Manning, Saturday and The Surprising Importance of QB-Center Chemistry

September 28, 2010 By 2 Comments
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PEYTON MANNING-JEFF SATURDAY WILL START 158th GAME TOGETHER ON SUNDAY

How vital is it for a quarterback and center to be in sync to orchestrate an NFL offense?

“I think it’s extremely important, each one of them knows the other’s limitations and strengths, but there is a huge trust factor involved in it as well,” says Indianapolis Colts head coach JIM CALDWELL. “To see those two guys work together is a work of art.”

Indianapolis Colts quarterback PEYTON MANNING and center JEFF SATURDAY have started 157 games together.  This Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Manning and Saturday will surpass Buffalo’s JIM KELLY and KENT HULL (157) for the most games started by a quarterback-center combination since the 1970 merger.

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Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: football, Indianapolis Colts, jeff saturday, NFL, peyton manning

Video: Peyton Manning, Jeff Saturday and The Chippencolts

February 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
colts-dancing

Earlier today, TMZ reported that several New Orleans Saints players, including overrated star running back Reggie Bush, were out partying until 3:30 am this morning.

With the biggest game of their lives less than a week away, you’d think that Bush and his teammates would be focusing on getting sleep and staying rested…you know, like the Colts players are.

Or are they?

Midwest Sports Fans has uncovered secret video of what Peyton Manning and Jeff Saturday were doing last evening, and it’s quite shocking it…mainly because, if the video is to be believed, then Saturday apparently has abs.

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Filed Under: Funny, NFL Tagged With: archie manning, Eli Manning, Funny, Indianapolis Colts, jeff saturday, NFL, peyton manning, video

Colts Keep One of Their Own: Re-sign Center Jeff Saturday

February 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Colts Re-Sign Jeff SaturdayThe Colts re-signed Jeff Saturday to a 3-year extension on Friday. Terms have not been publicly disclosed.

This is great news for the Colts offense. Peyton Manning may have lost one of his targets in him passing game when Marvin Harrison was released, but this signing will help keep him protected. Steve Justice did a decent job filling in for Saturday while Jeff dealt with injuries this past season, but he is no Jeff Saturday..

In my opinion Saturday is one of those guys who just goes out and does his job well week in, week out — as is evident from his Pro Bowl appearances. The offensive line just seems to be more in sync when he is out there coordinating the blocking schemes.

The Colts know what they have in Jeff Saturday and to potentially let him go to an AFC rival as it has been reported would have been disastrous. Thanks to the money freed up by the Marvin Harrison release, and the unexpected $4 million increase in the salary cap, the Colts were able to find the money for Saturday. And now, the unlikely story continues: from selling electrical parts to one of the top centers in the league today is not bad. Getting to play with a quarterback like Peyton Manning is just icing on the cake.

I am just wondering how many offensive linemen the Colts are going to bring into camp this year and how many they will keep on the roster. Will they keep 8 again this upcoming season?

Also, in their story about the Colts re-signing Jeff Saturday, the Indianapolis Star has the details on the Kelvin Hayden contract:

Cornerback Kelvin Hayden will realize immediate and immense impact from the five-year, $43 million contract he signed earlier this month. He’ll earn $17.48 million in 2009 through a $13.5 million signing bonus, $2 million roster bonus, $250,000 workout bonus and $1.73 million base salary. The deal also includes a $2.25 million roster bonus in 2010, and pays him $22.645 million in the first two years and $29 million in the first three.

Hayden will count $6.68 million against the ’09 salary cap.

Here are some Colts free agency links to keep you up to date on the latest news:

Estimating Saturday’s contract — (Stampede Blue)

Colts say bye to Keiaho, Hagler — (Indy Star)

Stay up to date with Colts updates — (Pro Sports Daily)

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Bill K is a big White Sox and Colts fan living in Fort Worth, Texas who also maintains his own personal blog: Average Guy Sports.

Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: Indianapolis Colts, jeff saturday, kelvin hayden, NFL, nfl offseason