Colts Have Learned to Live Without Sanders

For years we've seen different Colts myths exploded.

First it was that Peyton Manning couldn't win the big game, but now that he's wearing a Super Bowl ring, it's hard to say that.

Along the way, we also found that the undersized Colts defense could stop the run. And we've discovered that Reggie Wayne can fill the No. 1 wide receiver role that used to be Marvin Harrison's domain.

But even now, there is a general understanding that the key to the Colts defense is safety Bob Sanders. When Sanders is out, the Colts defense is soft, but Sanders' tackling and his ability to play in the box gives the Colts a toughness that otherwise is lacking.

It sounds great, but this year, it just hasn't been true, at least statistically.

It seems that after making do without Sanders for large chunks of three of his five seasons, the Colts have finally found a backup who can somewhat fill his shoes. Second-year safety Melvin Bullitt has stepped in and filled Sanders' shoes admirably. While Sanders recorded 35 tackles (6.5 per game) in six starts, Bullit recorded 50 tackles (5.6 per game) in his nine starts.

Also, when you look at the Colts' run defense performance there's not much difference this year when Sanders has been in there or when he's been out. With Sanders in the lineup, the Colts have allowed 4.17 yards per rush. With Bullit in the lineup, they've averaged 4.24 yards per rush. To allow for the differences in opponents, I also compared each opponents yards per carry allowed compared to their yearly average. With Sanders in the lineup, the Colts allowed 99.2 percent of the team's average yard per carry. Without Sanders, they allowed 102 percent of the opponent's yards per carry--a very negligble difference.

The first time the Colts faced the Chargers, Sanders didn't play. He will play this week, but whether it's Sanders or Bullit coming up in the box, the Colts run defense relies on getting plays from its strong safety. Thanks to Bullit, the Colts now don't fall apart if Sanders limps off the field.

The other Colts' defender to pay attention to this weekend is Freddie Keiaho. When I watched the Colts' run defense early in the season against the Chargers, Keiaho didn't look that impressive, although he wasn't nearly the problem that Clint Sessions was. But in watching the first Colts-Chargers game, Keiaho was outstanding. He flew around the field, recorded a season-high 10 solo tackles and arguably had the second-best game of any Colts' defender (Robert Mathis picked up two sacks and forced a fumble).

But with middle linebacker Gary Brackett out, Keiaho has to slide over to middle linebacker this week against the Chargers. He'll be facing a gimpy LaDainian Tomlinson, which should help, but it's a poorly timed injury for the Colts as Brackett was the team's most consistent linebacker all year. Keaiho should be able to handle the transition, but the jury is out on whether fill-in Tyjuan Hagler can handle the start at outside linebacker.