Linebacker Watch: Game 1
 

Fujita made some plays - what, 9 tackles? Showed good athletiscm covering in his hook zone, especially on the pass he defensed, and catching up with the receiver. He was having to drop back into coverage a lot due to the Colts receiver sets.

Simoneau in the Mike spot is looking more and more hopeless. I know Payton likes him because he's smart and always in the right spot, but I don't see it. He's always biting on the play action, he gets caught up in the blocking and out of play, and when he is in on the play and pursuing, it's usually 5 - 7 yards downfield before he makes contact. He needs to watch film on the Colts LB's and see how they pursue.

Shanle made some plays, didn't get caught up as much as Simoneau. He's was having to drop back into coverage a lot, too.

To worsen the situation, they were on the field way too much -- the offense hung them out to dry. It started to show in the 2nd half. Wearing down the D-tackles didn't help the LB play. End result: the Colts ran all over them.

Any changes for next week? Any signings (no, Trotter went to the Bucks . . . too late). Stay tuned for next week's Linebacker Watch.