Success rests on depth

Perhaps I should have jumped on the bandwagon. It might be too full now.
Two weeks ago I used this space to question how good the Indianapolis Colts really were. They promptly went out and galloped past Denver, my pick to win the Super Bowl, before their bye this week.
I’m a little surprised none of the questions this week involved calling me out on the Colts, but I’ll admit my mistake anyway. Indianapolis has been clearly one of the best teams in the AFC through the first half of the year. Fans just need to hope the team can survive without Reggie Wayne’s talent and leadership on the field.
While there were no Colts questions this month, the NFL is involved. Readers are also interested in thoughts about the Indiana Pacers, who open their season tonight against Orlando, and, of course, the Jay County High School football team heading into its first sectional semifinal game since 2007.
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With a second injury to Danny Granger, do you think he’s still an asset to the Pacers?
—Jenny Lee Skirvin, Portland
Danny Granger can still be a big part of Indiana’s success this season. Fans just need to be patient.
Really, there is no other choice. There was a time when Granger could have been valuable in a trade, but after missing so much time there is no way the team could get good value for him. The Pacers need to wait and get him healthy, even if it takes more than the three weeks currently projected.
Here’s why:
Danny Granger averages 18.1 points per game in his career. He shoots 84 percent from the free-throw line. And he’s a solid three-point threat.
One of Indiana’s biggest issues during the 2013 playoff run, mainly against Miami, was depth. That was especially true late in the series.
If the Pacers can get Granger healthy enough to give them even 25 minutes a game come playoff time, he can help solve that problem.
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What are your three bold NFL mid-season predictions?
—Jason McGraw, Portland

1) The Washington Redskins will finish .500 or better.
The team has been bad. The defense has been awful.
But Washington (2-5), which closed the regular season last year with three straight victories, plays in a division that is eminently winnable. If it can knock off San Diego at home this week it has a chance to win three in a row and get back on track.
2) The only coach to be fired during the regular season will be Greg Schiano.
The Tampa Bay coach definitely needs to go. He’s yet another college coach who isn’t going to make it at the NFL level.
But the other guys with struggling squads — Leslie Frazier of Minnesota and Gus Bradley of Jacksonville lead the list — should survive.
3) Donald Brown will be the Indianapolis Colts’ starting running back.
At some point Chuck Pagano and company are going to realize Brown (5.9 yards per carry) is far superior to Richardson (3.0 yards per carry), who has yet to break the 60-yard mark this year.
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What are your thoughts on the Jay County football team this season so far?
—Brentt Lewis, Portland

The Patriots are in the midst of their best season since winning the 2007 sectional championship.
J.D. Mangas rushing for  nearly 1,700 yards, so far, has been impressive, an accomplishment not only for him but also the players who block and carry out the fakes in the deceptive Wing-T offense. The defense is disruptive, led by Eric Hemmelgarn’s four sacks and Toby McAllister’s three interceptions.
JCHS (7-3) has taken care of business against opponents having down seasons, beating Blackford, Anderson Prep and Marion all by 30 or more points. It held off Muncie Southside in a game marked by rain and mud.
Three of its victories came against teams with winning records — Wallaceburg, which has not lost since returning to Canada, Heritage (7-3) and Winchester (7-3).
And Jay County has been competitive in all three of ­­­its losses.
So, it’s been a good season. On Friday night, when they play Norwell for a berth in the sectional championship game, the Patriots have a chance to make it great.[[In-content Ad]]