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Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004 by Kara Yorio

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is walking back and forth behind his line, yelling and waving his arms. He's under center, he's in the shotgun, he's reading the defense and changing the play until almost the second the ball is snapped. In other words, it's business as usual--which means the linemen are processing a lot of information in a very short time.

"It's tough on the offensive linemen," says coach Tony Dungy. "It's not (like) being in the huddle, hearing the play, taking 12 seconds to walk up to the line and digest everything. A lot of times these guys don't even know what the play is going to be until a second or two before the ball is snapped. They do an outstanding job."

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This line faces a unique task every Sunday. First, there is the pressure of protecting Manning and supplying the foundation for the league's best offense (and it better be with that defense). Then there is the necessity to do all that while Manning makes constant changes at the line. It's an extraordinary responsibility.

The results? The Colts have allowed six sacks this season, the second-lowest total in the league. They average 291.2 yards passing and have 41 passing touchdowns, both No. 1 in the league, and Manning is on pace to obliterate Dan Marino's season record of 48 touchdown passes. Indianapolis ranks second in total yards and first in scoring offense.

Yes, those numbers reflect the immense talents of Manning, running back Edgerrin James and wide receiver Marvin Harrison. But they also reflect the work of a largely obscure group of linemen who, given their extensive duties, do their jobs as well or better than any unit in the league. Talk about the Chiefs' or Broncos' line, the Packers' or Steelers' unit, but the Colts' line faces challenges the others do not. And it manages them so well and so consistently that Manning drops back without a doubt.

"I've always had the utmost confidence in that group," says Manning. "A, because they're good players, and B, because I know Howard Mudd's going to get them ready to play."

Howard Mudd is the Colts' line coach. In his seventh year with the team and 31st in the NFL--every one of them as an offensive line coach--he's the bearded man screaming on the sideline.

"You're acting like you don't hear him, but you can hear him," says center Jeff Saturday. "A stadium can be 75,000 deep, and you can hear him."

The linemen have, along with that ringing in their ears, a deep respect for Mudd. In 1997, the year before Mudd's arrival, the Colts allowed 62 sacks. The next season, they gave up 22. There is only one way--his way--and his way is not quiet.

"This is a twofold job," says left tackle Tarik Glenn, the only lineman remaining from that 62-sack season. "We go out there and we perform and we compete, but then we also have to deal with Mr. Mudd on the sideline. That's a job in itself."

The regular starters--Glenn, left guard Rick DeMulling, Saturday, right guard Tupe Peko and right tackle Ryan Diem--try to complain. They're sitting around a table in their appropriate spots with tackles on the outside, guards next to them and Saturday in the middle. When asked about Mudd, they shake their heads. They talk about the screaming, the endless repetition of drills and incessant stressing of fundamentals. But they are quick to point out what Mudd has done for the team.

Each lineman cites technique as what separates Mudd from other coaches. Mudd's system emphasizes fundamentals and calls for aggressive play, even in pass protection. Mudd says the perception is that pass protection is a "passive pursuit," but he stresses making the first move, getting into the face of the defensive players and immediately altering their paths to the quarterback. Watch the Colts' linemen on a pass play. They don't wait for the defense to come to them. Most of the time, Saturday and the guards step into the defensive line as they would on a run. The tackles drop back a little and create the pocket for Manning.

This method is a mentality--and it's knowing exactly where your hands, feet and head must be to make the move and finish the play. The line constantly drills, practicing techniques that are transferable from one position to another. Most of the linemen are versatile; they can play tackle and guard and, in some cases, center. They know everybody's job and when someone might need help. It all adds up to playing as a single, cooperative unit.

"He sets up a no-excuses environment," Dungy says of Mudd. "If you've got nine offensive linemen, he expects them all to be able to play. He expects everybody to be able to do the job."

It has been necessary lately because the line has been hit with injuries. DeMulling, Peko and reserve Makoa Freitas have missed time, forcing rookies Jake Scott and Ryan Lilja into the lineup. Another rookie, Trevor Hutton, had to fill in temporarily for Saturday (strained calf). The transition has come with a few bumps, but the Colts haven't lost with the rookies in the lineup and the offense continues to rack up points.

2004 Ad

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004 by Kara Yorio

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