Playing With Fire

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.