League Forums

The arrival of new general manager TheAdrienC was symbolized with one simple word the moment he arrived: change. The team announced the new GM shortly before their kickoff against conference foe Baltimore after the job became open following a 1-1 start to the seasons and a 6-10 run last year.

The turnover happened immediately. Veteran linebacker Ernest Allen was shipped off to Seattle with rookie Hipolitio Allen playing extremely well in exchange for runningback Chris Whitmore, who is expected to start following the injury to Jude Johnson, who attempted to play through the injury against Baltimore but was largely ineffective. Whitmore is expected to be the starting kick returner as well. Three players were cut immediately: safety Darius Cox (who is likely to be picked up off the waiver wire), cornerback Steve Karsten, and defensive tackle Forrest Gibson. He replaced them with corner Gary Gonzales, tackle Jose Riley, and quarterback Eric Viera. TheAdrienC stated he believed that they are much more cost effective options, citing the constraints of the salary cap over the roster from the previous regime.

His arrival might have sparked something. First game under TheAdrienC, quarterback Peter Magnuson had his first turnover free game, throwing for one touchdown and no interceptions. On a day where Indianapolis only had 21 yards rushing, Magnuson put the team on his back and led them to a game-winning touchdown with 22 seconds remaining on the game to Chris Tansey, who led the team with 98 yards on 5 catches. The defense was led by Allen in his first career start, who led the team in tackles with ten, including a crucial third down stop inside the five in the third quarter that could have put the game in jepoardy. Safety Anthony Byrd also had a crucial interception at the end of the third quarter that led to a Wallace field goal.

TheAdrienC stated he was proud of the squad for starting off his tenure on a high note. Strong performances from the players stepping in over the released players certainly helped set the tone for this game and hopefully more to come. When asked if he was done making changes to the roster, he simply responded with one word: no. Indianapolis will be traveling to the banks of the three rivers to take on 1-2 Pittsburgh next week. They are currently two point favorites.

Ed Nair reporting from Indianapolis.

The loss to the Steelers was a tough cookie to swallow. Not only did they lose the game, but recently acquired RB from a trade with the Seahawks Chris Whitmore went down with an injury and is not expected to play next week. All-Pro guard Tom Shoemaker went down with an injury as well. Indy could not muster anything on the ground, only getting 30 yards rushing all game and having to depend on quarterback Peter Magnuson to carry the team. Magnuson didn't hurt the team, throwing two touchdowns and no picks in the loss, but he had to attempt passes on fifty snaps, which is usually not ideal. Corner Robert Roundy had an interception and top draft pick Hipolito Allen and safety Anthony Byrd forced a fumble each. Recently signed corner Gary Gonzalez recovered one of them.

There is hope as starting runningback Jude Johnson is expected to return from injury. General Manager TheAdrienC also made some roster moves to try to sure up the offensive line, acquiring Ronald Newman, Joseph Allen, and John Rodriguez in trades with Los Angeles and Minnesota. Hoping these new faces gel to ease the loss of Shoemaker and possibly light a spark in this running game, Indy is back home, but they have a daunting opponent in New England. New England is currently a touchdown favorite to win the game.