Archive for March, 2010
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
The Butler Bulldogs have managed to play their way into the NCAA Final Four, and by doing so have earned a trip back to where their season first began, Indiana. Indianapolis has been a frequent host of the Final Four, and this season they will be hosting a hometown team. However, this will be the first Final Four that will be played in the newly constructed Lucas Oil Stadium. As much success as the Colts have had in Lucas Oil and the former RCA Dome, the Bulldogs will be hoping to gain the home court advantage that has propelled the Colts to several victories.
When Lucas Oil Stadium was constructed the city knew that not only would the building be home for the Colts, but it would also be the home of many Final Four’s, concerts, and other events. However, no one could have expected a hometown team to be playing in the first ever Final Four at Lucas Oil.
Whether you are an Indiana University fan, Purdue fan, Notre Dame fan, or simply a fan of the Colts, this Final Four has meaning for you. For fans of other college basketball teams, Butler’s recent success should only push you and your team to strive towards taking the next step. Butler, the underdog, has surpassed all of the major state teams, and is trying to carve out a place in history amongst the giants. If you are a Colts fan you should be excited about the opportunity for Lucas Oil to be shown off and marketed to the entire nation. As Colts fans, we should be proud of our stadium and excited about where are franchise has come since its introduction to our state.
So when Butler squares off against a well-coached Michigan State team, Colts fans and Indiana natives should feel proud about our opportunity to showcase our franchise and our program to the entire nation.
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Sunday, March 28th, 2010
Going across the nation, it seems very unlikely that the casual football fan has never heard of Tim Tebow. What is even more unlikely is being naive enough to think that GM’s around the NFL aren’t curious or opinionated about the future he has in the league. Some believe that he will be a complete flop, and other believe he could be pan out to be a great player for a Super Bowl caliber team. Whether or not a GM believes he will be a bust or not, Tebow offers a certain amount of value to a football team, regardless of his play on the field.
Tebow brings the type of leadership and charisma that successful NFL front offices crave. His on the field mentality is that of a champion, and his off the field attitude creates a sense of confidence that is necessary in a winning environment. How much value a GM will put on drafting a player based on their character and other intangibles varies from franchise to franchise. The Colts seem to be the type of franchise that wants to acquire players who fit their “winning” mentality, exactly the type of mentality and attitude that Tebow brings to the table.
Granted, the Colts are more than set at quarterback, and although Manning is 34 he doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. However, Tebow brings a certain “spark” to an offense, and could offer another package to this already dynamic Colts offense. Not to mention the fact that Tebow would get plenty of time to learn under Manning, and one day take over the reins of this Colts team. By the time Manning decides to retire and walk away from the game, Tebow will have had every opportunity to learn and grow as a quarterback.
It will be interesting to see who is able to grab Tebow in the draft, and it will be even more interesting to see how early he is chosen. If the Colts draft him I believe it will be a great selection, pending the round in which they were able to get him. The last thing I want them to do is reach for a player at a position that is not a need, especially for a player that has a very questionable NFL future.
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Wednesday, March 24th, 2010
Today, March 24th, 2010, Peyton Manning adds another year to his slowly aging belt. Manning has shown little to no signs of getting up their in age, and is still playing at a hall-of-fame level. Although most Colts fans refuse to acknowledge the fact that one day number 18 will no longer be under center, it would be naive to think that the front office does not grow more and more fearful with each passing year. Brett Favre is seemingly immune to time, but other than him quarterbacks have proven unable to maintain a competitive level when old age kicks in. Which begs the question, how long will Manning play?
There are several ways in which a quarterback can exit his tenure in the NFL. John Elway decided to leave while he was on top and at the peak of his career, following back to back Super Bowl’s. Brett Favre has lingered around the league for longer than most expected him to, and has had some very up and down seasons, with the most recent one being one of his best. However, for the handful of quarterbacks that have left under their own terms and went out on top, there have been many more who have been forced to leave the game. With the amount of pride and integrity that Manning carries himself with, it seems logical to assume that he will leave while he is still playing quality football. The amount of perfection that Manning puts into every aspect of the game is telling of his love and desire to be apart of this great sport. So even though he may want to leave while he is still on top, when the day comes for Manning to call it quits I doubt he does so without a few tears being shed. I can guarantee that Manning will never be forgotten, and when the time comes for him to exit the game of football, part of Indianapolis will feel much emptier.
While I wish Manning nothing but the best on this, his 34th birthday, I do so hesitantly. For with every birthday wish Manning becomes that much older, and if Colts fans could have it their way Manning would stay forever young.
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Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
The Indianapolis Colts have been awarded two 7th round draft picks in this year’s draft, the 240th and 246th picks overall. Many scouts and experts have classified this as a very deep and talented draft class, and with two additional picks the Colts may be able to steal a diamond in the rough. Although 7th round picks are never usually something to get excited about, additional picks will be warmly welcomed in the Colts front office. With the number of past and potential starters who have left through free agency this offseason, the Colts will be looking to add much needed depth and talent to many positions.
The increase number of picks will also increase competition between young players, and ultimately they will be pushed and driven to outperform fellow rookies. It will also allow the Colts to key-in on a kick return specialist, who may slip late in the draft because of his raw and undeveloped talent. Another potential option for the Colts may be the ability to trade up in the later rounds to grab a player that the Colts have their eye on. With more picks you have more flexibility, and that may pay dividends come draft day.
Gaining two 7th round picks in this season’s draft will not be headline news. However, the possible avenues that have been opened with the compensatory picks could possibly turn into the next Gary Brackett for this team. Brackett, an undrafted free agent, is a prime example of a player who sneaks under the radar on draft day, yet plays a crucial role in the success of a team. You never know when a team will make a selection on draft day that turns out to be a franchise player.
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Sunday, March 21st, 2010
The former cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts, Tim Jennings, has signed with the Chicago Bears, continuing the ongoing trend of Colts free agents leaving for new teams. Jennings was able to record 132 tackles and 4 interceptions in his four year career with the Colts, but was never able to establish himself as a starting caliber cornerback in the league. Jennings’ departure seems to follow the trend of the Colts front office, who have shown their reluctance to resign veteran players that have not lived up to expectations. Jennings has played in 31 of the 32 regular season games in the past two seasons, but inconsistent play paired with a lack of playmaking ability ultimately led to his downfall with the organization.
The Chicago Bears are a team that had their struggles in the secondary last season, and they will look for Jennings to add depth to their weak secondary and compete for playing time. Along with Jennings, Marlin Jackson was not resigned by the Colts, these two move only furthering the belief that the Colts will look to add talent, youth, and depth to a position that has plagued them for over a decade.
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Sunday, March 21st, 2010
The Indianapolis Colts recently announced the long-expected coaching changes to the staff, and after a few days have passed we will take a look at the changes and what impact the shake-up may have on the coming season. Among the changes the biggest shift in power was Clyde Christensen’s promotion from assistant head coach/receivers coach to offensive coordinator, replacing Tom Moore. However, along with Christensen, Pete Metzelaars was promoted from offensive quality control/assistant offensive line to offensive line coach, replacing Howard Mudd. To go along with the promotions, the Colts added former Bears offensive coordinator, Ron Turner, and Ron Prince is the now the assistant offensive line coach.
With all the adjustments to the coaching staff it would appear that the Colts may have some difficulties heading into next season. Especially with the departures of Moore and Mudd. However, Moore will stay with the team as a senior offensive assistant, so you can be sure that he will try to make the adjustment for Peyton Manning as smooth and easy as possible. The loss of Mudd could ultimately prove to be the biggest loss for the Colts, as they will lose one of the most reputable offensive line coaches in the entire league. Pair that with the fact that the Colts have some major questions coming into this season surrounding their offensive line, and you have the makings of a huge problem facing this team.
All this being said, it is hard to believe that the Colts will allow these changes to slow them down on their path towards a Super Bowl. Peyton Manning is essentially a player/coach and everything surrounding this offense goes through him. The only problem is, he doesn’t play offensive line. If the Colts struggle on up front and fail to give Manning the time he needs, then it could be a long season for the boys in blue. On the other hand, these moves could be exactly what the Colts need to reenergize their veterans and provide a spark that allows them to get back to that Super Bowl podium. It will be interesting to see how the Colts approach the draft, and how the offseason goes for this team, as it seems to be shifting to a more youthful mindset.
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Monday, March 15th, 2010
The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly interested in possibly signing free agent offensive guard Richie Incognito. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that a league source has stated that the Colts are looking into possibly adding the ill-tempered brute. After the release of Ryan Lilja the Colts made it clear that they will be trying to improve their running game by adding size and strength to the offensive line. Incognito certainly fits the bill, and is known for his aggressive nature and tenacity. However, does his personality and character really fit the style and approach that the Colts have portrayed for years?
The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly interested in possibly signing free agent offensive guard Richie Incognito. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the a league source has made the claim that the Colts are looking into possibly adding the ill-tempered brute. After the release of Ryan Lilja the Colts made it clear that they will be trying to improve their running game by adding size and strength to the offensive line. Incognito certainly fits the bill, and is known for his aggressive nature and tenacity. However, does his personality and character really fit the style and approach that the Colts have portrayed for years?
Although Incognito has the fire and run-blocking ability that the Colts are looking for up front, I believe it would be a poor signing. There is no questioning his ability when his game is on and his head is in the game. However, Incognito has become infamous for his boneheaded penalties and lack of discipline, qualities that Peyton Manning will not allow to filter into his huddle. Along with his attitude and discipline problems, Incognito lacks the overall quality that we have come to expect from the Colts offensive line year in and year out. He has proven to be very inconsistent, and although he has talent he has never been able to tap into it and transfer it onto a football field.
Even though Incognito has several negatives about his game, the Colts may choose to bring him in at the right price. They may be under the impression that Peyton Manning and Jeff Saturday can supply the necessary discipline and structure that Incognito has been lacking throughout his NFL career. As we have seen in the past with teams, such as, the Patriots, Cowboys, and Bengals, NFL teams are willing to take chances on talented players with the hope that they might turn their careers around. However, the key to bringing in players that fall under the category of “gambles” is that you have a strong locker room with veteran leadership. The Colts clearly have that, and if there is a team in the NFL that can embrace a player and make them one of their own, it may just be the Colts.
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
For the past few seasons the Indianapolis Colts have been fairly quiet in free agency, and have been anything but aggressive on draft day. It seems that they have been fairly complacent with Manning and company, and changes are something out of the ordinary for this organization. Even after Tony Dungy retired, the Colts were able to plug in a coach in the exact mold as Dungy, and the same can be said of any major releases. However, this offseason the Colts have allowed several of their once steadfast players to walk away through free agency. Marlin Jackson, Raheem Brock, Ryan Lilja, and Jim Sorgi have all become very familiar faces for Colts fans, but all were let go by the franchise. The Colts have never been a team to overpay for players, and year in and year out they have let players walk without missing a beat. Edgerrin James, Nick Harper, and Cato June are just a few of the names that come to mind, but never have so many once key pieces been let go of at the same time.
The recent shakeup amongst veteran players has raised many eyebrows, and one explanation could be that the Colts are attempting to get younger. The addition of Curtis Painter is a clear sign that the Colts were looking to get younger at the quarterback position, and in this year’s draft the Colts should be looking to add depth, youth, and talent to several key positions that have been anchored by veterans in the past few seasons. Jeff Saturday, for example, has always been the foundation of the offensive line, but it may be time for the Colts to start looking for a future successor to the veteran. Raheem Brock is another veteran who’s tenure with the Colts was certainly positive, but the Colts look to be searching for young blood up front defensively. Brock saw the writing on the wall and asked for his release from the team, and the Colts respectively obliged. Marlin Jackson never lived up to his potential with the team, and has had two very disappointing seasons in a row. Cornerback is another position that the Colts may look to upgrade in the draft.
All of the positions that the Colts allowed players to walk are areas of concern for the team in the coming seasons. Serious upgrades must be made, and to do so they cannot lock up money on underperforming veterans. As much as Colts fans want to deny it, Peyton Manning is getting older with each passing season. He and the rest of the foundation of one of the most consistent teams in the NFL are beginning to get up their in age, and it may be time to look for the next crop of Colts for the future.
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Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Former Colts cornerback, Marlin Jackson, has signed a two year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Coming off two consecutive season ending ACL surgeries, Jackson’s return was not a priority for the Colts and he ultimately found himself looking for a new home. The former first round pick out of Michigan was never able to cement his starting role on the defense, and injuries and lack of development came to be the story of Jackson’s short tenure with the team. As we have seen with players in the past, a change of scenery may be exactly what Jackson needs to get his career back on the right path. However, it is never easy to come back from ACL surgery, let alone two in back-to-back seasons.
Unlike the Colts, the Eagles will attempt to move Jackson to free safety. With several well-paid cornerbacks on their roster, Jackson’s future with the Eagles may depend upon his ability to adjust to his new position. However, the Eagles may have received a bargain with this pick-up, pending Jackson’s ability to recover and return to his prior form.
As Colts fans say goodbye to a former first round pick, it is safe to assume that Jackson’s time with the Colts will be remembered through one play. Jackson was the player responsible for intercepting Tom Brady on the final drive in the fourth quarter of the 2007 AFC Championship Game. The interception sealed the game for the Colts, and propelled them towards their first Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Although Jackson was never able to pan out into the player the Colts had hoped for, his contributions on the road to the Super Bowl will not be forgotten.
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Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
The Colts longtime backup quarterback, Jim Sorgi, has signed a one year contract with the New York Giants. The Colts decided to part ways with Sorgi following a season that was diminished by a shoulder injury. With the addition of Curtis Painter and the health concerns surrounding Sorgi, it only seemed logical that the Colts opt not to bring back the Wisconsin graduate. Although Sorgi certainly knew the Colts’ offense very well, he never showed potential or the ability to step in, should Manning go down with an injury. Sorgi will be able to compete for the No. 2 job behind Eli Manning with Rhett Bomar, and pending his ability to stay healthy, he should have a fairly good shot at winning the job.
The loss of Sorgi clearly shows that the Colts have now invested their backup job into the young hands of Painter. The Colts asked Painter to step in for Manning towards the end of the regular season, and it was anything but pretty. Painter clearly struggled in his rookie season, and Colts fans will certainly not feel comfortable or hopeful should Manning go down with an injury. However, many people within the organization believe that Painter has the tools and ability to be a good backup quarterback in the NFL. Granted, he will never be a franchise quarterback or anything of that nature, but he may be able to develop into a consistent backup who can provide certainty and stability for an offense.
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