We NEED Donald Brown

[Indra]

I thought they should have used Hart and Simpson a bit more this game, but I can understand why they didn't. We were playing from behind for most of the game and trying to get quick scores, so the running game was secondary to the passing game (again). But I still feel like Addai isn't a built to play the entire game, and he could have used a few breaks.

[indy1888]

Originally Posted by Indra

I thought they should have used Hart and Simpson a bit more this game, but I can understand why they didn't. We were playing from behind for most of the game and trying to get quick scores, so the running game was secondary to the passing game (again). But I still feel like Addai isn't a built to play the entire game, and he could have used a few breaks.

I thought the same thing. I figured they would try and split the carries like they do with Brown. Did Hart even get a carry? Polian said all week he would play a big role this week. I don't even remember seeing him in the game. You are exactly right on Addai, he is not an every down back. I actually think at this point he would be a better number 2 back like in his rookie season and i wouldn't be surprised if this move is made in the postseason. Since being the number 1 guy he's really only had success for one half of a season and that was in 07.

[ManningToHarrison]

Geez...how about you give Addai some props for throwing that TD and helping us win

[Cyre59]

For all of you that are spouting off about our run game, saying it will be impossible for us to win 3 playoff games and a superbowl. Go talk to Larry Johnson who's last good rushing day came the game before indy's ''weak'' run defense smothered KC's chances at the Lombardi in 06. I think I remember some crap about there's no way a team that can't stop the run could win 3 playoff games and a superbowl. Meanwhile Bob Sanders is kissing his new shiney "football" trophy. Just saying fuel the fire.

[amongilia]

I've coached h.s. football in New Jersey for 40 years and I've been a Colt fan since 1953, before John Unitas!! Nobody wins football games games without solid linemen. No back can run without holes. Give JA some creases and he'll help us more. He's shell shocked. He runs now looking for the seam that's not there. If our line does not improve, Donald will have the same issues after awhile!! We need to draft next year some sold linemen.

I have always told my players and coaches, One good line coach is worth two head coaches and one linemen is worth two running backs. No hole no gain! It's simple!!!

[HorseySauce]

Originally Posted by amongilia

I've coached h.s. football in New Jersey for 40 years and I've been a Colt fan since 1953, before John Unitas!! Nobody wins football games games without solid linemen. No back can run without holes. Give JA some creases and he'll help us more. He's shell shocked. He runs now looking for the seam that's not there. If our line does not improve, Donald will have the same issues after awhile!! We need to draft next year some sold linemen.

I have always told my players and coaches, One good line coach is worth two head coaches and one linemen is worth two running backs. No hole no gain! It's simple!!!

Welcome...very solid post. Glad to see someone with experience on the board.

I'm not sold on our line play either. I'm particularly worried about the right side. Charlie Johnson is holding his own on the left, but Pollak and Diem aren't making many holes.

That said, Addai seems to be the one back that can't follow the Gene Huey method for running the ball. Huey is known to teach backs to "hit the hole at the right time." It's a one-cut and plow-ahead approach. Joe runs very well outside, is excellent in pass protection and is a great receiving back. But he struggles between the tackles at times.

Can you tell us if that's Joe or if the line really is playing that poorly? To me it makes sense for the back to look for a crease and if it's not there, lower the shoulder and take the 1-2 yard pickup. Perhaps we're asking too much of the guy.

[TylerD]

Originally Posted by Indy Lombardi

It's impossible for this team to win three playoff games and win a Super Bowl with this type of running game. It's not as though Manning threw three INTs and fumbled two snaps today. He was just slightly off, slightly, yet it was still an absolute battle to beat a .500 team. When you play the better defenses in the playoffs - the Steelers, Ravens - chances are he will look slightly off again. And without a better running game vs. the better defenses, you are doomed. I'm sure I'm not breaking any news here.

I agree with this... Its no secret that Peyton struggles in the playoffs, and in order to win in the playoffs you need a good running game especially if our QB is struggling... Although the last 2 years Peyton has played very good in both playoff games... Both losses however, but he himself played good.

I do agree none the less that we need the running game to start taking off... Its selfish to complain about something when your team is 7-0... But this team always looks good in the regular season at 13-3, 12-4 then struggles in the playoffs and that is my main worry... If our running game takes off and if we are even 16th in the league for running I will be happy. We just need an average running game to be super bowl worthy.... Right now our running game is almost bottom of the pile again

[SmashMouth]

Originally Posted by HorseySauce

Welcome...very solid post. Glad to see someone with experience on the board.

I'm not sold on our line play either. I'm particularly worried about the right side. Charlie Johnson is holding his own on the left, but Pollak and Diem aren't making many holes.

That said, Addai seems to be the one back that can't follow the Gene Huey method for running the ball. Huey is known to teach backs to "hit the hole at the right time." It's a one-cut and plow-ahead approach. Joe runs very well outside, is excellent in pass protection and is a great receiving back. But he struggles between the tackles at times.

Can you tell us if that's Joe or if the line really is playing that poorly? To me it makes sense for the back to look for a crease and if it's not there, lower the shoulder and take the 1-2 yard pickup. Perhaps we're asking too much of the guy.

I think you hit it on the head. Most backs have to be taught to be patient in looking for the hole, then burst through it at full speed. if its nt there, lower the pads and get what you can. JA tends to dance and I don't see the good burst that was evident in his first two years. I don't see him running through very many tackles either. Brown sees the whole and gets throught it quicker and more explosively. I don't see the explosion with Addai anymore.

[Indy Lombardi]

Originally Posted by TylerD

I agree with this... Its no secret that Peyton struggles in the playoffs, (

Peyton's had some bad games, yes, but generally speaking, it's not Peyton, it's the fact Peyton has played on severely flawed teams. 20-17, 17-14 is playoff football. You must be able to gut out one or two of those types of games in a playoff run. Offenses and passing games do generally struggle in January, so when you can't run the ball, your defense cannot stop the run or get the opposing team off the field, and you get absolutely nothing positive from your special teams, winning a playoff game against one of the best teams in the league is a nearly impossible task. It takes a team effort. The Steelers, for instance, got a defensive or special teams TD in every playoff game last year, without which, they would not have won the Super Bowl.

[BIGugly]

Brown would have gotten us at least a couple of first downs thad Addai could not....