Me: I was an offensive lineman when I played years ago. Talk about Quenton Nelson and how much of a spark he’s been to this football team.
George: Quenton Nelson has completely changed the identity of this team. He and center Ryan Kelly have formed a violent combination in the middle of the line and allowed the Colts to remake themselves as a power running team. As punishing as Nelson can be on the field – and he’s the only offensive lineman I can think of who regularly has highlights posted to Twitter – he’s even more impressive in the locker room. He demands more of himself each day, and he spent the most recent offseason working out in Chicago with some former Notre Dame teammates and former Bears center Olin Kreutz. In just two full seasons, he’s become a team leader, and he regularly asks GM Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich for phone numbers so he can call rookies as soon as they’ve been drafted. You can make a strong argument he and Darius Leonard are now the faces of the franchise.
Me: I love seeing offensive linemen get their credit. Last season was a down year for the Colts. In the off-season, the team signs Philip Rivers. What does he bring to the table in your opinion? How’s he been received within the locker room?
George: Philip Rivers seems to be one of those guys who is beloved by his teammates and hated by the rest of the league. He’s gone out of his way to connect with his new team, even with the heavy restrictions throughout the spring. He left rambling phone messages for the offensive linemen throughout the offseason, talking about how excited he was to get the season started and play behind them. He regularly checks in with linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. before every practice and then spends the whole session talking trash with him. But his biggest contribution so far has been adding some much-needed veteran leadership to a young locker room. Rookie wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said he’s learned more than he ever imagined he could from Rivers in just two weeks, and Kelly said he’s never been around a player with such an encyclopedic knowledge of the NFL. The Colts need him to cut down on his interceptions, but they don’t need him to be a hero. The goal will be to run the ball effectively and allow Rivers to pick his spots and make a few big plays each game.
Me: Continuing with the off-season, another move the Colts made was the acquisition of DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers. What type of impact in your opinion will he bring? How does he make the Colts defense better to you?
George: Any time you can add a legitimate Pro Bowl player in his prime, it’s going to be a big help to your team. Ballard has said repeatedly the 3-technique spot is the engine of the Tampa-2 defense the Colts employ. It’s the spot Warren Sapp played for the Bucs, and when the Bears were at their best in this scheme, Tommie Harris was the 3-tech. DeForest Buckner completes the trifecta for Indianapolis – joining weakside linebacker Leonard and cornerback Kenny Moore II in the three most important spots in this defense. The Colts hope and believe Buckner will affect all three levels of the defense. He should open up pass-rush opportunities for other defensive linemen, soak up blockers to allow the linebackers to make more players and put pressure on the passer to cut down the time DBs have to spend in coverage.
Me: I loved the move when they were able to acquire him. Let’s talk about the AFC. The conference as a whole appears to be different now with the departure of Tom Brady. Now, there’s Kansas City of course, the Ravens and the Patriots (I won’t count Bill Belichick out). Where could you see the Colts fitting into the puzzle in the AFC?
George: They have a chance to compete with Tennessee and Houston for the AFC South title and join the three teams you mentioned at the top of the AFC. Long-time NFL assistant coach Rick Venturi recently said the Colts are a “Back to the Future” team. They need a lot of players to play like they did in 2018 and not 2019, beginning with Rivers. If that happens, this could be a legitimate conference championship contender. At worst, they should contend for a wild-card spot and make just the franchise’s second playoff appearance in the past six years.
Me: I’m high on them. I think they can be a fun team to watch. I was so happy when Frank Reich finally got his opportunity to be a head coach. Describe how he is within the organization and how do his players react to him?
George: Players rave about Reich’s consistency and clarity. When they were 1-5 to start 2018, he never panicked. When Andrew Luck suddenly retired last summer, he took it in stride. He’s the same guy every day no matter what is happening around him, and the players appreciate that. They also appreciate the fact he’s an excellent teacher and communicator. He always clearly conveys his message for the week, and it’s easy for players to buy in. He’s got the respect of just about everybody in the organization. Now, it’s just time to win consistently.
Me: That’s the type of coach I’d want to play for. So, I have a friend named Martel. He is a die-hard Indianapolis Colts fan. I told him I’d be speaking with you and he had two questions. The first was how far do you see this team going in 2020? His second question was who are the two guys that must play like stars on both sides of the football?
George: I think this is a 10- or 11-win team with even more upside if Rivers plays at a high level and some of the young guys make a leap. On defense, I think Kenny Moore is the most important piece. They completely crumbled last year when he was out over the final month. He allows defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus so much more freedom to mix-up and disguise coverages, and he might be the most under rated pass rusher in the league. On offense, I’ll go with Parris Campbell. Assuming, T.Y. Hilton returns to being T.Y. Hilton, Campbell has the ability to really make this offense difficult to defend. Defenses already have to be concerned with the running game, and Hilton obviously provides a threat at every level of the field. If Campbell can use his speed to get consistent separation, teams won’t be able to leave him in single coverage, either. It could make for some impossible choices on game day.
Me: This is such an intriguing industry. So many people are trying to break in. What’s the one piece of advice you’d offer to anyone looking to enter this field?
George: Take every opportunity you can to write and get published. If the local newspaper is looking for stringers, covering high school games is a great way to hone your craft and get onto people’s radar. But just write anytime you can for anyone you can. People eventually will recognize hustle and talent.
Me: Thanks so much Mr. B.
George: Not a problem.
