No Tez at Practice

[*SHRacerX*]

(10-26-2015, 03:29 PM)corpjet Wrote: We've waited this long whats another week or so, lets make sure he's 100% healthy!

After all we will be playing through February!

I get the sarcasm, but honestly, it is so fatiguing watching this team collapse at the end of week 17.  The lack of rotation.  Injuries.  Tough schedule.  This year, they need to focus on what happens AFTER week 17.  Granted, they don't hand out playoff spots week 1, or week 6 for that matter, but I thought the Colts did a very good job of this last year.  They didn't seem to get too stressed out about their deficiencies, but they kept working to put together a lineup that could win in the postseason.  They figured out an offensive line that would work and they get some key players healthy.  People forget, despite their horrible play this season, that they were in the AFC Title game last year.  I understand you can take some risks when your division foes are the Titans, Jags, and Texans, but you get my point.

This year, I don't care if Vontaze takes the maximum allowable time and returns in week 12 (I believe).  He would finally be getting in to football game shape for the postseason.  Sprinting in to the playoffs, instead of limping as in previous years. 

I further hope that players like Rex Burkhead, Tyler Kroft, Mo Sanu, and Ryan Hewitt get even more involved in the offensive gameplan.  Not because I feel like they should take opportunities away from AJ, Eifert, etc. but because it would help to keep those guys from taking more hits and reduce their threat of injury.  It would also prepare the Burkheads, Krofts, etc. for game action should they have to be pressed in to starters roles.

Yes, the team would not be as dynamic, but look at the second half of the Buffalo game.  Once it gets to be 31-14, why not give the starters some rest and play some of these other guys.  Same goes for the defense. 

I am also thinking we are getting close to where we will see a greater emphasis on the running game, with Hill and Gio each getting more opportunities.  This is what it takes in the playoffs.  Be able to run the ball when you have to:  3rd and 2, etc. 

I am so excited by what I have seen in this team.  They are hitting on all cylinders.  I want to take as many precautions as possible to ensure this is the team that hits the postseason.