Indy Football Report: A look at the Indianapolis Colts C position entering 2009

The Indianapolis Colts' center position is a stable one entering 2009, with much of that stability coming from one early offseason move.

That move was the signing of three-time Pro Bowl selection Jeff Saturday shortly before the start of unrestricted free agency. The signing was possible because of a late increase in the NFL's salary cap, and the increase kept a player Colts officials and player believe is vital to the offense. Saturday is a veteran leader who calls blocking assignments at the line of scrimmage at the same time Colts nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning is calling the offensive audibles, and Saturday's ability to read and decipher defenses quickly is key to the team's no-huddle offense. Saturday's re-signing give the Colts a quality front-line player at the spot, and the presence of not only Steve Justice, but Jamey Richard gives them some security if Saturday becomes injured. Justice played sparingly as a rookie, but Richard -- although listed as a guard -- started four games at center and can give the Colts quality games when called upon.