The Scores Report - The National Sports Blog » Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne vents about only being targeted once during Jets game

Anthony Stalter — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:30:30 +0000

After hauling in a whopping one catch for one yard in the Colts’ 17-16 loss to the Jets on Saturday night, receiver Reggie Wayne vented to the Indianapolis Star about his role in the game.

“It’s bull. It’s bull, man,” the five-time Pro Bowl receiver said after being a non-factor in the Indianapolis Colts’ 17-16 loss to the New York Jets in Saturday night’s AFC wild-card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

“I give everything I’ve got no matter what. Every day, I give it everything. And . . . one ball, that’s all.”

“I shouldn’t have even suited up,” Wayne said. “I should have watched the game like everybody else. I was irrelevant.”

Like all great competitors, Wayne should be frustrated about only being targeted once in the biggest game of the year. Give credit to Darrelle Revis for shutting him down, but one would think Peyton Manning would have looked his way more than once.

Of course, it was a combination of factors that kept Wayne in check. The biggest reason was Revis’ performance. But Manning should have given his top target more looks in the passing game and Wayne himself could have outperformed Revis to garner more looks from his QB. I’m not saying he doesn’t work hard because he does. But there had to be a reason why Manning only targeted him once.

Chances are, Wayne’s comments will be water under the bridge by the time the Colts take the field again. But what’s interesting is that Wayne made a play for a contract extension last season, even though he’s signed through 2012. Will his frustrations boil over into the offseason?

2010 NFL Preview: AFC South Predictions

Anthony Stalter — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 23:48:54 +0000

For over a decade, the Colts have been the models for consistency in the NFL. But will things change that the Texans and Titans are strong? Can guys like Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson of Houston, and Vince Young and Chris Johnson of Tennessee help their respective teams overcome Peyton and the Colts?

We’ll find out soon.

Here’s how I see things shaking out in the AFC South this season. Be sure to check out the link entitled “2010 Question Mark” under each team’s preview, which is a breakdown of one or two potential weaknesses that could derail that squad’s hopes in 2010. (If no link is provided, check back because one will be before the start of the season.)

1. Colts

What to Like: First Name: Peyton. Last Name: Manning. As long as Peyton Manning is still playing football, the Colts are going to be contenders – I don’t care if he has to use a walker to get out to the field. The Colts retain a top 3 offense led by Manning, who has a slew of playmakers at his disposal in Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, Anthony Gonzalez, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. The offensive line isn’t the best running blocking unit in the game (or the best in pass protection, for that matter), but it plays well collectively and Manning masks any weaknesses. Defensively, the Colts own two of the best pass-rushing ends in the NFL in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Gary Brackett and Clint Session are solid from their linebacker positions and the return of Bob Sanders (if he can stay healthy) will dramatically help the run defense.
What Not to Like: The defensive tackle position is a huge concern. Daniel Muir and Antonio Johnson are weak as the starters and rookie Fili Moala failed to impress as a rookie. Their play is masked thanks to the ends, but the interior of the Colts’ line is soft and could become a problem come playoff time. At cornerback, Kelvin Hayden struggled with injuries but the bottom line is that quarterbacks were able to complete 65.8 percent of passes on him last season. There’s no excuse for that. On the other side, Jerraud Powers is expected to start but he had surgery to repair his foot in February and missed the final two preseason games.
Keep Your Eye On: Philip Wheeler
The 25-year-old out of Georgia Tech has the physical ability to start at the outside linebacker position – now he just has to prove he can stay there. He enters his first full season as a starter and coaches have already remarked how much he’s improved in his defensive reads. He’ll have the fortune of playing alongside quality veterans like Sessions and Brackett.
The Final Word: Another 10-plus win season is on the horizon for the Colts, who only play five playoff teams from a year ago. The interior of the defensive line, cornerback and special teams are this team’s greatest weaknesses, but the Colts have remained the most consistent team in the NFL for over a decade. They know how to win and with Manning under center, they’re going to challenge for the AFC title once again. That said, they will get pushed by the Titans and Texans in the division.

Indianapolis Colts 2010 Question Mark: Defensive Tackle

2. Texans

What to Like: The passing game will once again be explosive and this is a top 10 unit with Matt Schaub under center. He was outstanding last season and as long as he stays healthy, he certainly has enough weapons in the offense to tear up the stat sheet once again. Speaking of those weapons, Andre Johnson is the best wide receiver in the game and it was great to see the team reward him with a contract extension this offseason. If Owen Daniels is fully recovered from knee surgery, then he’ll return as one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the league. If he doesn’t, then Schaub still has Kevin Walters, Jacoby Jones and David Anderson in the passing game. The Texans also have two young backs in Arian Foster and Steve Slaton to help keep the offense balanced. Defensively, this team has a solid young core in Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, DeMeco Ryans and Zavier Adibi, as well as two playmaking corners in Glover Quin and rookie Kareem Jackson.
What Not to Like: The offensive line still has issues, especially at left tackle in third-year player Duane Brown. He was horrendous as a rookie and while he was very good at the start of ’09, he regressed and is now facing a pivotal third year. Staying on that side of the ball, Daniels’ health is still a major concern. I know he’s expected to be ready by Week 1, but he underwent massive reconstructive surgery on his knee and usually players need a year and a half to recover before they’re effective again. He’s a great player and easy to root for, so I hope he bounces back but questions still remain. Defensively, Quin and Jackson are intriguing young talents but it’s usually never wise to pin so much on a young corner (not that the Texans had a choice after Dunta Robinson signed with the Falcons). The interior of the defensive line is also a concern, especially considering how easy offensive linemen pushed around Okoye and Shaun Cody last season.
Keep Your Eye On: Kareem Jackson
After losing Robinson in free agency, the Texans knew they had to address their cornerback position through the draft. That’s why they targeted Jackson at the No. 20 overall pick and after a great spring and summer, he’ll start on the right side. As I mentioned above, you shouldn’t expect too much out of a rookie too soon, but it’s hard not to love Jackson’s potential. He was a playmaker at Alabama and while he’ll get tested right away in Week 1, it’ll be fun to see how he reacts. He certainly has the talent.
The Final Word: Are the Texans knocking on the door of a playoff berth? Absolutely. Will it be this season? Ehhhh…I don’t think so. I know that’s tough for the Houston faithful to read (not that my opinion will damper their excitement), but I just don’t have enough faith in their defense. Opponents are going to find ways to move the ball through the air and if the Texans are down late in the game, teams are going to be able to wear down that defensive line too. That said, this offense will once again be explosive and if the Texans can score early and often, then the defense does have enough playmakers to be aggressive and force turnovers. But when I look at the rest of the AFC, I don’t see the Texans earning a Wild Card spot and I don’t see them overtaking the Colts in the division. Maybe next year…(cue Houston fans throwing up).

Houston Texans 2010 Question Mark: Cornerback

3. Titans

What to Like: After losing their first six games last season, the Titans rattled off five in a row and won eight of their final 10 games to finish a respectable 8-8 on the year. Most of that was do in large part to the play of Vince Young, who replaced an ultra-brutal Kerry Collins as the starter heading into the team’s Week 7 bye. Thanks to the backfield of Young and dynamic playmaker Chris Johnson, the Titans should have a top 15 offense. Nate Washington and Justin Gage aren’t going to keep defensive backs up at night, but they’re certainly serviceable and Kenny Britt proved last year that he could be a playmaker in the passing game. The offensive line is solid both in run blocking and pass protection, so this offense should move the chains plenty in 2010. Defensively, Tony Brown has made people forget about Albert Haynesworth with his outstanding overall play (especially as a pass rusher). The linebacker corps is also above average, with veterans Will Witherspoon and Stephen Tulloch accompanying youngster Rennie Curran.
What Not to Like: Johnson is a phenomenal player, but I wonder if he’s going to eventually wear down after heavy workloads in his first two seasons. The other question about the offense is whether Young will regress after impressing last season. Don’t forget that he nearly quit football two years ago because he couldn’t handle the expectations and pressures of being a starting quarterback in the NFL. As mentioned above, the offensive line certainly isn’t a weakness but tackle Michael Roos struggled with edge rushers last year, which isn’t good considering he plays in the same division as Dwight Freeney and Mario Williams. The other tackle, David Stewart, is also coming off a rough 2009 and will need to pick up his game as well. Defensively, the team’s biggest weakness is the secondary. Michael Griffin regressed mightily after a solid effort in ’08 and the entire unit failed to make plays last year.
Keep Your Eye On: Kenny Britt
This might seem like an odd choice considering Jeff Fisher recently threatened to deactivate him on game days if he doesn’t start focusing, but keep in mind that Britt is only 21-years old and is going to have some majority issues being that young. Plus, this kid made some plays last year that had most people believing that he can be a No. 1 at some point soon. If he can get out of Fisher’s doghouse, then the sky is the limit.
The Final Word: I was pretty close to putting the Titans second and the Texans third, but Tennessee’s defense scares me. The front seven is pretty good, but the pass defense is a major question mark and like I briefly mentioned above, who knows if Young will soar or once again fail to live up to expectations. That said, this team will be competitive and I wouldn’t be shocked if they headed into the second half with playoff aspirations. If they had a couple of more playmakers on defense, I may have been more inclined to give them the second spot.

4. Jaguars

What to Like: Although his knee has scared most of the people in the Jacksonville area over the last couple of weeks, running back Maurice Jones-Drew returns as the team’s best overall player. And even though he’s well known, he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves as an all-around player and one of the most gifted backs in the game today. He benefits from having a solid run-blocking unit, led by guard Uche Nwaneri and left tackle Eugene Monroe. I realize that David Garrard isn’t the flashiest quarterback and he’s not going to set the world on fire with his play, but the guy is efficient. He’s good under pressure, he can keep the chains moving if he has time to throw and he’s a good complement to MJD. If the front office spent more time getting him some pass protection or more weapons to throw to and less time trying to dump him, then maybe the offense wouldn’t be so ineffective. Defensively, I love the addition of underrated middle linebacker Kirk Morrison, who has been one of the most productive defenders the last couple of seasons (but who has largely been forgotten playing on a bad Oakland team). And speaking of underrated – how good has outside linebacker Daryl Smith been over the years? I love this team’s linebacker corps of Morrison, Smith and Justin Durant.
What Not to Like: The pass protection last year was brutal for Garrard, which is one of the reasons why I don’t get why the front office and coaching staff is always trying to replace him. For as good as Monroe was as a run-blocker, he struggled keeping Garrard upright and fellow youngster Eben Britton was just as bad. Defensively, the Jags finally gave up on former first round pick Reggie Nelson, but that doesn’t mean they have a good replacement for him. Sean Considine struggled with injuries last year and Anthony Smith has done nothing to prove that he should be the full-time starter at free safety.
Keep Your Eye On: Mike Sims-Walker
The 25-year-old out of Central Florida has developed into Garrard’s go-to guy and should be in store for a solid season if the O-line can give the quarterback time to throw. The problem is that he has struggled with injuries in the past and suffered from a shoulder problem before the Jags’ final preseason game. That said, he caught passes of 35, 22 and 7 yards from Garrard in that final exhibition game, so there should be nothing to worry about. Sims-Walker could hit the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his young career if everything breaks right this season.
The Final Word: As with most teams projected to finish in last place in their division, the Jags lack overall talent. The offense could use another playmaker in the passing game and the O-line will dramatically have to improve its pass protection so Garrard isn’t running for his life every down. The defense’s strength resides at linebacker, but guys like Considine, Smith and rookie DT Tyson Alualu have to make big impacts if this team wants to contend this year. When I look at the Jags, I see a team without an identity and this could be Jack Del Rio’s final year in Jacksonville if the team under whelms again.

The Colts have a potential mess on their hands regarding Wayne

Anthony Stalter — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:15:15 +0000

Peyton Manning needs a new contract, as do 18 other Colts players that are set to become free agents in 2011.

Reggie Wayne doesn’t need a new contract, but he wants one. He’s also willing to skip the team’s mandatory three-day mini-camp this weekend in order to show the Colts that he’s unhappy with his current deal.

Wayne has two years remaining on the six-year, $39 million contract he signed in 2006. He’s making less than $6 million per season, which is where the root of the issue comes in. Larry Fitzgerald, Brandon Marshall and Randy Moss – three players that Wayne outperformed last year – are just some of the receivers that are making more than Indy’s star receiver. Those three are all making $9 million a year, while four other receivers had multiyear contracts in 2009 that reached more than $8 million annually.

The problem is that the Colts’ main focus (and rightfully so) is on Manning. The quarterback that has led them to two Super Bowls over the past five years needs a new deal to help him finish out his career in Indianapolis and the Colts have made re-signing him priority No. 1 on their to-do list.

No matter how good they may be, the Colts’ front office doesn’t make it a habit of re-working players’ contracts that still have two years remaining on them. Wayne may be one of the team’s most productive players, but Manning, Joseph Addai, Antonie Bethea, Melvin Bullitt, Clint Session and Adam Vinatieri all need new deals when 2010 wraps up. Wayne is set through 2011.

There’s no doubt that Wayne is underpaid. But the Colts’ hands are tied at the moment until Manning gets his new deal and they have a plan in place to retain the other potential free agents. He may have to show some patience and have faith that the team will re-work his deal after the season. That said, if he continues to hold out through training camp, he may force the Colts into a making a decision that they didn’t think they’d have to make for another year or so.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Ex-girlfriend accused of racking up over $90,000 on Reggie Wayne’s debit card

Anthony Stalter — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:30:45 +0000

Every guy has taken a beating from a girl at one point or another during his life. We’ve all wanted to erase the memory of that soul-sucking leach that our buddies still loving ask, “Remember when you dated her? Oh man, what were you thinking!”

Of course, not all of us have had our debit card information stolen from our ex, and had her rack up $93,000 in merchandise like Colts’ receiver Reggie Wayne’s former girlfriend did.

According to the Indianapolis Star, police and the Secret Service Asset Forfeiture Unit searched the home of a woman named Natasha McKenzie, who reportedly used Wayne’s bankcard to buy furniture, three television sets and various other electronics. A theft report filed by Wayne in April stated that McKenzie, an ex-girlfriend, made 333 transactions dating back to September of 2009 totaling more than $93,000.

McKenzie claims that Wayne had given her permission to use the card.

“Reggie knew what was going on. I sent Reggie plenty of thank you messages,” McKenzie told the station. “He knew everything that was going on. There was nothing fraud about it. . . . Reggie gave me all of his credit card information. I still have record of everything he gave me.”

Thompson said she has told police another story.

“The suspect has been interviewed by our detective and has made admissions to using the card numbers without authorization,” the IMPD spokesman said. “There is the potential for charges being filed.”

I’m no detective, but I’m thinking this is how everything went down: At some point during their relationship, Wayne allowed McKenzie to use his card. Using her quick goat thinking, she wrote down the information for safe keeping, just in case she needed to use it again.

When the couple split, she probably figured she was entitled to Wayne’s hard-earned money seeing as how he makes a lot of it and decided to help herself to three TV sets and new home decor. She probably even had the thought, “He’ll never even know the money is gone.”

Some guys never see their Bon Jovi CD again – Wayne’s relationship with McKenzie cost him over $90,000.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Reggie Wayne re-aggravates knee injury

Anthony Stalter — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:00:19 +0000

As if the Colts needed any more injury issues, receiver Reggie Wayne left practice 20 minutes early on Friday after re-aggravating a knee injury that he’s battled all season.

From ESPN.com:

He’s still expected to play in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

The four-time Pro Bowl receiver left practice 20 minutes early after aggravating an injured right knee.

Coach Jim Caldwell said Wayne hurt the soft tissue below his kneecap. Wayne is listed as probable and Caldwell plans on him playing against the New Orleans Saints. Wayne got through the injury most of the season.

Even though there’s no concern of Wayne missing the game, this has been a frustrating week for the Colts in terms of injuries. Dwight Freeney is still listed as questionable after not being able to practice the past two weeks and now Wayne re-aggravates a knee injury two days before the Super Bowl.

But hey, such as life in the NFL – no player is 100% right now.

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Super Bowl XLIV Preview: 5 Potential MVPs not named Manning or Brees

Anthony Stalter — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:09 +0000

As part of our ongoing coverage of Super Bowl XLIV, here are five potential MVP candidates outside of Peyton Manning and Drew Brees.

1. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts
Wayne only caught three passes for 55 yards in the AFC title game, but that was because he was locked up with stout corner Darrelle Revis, who has a habit of limiting a receiver’s impact. But Wayne caught eight passes for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Ravens in the Divisional Round and Revis won’t be anywhere near the field come Sunday. Wayne has five 100-plus yard receiving efforts this season and one more could earn him the Super Bowl’s highest achievement (outside of a ring of course). He only caught two passes against the Bears the last time he played in the NFL title game, but they went for 61 yards and a touchdown. If his quarterback doesn’t yank the award away from him, then Wayne could be taking home the MVP hardware come Sunday night.

2. Marques Colston, WR, Saints
In an era dominated by diva receivers, Colston is one wideout that is easy to root for. He’s quiet, unselfish and brimming with talent. He’s also reliable and if he gets enough opportunities, he might explode on Sunday and earn the MVP award in his first ever trip to the Super Bowl. In the Divisional Round, Colston hauled in six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, and seems to save his best performances for top competition. In Week 6 of the regular season against the Giants, he caught eight passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, and in Week 12 against the Patriots he hauled in four passes for 121 yards and a score. Even in a losing effort against Dallas in Week 15, he caught five passes for 86 yards, including a 35-yard strike that led to a Saints’ field goal early in the second quarter. Outside of Brees, the only reason Colston might not have a fair opportunity to win the MVP award is because he’s on a team that is loaded with other receiving weapons. This is where the aforementioned unselfishness comes in, because there’s no doubt that Colston would rather catch one pass for 10 yards and win, than catch 10 passes for 150 yards and lose.

3. Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
For all intents and purposes, Thomas didn’t have the year that many expected. He battled a knee injury earlier in the year and then lost carries to Mike Bell when the backup exploded for 143 yards in Week 1. But in the Saints’ two playoff wins, Thomas has averaged 16.5 touches per game with two touchdowns. He carried rib and ankle issues into the postseason, but he’s expected to be 100% and should play a key role for the Saints on Sunday. While Sean Payton loves to throw the ball, he also understands the importance of establishing the run and the Colts’ smallish front seven has been vulnerable on the ground in the past. Thomas could surprise come Super Bowl Sunday and be the true backbone of the Saints’ offense.

4. Dallas Clark, TE, Colts
After Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon burned the Jets in the AFC Championship Game, the Saints can’t prepare to defend the Colts the same way. That means Clark could have a field day if Indy’s offense is clicking on all cylinders. He’s a mismatch against linebackers and after Visanthe Shiancoe racked up four catches for 83 yards in the NFC title game, the Colts should have no problem figuring out ways to utilize Clark against the Saints’ pass defense. Outside of Reggie Wayne, Clark is Peyton Manning’s favorite target in the red zone and a multi-touchdown game out of the tight end is certainly a possibility, as is the MVP award. The only reason he isn’t higher on this list is because tight ends have taken home the award precisely zero times in the past 43 years. But hey, there’s a first time for everything.

5. Darren Sharper, S, Saints
Only four defensive players in the last 25 years have taken home the MVP award in the Super Bowl, but if there were any defender to do it this year, I’d put money on Sharper. The Vikings wanted to get younger at the safety position, which is why they didn’t re-sign the then 33-year-old Sharper last offseason. But the Saints had no problem handing Sharper a two-year contract in March of last year and all he’s done since then is given them a great return on their investment. In 14 games this season, Sharper registered 71 total tackles and nine interceptions, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He’s also coming off an 11-tackle effort against the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game and should have fresh legs with two weeks off to rest. Seeing as how this could be his last opportunity to play in a Super Bowl, Sharper will probably leave everything he has on the field and he might turn in one of those once-in-a-lifetime performances.

Comment Fodder: Considering the other candidates that weren’t listed (Reggie Bush, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie, Jeremy Shockey, Joseph Addai, etc.), who do you think will win the MVP award outside of Manning and Brees?

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Super Bowl XLIV Preview: 5 Factors the Saints must overcome

Anthony Stalter — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:34:08 +0000

As part of our ongoing coverage leading up to Super Bowl XLIV, here are five factors the Saints must overcome to beat the Colts.

1. First time jitters.
Since the berth of the Super Bowl in 1966, only seven teams have won in their first appearance: the Packers, Jets, Steelers, 49ers, Bears, Giants and Buccaneers. The remaining 18 teams appearing in their first Super Bowl all lost, meaning 30% of first-timers fall in the NFL title game. Trends like these mean nothing when it comes to the actual game, but it’s worth noting that this will be Drew Brees’ first Super Bowl, compared to Peyton Manning, who will be appearing in his second in four years. The fact that the Colts have already played once in Miami is an advantage for them as well.

2. Peyton Manning’s quick-release.
Perhaps no team has done a better job this postseason at battering the quarterback than the Saints. But Manning doesn’t make it easy for teams to get to him because he excels at reading the defense at the line of scrimmage, diagnosing the coverage and getting the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible. He also makes adjustments better than any QB in the game, as evidence of how quickly the tide turned in the AFC Championship Game towards the end of the first half. Gregg Williams can boast all he wants about getting to Manning, but his players still have to execute. And that’s easier said than done when it comes to pressuring Peyton.

3. The Colts’ pass rush.
Let’s assume for the moment that Dwight Freeney’s ankle will be fine by Sunday and he’ll play. The Saints’ No. 1 job on offense then becomes protecting Drew Brees at all costs. In their loss to the Cowboys in Week 15, DeMarcus Ware abused the Saints’ offensive line and Sean Payton and Drew Brees never made the proper adjustments. It’s one thing to trust that your line will do its job, but now isn’t the time to take chances; New Orleans needs to keep extra blockers in to stop Freeney and Robert Mathis so that Brees has ample time to throw. The nice thing about the Saints is that they have a multitude of offensive weapons, but those weapons do Brees no good if he’s constantly on his backside.

4. Dallas Clark’s impact.
In of the NFC Championship Game, Vikings’ tight end Visanthe Shiancoe caught four passes for 83 yards and racked up a YPC average of 20.8. He did most of his damage on Minnesota’s first possession of the second half when he caught three passes for 67 yards to help set up a 1-yard Adrian Peterson touchdown run. If Shiancoe can have that much of an impact on one possession, imagine what Clark could accomplish given four quarters. The Jets did a great job shutting down Reggie Wayne and limiting Clark’s impact in the AFC title game, until late in the fourth quarter when the Indy tight end caught a touchdown and put a dagger in New York’s hopes of winning. While stopping Wayne is important, the Saints can’t allow Clark to own the middle of the field and work the seams. Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon wound up beating the Jets, but if New York had more offense that day they may have won anyway. New Orleans can’t allow Clark to set the table for Manning and the Colts, much like Shiancoe did for the Vikings in the NFC title game.

5. Don’t buy into the hype.
One thing that teams sometimes fall victim of is that they start believing their own hype. A lot of people are talking about destiny when it comes to the Saints and how this is “their year.” But the Colts didn’t stumble into the Super Bowl by accident: They earned their right to be here by playing better than any team in the NFL – including the Saints. I’m sure Sean Payton and his coaching staff is keeping their players grounded in the week leading up to the Super Bowl, but they really need to hammer home the fact that they haven’t won anything yet. Whether destiny exists or not, the Saints still have to play 60 minutes of football against the best team in the league on Sunday.

Photo from fOTOGLIF