let's concentrate on this week's game Colts-Bears game. Oh, yeah, the Colts and the rest of the league are playing games on Sunday. Give da Bears and coach Lovie Smith some credit. (Lovie and Tony Dungy go way back.) Their defense has played extremely well. But they're not the '85 Bears, and this year's group hasn't faced an offense like that of the Colts.

Consider, too, that the Colts made it look easy against the other teams in the NFC North (Packers and Vikings). And that should continue on Thanksgiving Day when they play in Detroit.

On defense, the Colts have left themselves wide open to criticism this season, but after watching their performance against the Texans, things are improving. Robert Mathis (3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) has become the perfect bookend to Dwight Freeney. Is there any way things could disintegrate against a Bears offense that's ranked last in the NFL?

Doubt it. Colts win, 38-17 as the Bears throw in the towel. Sorry, Nicollette, I couldn't resist.

Nov. 16: Moan Star State

OK. I've officially heard it all now. After the Colts-Texans game, a few of the Houston players were complaining about the Colts "running it up."

Now, I'll admit, it was a little odd that Peyton came out throwing during their first possession in the fourth quarter when the Colts were up 42-7. But to say the Colts were "running it up" is a bit absurd. (How do you tell Von Hutchins not to score his first NFL TD after he picked off David Carr?)

The thing I routinely hear when folks in the NFL bring up Tony Dungy is what a class act he is -- and I completely agree. So you're telling me he's going to coach a team that's going to "run up the score" when they have the chance?

C'mon. Houston has plenty of inside issues and needn't worry about how the classiest coach in the NFL would take advantage of a down-and-out team. Hopefully, the Texans will come to their senses ... after Indy plays them again on Dec. 12, that is.

Nov. 11: One Hip Team

Jump and bump? Or hip and hop. That was the big story (OK, it's not THAT big, but the guys got a kick out of it) in the team's locker room yesterday.

If you haven't noticed, Marcus Pollard, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark have been doing this move after they score touchdowns where they jump up and hit one another on the hip. I can think of better touchdown celebrations (Billy "white shoes" Johnson was one of my favorites) but this isn't bad. The only question is -- what to call it?

Pollard says he's willing to keep up the celebration if they can come up with a name.

Personally, I hope they come up with a defense first.

Nov. 4: Something To Prove

I'm having deja vu all over again.

Last week, it was the Chiefs and their top-rated offense. Now it's the Vikings with an offense that, statistically, is even better.

For the record, the Vikes have the top-ranked offense in the NFL. The Colts are second. But after stopping by the locker room today, I get the sense that this game won't be decided on offense, but on defense. Who can stop who? And the Colts' "D" feels like they've got something prove. Not to anyone in the NFL -- keep in mind, all of the players watch Monday Night Football -- but to themselves.

The timing is perfect, if they can get it done.

Oct. 30: Halloween Nightmare?

As the Colts head back to Kansas City, it's going to be hard to live up to the playoff game from last year.

The Colts scored on 6 of their 8 possessions. Peyton threw for his second-straight 300-yard, 100+ rating game.

Edgerrin ran for 125 yards and two touchdowns. The team didn't punt for the second-straight playoff game. (The Chiefs didn't punt either)

It was offense at its best -- for both teams.

But I wouldn't be surprised if we see Colts-Chiefs II.

Kansas City has the AFC's second-ranked offense (the Colts are No. 1) and KC comes off a week where they scored a remarkable eight rushing touchdowns.

Considering the Colts defense isn't as good as last year, this could be a Halloween nightmare.

I'll invoke a page from Uncle Ted Marchibroda's glory days in Indianapolis and suggest the following to Peyton: Let 'er rip!

Nonetheless, Chiefs win 34-31.

Oct. 29: Change Of Perspective

It's amazing how optimistic or pessimistic things can look after a win or loss. Take last Sunday's "L" to the Jags.

The Colts went from a chance at, effectively, taking a 2 1/2 game lead in the division to trailing Jacksonville by a half game. And now, they have an ultra-tough schedule of playing at Kansas City (one of the loudest and intimidating places to play) and hosting the Vikings, who, like the Colts, own one of the best offenses in the NFL.

The Colts will say the right things this week, but this is a critical stretch and an almost "must win" if this team wants to host any playoff games instead of playing the entire post-season on the road.

Let's hope the emotions that crystallized the Peyton Manning-Reggie Wayne made-for-TV moment, are funneled against the Chiefs and Vikings.

Oct. 22: Soft? Please ...

I have to admit, I got a kick out of the latest "material" on the walls at the Colts complex. With everything that pro athletes have to deal with when it comes to a game plan for another team, a win on Sunday may be chalked up to the ol' "bulletin board material." Sure enough, the boys from J-ville called the Colts "soft" after their loss on Oct. 3. I've got news for the Jags: The "soft" label is as old as the original rules of the game and, since Tony Dungy came on board, the Colts have routinely answered the "soft" mantra. Just ask the Titans last year. Their injury list after their home game with the Colts was something out of an episode of "M*A*S*H," with Jeff Fisher playing the role of Jamie Farr. Without the dress, of course.

Soft? The Colts defense? Young, yes. Soft, no.

But if that's the case, I still fully expect the soft Colts to beat the Jags again. 31-24.

Oct. 21: New Look, Same Result?

How much can three weeks actually change a matchup between the Colts and Jaguars? Apparently, a lot.

Jacksonville's main man, quarterback Byron Leftwich (by the way, would you believe that Marshall University has the most starting QBs in the NFL? Byron, and Jets QB Chad Pennington) is hobbling around with a bad right ankle.

Plus, the Colts defense will look a little different with their personnel as well with the addition of Mike Doss, back from his injury, and the addition of Bob Sanders.

What about Bob, you ask? The rookie from Iowa is listed as "probable" on the team's injury list, which means he'll likely play this Sunday.

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The only remaining question is where. Special teams is the likely area, but it sounds more and more like the team may utilize him in the defensive secondary.

Welcome to the NFL, rook.

So, things will be different than the last time the Colts played the Jaguars. Just not the result.

Oct. 18: What About Bob (And Mike)?

The clock has been ticking for some time now, but it appears to be moving at a little faster pace now that Bob Sanders is on the practice field. Sanders was there for the first time today, weeks after the rookie safety signed with the team. Even longer since he had off-season foot surgery. And even longer still since his last game, which has hurt his conditioning.

Don't expect to see Bob on the field this Sunday against the Jaguars -- he's not ready quite yet -- but do expect to see Mike Doss. Remember that Doss, also a safety, has been out since the season opener at New England. Doss was also practicing with the team today.

These are two of the hardest hitters on the team and welcome additions to a defense that's already taken several hard hits this season.

Oct. 12: Three Cheers For Jerry

Colts fans couldn't have asked for a better way to head into the bye week, unless you're talking about Jerry Rice. Sunday's game was, most likely, the final Indianapolis appearance by the guy widely considered to be the greatest wide receiver in the history of the game -- if not the greatest player, period. And Kerry Collins couldn't throw the ball once his way? This is like Barry Bonds playing at Victory Field only to be walked four times. And worse yet, this is the second time this year that this has happened to Rice.

I don't expect Rice to play past this season, but he told me he might still come back for a 21st. (He'll be 43 next year.) But I couldn't get over the way he's handling all of this. After the game, he stood in the locker room and took the tough questions from Bay Area print media (by the way, none of the Oakland TV stations travel with the Raiders anymore) and he talked of handling this season as a "professional." Trust me, stats or no stats, this guy handles everything "professionally" -- even the emergence of the Colts' Marvin Harrison. After eight seasons, Marvin is quick on Rice's heels. If only "88" can play as long as "80." Does Rice show any animosity? Hardly. After the game he went on and on about Marvin's abilities and how impressed he is with his talent.

Kudos to Jerry Rice. Too bad the Raiders don't see it that way as well.

Oct. 4: A Quarter Well Spent

OK, I admit it. When the schedule came out a few months ago, I thought the Colts would be in a good position if they split the first four games. Let's face it, a 2-2 record after playing the Patriots, Titans, Packers and Jaguars had to be ahead of the curve. But now that we're here, 3-1 seems like they've already won Super Bowl XXXIX.

Now, the overconfidence watch is on. Tony Dungy talked about it in his weekly news conference, and you can feel it in the team's locker room as well. The vets know that a 3-1 start means absolutely nothing.

The Colts won the season's first quarter. Let's see if they can win the next three.

Sept. 30: Sanders On The Horizon

We're now week 4 into the NFL season and still no Bob Sanders in the Colts defensive backfield. But is that about to change? We spotted the rookie safety working out for the first time yesterday, and that's certainly a "step" in the right direction. Afterward, he wouldn't say how long it'll be before he makes his debut, but it can't be far away.

As for why it's taken him a while to get on the field, he points to a combination of conditioning and healing. He says his surgically repaired foot continues to improve (he had a stress fracture at the end of his college career at Iowa) and since he hasn't played in a while, the conditioning for a true NFL game is taking him longer than perhaps he thought.

One thing's for sure, the Colts will welcome him if he lives up to the hype. Sanders' agent says he was the hardest hitting safety in college -- along the lines of Mike Doss. Colts fans hope so. The defense is currently ranked last in the league. I guess for everyone involved, the waiting IS the hardest part.

Sept. 27

It never ceases to amaze how classy the Manning family truly is. I was making my way to and from the Colts and Packers locker rooms after Sunday's game when Archie stops me in the hallway to shake my hand. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Colts fans everywhere ought to be shaking HIS hand. His son has helped bring the city of Indianapolis into the national spotlight on a weekly basis, and Peyton’s sense of charity goes well beyond anything the area will be able to "peyback." I mean, let's face it: Peyton has become the best of the current quarterbacks in the NFL, period. And the way he gives back to the community only adds icing to his incredibly talented cake.

But back to Archie. After a quick conversation, I next see him in the Packers locker room talking to Brett Favre. Archie, who became somewhat of an idol of Favre's as he grew up in Mississippi, went on and on about Favre's contribution to the game (and the sport in general) and wished him good luck for the rest of the season. I also heard something about a future golf game when the season was over. The NFL should sell tickets for that, too.

While it's true that Eli's addition to the NFL has truly made the Mannings the first family of pro football, they're also the first family of class. Too bad there isn't a stat for that.

Sept. 24

I head into the weekend feeling pretty good about Sunday's Colts-Packers game. Edgerrin looks good, despite the strained left hamstring. In fact, Tony Dungy says he'll not only play, but he'll start the game. The offense as a whole hasn't missed a beat from last season. And the defense is coming on.

My only fear is that "Edge" is feeling too good. The Colts don't want to risk throwing him into the game too much and risk further injury. After all, this week's game isn't nearly as important as the divisional game next week in Jacksonville. Plus, Dominic Rhodes is more than a capable backup.

I expect "Edge" to see about 15 touches, with the rest going to "Dom." I also expect a Colts win, 31-24. We'll see Sunday night.

Sept. 23

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After spending most of the day at the Colts complex, I'm ready to say that Edgerrin James will start for Sunday's game against the Packers. We'll see whether Tony Dungy agrees. But when "Edge" walked out today, after missing practice yesterday with that hamstring injury, he not only looked good, he looked great considering his condition. Hamstring schmamstring.

And when "Edge" needs a break on Sunday, Dominic Rhodes will do a fine job backing him up. "Dom" waits for this opportunity every year and he seems to thrive on it.

Welcome back, E.J.