Maybe, just maybe, the Colts and Peyton Manning are done stealing headlines during Super Bowl week. They might save the real news for later.ANDERSON – By the time you read this, it probably will have changed again.
It seems to every day.
Injuries are playing a part in the uncertainty with the Colts’ offensive line – good luck predicting the starters for Sunday’s game at Houston – but it’s also thanks to the Colts’ versatility.
They have brought together a group of guys who have the ability to play several positions, and that flexibility was by design.
The offensive line’s versatility could have been fostered because of Tony Ugoh’s failure to progress at left tackle after he was drafted in the second round in 2007.
That versatility was made even more important Wednesday, when the Colts waived the much maligned Ugoh, who had a foot injury, and signed offensive lineman Joe Reitz off waivers from Miami.
The 6-foot-7, 320-pound Reitz, a Fishers native, is a second-year veteran who originally signed as a free agent with Baltimore in 2008 out of Western Michigan.
But the Colts like having options, and they’ve got plenty of them.
At perfect health, the Colts’ line will likely be Charlie Johnson at left tackle, Jamey Richard at left guard, Jeff Saturday at center, Kyle DeVan at right guard, Ryan Diem at right tackle.
But injuries to Johnson (foot) and Saturday (knee), and now Ugoh’s release, have made a mess of things. It could mean undrafted rookie Jeff Linkenbach will start at left tackle Sunday, and that Mike Pollak could start at center. And Jaimie Thomas could still factor into things at guard.
“We do a good job of preparing for people playing multiple spots,” Richard said. “It’s a good opportunity for guys to get better, to play different spots, and it makes us ready for times like this.”
There is always an expectation for the offensive line to be good in order to protect four-time MVP Peyton Manning. Last season, Manning was sacked 10 times, fewest among starting quarterbacks.
But line hasn’t given the Colts’ running backs as many chances to shine. Last season, the Colts averaged a league-worst 80.9 rushing yards.
“You definitely want your best five out there, that’s for sure,” Pollak said. “And having guys play different positions, you get to get a feel for what other guys are doing and it just improves your vast knowledge of the offense and makes you a better football player.”
The offensive line is working with a new position coach, Pete Metzelaars, who replaced the retired Howard Mudd.
“It’s nothing crazy, really. Pete was with Howard for a long time, and they have a very similar way. Everything we’re doing is similar,” Richard said. “The assignments and techniques, and things like that, nothing’s changed. It kind of feels like we haven’t missed a beat on that.”
Another departure was left guard Ryan Lilja, who started in the Super Bowl.
Diem said the linemen will be able to handle the job despite the departures, injuries or whatever else may happen.
“It comes back to the way we practice,” Diem said. “We try to rotate guys in as much as we can. Under these circumstances, there are a lot more reps for those young guys.”
