IMPACT ROOKIES FOR 2013 NFL SEASON-AFC SOUTH

The AFC South is going to be very interesting to watch this year.

There is a distinct favorite (the Texans), which a strong contender that everyone has their eye on (the Colts), and 2 teams who are trying to remake themselves.

If the Texans fan find a second receiver, they might run away with this division.

If the Colts can fill a few more gaps, they might be an 11 win team again.

If the Titans can find balance and consistency on offense, they can be a real thorn for the leaders.

The Jags, well the Jags need playmakers outside of MJD.

Let's see who found what they needed.

Should the Colts Cut Dwight Freeney?

No.

Thanks for joining us for this week's episode of "Common Sense and Sensibility"!  Tune in next week as we discuss wearing helmets, cups, and cleats!

Wait, I'm contractually obligated to write more?  Fine.

On Friday, during their annual shedding of beloved veteran players, the Colts announced that they would not be retaining the services of WR Austin Collie and DE (let's stop pretending) Dwight Freeney. If anyone was surprised by either of these moves, they've likely been in a coma. Or they are Dwight Freeney.

Before a series of concussions began the end of his career in 2010, Collie appeared ready to become the Colts long-term solution to the WR position, and his stats had put him among the game's best at the position.

My biggest hope for Collie is that he can get healthy and live a long, happy life with his family.

Bruce Arians Accepts Cardinals' Head Coaching Position

Bruce Arians has officially taken the Arizon Cardinals' head coaching position, vacating his offensive coordinator position.

The favorite for Coach of the Year (along with his partner in crime, Chuck Pagano) will go to Arizona, and take over a woeful Cardinals offense that features an aging unhappy superstar, no real good quarterback, the worst offensive line in the NFL, and a pourous running game. However, he will also be going to a team with a top 10 defense with some real stars like Daryl Washington, Patrick Peterson, and Darnell Dockett. There are a lot of up and downs on this team.

NFL Playoffs Week One Wrap Up: AFC Edition

By: Rich Bergeron

The sunken, battle-weary eyes of Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano said it all Sunday as the Baltimore Ravens cruised to a 24-9 victory over the Colts in the last home game ever for Ravens' Linebacker Ray Lewis.

Pagano missed 12 games this season due to a bout with Leukemia, and he came into this game without the benefit of the coach who took the reins in his absence. Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians (who was hospitalized this morning due to an unknown illness) posted a 9-3 record in relief of the cancer-stricken head coach. Pagano inspired a huge outpouring of support and encouragement from NFL fans across the country as he fought to get back to the sidelines again. Though there wasn't the kind of storybook ending to the Colts season that Pagano was hoping for, their impressive turnaround from a 2-14 season last year to making the playoffs this year is extremely encouraging. This team should be a formidable threat in the 2013-2014 season. 

Baltimore relied on a well-balanced attack on defense and a hometown crowd heartily cheering on the retiring 17-year-veteran Lewis, who amassed 13 tackles in his final game at home. The offense also shined thanks to the efforts of Veteran Receiver Anquan Boldin, who chalked up 145 yards and a touchdown on just 5 total catches in the game. Quarterback Joe Flacco was also at his best, completing another touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta on the way to putting up 282 yards through the air on just 12 completions.

The Colts had few bright spots in the game as Rookie Quarterback Andrew Luck (28-54, 288 yards, INT) couldn't seem to maintain any positive rhythm in the game despite connecting with Reggie Wayne for 114 total yards on nine catches.  Adam Vinatieri kicked field goals of 47, 52 and 26 yards, but it was all too little and too late for the Colts.

Baltimore will now travel to Denver to face a well-rested Broncos squad led by Legendary Quarterback Peyton Manning. Three weeks ago the Broncos beat the Ravens 34-17, so the Baltimore defense will have to perform much better in this rematch to come out with the win and live to see another week of football.

Houston Texans clinch division title with win over Colts

For years, the Houston Texans strove to unseat the Indianapolis Colts who were the sole possessors of the AFC South title season after season in the early 2000s. Behind quarterback Peyton Manning and coach Tony Dungy, the Colts seemingly locked up their division midway through the season each year.

As irony would have it the roles have changed.

The Texans, now the perennial powerhouse of the AFC South and arguably one of the best teams in the NFL, are sitting on the throne of the division champion for the second-straight year and do not look to be surrendering that seat anytime soon.

Behind superstars Andre Johnson, Arian Foster and J.J. Watt, Houston has climbed the ranks and entered into elite status, much like the Colts of old.

Detroit Lions shocked by Luck, Colts

If there’s one thing we learned on Sunday, it’s that Andrew Luck can really play.

Despite throwing three interceptions and struggling in the second half, Luck was able to bring his team back from the dead and steal this game from Detroit on the game’s final play.

The Lions looked to be in line for a win when they led 33-21 with just four minutes to play, but then Luck took over.

Too Much Tom Brady: Colts Routed by Patriots 59-24

Blowout.  We all knew it could happen, but we wanted to believe it wouldn't.

Today, the Indianapolis Colts walked into Gillette Stadium with a tall order to fill.  They needed to either get some stops against the NFL’s top offense or somehow match them score for score in a shootout.  For a team who has been outscored on the season, that is a difficult proposition.  For any team facing Tom Brady and the Patriots, it is a tough task.

This team has been winning despite having some big talent holes in their roster.  They have done so in admirable fashion, bonding together through adversity and playing for their leader, Coach Chuck Pagano. 

Today, the Patriots were just too much.  Too much Gronkowski.  Too much Tom Brady.  Too much Wes Welker.  Too much.

There have been games this season where the offense has felt the pressure to score, but none like this. 

Report: Rob Gronkowski suffers broken forearm

There may not be any Gronk spikes for the foreseeable future.

Citing a source, Tom Curran of Comcast SportsNet New England reports that Rob Gronkowski suffered a broken forearm in Sunday’s 59-24 thrashing of the Colts.

The All-Pro tight end, who recorded seven catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns, exited late in the fourth quarter to undergo X-rays, and didn’t meet with the media after the game.

Gronkowski has dealt with a nagging hip injury this season, but continued to play through the pain.

Assuming tests reveal a fracture, the 23-year-old would almost certainly miss considerable time, potentially crippling an offense that’s still without tight end Aaron Hernandez.

Colts Cheerleader Agrees To Shave Head If $10,000 Is Raised For Leukemia

The Indianapolis Colts players and organization have done a wonderful job in supporting head coach Chuck Pagano in his fight against Leukemia.

Now the biggest supporters of the Colts want to get involved.

Larry Brown Sports is reporting that a Colts cheerleader named Megan M. will shave her head in support of Leukemia research, if the Colts mascot, Blue, can raise $10,000 for Leukemia research.

The agreement was hashed out in funny video featured on Colts.com.

Blue would now like fans to visit www.colts.com/chuckstrong to make a donation to the CHUCKSTRONG fund.

Blue reportedly has until November 25, to raise the $10,000.

If the money is raised, Megan will have her head shaved at halftime of the Colts vs Bills game.
Good for your Megan.

Robert Littal

Be sure to check out other great articles at BlackSportsOnline.

Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano out of Hospital

After Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns, the news gets better and better for the Indianapolis Colts.

Head coach Chuck Pagano has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at his own home as he continues to battle Leukemia  Although he has been sent home, Pagano still has a long fight ahead of him.

He is not expected back to the Colts at all this season.

After the win today, the Colts confirmed that their head coach was watching the game from his own home.

That has to only raise spirits in Indianapolis, as they are now 2-1 with Bruce Arian being interim head coach.

A recovering head coach, and a win against the Browns have to make the Colts feel good as a team.

Robert Littal

Be sure to check out other great articles at BlackSportsOnline.