»For starters: The objective for many front-line
players tonight is quality, not quantity. Quarterback Peyton Manning
and several other starters are expected to play only a series or two.
Then, let the liberal substituting begin. Ideally, Manning would like
to face as many down-and-distance situations — third-and-1,
third-and-long — as time allows, as well as get some work in the red
zone. Wide receiver
Reggie Wayne
has a different agenda. “Go in there and break a sweat, burn some
calories a little bit,” he said. “Just go out there and get a feel and
get back in sync with Peyton.”
»Secondary concerns:
On paper, the Colts possess one of the league’s best secondaries. It
will be on the sideline tonight. Safety Bob Sanders is on the
physically unable to perform list while recovering from knee surgery
and his running mate, Antoine Bethea,
is out after cracking a bone in his right hand during practice. The
team ruled out one starting cornerback, Kelvin Hayden (hamstring), and
the other ruled himself out. Marlin Jackson returned to practice Monday
after completing rehabilitation from knee surgery, but he’s not ready
for a game.
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»Time off: Other players
ruled out of the game are tight end Dallas Clark (concussion),
offensive tackle Ryan Diem (back), quarterback Jim Sorgi (hamstring),
running back Mike Hart (ankle) and wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez
(hamstring). Out with undisclosed injuries are defensive end Curtis
Johnson and tight ends Tom Santi and Jacob Tamme. It’s also doubtful
wide receiver Sam Giguere will play. He was activated off PUP on
Thursday after completing rehab from a broken fibula. Also Thursday,
the team waived/injured wide receiver Roy Hall and waived guard Tom
Pestock, and signed running back Walter Mendenhall and defensive end Rudolph Hardie.
»Watch the defense:
Whether it’s the starters, who won’t play long, or the backups, who
will, it will be interesting to see coordinator Larry Coyer’s defense
in action for the first time. Coyer isn’t likely to put his entire
playbook on display during the preseason, but he should give glimpses
of what fans — and opponents — can expect this season.
»More ‘D’:
There’s nothing like a stiff test right out of the gate for a bulked-up
defense intent on improving against the run. The Vikings feature Adrian
Peterson, arguably the NFL’s best back. He won the rushing title in ’08
and is a threat to break a big play every time he touches the ball.
»Catching on:
With Wayne playing sparingly and Gonzalez not at all, Pierre Garcon and
Austin Collie should get plenty of work. Each is in the midst of a
solid training camp in his bid to secure the No..3 spot. Also, keep an
eye on Taj Smith. He hasn’t drawn the same level of attention as Garcon
or Collie, but he’s catching everything in camp.
Rightfully so after looking at last years week 2 game between these two. Indy - 18 Minny - 15
under 35
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