Monday, August 19, 2002
Fans wondering where Colts' offense went
By PHILLIP B. WILSON
The Indianapolis Star
INDIANAPOLIS — The NFL's No. 2 offense from a year ago is now zero-for-two. That's zero points for the Indianapolis Colts' first unit in two lackluster preseason starts.
Quarterback Peyton Manning and Co., minus running backs Edgerrin James and Dominic Rhodes, have had five series culminate with four punts and one interception.
The Colts' work-in-progress Cover-2 defense provided their only touchdown in an uneventful 22-10 preseason loss to Cincinnati on Saturday at the RCA Dome. And the other three points were set up by the defense forcing a fumble.
While it's just preseason, it's a disconcerting trend for an offense that scored more than 400 points in each of the last three seasons. It's certainly not what new coach Tony Dungy expected to see.
“That's something they're certainly not used to and it's something we never want to get to the point where we accept,” Dungy said on Sunday, after reviewing a game film filled with inefficiency. “The bottom line is we haven't had 11 guys play on every play the way they need to.”
A few of the key Colts, while disapproving of the goose egg, are quick to remind that these games don't count in the standings.
“It's disappointing, but not really discouraging,” Manning said. “We're not that far away.”
Added second-year receiver Reggie Wayne, “That's what preseason is for. We haven't scored, but we've got plenty of time. We've still got two preseason games left to get some things accomplished. With all the weapons we've got, I believe we'll be fine.”
Manning said during training camp that with James and Rhodes healthy and veteran receiver Qadry Ismail added to Wayne, Pro Bowler Marvin Harrison and tight end Marcus Pollard, this offense presented him more weapons than he's had in four seasons.
But as Colts fans were exiting the RCA Dome on Saturday, one hollered toward the locker room, “Hey, find out where the offense is at!”
Dungy is wondering the same thing, but he's not overly concerned just yet.
“These guys have moved the ball a lot in the last four years,” the coach said. “They know what they're doing. We just have to play better, and we will.”
The Colts had the ball for the opening 8 minutes, 49 seconds against the Bengals, driving 57 yards in 12 plays before Manning was hit while throwing and intercepted. The other two series were three-and-outs that generated just 17 total yards.
“You don't shoot all your guns in the preseason, but at the same time, you go out and execute and play football and expect to score,” said sixth-year right tackle Adam Meadows. “There's a lot of things we've got to fix. That's why we've still got three weeks of practice before we open up.”
Without James, who is skipping most of the preseason to rest his rehabilitated left knee, and Rhodes, who was lost for the season to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Thursday, the Colts haven't had much of a running game. Against the Bengals, fullback Jim Finn gained 11 yards on four carries in the first three series.
Dungy said the Colts are sticking with the plan to use James, if he's ready, only in the exhibition finale at New Orleans on Aug. 30.
“It doesn't make sense for me to say this is the best plan to get him ready, then we're going to do something different,” Dungy said.
The Colts plan to add depth and look at possible replacement backs this week — players that Dungy said are familiar with the offense.
If Dungy has a more pressing concern, it's penalties. The Colts incurred 12 at Seattle and 10 against Cincinnati. Dungy had set a goal of only five against Cincinnati.
On Saturday's opening drive, the Colts stalled themselves with two false starts and an illegal use of hands infraction. An illegal formation penalty was declined after the interception.
The first team had another penalty in each of its next two series before calling it a night.
“That's the biggest thing I'm disappointed in,” Dungy said. “We've just had far too many.”
Dungy was asked what it would mean if, after Saturday's home preseason game against Buffalo, the first team was still pointless and the penalty flags were still flying.
“We're probably not doing a good job coaching if this continues,” he said.
Bengals Stories
Reds 2, Astros 1
Reds box, runs
DAUGHERTY: Baseball knows fans will return
At last, joy in Mudville
Cards likely to get good view of Estes
Louisville 8, Columbus 7
Clock ticks as negotiations resume
A-Rod at top of his game while team is at bottom
Cards' Rolen sits with sore shoulder
Cardinals 5, Phillies 1
Cubs 3, Diamondbacks 2
Pirates 3, Brewers 2
Beem him up, Scotty
Guys with more longing than sense
Tiger makes his charge, but runs out of holes
Tiger's relationship with swing coach has changed
Under pressure, Wadkins pulls performance up to par
Woods, Lefty unlikely teammates
Kroger commitments
Sorenstam wins Compaq Open
Da Matta returns to winning ways
Jarrett's problem-solving does the job at Michigan
Sadler takes Rudd's place with Yates
College players keep skills sharp in summer league
Kentucky clinches Little League semifinal berth
Shaq a no-show at youth basketball camp
Blake outlasts Srichaphan for first tour title
Fire shut out Revolution
Sports gear so out of style it's in style
Sunday Silence, former Kentucky Derby, Preakness winner, dies
• Return to Bengals front page...
Fans wondering where Colts' offense went
