The Colts are the only team in the league that boasts two Pro Bowl safeties, but neither one is helping out much right now. (At least I think they are the only team. The PFT research staff has taken off for the night.)
Indianapolis learned Wednesday that Antoine Bethea, their free safety, has a cracked bone in his right hand. He will be out indefinitely.
The news is murkier when it comes to 2007 Defensive MVP winner Bob Sanders, who is struggling with yet another preseason injury. Sanders is recovering from knee surgery.
When asked if he was confident that Sanders would be ready for the season opener, coach Jim Caldwell said, “I would say that if I felt that way. I’m really not certain. The most important thing is to get him healthy.”
The team consulted Dr. James Andrews recently, which is never an uplifting sign. Sanders is struggling with the same knee that cost him ten games last year.
The Colts knew the risk they were taking when they signed Sanders to a big deal at the end of 2007 and haven’t received good returns on the investment thus far.
Sanders has missed at least ten games in three of his five seasons. In the other two, he was an All-Pro.
“The Colts are the only team in the league that boasts two Pro Bowl safeties”
Chris Hope and Michael Griffin from the Titans say hello
Bob Sanders is soft, he can make some big plays(when he plays) but overall he hurts his team with his constant injuries and his hug price tag.
Good call – I think. I checked Griffin’s profootballreference page and he wasn’t listed. But apparently he made it as an alternate. Which counts?
Chris Hope, Michael Griffin > Bob “Only plays 4 games a year” Sanders and Antoine “can’t cover” Bethea
PFT has a research staff? I’m guessing the grooming sessions are something to see.
Bob Sanders sure is annoying with that NFL Play 60 commercial that airs on NFLN all of the time. “Finish, finish, finish!”
Not to mention the fact that Melvin Bullitt, who is quite good, can play safety.
Packerman,
Soft and injury-prone aren’t synonyms. Actually, in this context they couldn’t be more opposite. Most would agree he throws his body around as recklessly as anyone in the league, which albiet brave, might support your “hurts his team” point, but is miles from “soft.” Not sure the price he charges for a hug is relavent either, but thanks for the insider info. Congratulations, your dumb-per-character rate here is record setting.
…Florio and Gregg,
Can we get a disclaimer before submissions sent in to you guys in crayon?
Gregg: He filled in for Ed Reed.. if you watched the game, you would have constantly saw Leon Washington trying to lateral him the ball on kickoffs.
Goo Girl Gregg, YOU ROCK!
Uhm….Rosenthal…I officially hate u now…
Sanders WAS the reason we won the Super bowl….they can give him any amount of money that he wants because of that…..he’s an absolutely solid player, who will prove healthy this year….we dont need people like u downplaying him this year….you’ll see!!!
Bob Sanders is from my hometown, and it’s pathetic to hear them talk about him. Anytime a local newscaster brings up his name, it’s always “Bob Sanders from Erie, Pennsylvania”. You’d think this guy was just amazing, and he is WHEN HE’S PLAYING. I personally am very disappointed in how much he is injured, and I used to think it was a direct result of his playing style, but Polamolu is almost exactly the same size, and he leaves his feet just as much as Sanders. He is just injury prone, and that is sad because he has the skills and fire to be one of the best safetys ever to play the game.
Bob Sanders is over rated, plain and simple. Sure players have fluke seasons, but what else has the guy proven? Except that he is a winner on the injured list.