Dwight Freeney Possibly Out For a Month, Indianapolis Colts Sign Simeon Rice
November 13, 2007 by David Kindervater
Filed under Indianapolis Colts
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
It’s never a good thing to lose your top sack specialist, even if for a few games, but replacing him with one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers of all-time isn’t a bad trade-off. The Indianapolis Colts may have to do without All-Pro DE Dwight Freeney for at least a month, so they claimed Simeon Rice off waivers late yesterday to ease their pain. Simeon was just released by Denver last Friday and has experience playing for Colts Coach Tony Dungy. His 121 sacks are second only to the N.Y. Giants’ Michael Strahan among active players.
There are two ways to look at this. First of all, the Broncos released him for a reason. They wouldn’t part ways with a guy who would have done their team any good. So, on paper this looks good for Indy. But will it translate to the playing field? Secondly the Colts are desperate for help at D-end. Enter Simeon Rice who has most certainly lost a step, but could still be productive in a part-time role. I think Simeon will prove most beneficial if given select (rested) opportunities to create havoc in opposing backfields. This is a good move for the Colts, but only time will tell if Simeon will pay dividends.
In a follow-up to this post, Dwight Freeney was placed on injured reserve yesterday by the Colts. He’s scheduled to undergo surgery later this week or early next week on his injured left foot. So, it’s Simeon’s job now. For as much as he is able to fulfill a role on this team.