Tweet
James Butler is ready for Indianapolis Colts
BY BILL COATS
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
10/24/2009
James Butler has gone against Peyton Manning and the high-powered Indianapolis offense just once in his career. It's a game he'd like to forget.
The Colts prevailed 26-21 on Sept. 10, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J., and Butler — a second-year pro in a reserve safety's role for the New York Giants — dropped what should've been an interception.
On Sunday, Manning and the Colts visit the Edward Jones Dome. Butler will be in the lineup after missing three games because of a knee injury. But if the matchup carries any special meaning for him, Butler isn't tipping his hand.
"It's the NFL; every offense is good," Butler said. "I'm just glad to have the opportunity, and I'm ready to get back."
The signing of Butler as a free agent was one of the Rams' earliest offseason moves after hiring Steve Spagnuolo as head coach. They had spent two seasons together with the Giants, where Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator.
Not only did Butler fill a need at strong safety, but he brought a detailed knowledge of Spagnuolo's defensive scheme. Craig Dahl filled in nicely the last three weeks, but Butler's experience is invaluable, cornerback Ron Bartell emphasized.
"It's good to have somebody back there who knows the ins and outs of the defense," Bartell said. "We're still learning the defense ourselves, so he can kind of settle us down and get us aligned properly. Having him back is a huge plus for us."
Watching from the sideline was "very tough, but injuries are part of the game," Butler said. "Experience is always good, but you've still got to play the game. That's my mind-set — go out there and play to the best of my ability."
AVERY LOOKS READY
It appears as if Donnie Avery is in and newcomer Brandon Gibson is in limbo as the coaches ponder which four — or possibly five — wide receivers to suit up Sunday.
Avery, who bruised his left hip last week at Jacksonville, was a full participant at practice Friday and pronounced himself ready to go. "No problem at all," he said. "It's a lot better. I'm feeling really fluent out there."
Gibson, a rookie acquired from Philadelphia on Tuesday for linebacker Will Witherspoon, said he feels comfortable enough to contribute Sunday. "The offense is the exact same as in Philadelphia, and I know it," he said. "Hopefully I can make an impact."
If he gets the chance.
"It's probably 50-50," Spagnuolo said. "The other (wideouts) ... kind of stepped it up and had a pretty good week. So that'll be a tough call."
INJURY UPDATES
If James Hall, who was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report with a groin injury, is out Sunday, Victor Adeyanju could squeeze onto the 45-man game-day roster for the first time this year.
"Could be," Spagnuolo said. "You talk about a quality guy. Victor's a good man."
He also led the Rams' defensive linemen in tackles last year but has been among the inactives for all six games so far.
Cornerback Justin King (groin) and wide receiver Ruvell Martin (hamstring) also were questionable. Avery, Butler and guard Richie Incognito (ankle) were probable.
RAM-BLINGS
The Colts are coming off their bye week. ... The Rams have started 12 different quarterbacks since Manning took over in Indianapolis in 1998. He's started all 181 games during his career. ... Former Rams defensive end Jack Youngblood (1971-84) will be introduced during the first quarter Sunday and will sign autographs at the Bud Light Party Zone during halftime. Youngblood, a seven-time Pro Bowler, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
BY BILL COATS
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
10/24/2009
James Butler has gone against Peyton Manning and the high-powered Indianapolis offense just once in his career. It's a game he'd like to forget.
The Colts prevailed 26-21 on Sept. 10, 2006, in East Rutherford, N.J., and Butler — a second-year pro in a reserve safety's role for the New York Giants — dropped what should've been an interception.
On Sunday, Manning and the Colts visit the Edward Jones Dome. Butler will be in the lineup after missing three games because of a knee injury. But if the matchup carries any special meaning for him, Butler isn't tipping his hand.
"It's the NFL; every offense is good," Butler said. "I'm just glad to have the opportunity, and I'm ready to get back."
The signing of Butler as a free agent was one of the Rams' earliest offseason moves after hiring Steve Spagnuolo as head coach. They had spent two seasons together with the Giants, where Spagnuolo was the defensive coordinator.
Not only did Butler fill a need at strong safety, but he brought a detailed knowledge of Spagnuolo's defensive scheme. Craig Dahl filled in nicely the last three weeks, but Butler's experience is invaluable, cornerback Ron Bartell emphasized.
"It's good to have somebody back there who knows the ins and outs of the defense," Bartell said. "We're still learning the defense ourselves, so he can kind of settle us down and get us aligned properly. Having him back is a huge plus for us."
Watching from the sideline was "very tough, but injuries are part of the game," Butler said. "Experience is always good, but you've still got to play the game. That's my mind-set — go out there and play to the best of my ability."
AVERY LOOKS READY
It appears as if Donnie Avery is in and newcomer Brandon Gibson is in limbo as the coaches ponder which four — or possibly five — wide receivers to suit up Sunday.
Avery, who bruised his left hip last week at Jacksonville, was a full participant at practice Friday and pronounced himself ready to go. "No problem at all," he said. "It's a lot better. I'm feeling really fluent out there."
Gibson, a rookie acquired from Philadelphia on Tuesday for linebacker Will Witherspoon, said he feels comfortable enough to contribute Sunday. "The offense is the exact same as in Philadelphia, and I know it," he said. "Hopefully I can make an impact."
If he gets the chance.
"It's probably 50-50," Spagnuolo said. "The other (wideouts) ... kind of stepped it up and had a pretty good week. So that'll be a tough call."
INJURY UPDATES
If James Hall, who was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report with a groin injury, is out Sunday, Victor Adeyanju could squeeze onto the 45-man game-day roster for the first time this year.
"Could be," Spagnuolo said. "You talk about a quality guy. Victor's a good man."
He also led the Rams' defensive linemen in tackles last year but has been among the inactives for all six games so far.
Cornerback Justin King (groin) and wide receiver Ruvell Martin (hamstring) also were questionable. Avery, Butler and guard Richie Incognito (ankle) were probable.
RAM-BLINGS
The Colts are coming off their bye week. ... The Rams have started 12 different quarterbacks since Manning took over in Indianapolis in 1998. He's started all 181 games during his career. ... Former Rams defensive end Jack Youngblood (1971-84) will be introduced during the first quarter Sunday and will sign autographs at the Bud Light Party Zone during halftime. Youngblood, a seven-time Pro Bowler, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
Comment