May 01, 2009 11:22 pm
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The Indianapolis Colts opened their first minicamp under new head coach Jim Caldwell on Friday.
And there are already signs things are going to be different this year.
The most noticeable likely being the pair of 300-pound rookies competing for spots on the interior of the defensive line.
Second-round pick Fili Moala of USC (6-foot-4, 303 pounds) and fourth-rounder Terrance Taylor of Michigan (6-0, 319) represent a seismic shift in defensive philosophy.
In former head coach Tony Dungy’s famed “Tampa 2” scheme, speed is prioritized far above size.
Perhaps especially on the defensive line.
Speed merchants Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have thrived at defensive end in this system.
Last year’s starting tackles meshed with that philosophy.
Raheem Brock (6-4, 274) and Keyunta Dawson (6-3, 254) are built much more to run past opposing offensive lines than to run over them.
Caldwell, however, indicated very shortly after taking over the reigns he was interested in a change from the Tampa 2.
Three years ago, the Colts and the Chicago Bears each reached the Super Bowl playing that defense.
But it’s quickly fallen out of favor in NFL circles.
Critics say the scheme is too susceptible to the power running game, and it leaves the middle of the field far too open for deep passes to slot receivers and tight ends.
The selections of Moala and Taylor seem like the first shots fired toward a switch.
The guess here is Caldwell would like to move the Colts in the same direction as the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota’s version of the 4-3 defense relies on a pair of hulking tackles (in this case, Pat and Kevin Williams) gobbling up space and blockers, and allowing the linebackers to roam more freely and make more big plays.
The Baltimore Ravens used a similar scheme to win Super Bowl XXXV.
But, of course, they had linebacker Ray Lewis in the middle.
It remains to be seen whether the Colts have the depth and talent at linebacker to make the new scheme work.
u u u
Good news, NFL fans.
Comcast is still carrying the NFL Network.
The cable system was scheduled to drop the channel May 1 because of an ongoing dispute with the league.
Both sides reported “productive discussions,” however, and the NFL Network is staying on the air.
Barring another breakdown in talks, this is a big win for the fans.
For once, the big corporations set aside their squabbling and did what’s right for the paying customer.
My hat’s off to both sides.
Well done, gentlemen.
Contact George Bremer: 640-4831, george.bremer@ heraldbulletin.com
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