Indianapolis Hoosier Daddy? 2008 Season Preview


After just one season the Hoosier Daddy? elected to part ways with the face of the franchise in QB Eli Manning, the decision was most difficult for QB and Assistant HC Archie Manning for obvious reasons. In his place comes first year starter David Garrard who's shown to be a wise decision in his preseason. Youngsters John Beck and Matt Moore are waiting in the wings just in case Garrard struggles as a long term starter. Journeyman Chris Redman was brought into serve as the team's primary backup possibly for a year ago until Beck and Moore show their ready to play more then clip holders. RB is another position influx. As restricted FA Rudi Johnson was lost and replaced with Justin Fargas whose play in the preseason has been as great as the team could hope. Though the long term status of the position might have to be addressed as early as this off season. At WR GM Bill Polian made a wise decision when he acquired Wes Welker in a trade during the stocking draft. He appears to be ready to step his game up in the team's new 3 WR formation with Donald Driver and Berrnard Berrian shoring up the depth were free agent signees Derek Hagan and Ben Obomanu. FA Pick up TE Todd Heap could prove a strong safety valve in the middle and allow Alex Smith to remain as backup. The O-line on the whole is developing nicely yet we have high hopes for 2008 rookie Chris Williams will prove to be the franchise left OT this team desperately seeks.

On defense the 3-4 was dropped in favor for a 4-3 thanks in part to the additions of Jason Taylor, Jarvis Green, Kenechi Udeze and Cornellius Griffin. Although it was hard to part with team leader Tedy Bruschi we felt that Gerald Hayes is ready to man the middle with Leon Williams emerging as a valuable backup. Free agent addition LB Chad Greenway offers a starter opposite team 2007 MVP DeMarcus Ware. The team also added another veteran in Joey Porter to add some push rush while youngster Antwan Barnes can develop. At CB it was hard to lose RFA Nathan Vasher but his contract demands were just too high and we feel Marlin Jackson is ready to emerge as a starting CB. Also lost in an offseason trade was CB Corey Webster in favor of draft picks as management doesn't feel he doesn't have to be a full time starter. Replacing them is FA Danieal Manning who might also proved valuable for his versatility in he can also play S.

The special teams looks to be as good if not better then it was last year lead by returnman Joshua Cribbs. K Lawrence Tynes looks to improve his accuracy in 2008 and P Nick Harris was a 2007 first team all Sim Selection.

All and all things look to be improved for the Hoosier Daddy who are hoping to not to squeak into the playoffs but be a serious playoff contender in 2008 but also maintain a strong nucleus to continue to be one of the league's better run franchises.

First Trimester: A review and preview of things to come

The Hoosier Daddy? despite it's recent two game losing skids has high hopes for a strong season this year. As the team has been very pleased with first year starting QB's David Garrard. As the league's second ranked QB he's shown to be a little more consistent then his predecessor Eli Manning. Despite what others think Indy feels they made a wise decision to make an offseason trade with Colorado. New starter WR Wes Welker has been very good as well in the teams new offense. Yet Garrard has shown to share the ball among most of his receiving core. The team looks like it will easily surpass last year's offensive production as has scored 163 points in 5 games this season and compared to the 231 it scored all of last season.

On defense, the switch to the 4-3 has had been both good and bad. The good is that the team is tops in the league in rushing defense and somewhat ineffective against the pass. Which prompted a recent trade by the team to acquire CB Asante Samuel. As outside of his covering skills he's addition might allow the defense to be a bit more aggressive leaving pass rushers Jason Taylor and DeMarcus Ware licking their chops.

Special teams have been pretty solid all season with the exception of a narrowly missed FG by Lawrence Tynes two weeks ago which prevented the team from forcing OT against division rival Springfield. Yet the team's just 1.5 games behind for the division title despite being second in the league's power rankings.

In terms of things to come, the Hoosier Daddy? anticipate more success on offense and hoping an even more improved defense. The team might also be looking to showcase it's depth in the second trimester in hopes the team will be seasoned for a possible playoff run.