Even Peyton has to be wondering: Who are these guys?

First appeared on November 18th, 2010
in The Lebanon Reporter

The secret is out. Producer Mark Burnett has chosen a destination for the new season of his hit series Survivor and the filming is already underway. And, despite generally being cloaked in secrecy, details are leaking out as diehard fans eagerly await the debut of “Survivor: Indianapolis”.


Word has it fan favorite Bob Sanders was the first voted off the island. And while this was undoubtedly a big power play, it’s really no surprise considering Vegas had him as a favorite not to finish the season anyway.

Such is the 2010-11 campaign for the Indianapolis Colts. We have watched with bewilderment as every week someone new limps to the bench after being “voted off the island”. And despite a rash, wait check that, despite being ravaged by injuries the Colts have somehow managed to stay together while staying competitive (See Dallas Cowboys). Save a moment Sunday when Jim Caldwell was scrambling for his “Idiot’s Guide to Covering Onsides Kicks”.

NFL teams carry a 53 man roster and of that 53 Indianapolis had 14 listed on the injury report before Sunday’s game with Cincinnati; 12 others are on injured reserve. And the names read as a “Who’s Who” of the Colt’s franchise.

Which begs the question: who are these new guys making all the plays? A quick rundown shows they understand winning.

Tight End Jacob Tamme gets an A for his Dallas Clark impersonation but an F for his “Earl Hickey in a football helmet” facial hair. After winning four straight Kentucky State Titles in high school, Tamme went on to become a two time First Team All SEC selection at UK.

Originally an undrafted free agent, former Brigham Young Safety Aaron Francisco’s name should sound familiar. A “boomerang guy”, Francisco’s been released and asked back by multiple NFL teams during his 6 years in the league. He was part of Indy’s playoff run last year recording 2 Special Team tackles in the Super Bowl. He’s also spent time with three other NFL teams including a playoff berth with Arizona.

Wide Receiver Brandon James is also an undrafted rookie who, like Tamme, won a championship in high school before choosing to stay in state to play at Florida. At Gainesville he was a 4 year letter winner who set 4 SEC and 11 Florida records for kick returns and was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year as a junior.

Another undrafted rookie, Javaris James attended the University of Miami after rushing for over 4,500 yards in high school. Before finding his way to Indianapolis he spent time on practice squads in both New England and Washington.

Unbelievable as it is to say, Blair White is yet another undrafted rookie who’s helping the Colts. After walking on at Michigan State, White became a four year- All Academic Big Ten selection. He was a First Team All Conference receiver his senior year before signing with the Colts as a practice player in September.

Things could be much worse of course. Manning could be hurt or the Colts could have signed Randy Moss. And with the season’s most difficult reward challenge ahead in Foxborough, the Colts have to play the hand their dealt for there is no merge with the ’76 Steelers coming anytime soon.

So here’s to hoping someone like Wayne, Mathis or Freeney stumble across the hidden immunity idol or Eighteen doesn’t find Jeff Probst asking for his torch. For, as long as he’s under center, the Colts should always have a chance no matter who’s lined up at wide receiver (and, yes that includes Rupert and Parvarti).