Sanders' Impact

Sanders' Impact Extends Beyond Statistics. The mention of the name brought immediate smiles. Not just to Colts cornerback Jason David, but to Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson, too. And to linebacker Gary Brackett . . . And to defensive end Robert Mathis . . .

The name: Bob Sanders.

As in, just what will it mean to have Sanders on the field? Well, quite a bit, that's what. And not just statistically, either.

"He's going to bring a lot to the defense," David said as the AFC South-leading Colts (6-0) prepared to play the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos (5-1) at INVESCO Field at Mile High Sunday at 4:15 p.m.

"He's not a guy who's going to go out and do too much talking. He's going to go out and lead by example. He's going to do what he's supposed to do."

"We're just going to feed off of that."

Mostly, David and other Colts defensive players said, what Sanders will do is hit.

A lot. And really, really hard.

"Bob will be Bob, doing what Bob does," Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney said, smiling.

"He brings an attitude, hard-hitting - the way he hits, it rubs off on everybody," Mathis said.

Sanders, a third-year safety and a Pro Bowl selection last season, has missed the last four games with a knee injury sustained in practice shortly after the Colts' Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He returned to practice this week before missing the last two days. Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy said Friday it's uncertain if he will play against the Broncos Sunday.

Technorati Tag(s): Colts, Bob Sanders, Tony Dungy

Montae Reagor in Accident

Montae Reagor won't be with the Colts Sunday when they play the Washington Redskins.

Reagor, an eight-year veteran defensive tackle, was involved in a car accident early Sunday afternoon near the Colts' 56th Street facility in Indianapolis. He sustained facial lacerations and as of 4 p.m., he was resting comfortably at Methodist Hospital.

He was accompanied by two team physicians.

Reagor was among seven Colts' inactive players Sunday. The others: Wide receiver Brandon Stokley, defensive tackle Dan Klecko, safety Bob Sanders, tight end Jerome Collins, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, offensive guard Matt Ulrich.

Technorati Tag(s): Colts, Montae Reagor, Washington Redskins

Run Must Be Stopped

The way Robert Mathis sees it, the answer is simple. The answer is not, as Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy is quick to tell you, newly-acquired Anthony "Booger" McFarland. It's not a change in scheme. Or philosophy. How do the Colts get teams to stop running so much against them?

Simple, Mathis said.

"It's the way it is till we stop it," the four-year veteran defensive end said as the AFC South-leading Colts (5-0) prepared to play the Washington Redskins (2-4) in the RCA Dome Sunday at 4:15 p.m.

The Colts' run defense, as has been the case much of the season, was a major topic as the team practiced this week at the Union Federal Football Center.

A week before the bye week, the Colts allowed 214 yards rushing in a 14-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans, and entering the game against the Redskins, the Colts are ranked 32nd in the NFL against the run.

The statistics have been repeated often this week. Last year, the Colts allowed 110.1 yards rushing per game. This season, they are allowing 166.1 yards per game, and in two games this season, the Colts have allowed more than 150 yards rushing in the first half.

On Tuesday, the Colts addressed the area by sending a second-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for McFarland, a defensive tackle and a starter in six of seven seasons since being the Buccaneers' first-round selection in the 1999 draft.

Technorati Tag(s): Colts, Anthony McFarland, Tony Dungy

Not A One-Man Solution

Anthony "Booger" McFarland wanted one thing made clear: He's not a one-man solution.

He doesn't think people should consider him one. And he sure doesn't see himself that way.

"I'm not proclaimed as a savior - I'm not a difference-maker," McFarland said Wednesday, a day after the Colts acquired him in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a second-round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft.

"What I am is a guy who's going to work as hard as I can and try to do whatever they ask me to do. That's what I am."

McFarland, a defensive tackle, was a first-round draft selection (15th overall) by the Buccaneers in 1999. He played with Tampa Bay for seven seasons, starting for the last six. His first three seasons in the NFL, and his first two as a starter, he spent playing for Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy, then the head coach in Tampa Bay.

McFarland arrived in Indianapolis Wednesday, watched practiced Wednesday afternoon and likely will practice Thursday, Dungy said.

"We're happy about it," Dungy said Wednesday as the AFC South-leading Colts (5-0) prepared to play the Washington Redskins (2-4) at the RCA Dome Sunday at 4:15.

Technorati Tag(s): Colts, Anthony McFarland, Tony Dungy