What About Bob?

August 28, 2009 By 4 Comments

Bob Sanders - Contract, Salary, InjuryOk, so we have all seen the great comedy What About Bob (1991) starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss. But in the last few seasons, the Indianapolis Colts have their own Bob who has been absent more than present.

Bob Sanders.

The seemingly unthinkable question that many Colts fans and analysts have been asking as we enter the 2009 season has started to spur my own thought process as well: 

Is Bob Sanders’ contribution to the Colts worth the hype and his salary?

In his five years with the Colts, Sanders has only played in more than six regular season games twice (2005 and 2007), and even in their Super Bowl year, he only played four games during the regular season.

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Drafted in 2004, the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout safety drew comparisons to the great Ronnie Lott. But after a lengthy holdout and what would be the first of many injury -iddled seasons, he would only play in six games, starting only four of those six.

His best season by far came in 2007 when he started and played in 15 games, making 96 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. The 2005 season was a much similar year in which he took the field in 14 games, netting 91 tackles and 1 interception.

In January of 2008, Sanders inked a 5 year $37.5 million dollar contract with $20 million in guarantees, making him the highest paid safety in the NFL. In fact, he makes over $1 million more than Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Ravens safety Ed Reed.

There’s no doubt that when on the field, Sanders’ leadership, charisma, and destructive power strikes fear in the hearts of all who enter his realm.

BUT…

The key word here is WHEN he is on the field.

Even the 2009 season has begun inauspiciously for Sanders and the Colts, as Bob is not likely to even cast a shadow on the field until week 2 or 3.

Bob Sanders - Contract, Salary, InjurySo the question is: What About Bob? Is he worth the money the Colts dish out to him every season to play six games? Does his presence in those games make up for all of the games he sits on the sideline injured?

I will tell you this, when he is in the game I am a huge Bob Sanders fan. But as much as he is injured it begs question like: is it a workout issue? Is he just injury prone?

The Colts need to make a decision, and one that I’m not even sure where I stand on. $37.5 million will. and should, buy you a lot more than six games a year in this league. Perhaps it’s time for Indy to move on; or, perhaps, after week 2 or 3, Sanders will prove me wrong. I certainly hope so.

What do you think?

All Colts fans love Bob Sanders when he's on the field. But given his injury history, is Bob Sanders worth the money the Colts are paying him?

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* – Bob Sanders flexing photo credit: DU Portfolio Community

* – Bob Sanders thinking photo credit: PSU.edu

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Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: bob sanders, football, Indianapolis Colts, NFL
  • http://www.midwestsportsfans.com JRod

    It’s a valid question to raise, given Sanders’ injury history, but yes I do believe he is worth the money. There are so few trueimpact players on the defensive side of the football, and especially at his position. When you have one, you have to pay them and accept the risk that comes along with it. Obviously the Colts, their fans, and Sanders himself wishes he could be on the field every game. And I am sure that the Colts have not been foolish with their investment (you’d hope!) and have investigated every possible reason for why Sanders is injured so often and what they can do to prevent it.

    The truth is that without Sanders, whether through not paying him or because he’s injured, the Colts are not a Super Bowl team. With him, however, they have proven that they are a Super Bowl-caliber team that is capable of beating anyone. So while it’s frustrating that he’s not on the field every game, the Colts’ only real chance to be good enough defensively is to roll the dice with Sanders. As he ages and becomes less outstanding, he will obviously be worth less and less…but right now, he is worth the money in my opinion because he is a great player, and those are hard to come by.

  • Tom

    I am at the same place. Through week 2, Sanders has palyed in 45 of 82 possible games since he came into the league. He will drop below the 50% mark. Teams do not have to game plan or consider Sanders any longer because soon the statistics will support they are more likely not to face him.

    I am a huge fan but it’s gone on so long the situation is reminding me of the old Budweiser commercials.

  • brandon

    I been a colts fan for 9 years and sanders is one of the bast safety in the game at this time but i dont think he worth the money he getting payed.why he all ways injured and nevers plays in the game and he is getting at the age that its going to start effackting him and his body that is not good.i think we should trade him for a first round pick in the 2010 seeson and go def. and we are just as good with or with out him.

  • Slynn

    Its true. Sander's return to the roster and leadership during the playoffs is what made their superbowl run possible. They were always questioning the Colts D, and character, labeling them "soft". Soon as Bobby Sanders returned to the lineup all of that stuff went out the window. Suddenly, they're the fastest Defense in the NFL. Suddenly they're the most "underrated Defense". So, what's the price of a superbowl ring? One man's salary? It often boils down to that! On the other hand, here we are again. It's 2010 and the Colts are in the mix… they'll trounce the Jets and the AFC will have pretty much been a cakewalk for the Colts. Where they'll miss Sanders is definitely against the Saints or the Vikings, because the Colts have yet to face a team who could really THROW the ball. The Cards? Maybe… but they didn't show up against the Colts at all. Ultimately the Colts have to make a decision. Get Sanders healthy and keep him that way and protect their investment, or start looking at other options: trades, 1st round picks, etc… I mean damn. This team is already scary, but they're honestly a 12-4 team -not superbowl caliber without a little more defensive presence and a true running game to keep opposing defenses honest. Just drop back in the 3-4 against Peyton and wait for him to force something is the best strategy against the Colts right now. Hope the JETS don't figure that out!