Indianapolis – There were several reasons the Broncos drew up a run-heavy game plan against the Colts. One was Javon Walker’s injured right knee. The Broncos’ No. 1 receiver missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, but said after the Friday workout he was “definitely playing.”
But when the team promoted receiver Glenn Martinez from the practice squad to the 53-man roster Saturday, it signaled that the Broncos’ medical and coaching staffs were concerned with Walker’s health.
“It started getting a little worse than we thought,” Walker said. “It’s nothing to do with the surgery, nothing with the surgically repaired knee. It’s just some irritation in there, fluid that had built up, and we just felt it would be best to sit this one out.”
Walker was referring to the reconstructive surgery he had two years ago on his right knee.
Nothing special about Broncos’ special teams
In between displaying his displeasure for the Broncos’ defensive effort, star left cornerback Champ Bailey saved some venom for the team’s special-teams unit.
“We’re the worst in the league,” Bailey said.
Asked to elaborate, Bailey paused and said: “We are the worst if you look at the results. We shouldn’t be, but we are right now.”
Bailey has been on the special-teams kick coverage unit this season and made his fourth touchdown-saving stop Sunday when he tackled T.J. Rushing at the Colts 39. “It shouldn’t be like that,” Bailey said.
O-line dominance. Denver’s blockers opened gaping holes for running backs Travis Henry and Selvin Young, who combined for 212 yards on 34 carries while permitting just one, zero-yard sack of quarterback Jay Cutler. “We made some plays running the ball,” center Tom Nalen said. “But against an offense like that, knowing they’re going to make some plays, we need to score inside the red zone, and we didn’t do it.”
The tackle switch. So why did Sam Adams and Amon Gordon start the first three games at defensive tackle only not to dress, much less sit, in the fourth game against the Colts? Coach Mike Shanahan said he didn’t think the no-huddle, hurry-up Colts were right for the 350-pound Adams. “With Sam, obviously with the type of offense they run that was an easy decision,” Shanahan said. “The reason why we sat Amon down is Marcus (Thomas) has been playing extremely well and Tim Crowder can play both inside and outside. And with this type of team, we thought Tim would be effective playing inside and outside.”
Red-zone woes. The Broncos knew they were going to have to beat the Colts with touchdowns, not field goals. Yet, two of their three first-half scoring drives ended with Jason Elam’s foot supplying the points. It followed a trend. The Broncos entered this game ranked sixth in total yards, but tied for 23rd in points. “As a whole, we’ve got to look at what we’re doing, maybe make some changes, maybe not,” Cutler said. “But the way we’re going right now, it’s not going to cut it.”
Stokley booed. Colts fans apparently have a short memory. Receiver Brandon Stokley, who started with Javon Walker out, was booed after both of his catches. Stokley was an immensely popular player for the Colts. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in December and he was released by the Colts in the offseason before signing with the Broncos.
Winborn plays. Linebacker Jamie Winborn, signed 12 days earlier, was on the field late in the game, replacing linebacker Nate Webster. Webster said he wasn’t playing because he “lost his wind.” Winborn said was prepared to go in. “I’ve adjusted to things pretty quickly,” said Winborn, who has impressed the coaching staff in his short time with the team.
Foxworth starts. Nickle cornerback Domonique Foxworth, who had not played since the first half of the opening game against Buffalo with an ankle injury, started for John Lynch at safety. Lynch did not play because of a groin injury he suffered against Jacksonville.
“Greek” misses game. Broncos head trainer Steve Antonopulos was not with the team. Antonopulos, widely known as “Greek,” had a medical procedure over the weekend at a Denver-area hospital. He is expected to return to the team soon.
Cutler streak continues. Cutler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in all nine of his NFL starts. It is the longest such streak since Mark Rypien accomplished it in his first 11 starts, spanning 1988-89.
Injuries. Colts star Marvin Harrison left the game in the first half with a knee injury and did not return. … Broncos rookie defensive tackle Marcus Thomas had a knee injury but did return. He said he will be fine.
