The anticipation for the upcoming season is intense, with all kinds of speculations already being projected. I've heard many individuals claiming Andrew Luck to be the best thing since sliced bread. He seems to be handling the expectations of a franchise quarterback and first overall pick with the grace of possible future hall-a-fame candidate. The transition from (my personal opinion) the greatest quarterback of all-time to most hyped prospect in over a decade will not happen without scrutinization. Every single mistake he makes will be dissected next year, but it is up to us as fans to remember he's just a rookie. It took time for even the great Peyton Manning to get where he is today, bumps and bruises along the way. Let's not forget the 28 interceptions, 22 sacks and 3-13 season, he had to endure at his welcoming party to the NFL. Is it possible Luck comes out and sets a blaze to this league in a way that's it never seen before? Sure he could, I'm not going to discount that as a possibility. The man has every single tool he needs to accomplish this feat. But, for the time being let's concentrate on the first chapter in this series instead of the entire story. Because if we did things the Back to the Future way and predicted what the future would like today we'd all be driving around in flying cars, riding hover-boards, and missing out on a lot of Jaws sequels.

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It seems like its been a little tougher sledding for our owner Mr. Irsay on finding the right candidate to fill the GM vacancy. The first overall choice appeared to be Eric DeCosta but, he doesn't look ready yet to put on his big boy pants. Instead he decided to pass up and open invitation to interview for the job, maybe he rather wait for Ozzie Newsome to part than have a feel for the water himself. That's okay thou, I believe the Colts will receive a better man for the job in Marc Ross.

After having successfully landing pick after pick in the first round, it's no wonder the Giants are in the playoffs. Names like Hakeem Nicks, Jason Pierre-Paul, and up and comer Prince Amukamara were all slam dunks in the first rounds. Not to mention their organization does pretty well at finding undrafted talent, have you heard of a kid named Victor Cruz? Yeah, show of hands who would like to have some of these guys on our team. From what I hear the Giants fans are a little worried to see him possibly go, that's how you know a guy is good.

If it weren't for questionable coaching, the Giants would be a annual contenders in the playoffs. Hell, they did win the Super Bowl the following year the Colts won a championship for their franchise. The Giants are constructed very well top to bottom, minus the coach staff this team is set. Don't get me wrong, every team has their weaknesses but, as of late they've done nice work of filling those voids.

Marc Ross would be a great selection for the Colts organization. He's young (late 30's), built a team with ground work similar to the Colts philosophy, and considered one of the brilliant minds of league. Its merely a matter of time before he's chosen to become a GM. We would be wise to to have Mr. Irsay reveal him as next GM to smoothly transition us from the post-Polian era.

As we approach closer to the season one thing seems to be clear.  The 49ers are in a overhaul mode for their roster, and is letting the rest of the NFL profit from it.  It now appears they have given up on 2nd year safety Taylor Mays.  For those out there that haven't heard of him, I'll shed some light on the subject.  

Taylor was a physical freak at USC and well on his way to being a first round selection.  Despite having an excellent combined in Indy, he somehow fell to the 49ers with the 49th pick (oh, how fitting). It was also recorded he had run a 4.3 on the 40 yard dash. During his rookie year he struggled to hold down the starting position, yet shined when given opportunity.  Some of you may recall the highlight catch he made in the back of the end zone, showing off some nimble feet. 

Well, it looks as if for the low, low cost of a late round selection he'll be shipped out like an item on Amazon.  I believe the Colts could pull another Justin Tryon type move and retaining him for a mere 7th rounder.  At that price he'd be well worth the investment, so what do the rest of you think?....

All the talk of late has been on, what the Colts have done in free agency. Which to say the least is almost nothing, and we the fans are disappointed. After being lied to yet again, the general management of the Colt state claims “This year we plan to be more active in free agency." Guess what?  The doors opened up Monday and other than re-signing a couple of our own guys, we're left to wonder if they are even considering a move. The excuses are piling up, from Manning's contract situation to Kelvin Hayden's cap numbers saving him from being cut.  To quote Jerry Maguire, “Show me the money!”

Frankly, I'm sick of the wool being pulled over my eyes. Considering you have months to configure contract scenarios prior to the lockout. A  Manning deal should have been struck the day businesses opened as usual. Then, to have to read reports the Jets are willing to all take pay cuts if it can benefit the team in signing a key member to win a Super Bowl. When I hear that, it sounds to me like a collective group willing to do what it takes to win.

Here we are sitting with members of our club with the richest contracts at their times, not contributing to the cause. Yes, we're willing to sell the farm to keep Manning but, at what cost? Retaining the greatest quarterback in the game may force us to surround him with a mediocre supporting cast. Guys like Freeney, Clark, Bethea, Brackett, and especially Hayden need to be flexible about their contracts. Doing so, would give us the luxury of obtaining a premium additional to our squad. Farther more, shutting up ESPN broadcasters from making remarks like "The Colts are unable to contend without Peyton Manning."

The philosophies are all wrong in this organization, showing this isn't a sport but truly a business! You wish to tell me anyone of these guys can justify the largest contracts in the history of the NFL for their positions and not say it’s about the money? They may comfort themselves with these notions to sleep better at night. Yet, I personally have a different opinion on that and if you want to try to feed me that BS, you take your delusions to the Redskins.... I hear they pay top dollar for them.  How about shaving a million or two off the top of your current deals?  The endorsements should be enough to cover the losses or are you going to admit your skills don't warrant being endorsed?

The premise of signing your best player shouldn't be an issue. If I were Colts' President, Bill Polian, I'd approach the agreement like this...  'Look you and I both know the cap, Brady is at 18.1 million a year.  I'll hit you at 18.5 and give you a supporting cast in free agency worthy of 3 championships!  Whataya say?’  By the way if it’s really a presidency, than I wish for you as Colts fans to put me up for election.  Vote for sanity in our organization.  A vote for me is a vote for a Lombardi Trophy! (Two big thumbs up, :)

-Go Colts.

Key aspects of the proposal include:

» An agreement that covers the 2011 through 2020 seasons, including the 2021 draft.

» Reducing the offseason program by five weeks and reducing OTAs from 14 to 10; limiting full-contact practices in the preseason and regular season, and increasing number of days off for players.

» Rookie wage scale to include four-year contracts for all drafted players (option for five years on first-rounders), three-year contracts for undrafted free agents, and strong anti-holdout rules.

» Creation of a new fund to redistribute, beginning in 2012, savings from new rookie pay system to current and retired player benefits and a veteran player performance pool.

» Unrestricted free agency for players after four accrued seasons; restricted free agency for players with three accrued seasons.

» Over the next 10 years, additional funding for retiree benefits between $900 million and $1 billion. The largest single amount, $620 million, will be used for a new "Legacy Fund," which will be devoted to increasing pensions for pre-1993 retirees.

» Salary cap plus benefits of $142.4 million per club in 2011 and at least that amount in 2012 and 2013.

NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche reported that a football operations meeting will start Friday at 8 a.m. ET, according to a league source.

Lets see if we can get an agreement on the players end to start football.

With the end of the lockout nearing, we can now rest assure business will continue as usual.  That being said, what does the future hold for the upcoming season?  Can we expect the Colts to stay healthy this year, putting them ever closer to that elusive Super Bowl championship at home?  The one thing you can be sure to expect is the unexpected, that never fails with each passing year.  Let's use the down time between now and the start of the season to make our own predictions.  Here is a list of ten things I put together while consulting my own crystal ball....Thanks Miss Cleo.

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For the people who play fantasy football the draft is a hallmark day.  Those who skimp out on doing research and come unprepared tend to walk away with nothing to show for it, like the real NFL draft.  Personally, I look forward to marking the day on my calender.  The scouting reports and crunching stat numbers like a over worked accountant on his 12th cup of coffee.  You know, the things that define what it takes to become a champion.  

The local stores have started stocking their shelves with the newly printed fantasy magazines.  Releasing the rankings for all the categories of players from quarterbacks to kickers.  This made me decide to take a look and see where our boys in blue (and I'm not talking cops) respectively fall on their list.  In Fantasy League Football 2011, Joseph Addai was placed 29 spots below such names as Mark Ingram, Daniel Thomas, and even Roy Helu.  Guys who haven't even made a name for themselves in the league yet.  While Donald Brown sits 21 spots below him at 51 but, considering what he's done so far seems a bit more suitable.  Now, Lindy's Sport Fantasy Football 2011 magazine, a personal favorite of your truly, projects a tad differently.  They have Addai resting at 25th overall and Donald Brown not even ranked. 

Myself being in a PPR (Point Per Reception) league the parameters of selecting a running back change, not making all scales equal.  Someone like LeSean McCoy who lead the league last year with 78 receptions moves up several spots.  Taking a look at the point system for our league the setup is:

1 Point Per Reception

1 Point Per 10 Yards Rushing

7 Points Per Touchdown

-3 Points Per Fumble

After the Jump I wanted to show my rankings for running backs based off this system.  Please feel free to express if you think someone on my list is placed higher or lower than they should and why...

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With the foundation now set in place for the new CBA agreement we can start to speculate what may happen to potential free agents.  I'm sure the Colts organization isn't too pleased with the news.  The idea of loosing the tendered players currently on the roster would be a major blow to remaining in contention.  If players with four years of service and contract is up become unrestricted free agents, prepare now to say good-bye to some familiar faces.  The Colts in the past have always managed to deal with roster losses without effecting the overall team too much.  However, this doesn't mean they are set-up to see the large number of team members depart at this time.  If the Colts cannot discover some way of re-signing bigger names like Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai, Adam Vinatieri, Melvin Bullitt, among others, then another playoff run is unlikely.  After the jump let's look at the possibility of who might leave and who might be in a Colts jersey next year.

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The NFL has felt like a girlfriend that just doesn't want to commit to a relationship.  Yeah, you've gone on a few dates together but, nothing seems to occur from it.  That's how I've felt the litigation process has gone between the owners and players.  Today it was announced the meetings for a possible CBA agreement have been adjourned until May 16th.  This leaves only a judgement ruling from Judge Susan Nelson as a chance to lift the lockout.  Mediation has failed over and over again, we cannot expect a kiss and make-up scenario from them.  Seriously, its time to shove all of them in a room, bolt the door, and not release them until a signed contract is slid from under the door.   

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Thanks to all the comments on my first posting of Vs.  For round 2, it was brought to my attention there's been enough talk already about potential first round choices the Colts will make.  Its the focus of finding highly productive starters in the later rounds that are key to punching your ticket to the Super Bowl. If that's the case Colts fans should be enthusiastic with the upcoming draft depth at key positions. 

For years defensive tackle has been an issue that's plagued the Colts.  Not since Bill Polian made the trade for Booger McFarland and created the epic ensuing run that followed through the playoffs has there been someone to man the NT position.  For those who are unclear on UT and NT in the Colts scheme, I will be quick and simple in the explanation.  The UT or 3-Tech Tackle is a someone who mans the run but, main goal is to push the pocket.  The NT or One-Tech Tackle is just the opposite and used primarily on running vs. passing downs. There are two prospects that may very well be around in the later half of the draft who may be able to cure this epidemic that the Colts have suffered without for so long.  Here is the next round of vs. candidates that we will put to the test: Ian Williams vs Sione Fua.  The breakdown will begin after the jump...

Poll

If the Colts wait until the later rounds to select a DT/NT, who would you prefer?

74%

Siona Fua

37 votes

8%

Ian Williams

4 votes

18%

Other.... I rather explain

9 votes

50 votes | Poll has closed

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As we approach closer to the draft things start to become a little more apparent.  Which players will be available when the Colts are on the clock?  I think Colts fans are passionate about is who they would like to see selected with the first round pick.  The two players I want to begin the face off against will definitely be on the Colts draft board.  Depending on how things swing come draft day, Colts may have to choose between the prospects.  There's no way to please everyone so, hopefully the masses agree the best-player-available was chosen.  After the jump we will begin with challengers, offense tackles Gabe Carimi vs. Nate Solder.

Poll

If both Nate Solder and Gabe Carimi are available to the Colts who would you select?

66%

Gabe Carimi

57 votes

27%

Nate Solder

24 votes

5%

Neither are viable options

5 votes

86 votes | Poll has closed

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My Colt brethren,

Over the course of time the answers to questions we wonder about get resolved.  Sometimes the answer is not the one you'd like to hear but, we can get wrapped up discussing them long into the night.  To get a fans take, I purpose my own list of questions to obtain views from you the readers.  If perhaps there's a question you feel is worth mentioning, please add it so we may continue give our opinions.  I'll start after the jump...

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I woke this morning and I had the feeling of knots in my stomach.  I knew at that time it wasn't a sickness, it was game time!  This season has had its highs and lows, but more lows than fans have come accustom too.  Jets come to our house with the mind-set win or your Super Bowl caliber roster was for nothing.  They can still remember the pain of walking out of the Luke with their heads held down knowing one man destroyed them, PEYTON MANNING!  I want them to cry and weep once more, to simply know a team devastated by injury can beat a team who paid for a shot a glory.  We need a rally from everyone who can limp out of the locker room on to that field. 

This is a call to the defense to play lights out.  For Freeney and Mathis to capitalize on the fear in Mark Sanchez's eyes and attack when you smell the blood in the water.  For our D-line to continue the push, by stomping Greene and LT when given the rock.  And, to the DBs and Linebackers,  do not give their receivers a shred of hope of coming away with a reception.  Let them know this is our ball, this is our house, you will NOT show us up on our field!

This is a call to the offense to make that scoreboard shoot up like fireworks.  For the wide outs, be crisp on your routes and rip the ball from the atmosphere whenever it comes near.  To the running backs, plow head for every inch, make them feel every hit, and run like the cops are chasing you. To the O-line, be the school yard bully and prey on the D like they were the weak, while holding your ground each snap.  Finally to Peyton...  Dude, just be you brother.

This is a call to everyone out there.  Scream and Cheer for you team if your one of the lucky few to be at the game.  Don't lose hope if at any point things look bleak.  Because if there's one thing that will send trebles don't the spines of our foe, its the defining sound of not being able to hear your own thoughts.  

My question to everyone out there, are you ready for what's coming?  For this is the PLAYOFFS...

 

-Go Colts!

via cache.daylife.com

 

 

With all the discussion this year about the Colt players that are under performing.  It’s time to step back and take a look at one of the contributors who haven’t been appreciated enough.  Since Dallas Clark went down at the end of the Redskins game in week 6, Jacob Tamme has come on the scene like a man possessed.  In only his first season as a starter (previous two spent on special teams) he’s accounted for: 60 receptions, 564 yards and four touchdowns.  If you to project those stats over the course of a 16 game season that comes out to: 107 receptions, 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns.  When compared to Clark’s stats last year: 100 receptions, 1,106 yards and ten touchdowns, the production is very limited in any drop off. 

In a deeper examination between the two, Dallas Clark:  6’3’, 252 lbs at age 31 (June 12th, 1979).  At the combine posted a 40 time at 4.65 seconds, and he was the first Tight End selection in the 2003 draft (24th overall).  Let’s now cross examine that to Jacob Tamme: 6’3’, 236 lbs at the age 25 (July 23rd, 1985).  Wow, besides being only 16 lbs lighter and 6 years younger, the comparisons at almost identical.   He even bested Clark at his combine’s 40 time setting it at 4.57 seconds, but ended up the 9th Tight End selected (4th round: 127 overall).  Some of the names taken before Tamme were Martin Ruckers, Craig Stevens, Brad Cottam, Martellus Bennett, non I’d rather have. 

So, you can get an idea of how big of a steal Bill Polian got with Jacob Tamme and how important he’s been to this organization.  I like to essentially close my comparisons by showing you were Dallas Clark was at his third season in the league.  In 2005, Clark started 14 games (15 games total) and had 37 receptions, 488 yards, and four touchdowns.  What Dallas Clark accomplished in nearly a complete season, Jacob Tamme has put up in a matter of 9 games.  Does this make Tamme a higher caliber player than Clark?...  No.  But, we now can clearly see why it is announcers like to coin the nickname Jacob Clark. 

Next year will be interesting to see if the Colts will utilize both Clark and Tamme.  Will they add some new packages to the arsenal intergrading both on the field together?  The Patriots have found ways to advantage themselves with two potentially elite Tight Ends, and we know just how good that situation has been for them.  They even figured the mismatches were so much towards their favor; they didn’t even need a high paid player like Randy Moss anymore.  Jacob Tamme is still developing and has a bright future in a Colts uniform.

Yet, I’m still left to wonder if the coaches decide not to put them both on the field in some fashion.  Therefore placing Tamme back on the bench, this would reflect on how idiotic management has become.    My only plea to the Colts would be either adjust and dominate or trade Dallas Clark and go with the younger weapon.  He’d cost less and has proven to withstand the workload.  I believe the Colts could than in exchange, receive either two 2nd round selections or a 1st and a lower round selection.  I for one do not ordain the second option but, wouldn’t mind retaining more draft picks.  Especially, since the Colts only have 6 selections (trading for Justin Tryon).  We also are yet to know which of the 4-7 rounds are missing.  The one position the Colts won’t have to worry about is depth at Tight End with Dallas Clark, Jacob Tamme, Brody Eldridge, and possibly Tom Santi.  But, if the team chooses to look at building for the future, the time to start is now while the position is loaded.

Poll

What should the Colts do with their TE situation?

7%

Trade Dallas Clark for more draft selections

13 votes

76%

Create a package to utilize both Clark and Tamme

133 votes

8%

Put Tamme back on special teams and let Clark start again

15 votes

7%

Clark is too good, trade Tamme and see what the Colts can get for him

13 votes

174 votes | Poll has closed

 

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Colts have taken hold of their own destiny with a victory over the Jaguars today.   Who now lead the AFC South at 8-6; there will be little time for celebration.  Up next is the Oakland Raiders, a team also trying to keep their playoff hopes alive.  As sweet it is to come away with another win, the unfortunate truth is there’s no leeway to let off the gas pedal.   Darren McFadden is finally living up to his first round billing and together with their latest draft class this is a team capable of being a contender.  Maybe with the bitter taste of last year’s Superbowl loss this team will remain focused on winning the overall prize.  So, here we go boys with the overview of the matchup for the South.

 

Once again the Colts managed to obtain a firm lead against their opposition for a second straight week, only to find ways to keep them in the game.  The good news is they once more have controlled the turnover battle, taking advantage of David Garrard’s errant throws.  Considering some of the passes Garrard threw were just being put up for grabs.  This could have been a feeding grounds for our defense if they were half-way apparent of the mistakes being made on the field.  The game plan definitely was aimed more at not letting Maurice Jones-Drew beat them.  Which they accomplish marvelously, allowing only 46 yards on 15 carries, that’s less than three yards per carry. Amazing job done by the defense, since last week he had a MVP type performance against our next opponent.  Let’s look at the people who made this game fall into the win category.  Also, keeping us from having any division opponent sweeping us in the same season since 2002 (Tennessee Titans).

Offensive:    A+ Performance

Peyton Manning - he continues to play flawlessly, especially when all the chips are on the line.  Everyone out there should take notice, because if he didn’t perform to udder perfection we would be talking draft picks vs. playoff contention today.  There is no team in the NFL who asks more of one player, he takes the weight of the world on his shoulders without the slightest bit of question. 

Austin Collie - Do we really understand how much he means to this offense?  One day Blair White may become a suitable insurance to this team for situations like today, but for now he’s just a rookie.  Austin gave everything he could to this team before sustaining yet another concussion, 8 receptions for 87 yards and 2 TDs.  Teams have to respect the passing game more, therefore opening up the running game.    He's also an excellent 3rd down option for moving the chains, something Peyton requires considering his only other reliable threat being Jacob Tamme.  Everyone please pray for his health and a fast recovery, he might be the one puzzle piece to victory against the teams with or above a .500 record.

Donald Brown – For all the criticism written lately about how he’s a bust, can’t run behind this offensive line, and is falling down the depth charts.  What does he do?  Just quietly putting up a career day, going off for 129 yards, which I believe Joseph Addai was the last to go over a 100 yards in 2006 (but don’t quote me on that).   It’s nice to finally see what the man can do when someone opens up a hole for him.

Honorable Mentions – Pierre Garcon for working with Peyton on his routes and remembering the stick’em.  And, Jacob Tamme for staying tough despite the pain we watch him go through, he’s really developed into someone indispensable (scary to think about where we’d be without him).

The team struggled to find a rhythm in the second half once Collie went down, but that is completely understandable.  The one thing I noticed, when this team is able to run the ball they look unstoppable.  I haven’t gone back over the tape to see if they did any blocking readjustments but, it’s a great change of pace watching holes open often.  The Jaguars’ secondary looked a lot like our own, leaving wide gaps for receivers to exploit.  They did tighten up whenever Peyton wanted to go deep, still you give him an inch and he’ll shred you like cheese.   

Defensive:  B- Performance

Justin Tryon – If there was one acquisition Bill Polian was on the money about, this was it.  Justin fills in for Hayden/Powers with little drop off in production.  I wouldn’t doubt he could surpass a few others to become a duo in the starting line-up next year.  If there’s one area the Colts should be excited about it’s the talent from their DBs. 

Gary Brackett – Glad the team decided to resign this man, he’s smart, makes plays, and leads while everyone else follows.  His shoe string tackles on Jones-Drew weren’t very pretty but, he helped to contain him from breaking a big run. 

Robert Mathis – I still have the memory of him going Superman on Garrard, as he jumped up for that sack like a gorilla on banana tree.  I only wish that type of play would transcend to road games.  Sad to think the Colts pay 90 Million dollars to DE’s who show up only when their at home.

Honorable Mentions – Antoine Bethea for picking off that hack of a QB, if he would of intercepted the other 2 that hit his hands I’d give him is own spot.  And, Tyjuan Hagler for his heads up reaction to the onside kick he ran back for a touchdown. 

The defense held the running game in check, learning from the mistake made in the first meeting earlier this year.  No matter how many times the Colts looked as if they had this team in their review mirror, they found a way to keep it a nail biter.  Give Jack Del Rio all the grief you’d like, he understand how the Colts function and doesn’t go down without a fight.  Larry Coyer’s game plan of dropping everyone 15-20 yards deep when the Colts take the lead needs to stop.   If you have eight guys out in coverage and Garrard's completion rate is increasing, obviously it’s not working. 

 

Epic Fails:

The officiating was God awful, keeping the Jaguars offense out on the field on a 3rd and 4 is one example.  The call was off-sides on the Jaguars left tackle Eugene Monroe but, after discussing with the other refs the call was overturned.  The result would have been a 4th down for Jags or a 3rd and long had the penalty held up, instead it turn into a free play.  Horrible to watch and a WTF moment occurred for a majority of fans.  Worst had to be the punt return by Mike Thomas, I believe the review board will take a look at this over the course of the week.  To call for a fair catch means all 11 guys running full speed to ram your ass into the next decade have to holdup.  But, faking the move kept the Colts at bay long enough to create a seam ending in a baffling touchdown, which by the way is unreviewable.  Lucky this didn’t cost the Colts the game and end their season, since there may have been one or two fans riving in despair over this.  This is my plea to the officials, I know it’s impossible to make every call, but the times it hurts the most don’t keep your laundry tucked in your pocket.  Throw it out there, even if my team is in the wrong at least we as the fans should be privileged to watching a fair game.

 

-Go Colt!

 

The running game for this contest was a tale of two halves.  In the first two quarter vs the Titans game Donald Brown and Jarvarris James had a grand total of 30 rushing yards.  In the second half of the game they pushed the number to 58, nearly doubling their first half production.  Now, I realize that 88 yards rushing in a game is not the grandest of tallies but, considering this isn't a ground and pound team I'm impressed. What makes this intriguing is, in one game the Colts rushed for more yards than their previous two outings.  Against the Cowboys the Colts managed 41 yards, verse the Chargers the Colts came away with a putrid 24 total yards.  For those of you out there that cannot do the math, that's 65 total yards.  So, what makes this game different from the others, you could say the competition wasn't as great.  Which would be a reasonable argument but, I think there's another reason and will explain after the jump.

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With a 500. record at 6-6 the Colts may not make the post season.  The loss today shows this team cannot defeat anyone in playoff contention let alone a team completely out of the playoff race.  This relates to years of holes not being fill on the offensive and defensive lines.  Polian made an issue over picking in the bottom half of the draft every year for the last 12 years, saying it prevents teams from acquiring talent in those skilled positions.  We all know this is BS, we're being feed lines while other teams find high caliber linemen after the 1st round.  His evaluations of linemen has set this team back from winning more Superbowls.  Rodger Saffold, Sebastian Vollmer, and Charlies Brown among others Polian has watched slip by on his draft board.  While others like Tony Ugoh, Anthony Gonzo, and Mike Pollak under preform and cost first and second round selections.  Peyton Manning has hidden so many of this team's deficiencies by carrying this team on his back.  After the jump I'll go over some of the things that got us to where we are today...

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Ever since Howard Mudd retired, Peter Metzelaars' coaching of the offensive line has left a sour taste in our mouths.  I mean... does this man have a backbone in his entire body?  First off, allowing Bill Polian to destroy any opportunity of success this season by releasing Ryan Lija (a pro-bowl caliber guard).  We all have questioned this decision, especially after paying the man, to just let him walk without a suitable replacement?   Speak up dude, this is Metzelaar showing his incompetence.  How about making a decisive evaluation of your players?  Last time I checked Lija was heading up one of the best rushing teams in the NFL.  

Next up, Tony Ugoh.  Now, I won't say he was the right successor to Tarik Glenn, in fact, I believe he was a horrible choice to get for a future first round pick.   But, when the team announced they were planning to slide him over to the left guard position, I believe a collective hope resided upon us all he'd magically find success there .  And before we knew it he's injuried, much like everyone else on this team, only to be sent to injury reserve and later released.  Unlike skilled players like Bob Sanders, the team was ready to drop him like someone prairie dogging to the bathroom.  I wish he was given a legitimate shot to sure up this line and provide more push in the run game.  Yet again, Polian pushes Pete's hand (or not) to say enough is enough even thou the line fail to correct this matter in the draft or free agency.  Way to go!

Here we are today, with a make shift line made up of, you ready for this...  No one drafted higher than a 4th round selection.  A tackle in Jeff Linkenbach playing out of position at guard, while four others who were drafted to play guard/center sit on the bench.  Charlie Johnson protecting Peyton's blindside who is a pretty good guard, pretending to be a tackle.  Speaking of pretending, with all the injuries they have Jacques McClendon throwing on a number 80 jersey to make us believe he's a tight-end.  If the Colts feel that confident putting him in the starting line-up than suit him up at guard, the guy is 6-3, 320 pounds and benches over 600 pounds.  But, we're all lead to think Metzelaar and Polian know who makes up the best starting five, after they claim to have thrown all of them in a pot and let the cream rise to the top.  However, Ryan Diem (starting right tackle) is in a serious decline and remains with the starters.  Even when he continues to hurt this team with his play, penalties, and side stepping defenders like a matador on their way to bulling over (our most important investment) Peyton "F@ck!ng" Manning.   Injuries are one thing stupidity is another, I wouldn't trust them with evaluating any offensive linemen on the team currently or in the draft.  Just listen to Jamie Dukes from the NFL Network, the man is dead on when making offensive/defensive line player grades.  Otherwise, Polian misses with more guys like Tony Ugoh, Steve Justice,  and Mike Pollak.  Poor Mike, I feel the worst for you, twice now you've been sent to the bench for some undrafted player taking over your spot.  Are you bound to be another failed high round selection in the recent Polian years?  From a reader's stand point there was far less criticism aimed at you in the weeks leading up to your demotion.  

If its all about putting the best talent on the field than in my opinion the O-line would get the most productivity from this set-up:

LT - Jeff Linkenbach

LG - Kyle DeVan

C - Jeff Saturday

RG - Jacques McClendon/ Mike Pollak (if unsuccessful)

RT - Charlie Johnson

Its beyond perfect by a long shot but, with what's left out there to work with could sub-vice until the season ends.  Afterward,  the Colt either breakdown and spend some money on a free agent or listen to someone who knows what their talking about at that skilled position.  Because there's only so many times you can swim with the sharks before it bites you in the ass.  Listen to a lifeguards, since superior talents like Jeff Saturday don't fall through the cracks every year. 

Would you choose to keep Pete Metzelaar around after everything you've seen this year so far?  Do you believe he's really putting together the best line-up for Peyton Manning?  I just wonder how long of a career Peyton has left if he has to depend on the personnel the coach is bring out week to week?

Free agent WR Kevin Curtis is looking to sign with a team after recovering from surgery to remove a cancerous testicle. Curtis underwent the procedure in September, and he's been working out to stay in football shape. "Kevin is ready. He's feeling great," said Curtis' agent. "His knee is 100 percent and he’s already passed a physical. He's looking forward to playing." The Colts might be a nice match with all of their injuries at wideout. Source: Fox Sports Would Kevin Curtis make a good addition to the Colts? How do you weigh in on the issue, yes/no?

In the news today the Chargers place three time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Shawne Merriman on injury reserve.  Merriman suffered a minor-injury involving his calf and was given a 6-8 week recovery time table.  Since this is not a season ending injury once the 12th overall selection in the 2005 draft is deemed healthy the Chargers will be given the opportunity to re-sign him.  Chances are the team is ready to move on with Larry English (16th overall selection in the 2009 draft) and will not retain Mr. Lights Out's services. 

 

The Colts are not very fond of the idea of having any roster spots open to people with image problems.  The NFL suspended Merriman for four games in 2006 after testing positive for steroids. Merriman blamed the positive test on a tainted supplement, which he never identified.  He was arrested just before the 2009 season after reality television star Tila Tequila accused him of battery and false imprisonment at his suburban San Diego home.  No charges were filed,  but,  issues like these have continued to haunt him. 

 

If the Colts were to over look the history of problems Merriman has accounted towards him, they may be willing to hand out a second chance.  Looking at the statical aspect he's totaled 43.5 sacks, 15 pass defenses, and 8 force fumbles.  When healthy Merriman has been one of the most dominating linebackers in the game today.  He would have to show the Colts he's turned over a new leaf and the past is long behind him before they'd even make an offer.  The addition of Merriman to the Colts could finally remove the inept Phillip Wheeler from the starting line-up.  I believe if the knee injury that held him out most of last year is not long term, Merriman would become an excellent pick-up for the defense.  The size, speed, and power that made Shawne "Mr. Lights Out" during the first three season with the Chargers is something the Colts have been lacking since the pre-Dungy Era.  I for one would love to see the Colts weigh the limited risk to the outstanding reward.  Now, I don't have the same judgment as the scouting team and knowing injuries have tendency to linger into careers so, with that said, this would be 100% my opinion.  The last thing I'd like to point out is, this team has lost its identity and could use a voice to step up that might guide the way.  Qualities that he obtains and could be gone once Bob Sanders is no longer on the team.

 

 

 

Colts Re-Sign LB Tyjuan Hagler

The Indianapolis Colts have re-signed veteran linebacker Tyjuan Hagler, a league source said.

Hagler was released by the Colts on Thursday to make room for running back Javarris James, who was signed off the Washington Redskins practice squad.

The 6-0, 236-pound Hagler had a pair of special teams tackles for the Colts last week, his first game since re-signing with the team that chose the former University of Cincinnati standout in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Hagler re-signed with the Colts on September 29 after going to training camp with the Seattle Seahawks, where he posted a team-high 20 tackles during the pre-season.

To make room on the 53-man roster for Hagler, safety DaJuan Morgan has been waived.

Morgan signed with the Colts on September 15, after it was learned that Bob Sanders would be out indefinitely with a biceps injury. Morgan posted one tackle in two games for the Colts, who may have picked his brain this week as the Colts prepared to face the Kansas City Chiefs, who chose Morgan in the third-round (82nd overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Now that we know what players are available on the open market there is some quality guys free for the taking.  I look over the current roster and I believe there are still changes to be made.  Some of the guys I figure won't be there for very long is Gijon Robinson, with other tight-ends who are better blockers, receivers, and special team players his days seem numbered.  K. Dawson is another name that looks out of place, he's not that effective and John Chick and Eric Baldwin were surprise cuts for him.  Also, we've all complained about it but, looks like Curtis Painter is here to stay.  That is unless somehow Brandstater makes the practice squad and gives him a run for the job next year. 

I would like to see the Colts take a look at someone like Chase Coffman, Troy Smith, among others.  Who might be another nice addition over any of the player that are currently there?