Kollman on Bob
 

Its not news to us he was that good, but Brett Kollman just released a video about good old Bob Sanders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq91gMb_MtA

He is my all time favourite Colt, but if i am being completely honest, i am not sure that this film is really demonstrating all that much regards his outstanding abilities. Sure, it talked about how much of a difference he made to the defence as a whole once we made the playoffs, and he was a massive factor as to why we won the super bowl, but he had so many outstanding plays, it was a real shame that his career was cut so short.

He was a one of a kind player when he was healthy. I’d argue as good as Ed Reed or Palmolive.

The way he played is what made him great and it’s also why his career was so short.

He was definitely 1 of 1

In a game of giants they all feared the 5-8 kamikaze wrecking ball. True testament of laying it all on the line and proving anything is possible if you’re willing to give everything you got.

Never seen anything like that before him and we’ll never see anything like that ever again. Not only was he 5-8, he rarely practiced and yet on gamedays it didn’t even matter. He stepped right into the playoffs after an injury and totally changed an entire defense. These things defy everything that’s taught about football on every level.

Kirk Ferentz said it best when asked what it’s like having Bob Sanders on your defense “ It’s like having your big brother show up to a street fight “

Mainly focusing on the '06 run is the better story. '05 and '07 were our best defenses and not a coincidence that Sanders played almost all year both times.

The other thing I love about deep dives like this is the contextual stats they have access to that shed light on things you know intuitively.

Like how Freeney was way better than his sack totals: Here, he points out that the Colts had the shortest average 3rd down and distance in the league and that the Colts had the fewest 3rd down pass-rush snaps in the league. So Freeney and Mathis did what they did on less opportunities than other teams.

It also shows the offense's crazy efficiency. I don't remember if it was this video or another article... But the Colts always had the fewest drives in the league (or close to it). It was a prime reason Manning got MVP over Brees in 2009, because apparently the Saints were near the top while the Colts were at the bottom.

Great video on my favorite Colt. I loved that he included the 3rd and 3 PBU in the AFCCG. If Bob doesn't make that play, the Colts might not get the ball back. Either that play or Reggie's self recovered fumble was the biggest momentum swing play of that game, and both were vital to the eventual win.

Bob was the best of the 3 when healthy. The bolded is the reason Reed and Polamalu are HOFers and Bob isn't.

Bob was one of those rare individuals, like Steve Emtman, who could change the nature of the D when on the field. Unfortunately, neither had bodies that could contain their sheer awesomeness.

By the way, judging by their release history, Bootleg should have a deep dive on the '25 Colts coming out tomorrow or Wednesday. Just did the Titans today.

We placed 2nd in division last year, so Wednesday. Thanks for letting me know. I've been looking forward to this since the draft.