Indianapolis Colts hold off Green Bay Packers

With the game slipping away, Andrew Luck delivered a pair of daggers.

With the Green Bay Packers scoring back-to-back touchdowns to pull within 31-26, Luck made key third-down passes to tight end Jack Doyle and receiver T.Y. Hilton in the final three minutes to preserve the Indianapolis Colts' victory.

"Really proud of our guys," Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. "This team, they don't quit, they don't lay down, they don't listen to the noise. They just continue to work and work and work and work. It was a great ball game, it was a hard-fought ball game. We found a way to make enough plays. Huge play at the end of the game. (Luck) made two unbelievable plays there."

The Colts (4-5) have alternated wins and losses since starting the season 0-2. They rebounded from a blowout home loss to the Chiefs last week by jumping on the Packers from the start with Jordan Todman's 99-yard touchdown return of the opening kickoff.

"Difficult, disappointing home loss," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "Indianapolis jumped on us from the first play and we frankly never got it back. It's the key stops is what we needed on defense and we didn't get that. Difficult loss. That's two home losses (and) that doesn't sit well with anybody."

The Packers (4-4) appeared to get their offense in gear the previous two weeks, but they took several steps in the wrong direction Sunday. Against an Indianapolis defense that entered the game ranked 29th in total defense, 31st in passing defense and 28th in scoring defense, the Green Bay offense sputtered until a late rally.

Aaron Rodgers finished 26 of 43 for 297 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, but he had only 169 yards through three quarters.

Green Bay's offensive problems could be summed up on a third-and-6 early in the fourth quarter, when Rodgers threw incomplete on a deep pass to Jordy Nelson against double coverage.

"Right now, we've got to score more than 26 points to win a game like that," Rodgers said. "We felt comfortable that they weren't going to be able to stop us a whole lot. We just kind of stopped ourselves. We started off with uncharacteristically low energy for whatever reason, and then didn't really respond well early in the game for whatever reason. They obviously had the first play of the game a touchdown and then a semi-backbreaker before the half to put them up two scores. But we have to respond better, like we did to close out the game."

The Colts all but put the game away on the ensuing possession. Luck hit Donte Moncrief for 39 yards on the first play, and Frank Gore barreled through the defense for his second touchdown of the day, this one a 4-yarder that made it 31-13 with 9:35 remaining.

The Packers made things interesting late. Rodgers' 40-yard completion to Davante Adams set up Rodgers' 2-yard touchdown toss to Adams. Cornerback Patrick Robinson broke up the two-point play, leaving the score 31-19.

After Green Bay forced a three-and-out, Rodgers went 7 of 7 on an 80-yard scoring drive, hitting receiver Randall Cobb for a 3-yard touchdown to make it 31-26 with 3:29 left.

The Colts, however, survived. On third-and-9, Luck shook off blitzing safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and threw a strike to Doyle for a gain of 20. Moments later, on third-and-2, Luck lofted a pass to Hilton for 27 yards to seal the deal.

"Great job up front, first of all," said Luck, who threw for 281 yards to offset two first-half interceptions. "You know they're bringing everybody and they blocked it up and we had enough time to get it do T.Y. and on the other play (to Doyle). Guys fought their butts off all day long. They really did a heck of a job. When we had to make a play, we did."

The Colts took command late in the first half. Starting at their 4, they drove 96 yards in 15 plays for a touchdown and a commanding 24-10 lead. The key was a third-and-9 from the 5.

With the Packers getting the ball to start the second half, Green Bay appeared poised to swing the momentum if it could get a third-down stop. Instead, Luck hit receiver Phillip Dorsett for 13 to launch an impressive scoring drive. Luck punctuated the march with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Moncrief with 11 seconds left in the half. The fans serenaded the Packers with boos as the team went in for halftime.

It didn't get any better for the Packers to start the second half. Rodgers had the Packers driving toward the end zone but was intercepted by Darius Butler. Green Bay's next possession entered the red zone, but the Colts slammed the door. Mason Crosby's 27-yard field goal made it 24-13 with 1:46 left in the third quarter.

The Colts led 14-10 after an eventful first quarter, kick-started by Todman's return. The Packers answered with a field goal.

Indianapolis added a touchdown, with Luck making downfield connections to Dorsett, Hilton and tight end Dwayne Allen. A misdirection pitch to Gore resulted in an easy 7-yard touchdown for a 14-3 lead.

Clinton-Dix intercepted Luck on the Colts' next possession. On the final play of the quarter, Rodgers hit Nelson for a 26-yard touchdown. Rodgers coaxed the Colts offside and threw a bullet to the corner of the end zone, with Nelson using his body to prevent Butler from making a play on the ball.

On the first play of the second quarter, Todman returned the kickoff 61 yards. Adam Vinatieri's 28-yard field goal bumped the Colts' edge to 17-10.

NOTES: KR Jordan Todman's touchdown return was the first for the Colts since Week 17 of the 2012 season, when Deji Karim took one back 101 yards vs. Houston. Todman entered the game with 74 career returns and a long of 59 yards. ... The Packers' inactives list included OLB Clay Matthews (hamstring) for a second consecutive week. WR Randall Cobb, who missed last week's game with a hamstring injury, was active but didn't play until the second half. ... Four starters were on the Colts' inactives list, including G Jack Mewhort and defensive tackle Kendall Langford. ... S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who had no interceptions this year before Sunday, also had two interceptions in the 2014 NFC Championship Game. ... Packers QB Aaron Rodgers had a streak of 133 consecutive passes without an interception until he was picked off by Colts CB Darius Butler.

More games: friv

Report: Colts OG Jack Mewhort believed to have torn ACL

The offensive line of the Indianapolis Colts has long been an area of concern. Things just got worse, as offensive guard Jack Mewhort is believed to have torn his ACL during Sunday’s shootout against the Detroit Lions.

Since being selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Mewhort has started 31 games. He was one of the strongest performers on a rather dismal line before this injury.

In addition to being a capable pass protector, Mewhort will be missed in the running game as well.

The Colts are razor thin in terms of talent on their offensive line. It looks like it might be up to rookie Joe Haeg, who was selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, to take over.

Colts to report to training camp July 26

ANDERSON -- The Indianapolis Colts will report to Anderson University on Tuesday, July 26, for the team's annual training camp.

It's the seventh straight year AU has hosted the Colts for camp.

With players reporting on July 26, the first practice is scheduled for Wednesday, July 27. 

The Colts will break camp on Thursday, Aug. 11, after just one preseason game, the Hall of Fame Game against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 7.

The rest of the camp schedule is expected to be released some time this week.

Colts Hugh Thornton Hoping that Being Trimmer Leads to Better Blocking

According to Colts.com’s Kevin Bowen, Indianapolis Colts offensive guard Hugh Thornton has ‘slimmed and trimmed’ down this offseason, as he’s shed his weight from 324 to 315 pounds:

“Thornton, a guy has previously been listed at 336 and 324 pounds with the Colts, dropped all the way down to the 300-pound mark earlier this offseason. He says he’s around 315 pounds now,” writes Bowen. 

“This is probably the best I’ve felt in a long time,” Thornton says. “Going back to college, high school, probably just the most well-rounded—physically, mentally, spiritually. I’m just in a great place and I’m excited to see how this transformation is going to take place on the field.”

“In dropping the weight, Thornton decided earlier this offseason such a change was necessary,” added Bowen. 

“Slim and trim,” is how Thornton describes his new look in 2016.

If nothing else, the Colts offensive line’s physique just got collectively better if ESPN ever decides to take another shoot for their “body magazine” again (*shudders*, but somewhere Jack Mewhort is smiling).

Jokes aside, the former 2013 3rd round pick has looked as good as he ever has in a Colts uniform–or sleeveless “T” for that matter these days:

There’s no question that Thornton has been plagued by both injuries and inconsistency in 3 seasons with the Colts in which he’s made 32 career starts. While he has at times shown flashes of his potential, it simply hasn’t been consistent or often enough.

With his starting right guard job up for grabs and entering the last year of his Colts contract, it makes sense that Thornton is entering this offseason in the best shape of his professional career.

Simply put, this could be a make-or-break year for the 4th-year veteran and ultimately decide whether he’ll remain a Colt or be forced to pursue his professional career elsewhere.

While Thornton has his fair share of critics, he still apparently has strong support in Colts owner Jim Irsay, who apparently believes that the young offensive lineman can still become a high end starting guard for the team:

“(Hugh) Thornton has all the capabilities of being an outstanding guard in this league, but he has to stay healthy and he has to mentally make sure that he does everything to prepare himself and avoid penalties on the field,” said Irsay earlier this offseason via the IndyStar’s Stephen Holder. 

One thing that Thornton still does have going for him is youth, as he’ll turn 25 years old in June and theoretically may have time for further development.

Perhaps under the tutelage of new offensive line coach Joe Philbin, who’s been highly regarded for his teaching methods, Thornton can finally reach his full potential:

“Just being in meetings with him and obviously Phase 2 started this week, having the chance to see how he coaches and the style and the passion that he brings to the field I think is going to be great for us,” said Thornton recently regarding Philbin. 

Maybe even the Colts scheme change to more of a zone-blocking system will serve the young offensive guard well, who should be noticeably lighter on his feet.

There’s talent there after all that once made Thornton such an early round selection by the Colts.

For Thornton’s sake, time is of the essence to tap it however.

The Colts brought in four new offensive lineman in this year’s NFL Draft and already cut ties with another early round underachieving offensive lineman, Khaled Holmes(their 2013 4th round pick), recently this offseason.

With last year’s starting center Jonotthan Harrison potentially transitioning to the right guard position and a new batch of rookie bodies (as well as perhaps holdoverJoe Reitz) in the mix, and there appears to be much more competition than ever before at Thornton’s starting right guard position.

Certainly much more than departed veteran offensive guards Lance Louis or Todd Herremans ever provided for Thornton in recent seasons.

That being said, a “trimmer and slimmer” Thornton is clearly taking this offseason seriously and putting himself in the best position he can to maintain his starting right guard job in what is shaping up to be a pretty healthy competition this offseason.

Buckeye Cruise for Cancer: Fun with a serious purpose

We recently returned from the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. It was the ninth cruise and our eighth; many of us return each year because we have been affected by cancer and want to see it eliminated.

Being an avid Buckeye fan doesn't hurt, either!

The Cruise raised more than $1.7 million this year. The proceeds over the years have funded many projects. For instance, we helped furnish the rehab exercise room at the Stefanie Spielman Center. We have also purchased a mass spectrometer and a high-powered microscope to be used in research.

The athletes participate in the event willingly and give their time throughout the year. They attend various fundraisers and put up with all our requests for pictures. One year, three athletes paid for a family to go on the cruise because their seriously ill child told them that she wanted to go.

Several athletes participate in the Second and Seven Foundation, which works to promote literacy with economically disadvantaged kids. Others visit classrooms to encourage children to work hard, listen and stay in school. Jack Mewhort (a Buckeye and presently an Indianapolis Colt) recently visited our daughter's classroom in Indianapolis. He spent time answering their questions and encouraging them to be the best they can be.

Buckeye fans should be proud of the great things these athletes do for their community. Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the Buckeye Cruise. If you have ever thought of going, 2017 might be the year.

Speaking of community, SCOR has begun a drive to help Helping Hands, Reynoldsburg's local food pantry. We recently collected 200 bars of soap. We are currently collecting 200 tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes. We are excited about this drive and the fact we are giving back to our community.

Here's what's going on in April:

* Thursday, April 7: At 9 a.m. is the second Men's Golf Meeting. Also, at 11:15 a.m., Arley Owens with Keep Reynoldsburg Beautiful will discuss what we can do to keep our community looking its best.

* Friday, April 8: We will attend SRO's presentation of Sweeney Todd.

* Saturday, April 9: the community celebration of Tartan Day.

* Wednesday, April 13: We will attend Fiddler on the Roof at Otterbein Theater. At 2 p.m., Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo will discuss the Homestead exemption program. Call the office at 614-866-5890 to reserve your spot.

* Friday, April 15: At 9 a.m., attorney James Hardgrove will present a discussion of the surviving spouse's rights in an estate.

* Thursday, April 21 at 9 a.m.: Shoes-4-Diabetics will conduct a shoe clinic for diabetics on Medicare and private insurance. Call the office to schedule an appointment.

* Wednesday, April 27 at 8 a.m.: We will depart for Sculpted Neon: The Artistic Side of Cincinnati. Call the office if you are interested.

* Friday, April 29 at 10:45 a.m.: We will meet, look over the movie options and head off to the movies and lunch.

Go Bucks --- beat cancer!

Debbie Mullarkey is a Reynoldsburg resident, a retired teacher and a longtime member of the Senior Citizens of Reynoldsburg.

NFL Mock Draft 2016: Another mock draft has Colts taking offensive lineman Taylor Decker

Another mock draft, another projected offensive lineman for the Colts in the first round.

I's Monday, and for two teams that means celebrating conference title game victories.  But for everyone not named the Broncos or the Panthers, the offseason is underway, and Monday is a time to look at mock drafts to see what people are predicting each team to do in the 2016 NFL Draft.

For the Indianapolis Colts, almost everybody has them taking an offensive lineman in the first round of mock drafts, and that continues today.  SB Nation's Dan Kadar has his most recent mock draft up where he has the Colts taking Ohio State offensive tackle Taylor Decker with the 18th overall pick.

The offensive line for the Colts still isn't completely figured out. Decker can play either tackle spot, so that versatility would go a long way in making the fix. A playmaking running back like Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott would be a difference making option, too.

Kadar lists other potential options for each team in his most recent mock draft, and in addition to Decker, Kadar mentions Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliot and Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin.

Decker is a very popular pick for the Colts in mock drafts right now, as it seems like he's the one who has been projected to the Colts the most in the early stages of the draft process.  The 6-7, 315 pound lineman was a three-year starter for Ohio State at left tackle, playing in 54 career games and starting 42.  He was a first-team All-American in 2015 and won a National Championship as a junior in 2014.  Though he was primarily a left tackle in college, he has the skills to play at either tackle spot in the NFL, which is a luxury and something the Colts would surely value.

If taken by the Colts, Decker would likely start at right tackle, taking the place of Joe Reitz (who could then either move to guard or be a backup for pretty much the entire line).  With Anthony Castonzo and Jack Mewhort already in place as young building blocks along the line, adding another one in Decker could be a big benefit.  There's still a long way to go before the NFL Draft, but the early mock drafts are all pointing to one thing: offensive line help for the Colts in the first round.

Playoffs have shown Colts the importance of a good offensive line

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts spent the season watching their quarterbacks consistently take a pounding from defensive players. In addition, running back Frank Gore was hit behind the line of scrimmage more than he should have been because of poor offensive line play.

The first step in attempting to improve the offensive line took place when head coach Chuck Pagano hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin to coach the offensive line. Philbin has experience coaching offensive linemen from his days with the Green Bay Packers.

“They are the heart and soul of the football team, especially on the offensive side of the ball,” Philbin recently told Colts.com. “They kind of dictate the tempo of the team. As you know, we’ve got some outstanding skill players here in Indianapolis. Very, very fortunate [to have them]. It’s the O-line’s job to let those guys make plays in a game, when it counts. You have to be unselfish. There is a great coordination that has to take place with the offensive line working together.”

If giving up 37 sacks and 118 quarterbacks hits, which was second in the NFL, wasn’t proof enough, all the Colts had to do was look at the NFC Championship Game to get further validation of the importance of having a good offensive line.

Lost in the dominating performance of their defense was the Carolina Panthers’ ability to protect quarterback Cam Newton, who was only sacked one time. They also rushed for 144 yards on the ground against the Arizona Cardinals.

It doesn’t matter how many skill position players Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has around him if the offensive line can’t give him a clean pocket. New England quarterback Tom Brady found that out when the Denver Broncos hit him 23 times in the AFC Championship Game.

The Colts have to get tougher and better overall up front. At this point, you can probably say left tackle Anthony Castonzo and guard Jack Mewhort are the only two returning offensive linemen expected to start next season barring an injury. The other three positions on the line are up for grabs.

Five Colts under pressure in 2015

This is a big season for the Indianapolis Colts. But here are five Colts, in particular, who will have a spotlight shined on them for various reasons.

>> Coach Chuck Pagano

In three seasons, he has notched 33 wins, three playoff appearances and three playoff victories. Yet, he’s a lame duck with no contract beyond this season and an owner who consistently sends subtle messages that his defense hasn’t cut it in recent seasons.

So, yeah, there’s a little pressure on Pagano.

No one knows how this ends for him. There are many potential scenarios. The team could meet expectations and make a run at the Super Bowl. Or it could totally underwhelm and put Pagano at risk.

Either way, the coach’s fate is, and will continue to be, one of this season’s biggest storylines.

It’s not going away. And the pressure will only continue to grow.

>> RT Jack Mewhort

He was very solid as a left guard during his rookie year last season. And Mewhort’s reward was to earn the right to change positions to right tackle, where he’ll now have to fend off speedy edge rushers who are among the best athletes in the game.

That’s pressure.

Mewhort had some isolated struggles in the preseason that foreshadowed some of the challenges he will face. The Colts are asking a lot of him. They’re projecting Mewhort can pull this off, but what if they’re wrong?

Either way, we’ll know more on Sunday, when pass rusher Mario Williams awaits in Buffalo.

>> DE Kendall Langford

Remember when the Colts made that flurry of free-agent signings in the spring? And remember how little thought you gave to Langford?

You might want to rethink that. Langford is an excellent fit for the Colts defense, given the fact that he’s been much more productive in 3-4 defenses. But this isn’t quite what Langford signed up for.

He intended to play alongside Art Jones and a veteran defensive line. Now, Jones is on injured reserve, Josh Chapman and Montori Hughes have been released and Langford is the grownup in a room full of kids.

A pair of rookies is likely to start alongside Langford: David Parry at nose tackle and Henry Anderson at defensive tackle. Where Langford originally was planning to be the beneficiary of Jones’ presence, it’s now conceivable he will draw significantly more attention from opposing offenses who know well his ability to slow their running game.

Suddenly, Langford has gained a more central role in the Colts defense – like it or not.

>> S Clayton Geathers

It’s odd that a player not even projected to be in the starting lineup would be listed here. But given what the Colts are planning to ask of this rookie, he belongs on this list.

The Colts’ decision to use Geathers as a dime linebacker this season – a hybrid linebacker/safety that is, essentially, a sixth defensive back – is a direct response to their struggles against opposing tight ends in 2014.

Just think back to the Colts’ inability to stop New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and their insistence on using players like D’Qwell Jackson to cover him. Well, those responsibilities will now fall to Geathers in many instances, as coaches use him in select situations.

Can he step up to this challenge? Geathers is talented, but he’s raw. Look for some bumps along the way.

>> LB Bjoern Werner

He made the final cut, but this 2013 first-round pick seems to be on borrowed time. Werner flamed out as a pass rusher and now is playing strong-side linebacker, a position that seems better suited to his skill set.

But if he doesn’t produce in the limited playing time he figures to be afforded, it’s going to be difficult for the Colts to justify keeping him on the roster moving forward. The lack of depth at the strong side (he’s Erik Walden’s primary backup) likely means he has a place on the roster for the duration of this season.

But in 2016, Werner is going to be a prime target to be cut unless something changes

Pass protection a concern in Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts are well aware their Super Bowl hopes are largely dependent on the arm of quarterback Andrew Luck and keeping Luck healthy throughout the season is a top priority as a rsesult.

That's why the offensive line's performance in Saturday's exhibition loss to the Chicago Bears, in which Luck was sacked once and hit two other times early in the game, is a concern.

“We’ve got to be able to protect the quarterback,” Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said, per ESPN. “Pass (protection) at times was okay and at times has got to be better, got to get it shored up.”

After investing money and draft picks upgrading the offense by adding wide receivers Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett, along with running back Frank Gore, the Colts chose to stand pat along the offensive line, with the notable exception of the addition of veteran guard Todd Herremans. Second-year lineman Jack Mewhort, who played guard last season, is the team's new right tackle, taking over for Gosder Cherilus, who released just prior to the start of training camp.

Mewhort surrendered a sack Saturday to Bears linebacker Pernell McPhee. On the next play, McPhee got by Mewhort again, forcing Luck into an incomplete pass. 

“It’s crippling when you go out there as a tackle and you give up a bad sack like that on the second play of the game,” Mewhort said. “You can’t start fast when a guy is on top of the quarterback. That’s on me. I have to go back to the grindstone and get better and make sure I have to give Andrew time to make plays.”

After the early struggles, the offense settled in and Luck was able to lead the Colts on 89-yard drive that culminated in a touchdown. 

Pagano preached patience with Mewhort, citing the time it takes to adjust to playing tackle in the NFL.

“You know he’s a second-year player, we lose sight of the fact that he’s a second-year player," Pagano said. "There’s going to be growing pains and we need to find out what we can do to accentuate our strengths.”

GM Ryan Grigson deserves blame for not fixing offensive line

INDIANAPOLIS -- The spotlight of the Indianapolis Colts' struggles during their 0-2 start has centered on coach Chuck Pagano and quarterback Andrew Luck.

But there's one person who deserves some of the blame for Luck continuing to get pressured and playing under siege during the first two weeks of the season, and that's general manager Ryan Grigson.

It was Grigson, the team's fourth-year general manager, who decided not to completely address the offensive line in the offseason.

The biggest question mark on offense heading into the season was whether the offensive line could block long enough to give Luck a clean pocket to work with.

The results so far have proven the offensive line is as bad as advertised. The Colts got away with it in previous seasons. That hasn't been the case this season.

Luck has been blitzed on 47.9 percent of his dropbacks, which is the third-highest rate in the NFL, according to ESPN's Stats & Information. That's almost a 15 percent increase from last season.

Point the finger at Grigson, a former offensive lineman himself.

The Colts used their first-round pick on receiver Phillip Dorsett. They let six more picks pass before selecting an offensive lineman in the seventh round. And tackle Denzelle Good is considered a project player.

Free agency didn't include much, either, as Grigson signed 32-year-old Todd Herremans, who hasn't been overly impressive so far. Gosder Cherilus' injury problems and desire not to re-negotiate his contract led to his release, which caused the Colts to move Jack Mewhort, who started at guard last season, to right tackle. Journeyman Lance Louis is starting at left guard.

Guess what?

Pagano is used to having offensive line issues.

"That's been the case for three years now," he said. "Has it not? [Luck] should be more than comfortable dealing with what he's dealing with. We've got to get it fixed."

Teams will continue to blitz and hit Luck until the Colts prove they can protect their franchise player.

Next up: The Tennessee Titans.

"We have to get in better field position offensively," center Khaled Holmes said. "That's going to allow defensive coordinators like in the first two weeks to really draw up fun stuff for the defense and make things tough on us. We have to get out of those situations and give Andrew time to throw."

Colts' Jack Mewhort looks good in new role on right side

The Indianapolis Colts had enough confidence in their left tackle to sign Anthony Castonzo to a four-year, $42 million contract extension. Confidence is growing in their right tackle, Jack Mewhort.

Mewhort went into Sunday's season opener as a question mark and came out as a plus. Although there was little for the Colts to build on in a 27-14 loss at Buffalo, competence at each end of the offensive line is essential for Andrew Luck to perform as expected.

"It's a marathon, not a sprint. That message gets echoed from top to bottom here," Mewhort said. "You've just got to batten down the hatches and realize the only people we're worried about are the guys in this locker room.

"Specifically, as an offensive line, our unit, myself, it's time to go back to the grindstone and tighten up your technique and not panic and be able to move on to the next week."

Mewhort, 6-6 and 312 pounds, is a 23-year-old native of Toledo, Ohio. He was capable last season as a rookie left guard but struggled sometimes at right tackle during preseason.

He played his final 26 games at Ohio State as a left tackle, so the position wasn't completely unfamiliar. After playing right tackle in the Senior Bowl, his versatility was impressive enough for the Colts to select him in the second round of the 2014 draft.

At guard, he never had to fend off edge rushers like Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes, as he did at Buffalo. Mewhort could not have been laid bare more than if he had posed nude – which, actually, he did do for ESPN Magazine's Body Issue.

Colts coach Chuck Pagano said Mewhort was "outstanding" in the new role.

Colts tackle Jack Mewhort (75) takes his stance in preparation to block Bills defensive end Mario Williams (94) Sept. 13, 2015 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park NY. (Photo: Matt Kryger / The Star)

"It wasn't too big for him. He had great look in his eye," Pagano said. "I think he competed his tail off. For his first outing out there, I think everybody but us was worried about how he was going to hold up.

"But he did that. He did a really good job. It's never going to be perfect, but he played well. Like everybody else, he'll be better this week."

Mewhort said blocking by tight ends and running backs meant he wasn't alone on the edge. Moreover, he said the offensive linemen are made better by center Khaled Holmes' understanding of the offense.

"It is different than guard," Mewhort said. "But it doesn't mean it's any easier or any tougher. Each position has its own battles it needs to fight, and at tackle it's more space."

Falling behind 24-0 didn't allow the Colts to develop much of a running game. They totaled 64 rushing yards in 17 attempts.

The score and a calf cramp contributed to Frank Gore's 31-yard debut as much as the Bills' defense.

"There's no wondering what Frank Gore can do. It's all documented," Mewhort said. "He's had a long career of playing at a high level. It's out there. It goes back to putting it on us as an offensive line to be on the same page and create those holes and those lanes so he can do his job, which is run the ball really well."

If the Colts do so, Mewhort might become worth the money a brokerage firm says he is. Fantex Brokerage Service is trading Fantex Series Jack Mewhort Convertible Tracking Stock (ticker symbol JKMTL) at $11 a share at Fantex.com.

The stock pricing is based on a projection that Mewhort will earn $58.8 million in lifetime brand income, most of it from an estimated nine more years in the NFL.

Would the Colts really pay twin tackles more than $100 million? Maybe, if that results in Super Bowls.

Chuck Pagano: Colts right tackle Jack Mewhort was "outstanding" in debut

Right tackle Jack Mewhort, who made his debut at right tackle for the Colts on Sunday, played "outstanding" according to head coach Chuck Pagano - and he's right.

The Indianapolis Colts were defeated handily by the Buffalo Bills in week one, losing 27-14.  There were a lot of negatives from the game and a lot of players who were underwhelming, but at the same time there were players who impressed and looked very good.  One such player was Jack Mewhort, who was making his regular season debut at right tackle after starting at left guard last year.

"I thought he was outstanding," head coach Chuck Pagano said on Monday.  "It wasn't too big for him.  He had a great look in his eye.  I think he competed his tail off.  For the first outing out there, I think everybody but us was worried about how he was going to hold up.  But he did a really good job.  It's never going to be perfect, but he played well.  He'll be better.  Like everybody else, he'll be better this week.  Great start for him."

A lot of times, Pagano uses a lot of coach speak that isn't entirely indicative of how someone played.  This isn't one of those instances.  Pagano is absolutely right: Jack Mewhort did a fantastic job on Sunday.  There was a lot of concern about him after the second preseason game (with many people saying the Colts should just move him back to left guard), but on Sunday he was one of the biggest strengths on the offensive side of the football.  According to Pro Football Focus, Mewhort spent 53 snaps in pass protection on Sunday and allowed just one hurry on quarterback Andrew Luck.  The only other tackle in the entire NFL who played that many snaps and didn't allow a hurry?  Fellow Colt Anthony Castonzo.

There are still question marks about the offensive line, but those question marks are on the interior.  But against one of the league's best defensive fronts, Jack Mewhort - in his first career start at right tackle - played very well.  Moving forward, it seems as if the Colts have two very good bookends on their offensive line to protect Andrew Luck.  Their problem is the interior of the line, and while that will be an issue this year, it was very nice to see Mewhort look good on Sunday at right tackle.