A pre-training camp, position-by-position look at the 2009 Indianapolis Colts: The Defensive Ends

July 1, 11:56 AMIndianapolis Colts ExaminerJohn Oehser

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In the eighth of a position-by-position series, we'll examine the Indianapolis Colts' defensive end position entering 2009 training camp . . .

The Indianapolis Colts' defensive end position is an intriguing one entering 2009, with the roster featuring two of the NFL's best players at the position but questions remaining about the unit's depth.

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, the franchise's two all-time sacks leaders, each made the Pro Bowl last season for the Colts at defensive end, a remarkable achievement for two players playing alongside young, inexperienced and -- in many cases -- smallish defensive tackles. Colts opponents typically did whatever they could to not create pass-rushing situations and that included not passing in obvious long-yardage situatuons. But Freeney and Mathis each still registered double-digit sacks figures and continued to be two of the NFL's best big-play, big-situation defensive players. Veteran Raheem Brock continued to be a stable force at the position, starting and playing in run situations with Mathis playing mostly passing situations, but beyond that there is inexperience at the position. Second-year veteran Marcus Howard registered a sack and a half as a rookie, but he didn't play extensively on defense until the season finale and the Colts need him to develop into a viable force at the spot this season.

Breaking down the Colts' defensive end position . . .

Dwight Freeney, eighth season, Syracuse. Freeney's seventh NFL season may have been his most remarkable. With many observers and analysts ready to conclude that his career was on the downslope, Freeney recovered from a season-ending foot injury midway through the 2007 season and made the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2005. He finished the season with 10.5 sacks and also had four forced fumbles, the seventh consecutive season he had forced at least four fumbles. He also had 33 quarterback pressures, which for Freeney is nearly as important as his sack figures because quarterbacks are typically aware of his presence and hurrying to get throws away. Most impressive about Freeney is that after seven seasons, he still plays as hard as any defensive lineman in the NFL. He typically is double-teamed and chipped, but rarely is he not a factor on most pass plays, something rare in defensive ends. Outlook: Freeney proved last season he is back from his foot injury and still a Pro Bowl-level talent. Because postseason honors for defensive ends are often based on sacks, it's difficult to predict Pro Bowls, but it's not hard to predict an efficient season for Freeney.

Robert Mathis, seventh season, Alabama A&M. Mathis said before last season he doubted he would ever make the Pro Bowl. The reason is that he believed many observers and analysts focused on his size more than his productivity. Mathis (6-feet-2, 235 pounds) registered 11.5 sacks last season to lead the Colts in the category for the fourth consecutive season -- and he also was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time. He also had 16 quarterback pressures and five forced fumbles, including a forced fumble that led directly to the Colts' game-winning touchdown in an early-season come-from-behind victory at Houston. He also scored his first NFL touchdown on a fumble return that gave the Colts a 10-6 victory at Cleveland. Outlook: Mathis may or may not become a perennial Pro Bowl selection, but after averaging 10 sacks a season the last five seasons it's clear he's one of the most consistent big-play defensive players in the NFL.

Raheem Brock, eighth season, Temple. Because he's not a sack specialist -- and because of the presence of Mathis and Freeney -- Brock often has been overlooked publicly, but in the past seven seasons, few players on the Colts have been as reliable and durable. Brock has started all but six games for the Colts since 2003, with five of those missed games coming in 2007. He missed one start last season when he return to his preferred position of end after two years at tackle. He started end, playing mostly in rushing situations, with Mathis playing in pass-rushing situations. Last year was a typical statistical line for Brock as he registered 3.5 sacks, 54 tackles and two forced fumbles. Outlook: Likely will start and play in running situations, and if the past is an indication, he'll play solidly for 15-to-16 games. 

Marcus Howard, second season, Georgia. Howard played sparingly last season, but that was to be expected considering he entered the league behind two Pro Bowl ends -- Freeney and Mathis. The Colts this past offseason did not re-sign veteran Josh Thomas, who played as the fourth defensive end a year ago, so that could -- and should -- mean more time for Howard, who had 10.5 sacks as a senior at Georgia. Howard (6-0, 237) fits the Colts' mold for defensive ends. Like Mathis (6-2, 235), he is smaller than the prototype for defensive ends, but he is athletic and fast and showed a knack at Georga for getting to the quarterback and making big plays. This will be a crucial year for Howard, whose 1.5 sacks last season came in his most extensive playing time -- a 23-0 season-ending victory over Tennessee. Outlook: He'll get more time this season, but can he turn that time into production (i.e., sacks)?

Curtis Johnson, second season, Clark College. A free-agent signee shortly after the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson -- like Howard -- played sparingly as a rookie. But also like Howard, Johnson played extensively in the regular-season finale and played well enough to make Colts officials and coaches optimistic about his potential. He finished the season with a sack and five tackles on defense and he also had six special teams tackles. Outlook: Seems likely to make the roster and has the ability to create pressure on the quarterback.

Synopsis

There is no doubt about the front-line talent at this position, with Freeney and Mathis as good a pass-rushing tandem as there is in the NFL. Both players are in their prime and there has been no sign of a dropoff -- even with Freeney missing the last half of 2007 with a foot injury. Now, the question has become can either Howard or Johnson develop into the third pass rusher the team has needed for several seasons? Because both players are in their second seasons, now is the time to find out.

Starters: Freeney, Mathis.

On the roster: Brock, Howard, Johnson.

THE POSITION-BY-POSITION PRE-TRAINING CAMP SERIES: 

• The QUARTERBACKS
• The RUNNING BACKS
• The TIGHT ENDS
• The WIDE RECEIVERS
• The OFFENSIVE TACKLES
• The OFFENSIVE GUARDS
• The CENTERS

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