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By Tom James
October 7, 2007
INDIANAPOLIS— Dallas Clark? A new secret weapon for the Indianapolis Colts offense?
Perhaps.
After the first four games of the 2007 season, it sure seems as if the Colts have found several new ways to utilize the special talents that Clark brings to each game.
Last week’s 38-20 home-field win over Denver was a prime example of what offensive coordinator Tom Moore may have in store for future opposing defensive units.
Even before ace wide receiver Marvin Harrison was sidelined with a sprained left knee in the Broncos’ game, Moore came up the novel idea of having Harrison and wide receiver Reggie Wayne line up together on one side of the field and allowing Clark to be split wide by himself near the opposite sideline.
The ploy proved to be quite a tweak in the Colts’ usual offensive formation. And it caused considerable consternation on the Denver sideline. Who’s going to cover Clark? A linebacker? A safety? A cornerback?
As it turned out, it didn’t really matter who tried to cover the versatile tight end.
Not even Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey was up to the task of covering the surprisingly speedy Clark on a consistent basis. Neither were safety Dominque Foxworth or inside linebacker Ian Gold.
The result of all the havoc Clark created in the Broncos’ secondary? Six catches for 76 yards.
Two touchdowns. One touchdown coming on a diving catch in the right corner of the end zone on a picture perfect pass from quarterback Peyton Manning. The other on a fade route to the back corner of the end zone and, once again, a very catchable pass from Manning.
