http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/players/kavell_conner/126537 Recent articles about Kavell Conner en-us  The Indianapolis Colts signed a lot of free agents and added 7 more rookies in the draft. Let's see how I think their roster will look now. Everything is not in order.   OFFENSE (26 players) Quarterbacks Andrew Luck Matt Hasselbeck Chandler Harnish   Running Backs Vick Ballard Donald Brown Kerwynn Williams Stanley Havili   Wide Receivers Reggie Wayne TY Hilton Darrius Heyward-Bey Lavon Brazill Griff Whalen   Tight Ends Dwayne Allen Coby Fleener Justice Cunningham   Offensive Tackles Anthony Castonzo Gosder Cherilus Jeff Linkenbach Lee Ziemba   Offensive Guards Hugh Thornton Donald Thomas Joe Reitz Ben Ijalana Mike McGlynn   Centers Samson Satele Khaled Holmes Mike McGlynn**   DEFENSE (24 players) Defensive Ends Cory Redding Fili Moala Drake Nevis Ricky Jean Francois   Defensive Tackles/Nose Tackles Montori Hughes Josh Chapman Aubrayo Franklin   Outside Linebackers Robert Mathis Erik Walden Bjoern Werner Lawrence Sidbury   Inside Li Wed, 15 May 2013 22:40:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/projecting_the_indianapolis_colts_roster/13627184 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/projecting_the_indianapolis_colts_roster/13627184 Projecting the Indianapolis Colts' Roster http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/projecting_the_indianapolis_colts_roster/13627184 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Indianapolis Colts have traded rush outside linebacker Jerry Hughes to the Buffalo Bills for inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard. The Jerry Hughes era is done in Indianapolis. The disapointing first round pick has been shipped off to Buffalo and in return the Colts get a solid inside linebacker in Kelvin Sheppard. Hughes never fully developed with the Colts and never was able to see the field for an extensive amount of time. Hughes finished his Colts career with 62 tackles and 5 sacks. Many fans will be happy to see the 4 year veteran go away. I'm personally disapointed, because the guy had 12 sack a year potential, but he just never fully developed. Let's see how he does in Buffalo.The Colts received Kelvin Sheppard, an inside linebacker for the Bills. Sheppard started almost every game last season and compiled 80 tackles with 2 sacks. He's going into his 3rd season in the NFL. Sheppard arrives at a position where it's quite crowded with guys like Pat Angerer, Jer... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:15:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/indianapolis_colts_trade_jerry_hughes_to_buffalo_bills_for_kelvin_sheppard/13514870 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/indianapolis_colts_trade_jerry_hughes_to_buffalo_bills_for_kelvin_sheppard/13514870 Indianapolis Colts trade Jerry Hughes to Buffalo Bills for Kelvin Sheppard http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/indianapolis_colts_trade_jerry_hughes_to_buffalo_bills_for_kelvin_sheppard/13514870 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Who's Fault Was it?: Jamaal Charles 86-Yard Touchdown RunPlayer at Fault: Jerrell Freeman, Inside Linebacker, Indianapolis ColtsFreeman is lined up as the opposite middle linebacker aside from Kavell Conner. Jamaal Charles is hitting a simple power on the left side, with lead blocker Patrick DiMarco out in front to take on Conner. Freeman's job is to either force inside and push Charles outside for the safety Tom Zibikowski, or lead him outside to make the tackle. Fullback Patrick DiMarco takes on safety Tom Zibikowski, leaving middle linebacker Jerrell Freeman to come in and make the tackle. Freeman has the opportunity to move up field and tackle Charles out of bounds, but instead...Inside Linebacker Jerrell Freeman makes an inside move, instead of taking an angle to corner Charles. Freeman then continues to stand there and let Charles off the hook for a 86 yard touchdown. I will give credit where it is due however, and credit Charles with a tremendous run, and wide receive... Mon, 24 Dec 2012 09:07:00 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/whos_fault_was_it_week_16_edition_nfl/12500836 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/whos_fault_was_it_week_16_edition_nfl/12500836 Who's Fault Was It?: Week 16 Edition NFL http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/whos_fault_was_it_week_16_edition_nfl/12500836 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png It’s that time of the year again.  The moment everyone in Colts Nation has been eagerly anticipating all season has finally arrived.  That’s right, it’s time for the Semi-semiannual Near-Midseason Joscar Awards for 2012.  These awards are handed out every year after the 7th game of the season (because 8 game midseason awards are for spineless cowards and corporate shills). The Joscars (pronounced “Jaw-skers” for the uninitiated) are the single most coveted near-midseason awards handed out anywhere in the world, and I am not just saying that, it’s a verified fact.* With that awesome introduction out of the way let’s jump right into the awards. Most Underrated Player: this award is given to the player who has done a top level job while receiving bottom level recognition.  The Colts have several players who could potentially fit the bill but the voting committee this year has decided to go a bit off script.  The winner of the 2012 Near-midseason Joscar for Most Underrated Player i... Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:20:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_2012_indianapolis_colts_semi_semiannual_near_midseason_joscar_awards/12090436 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/the_2012_indianapolis_colts_semi_semiannual_near_midseason_joscar_awards/12090436 The 2012 Indianapolis Colts Semi-semiannual Near-Midseason Joscar Awards http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/the_2012_indianapolis_colts_semi_semiannual_near_midseason_joscar_awards/12090436 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Well, how about one more recap; this one from another local reporter.  Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star looks at the defensive "attitude adjustment" that spurred the Colts' improbable comeback victory over a very good Packers team.  Richards spoke to Robert Mathis and Cory Redding and also broke down how the Colts hybrid 3-4 defense managed to shut down so many Green Bay drives with big defensive plays: Cornerback Jerraud Powers made the interception that turned the momentum and set up the first Colts touchdown. On almost every series thereafter, the Colts made a disruptive play to spike the possession and return the football to their offense. >> Redding sacked Rodgers to force a third-and-15 that eventually led to a Colts field goal. >> Linebacker Kavell Conner shot a gap and nailed running back Alex Green for a 4-yard loss and third-and-14. >> Outside linebacker Dwight Freeney buried Rodgers to force fourth-and-16. >> A Mathis s... Sun, 07 Oct 2012 21:50:32 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/richards_colts_d_turns_up_the_heat_in_the_second_half/11903851 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/richards_colts_d_turns_up_the_heat_in_the_second_half/11903851 Richards: Colts' D Turns up the Heat in the Second Half http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/richards_colts_d_turns_up_the_heat_in_the_second_half/11903851 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Peaks and valleys seems to be the theme this year with the Colts, with an impressive first half showing on Sunday completely rendered obsolete in an awful loss at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The loss came as a result of some incredibly poor football, whether on offense or defense. The only unit I can assuage of any guilt would be the special teams coverage and return units, who did well to stymie the Jacksonville return game, normally a thorn in the side. In any case, my objective this season is to keep an eye on the defense. The progress of Luck will be charted by others more inclined, which means I can sit back and curse to my heart's content watching the 'talent' on D. What I saw on Sunday was a familiar sight and yet one that I didn't expect to see as much this year, what with Coach Pagano's stated intent to run the football and stop the run. Maurice Jones-Drew was able to run through tacklers and open gaps at will, making up for the scarcely believabl... Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/all_22_analysis_evaluating_the_colts_defense_week_3/11813497 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/all_22_analysis_evaluating_the_colts_defense_week_3/11813497 All-22 Analysis - Evaluating the Colts Defense, Week 3. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/all_22_analysis_evaluating_the_colts_defense_week_3/11813497 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After watching the Colts crumble to an appalling defeat a week earlier, the performance on Sunday against the Vikings was uplifting. Hope flickers where negativity and pessimism once stood, and that can only be a good thing. While there were positives to take from both sides of the ball, I'm going to focus primarily this year on our defense, leaving offensive questions to those more capable and better suited.  Sunday's defensive performance included the traditional - Antoine Bethea making form tackles, Robert Mathis harrying opposing tackles - and the new, with younger contributors and free agent veterans doing their part to ensure a victory. I hope to exhibit both positives and negatives throughout the year in a similar style to my '5 Plays' pieces, which you may have seen either here or elsewhere previously. What can you expect? Game-tape breakdowns of plays that I deem significant, with a natural inclination towards splash plays and turnovers.   We begin on t... Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:36:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/all_22_analysis_evaluating_the_colts_defense/11764600 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/all_22_analysis_evaluating_the_colts_defense/11764600 All-22 Analysis - Evaluating the Colts Defense http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/all_22_analysis_evaluating_the_colts_defense/11764600 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After Pat Angerer went down during the preseason with a fractured bone in his foot, the Colts' community let out a collective groan. Angerer had a very nice sophomore season in 2011, one of the few bright spots on the team, and most Colts fans were excited to see him get another season under his belt in 2011.  The Colts linebacker group was already thin with a season-ending ACL tear for linebacker A.J. Edds, and weren't helped by Scott Lutrus season ending injury during week one of the preseason either.  However, the Colts have not looked to be weak at the inside linebacker spot thus far, in fact, the combination of Kavell Conner and ex-CFLer Jerrell Freeman has looked very effective so far in this short season.  Freeman has been a player that has been exciting us since the preseason, and he's exceeded expectations in place of Pat Angerer. After his 13 tackle and strip-sack performance against the Vikings, some even questioned whether Angerer's starting spot was i... Tue, 18 Sep 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/kavell_conner_and_jerrell_freeman_why_it_works/11743039 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/kavell_conner_and_jerrell_freeman_why_it_works/11743039 Kavell Conner and Jerrell Freeman: Why it Works http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kavell_conner_and_jerrell_freeman_why_it_works/11743039 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Last week, I shared a list of eight depth or backup players that I would be watching during Sunday's preseason game. This week, we'll be taking a look back at those players to see how they did, as well as highlighting several other standouts from Sunday's game.  First up is inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman, who got into the game early for Kavell Conner on passing downs, and then replaced Pat Angerer later in the game when he left with a foot injury.  With the recent news that Angerer will be missing six weeks with a fractured foot, Freeman is bound to get a longer look. He will definitely be competing for the starting spot with several others (Pagano mentioned Greg Lloyd, Moise Fokou, and Mario Harvey), but it would appear that Freeman has the inside track.  So, in the first live action glimpse the Colts' coaches were able to get of the ex-CFL player, what did they see?  As I mentioned, he started the game by subbing in for Kavell Conner on the first series, c... Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/players_we_watched_lb_jerrell_freeman/11451520 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/players_we_watched_lb_jerrell_freeman/11451520 Players We Watched: LB Jerrell Freeman http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/players_we_watched_lb_jerrell_freeman/11451520 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png There are a lot of new players on the Colts. At last count, at least 54 players are either new or have a year or less of experience.  This leads to a lot of moments where I read and update, see a name, and a blank slate just replaces my mind. Never before can I remember mixing up so many names, and being so unfamiliar with a roster.  The roster is filled with no-names, and it's one of the reasons why the team will likely struggle for large portions of the season.  However, there is one name that I had never heard before this off-season, that I am very excited for. One name that I'm actually looking forward to having on the roster, instead of having some sort of vague apprehension.  That name is Jerrell Freeman.   Perhaps you've never heard of him. I wouldn't blame you.  Born in Waco, Texas, the 6' 234 lb. linebacker attended the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor from 2004-2007, a small D-3 Christian university located in Belton, TX. To date, Freeman has be... Wed, 08 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jerrell_freeman_someone_to_keep_an_eye_on/11403841 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jerrell_freeman_someone_to_keep_an_eye_on/11403841 Jerrell Freeman: Someone to Keep an Eye On http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jerrell_freeman_someone_to_keep_an_eye_on/11403841 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png In case you're unaware, the Colts released their first unofficial depth chart for the 2012 season, the one that will be in place for the first preseason game against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, August 12th.  The depth chart IS unofficial, and is not yet completed on the team's website. The team did however, release pictures of the base depth charts on Instagram, and tweeted them out for the public to see, as well as providing them to the local media.  The offense depth chart can be seen here: http://instagram.com/p/OAYOvwJ6zT/  The defense depth chart can be seen here: http://instagram.com/p/OAYfkFJ6zg/ Special teams: http://instagram.com/p/OAYoGZJ6zm/ Some notes and thoughts on the depth chart after the jump.   Offense:  Starting offensive line is: LT Castonzo, LG Linkenbach, C Satele, RG McGlynn, and RT Justice As I've stated multiple times, I fully expect Reitz to win the left guard spot, and Linkenbach to primarily be the backup right tackle (which is w... Tue, 07 Aug 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/thoughts_as_colts_release_first_depth_chart/11395171 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/thoughts_as_colts_release_first_depth_chart/11395171 Thoughts as Colts Release First Depth Chart http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/thoughts_as_colts_release_first_depth_chart/11395171 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png **Leading up to the start of training camp, Everything-Colts will be giving you breakdowns and ratings on each position group, making you more knowledgeable about the entire Colts team.** Today's entry is about the linebackers. The transition to the 3-4 is not an easy one, but this group is filled with young stars and solid vets. The position that has changed the most has to be the linebacker spot. You have 2 linebackers moving inside (instead of being spread out), and you have 2 players, who have never stood out, becoming stand up outside linebackers. This is going to be different. The positions are currently filled by Pat Angerer, Kavell Conner as inside linebackers, with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis as outside linebackers. Jerry Hughes and Tim Fugger are expected to be backups for Freeney and Mathis, with the inside linebacker backup spots being wide open. Let's start with our inside linebackers: Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner. Angerer had a great season last... Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:43:22 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/colts_positional_breakdown_linebackers/11287282 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/colts_positional_breakdown_linebackers/11287282 Colts positional breakdown: linebackers http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_positional_breakdown_linebackers/11287282 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Yesterday, Colts Authority took a look at the ongoing rebuild in Indianapolis by focusing on the major pieces and contributors the team has lost leading up to the 2012 season. The names were all very familiar and their contributions were all extremely significant to past Colts teams but, in most cases, drop-offs in production, injuries, age, and a more objective analysis of each individual's role and contributions hopefully provided some level of clarity for a fan base unsure about the team's future. The most important line in yesterday's story is: Are the Colts in a full-scale rebuild? The obvious answer is yes, but the ramifications of that rebuild may be different than what it has been for teams in the past. One of the best ways to gauge where the Indianapolis Colts are as a franchise heading into the 2012 NFL Draft is to take a look at the players that remain from the 2011 team, their roles and how they fit into potential ... Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:00:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dont_be_surprised_part_ii_what_the_2012_indianapolis_colts_gained_on_defense/10496213 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dont_be_surprised_part_ii_what_the_2012_indianapolis_colts_gained_on_defense/10496213 Don't Be Surprised Part II - What the 2012 Indianapolis Colts Gained on Defense http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/dont_be_surprised_part_ii_what_the_2012_indianapolis_colts_gained_on_defense/10496213 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png After the Indianapolis Colts hired Bruce Arians from the Steelers to be the new offensive coordinator, they have also now got another guy from Pittsburgh, as they hired Steelers' linebackers coach Keith Butler to be the new defensive coordinator.With this, it looks as if the Colts will be getting a change on defense, as it seems they may move to a 3-4 now. With Chuck Pagano and Butler, they both have worked with 3-4 defenses with their old teams.This means that Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are probably going to learn to play to outside linebacker. It could be a tough transition, but many defensive ends have had success, like Mario Williams with the Houston Texans. Along with that, if you consider how athletic both Mathis and Freeney are, the transition could be fairly easy.The question is, what will they do with the other linebackers? It seems as if Gary Brackett's time in Indiana is coming to a close now. After his season-ending injury and the rise of Pat Angerer and Kavell Conner, all signs poin Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:17:00 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/colts_hire_keith_butler_as_new_defensive_coordinator/9660919 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/colts_hire_keith_butler_as_new_defensive_coordinator/9660919 Colts Hire Keith Butler as New Defensive Coordinator http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/colts_hire_keith_butler_as_new_defensive_coordinator/9660919 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png The Indianapolis Colts played well enough against the Tennessee Titans to change the number in the win column.  That’s right, the Indianapolis Colts have pulled off what many felt they wouldn’t.  They beat the Titans 27-13 to get their first win of the season. The offense finally did their part for 60 minutes.  Donald Brown put together a very nice set of numbers rushing the ball to lead the way.  He scampered for 161 yards on 16 carries with one long run of 80 yards that went to “the house!”  Reggie Wayne got back in the end zone, as well.  He had only visited the “promise land” two other times this year and this is the first since week 12 against Carolina. The defense played very well, too.  Chris Johnson, one of the most dangerous running back in the league, only managed 55 yards on the ground.  The typical “achilles heel” of the Colts defense is stopping the run, but yesterday they were outstanding.  The Colts line-backing core was amazing in this game.  Guys like Pat Angere Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:08:47 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/indianapolis_colts_get_their_first_win/8823493 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/indianapolis_colts_get_their_first_win/8823493 Indianapolis Colts get their first win! http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/indianapolis_colts_get_their_first_win/8823493 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png