Indy Football Report: A look at Indianapolis Colts DEs entering 2009

The Indianapolis Colts' defensive end position is an intriguing one entering 2009, with the roster featuring two of the NFL's best players at the position but questions remaining about the unit's depth.

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, the franchise's two all-time sacks leaders, each made the Pro Bowl last season for the Colts at defensive end, a remarkable achievement for two players playing alongside young, inexperienced and -- in many cases -- smallish defensive tackles. Colts opponents typically did whatever they could to not create pass-rushing situations and that included not passing in obvious long-yardage situatuons. But Freeney and Mathis each still registered double-digit sacks figures and continued to be two of the NFL's best big-play, big-situation defensive players. Veteran Raheem Brock continued to be a stable force at the position, starting and playing in run situations with Mathis playing mostly passing situations, but beyond that there is inexperience at the position. Second-year veteran Marcus Howard registered a sack and a half as a rookie, but he didn't play extensively on defense until the season finale and the Colts need him to develop into a viable force at the spot this season.