Take your thumb and first finger.  Then, put them as close together as you possibly can, without actually touching each other.  That is how close we are to having football this year.  It is also how close the owners and players were to losing a large percentage of their fan base.    I'm done with that now.  I wanna talk about the 2011-2012 Indianapolis Colts.  With a shortened training camp, no off-season workouts and free agency non existent too this point.  What kind of football will we see this season.  The Indianapolis Colts, lead by Peyton Manning have been known as a finely oiled offensive machine.  The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets have been feared for their defensive prowess.  The New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots have the best 2 QB's not named Peyton Manning, they are able to put up points in bunches.    Without the benefit of a full training camp, off season workout program and mini camps; how do we expect to see grade A football?  Not to mention the disadvantage NFL rookies will be faced with.  The Colts drafted Anthony Castanzo a promising Left Tackle out of Boston College.  Draftniks pegged Castanzo as a day one starter and 10 year pro.  What will this season look like for Anthony now?  Had Castanzo had the full mini camp, training camp and off season workout programs of the past, he would be able to make an instant impact.  I don't know that is the case now.  The same can be said for unrestricted free agents.  I don't believe there is enough time to absorb a complicated offensive or defensive system and make a true impact.  I truly believe the Owners should reduce the price of tickets this season.  The on field product is going to be lesser than a season ago.  If not for the greedy owners and stubborn players we would have a grade A NFL season.  I don't think the fans should be held hostage. 

  The Stampede Blue Nation is in a buzz today.  News surfacing about Peyton Manning and Drew Brees asking not to be included in the franchise tag has everyone in an uproar.  Peyton isn't going to become an unrestricted free agent, he isn't going to suck the Colts dry and prevent us from being competitive in the future and he isn't a greedy, self absorbed money hungry Terrell Owens type.  Peyton is merely using his name, reputation and achievements to help settle the ongoing labor dispute.

 Peyton Manning is the face of the Indianapolis Colts and the NFL.  Peyton is also, according to a Bloomberg Businessweek 2011 poll.  Now if you had the name value, pedigree, business savvy, on the field accomplishments and power  that Peyton has.  I ask, would you use that too potentially help not just yourself, but fellow players for an ongoing contract negotiation?  Peyton is at the top of his game, he is a Madison Avenue darling, he is considered the best to ever play the position and is an ideal role model.  If I am DeMaurice Smith, I am chomping at the bit to use my 3 headed monsters(Brees, Brady and Manning) to settle this contract.  Not only to settle the contract, but to get the best deal possible for the players. 

 The news of Brees and Manning not wanting to be included in the Franchise Tag is purely a leverage tactic.  If you were finalizing the details on a new contract and had an ace up your sleeve like this, wouldn't you play it?  I would.

  The accolades are flying, the praise is being sung and the reports of the superhuman feats of Jon Bones Jones are starting to circulate the MMA landscape.  Some people are saying Jones is the Future of MMA, the best chance for a sustained champion in the LHW division post Chuck Lidell.  Others believe, Jones is full of potential, naturally athletic and may have been fortunate to fight Shogun when he did.   The conventional wisdom is, Bones has as much or more talent then anyone in the UFC, but....  is still a raw, developing prospect that has been spoon fed his opposition.  Zuffa are licking there chops with Jones.  His combination of size, speed, athleticism, charisma and brutal stopping power are just the platform they envisioned to capture a new market of fans.

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  It is being thrown around these message boards that Zuffa has a monopoly over the MMA world.  Right or wrong, many complain that the fighters are going to suffer as a result of the Zuffa purchase of Strikeforce.  The conventional wisdom states that once Strikeforce is folded into the UFC, like WEC.  It will limit an MMA fighters ability to test the waters in another org.  I call BS.  The future merger of Strikeforce into the UFC us a great thing for fighters, fans, the sport of MMA and Zuffa.  After the jump I outline my theory and wait for your response.   Let's look at kickboxing.  K-1 is the premier organization in the Kickboxing landscape.  The K-1 World Grand Prix is one of the most popular combat sports in the world.  K-1's main competition these days is It's Showtime. 

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  There are a few questions I have been unable to answer in the wake of Zuffas' purchase of Strikeforce.  After the jump I will present the questions and seek any input from the BE community.

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 I would like to express one point to both the NFL and the NFLPA.    If you stall, cancel or shut down the 2011-2012 NFL season, you have lost a fan.   I love football, but a work stoppage will leave the same taste of disdain in mouth that the MLB lockout did.  For the record, I have not watched one baseball game since the MLB owners locked out the players in 1990.  I used to be a major NY Yankees fan, I loved baseball.  I will not watch that game anymore.  So, take it for what is worth.  My voice may be in the small minority, but I spend money every year on NFL merchandise, video games, tickets, concessions etc.  The impact of losing me will not kill either side, but if enough people got together and threatened a fan boycott, both sides would listen.  

There have been many posts, fan shots and articles about the pending death of JMMA lately.  The Japanese mob seems to be a common cause in most death of JMMA posts.  The American exodus hasn't even been mentioned.  Imagine for a minute.  Wandy, Fedor, Hendo, Rampage, Gomi, Shogun, Lil Nog, Big Nog, Cro Cop, Anderson Silva, Arona and Mark Coleman are all either in the UFC or Strikeforce.  Now, imagine if the UFC lost these names.  What sort of impact would it have on American MMA?  The big slam on the UFC used to be TUF.  Forums were filled with chatter about "TUF" fan boys.  The problem I see now in Japan, they have never truly groomed up and coming talent like the UFC did.  The UFC's former weakness is now a viable feeder system.  The names to emerge from TUF are now legit fighters in the American MMA scene.  Forrest, Bonnar, Bader, Bisping, Diego, Ken Flo, Rashad, Joe Daddy, Chris Lytle, Brenden Schaab, MeatHead etc.  The point I guess I am trying to make is simple.  JMMA lost way too many stars and in the mean time, never developed a feeder system to replace them.  I believe if the Japanese fans had the option to watch a UFC star packed fight card they would jump on it.  JMMA isn't dead.

   The 2010 version of the Indianapolis Colts is in the books.  This was an up and down season.  A season with high expectations, big comeback wins, major injuries, roster moves, roster moves and more roster moves and the coming out party for Colts players like Fili Miola, Pat Angerer, Kavell Conner, Mike Pollack, Blair White and Ricardo Matthews.  The 2010 Indianapolis Colts under achieved and over achieved all the the same season.  

 So, what is next?  The organization led by Bill Polian and Jim Irsay will put together a list of off season priorities.  Included amongst the priorities: Resigning Peyton Manning and other free agents,  the 2011 NFL Draft,  figuring out the NFL labor agreement and preparing for the 2011 Super Bowl.  This is a huge off season.   I have put together my ideas for how the off season movement should be prioritized.

  It's about Peyton Manning dummies!  Get this man signed for the for the rest of his career.  Here is what I would do if I were Jim Irsay.  Take one of those enormous cardboard checks, like the ones you see one the Price is Right or Wheel of Fortune.  Put pay to the order of cash, and leave the dollar amount blank.  Tell Peyton to fill it in with whatever numbers he so wishes.  Call ESPN, Fox Sports and everyone else in the sports media.  Have pictures of Irsay, Peyton and Peyton's family holding the check with ticker tape falling from the roof.  Make it look like he just won the damn Super Bowl again. 

 Next, protect your investment.  Get Peyton some better run blockers/pass protectors.  How many 3rd and 1's did we fail to convert yesterday?  That is unacceptable.  Peyton shouldn't have to set an NFL record for pass attempts and completions in any season.  I would love to see Peyton have the kind of running game he had when Edge was in his prime again.  Peyton is incredible, no doubt about it.  We need a little more balance.  

 The coverage units of our Special Teams needs to be addressed.  We will never win anything if the opposing team continues to get the ball on the 45 yard line every kickoff or every punt.  Adam and Pat are top of the line kickers.  I am not suggesting anything happen to them.  I am suggesting a Special Teams coach that can get it done.  Im not slamming anyone, but this season isn't the first time we have had coverage issues.  Fool me once.  Shame on.....you.  Fool me twice...... The point is you cant be fooled again.  I wrote on this blog before the season of this exact problem.  I have not seen any improvement from last to this season.  Maybe, just maybe we can find a new Special Teams coach. 

 The 2011 NFL Draft is sure to be filled with blue chip talent, early round busts,reaches, late round steals, undrafted gems and hope for all 32 teams. The 2010 NFL Draft turned out to be better then I had imagined.  Pat Angerer, Kavell Conner, Brody Eldrigde, Ricardo Matthews and the UDFA's Blair White, Javarris James, Jeff Linkenbach and Cornelius Brown all gained valuable playing time.  Kevin Thomas was injured in training camp so we never were able to gauge his potential.  Jacques McClendon spent most of the season on the sideline.  Jerry Hughes was in slow motion.  Hughes play this season is proof positive of the cerebral nature of the NFL.  In college, Hughes flew all over the field.  He looked like a hybrid of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney.  On the big stage, Hughes was lost, ineffective and overmatched.  The best hope for Hughes is year two will slow down the game for him.  If we are able to see an improvement in year two, then Bill Polian wont be criticized as bad as he should be.  The point here isn't too rag on Hughes, Bill Polian or Jacques McClendon.  The NFL Draft is our gas station.  It is our way to refuel, reload and head on into the future.  The Colts brass have refused to sign street free agents and chose to groom from in house.  That is a great strategy if you have made wise draft picks.  Jerry Hughes was over valued, Kevin Thomas was a reach and Jacques McClendon could have been picked up later on.  We need to reemphasize the importance of the draft. 

 Get healthy.  The health of the 2011 Indianapolis Colts is going to be a front burner topic in all the news outlets and sports talk radio shows.  I don't know if this season is systematic or just an anomaly. We experienced an inordinate amount of injuries this season.  Let's take a look at the way we do our Strength and Conditioning, access whether or not we need to make a change and change if need be. 

 The 2010 season is over.  2011 looks to be a very promising season.  The chance of a home game for the Super Bowl is a realistic scenerio.  Let's learn from this season's mistakes and move forward.  Go Colts.

  Every September Colts nation are glued to the waiver wire.  Like clockwork, Bill Polian and company throw us a curveball.  This year doesn't appear to be any different.  There are many questions stemming from the final roster cuts and the subsequent depth chart.  Last night, BBS posted the Phil Wilson confirmed 53 man roster, also included in the post was a depth chart.  This depth chart was last updated 9-410 at 9:44 p.m.  The 53 man roster is full of big names; Peyton Manning, Dwight Freeney, Reggie Wayne, Bob Sanders etc.   But the roster isn't without questions.  The proposed depth chart is also strong, we have the best QB in the game, the best group of wide recievers in the game, two of the best defensive ends in the league and the strongest group of safeties in the NFL.  I am not Bill Polian, let's make no delusions otherwise.  But, I have, at least in my own mind some legit questions.  After the jump I will list the question then give my reasons for concern.  Blue Stampede, be gentle, I have only posted a handfull of fan posts. lol

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 With the recent talk of the UFC opening an office in China, it begs the question.  Who is leading the charge in China?  Lorenzo?  or,  Is this Flash Entertainment's moment in the sun?   

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 It is my opinion that the 2010 version of our Indianapolis Colts will be the best version yet.  I believe the team as a whole on paper appears to have depth, explosiveness, experience, youthful energy, and special teams prowess for the first time in recent memory. 

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  I was looking thru the recent draft picks, free agent signings and UDFA signings and thought to myself, "All signs point to a new offensive philosophy."  But, then you look at the existing talent on the roster nd think, " business as usual."  The free agent signings of Alleman and Terry, combined with the drafting of Brody Eldridge the best blocking TE in this years draft class,  the release of Ryan Lilja, the move to guard for Tony Ugoh and the Oline draft picks/UDFA picks of Tyshovnytsky, Peat and Linkenbach make me wonder.  " Are we gonna become a more run dominant team?"  But, the minute I look at our Strengths i.e. Wayne, Dallas, Pierre, Gonzo and Collie; the picture really becomes clouded. 

  My question.  What direction will the offense take next year? 

  Will we be a pass happy 70- 30 mix? or,  Will the Colts strive to be a more balanced offensive attack?  I also see the beginnings of the post PM era in the making.  A philosophy change would be the easiest transition post Peyton.  Am I looking to far into this or maybe seeing what is really going on?

  Lyoto Machida is 16-1 in his MMA career, 8-1 in the UFC.  Who would be a worthy opponent for The Dragon? 

   Should Lyoto get a rematch?   Maybe a fight with the loser of Rampage vs. Evans?  A Super Fight with Randy, Chuck, Ace or  Forrest?  There is always the chance of a contenders match with a young gun.  Jon Jones vs Machida would be an interesting clash of styles.   Machida vs Bader would be much the same as a Bones match. 

  So, who would you pick for The Dragon as his next opponent?

  Let the record show, I would be in favor of The Dragon vs. Bones.

There has been alot of talk regarding the potential merger of WEC and UFC.   Currently UFC have about 200 fighters on it's roster, WEC have about 65 - 75 fighters.  So, Zuffa would have to find fights for an additional 75 fighters.  How is this a problem?  In 2009, WEC held 8 events, UFC held 20 events.  So, Zuffa who ownes WEC and UFC held 28 events in 2009.  Everything from this point forward would be considered a UFC event.  Versus have a television deal with the WEC and with the UFC, I don't see why Versus would have any problem with eliminating the WEC brand for the UFC brand.  Actually, I believe Versus would be happy to do it.  The live events on Spike and Versus would be infused with weight classes from 135- 265.   Zuffa could make this happen by asking Reed Harris and his staff to join the Zuffa staff.  There would have to be some reshuffling of the WEC staff, but, how is this a potential stumbling block?  Reed Harris is the key match maker for WEC, Joe Silva and Dana White for the UFC.  Dana could allow Reed to put together 135- 155 lb matchups and Joe Silva and himself could put together the rest.  We are talking about subtracting 2-3 fights from the card and replace them with 2-3 135 - 155 lb fights.  The Versus network will have UFC fight cards, fight cards that draw better then WEC fight cards.  Spike doesn't lose out, they benefit from the infusion of the 135 and 145 lb fighters.