*** 2012 Official Indianapolis Colts Offseason Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[IndyHavoc]

Well, no one ever seems to take the initiative to get a Colts thread started (despite the fact that 4 of 5 minutes of SportsCenter or Sports Radio is about Peyton Manning!). So, here's my shot at it.

Quick Status of the actual Roster

Player 2011/2012 2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 Dwight Freeney 11,420,000 14,035,000 UFA - - Reggie Wayne 5,950,000 UFA - - - Ryan Diem 5,400,000 UFA - - - Antoine Bethea 4,745,000 5,025,000 4,550,000 UFA - Dallas Clark 4,200,000 4,530,000 5,330,000 UFA - Kerry Collins 4,000,000 UFA - - - Peyton Manning 3,400,000 7,400,000 8,400,000 9,400,000 10,400,000Joseph Addai 2,450,000 2,900,000 3,070,000 UFA - Robert Mathis 2,410,000 UFA - - - Jeff Saturday 2,400,000 UFA - - - Gary Brackett 2,000,000 5,000,000 6,600,000 6,600,000 UFA Daniel Muir 1,850,000 UFA - - - Melvin Bullitt 1,700,000 2,400,000 2,400,000 UFA - Adam Vinatieri 1,400,000 2,700,000 - UFA - Antonio Johnson 1,250,000 1,250,000 1,250,000 UFA - Eric Foster 1,200,000 UFA - - - Anthony Gonzalez 1,100,000 UFA - - - Justin Snow 875,000 890,000 UFA - - Tyler Brayton 810,000 UFA - - - Jamaal Anderson 750,000 UFA - - - Donald Brown 635,000 865,000 905,000 UFA - Jamey Richard 555,000 UFA - - - Philip Wheeler 555,000 UFA - - - Jacob Tamme 555,000 UFA - - - Pierre Garcon 555,000 UFA - - - Pat McAfee 480,000 565,000 UFA - - Jerraud Powers 480,000 565,000 UFA - - Curtis Painter 480,000 565,000 UFA - - Jacob Lacey 480,000 RFA - - - Michael Toudouze 480,000 RFA - - - Austin Collie 480,000 565,000 RFA - - Fili Moala 480,000 565,000 UFA - - David Caldwell 405,000 490,000 RFA - - Jerry Hughes 405,000 635,000 870,000 1,095,000 UFA Brody Eldridge 405,000 490,000 575,000 UFA - Chris Gronkowski 405,000 490,000 RFA - - Kavell Conner 405,000 490,000 575,000 UFA - Jeff Linkenbach 405,000 490,000 RFA - - Patrick Angerer 405,000 490,000 575,000 RFA - Joe Reitz 405,000 490,000 - RFA - Blair White 405,000 490,000 RFA - - Delone Carter 375,000 465,000 555,000 645,000 UFA Chris Rucker 375,000 465,000 555,000 645,000 UFA Drake Nevis 375,000 465,000 555,000 645,000 UFA Benjamin Ijalana 375,000 559,431 - - UFA Anthony Castonzo 375,000 722,500 - - UFA Kevin Thomas 330,000 490,000 575,000 UFA -
Obviously the big talk is the number of UFA and the status and future of Peyton Manning.

Personally, I'm still holding out the slightest hope that Peyton will get back to near 100% before the March 8/17 data, and the Colts new front office will see the wisdom in ransoming off the 1.1 (Luck) pick for a boatload of pieces for the future. I'm of the opinion, dumping Manning and putting all our eggs into the "Luck"y basket is a huge mistake and will set the Colts up for a really ####ty stretch over the next 8 years. If we can get a couple defensive starters and another lineman plus an pick in the 1.6-1.12 range, it would lock the Colts into continuing to contend in the next 2-4 seasons. Which should be the ultimate goal for any front office/owner.

 

[pablito]

Notwithstanding my current location, I am a longtime Hoosier and Colts fan. The problem with your above scenario is that there is simply no way that Peyton's future viability will be known when the bonus payment is due in March and almost certainly not by the draft in April either. Kravitz said yesterday that Peyton is still in the "noodle-arm" part of his recovery. So if we go down your road and pass on QB in both free agency and the draft, the potential is there to end up at training camp with Orlovsky/Painter as your options at QB. Talk about hamstringing the franchise for the next 6-8 years! I just can't see that as a sound strategy. Whether or not Irsay and Manning reach some agreement to postpone the bonus date, we HAVE to draft a QB at #1.

ETA: Thanks for the roster info... good stuff!

 

[IndyHavoc]

IND - Finalize coaching staff - Tue Feb 14, 04:51 PM

The Indianapolis Colts announced Tuesday, Feb. 14, that they added Brant Boyer (special teams), Gary Emanuel (defensive line), Jeff Fitzgerald (linebackers), Joe Gilbert (assistant offensive line), Mike Gillhamer (secondary), Alfredo Roberts (tight ends), Charlie Williams (wide receivers) and Clyde Christensen (quarterbacks) to their coaching staff.

Whoa. I'm starting to wonder if Irsay is at least covering his bases here with this move? I'm hoping he's seeing the light to at least field some offers for the 1.1 pick. I can't think of a 1.1 that has been this valuable in the eyes of NFL General Managers in the last 13 years. I stand by my opinion that the Colts Front Office has to at least field the offers from teams like SFO, MIA, KC, CLE, etc.

 

[netnalp]

Report: Pierre Garcon turns down contract offer from Colts

Posted by Josh Alper on February 24, 2012, 4:47 PM EST

Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports that the wide receiver turned down a five-year contract offer from the Colts recently, raising the likelihood that he will hit the open market on March 13th. Garcon had a career-high 70 catches and 947 yards last season, his fourth in the NFL and first without Peyton Manning throwing him passes. That latter fact should boost his value to other teams, unless Garcon has other plans.

As with fellow impending Colts free agent wide receiver Reggie Wayne, there figures to be some speculation that Garcon will want to wind up wherever Manning ends up playing quarterback next season. Of course, the busy wide receiver market figures to land players in some unexpected spots and the need to replace a departing veteran could open up some doors (and wallets) for Garcon, who turns 26 in August, that aren’t apparent at the moment.

There’s also a chance that the Colts could come back with an offer that makes Garcon reconsider skipping town, but signs are pointing to an almost total upheaval on the offensive side of the ball in Indy.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/24/report-pierre-garcon-turns-down-contract-offer-from-colts/

 

[ExaltedOne]

Man that team is terribad.

I think they should just clean house. Let the free agents go and trade away everyone except:

Antoine Bethea

Gary Brackett

Melvin Bullitt

Adam Vinatieri

Donald Brown

Kavell Conner

Patrick Angerer

Delone Carter

Anthony Castonzo

The only real tradeable piece they have is Freeney, and he should fetch SOMETHING. Then just start over with new free agents and draft picks.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Well, looks like the Colts will indeed part ways with Manning today at noon. I'll go on record as saying this is a huge mistake over the next 3-4 year window. A draw in the 4-6 window, and probably only a small positive in the 6-10 (I can almost guarantee there will be another "Luck" QB that can be had around 2018). I'll stick to my guns that keeping Manning, re-sign the key pieces, trade the 1.1 for starter quality DB/LB + 2 firsts + 2nd + 3rd is the way to have approached this.

Last season was all the proof you needed that Manning covered ALL the warts this teams has/had. That's not something that changes right away. I'm pretty well shocked at the lack of outrage from Colts fans. Most seem to go along with this, or have a lot more acceptance that Irsay (who is w/o a doubt the one driving the bus down this road) is doing the right thing.

I'm not saying taking the road I discussed above is w/o risks, but honestly, Peyton deserves for this team to take that risk. I've spoken my peace on the matter. I'll have to revisit this thread once in awhile as Colts fans slowly wake to the horror of many-a-losing-season to come.

 

[pablito]

Well, looks like the Colts will indeed part ways with Manning today at noon. I'll go on record as saying this is a huge mistake over the next 3-4 year window. A draw in the 4-6 window, and probably only a small positive in the 6-10 (I can almost guarantee there will be another "Luck" QB that can be had around 2018). I'll stick to my guns that keeping Manning, re-sign the key pieces, trade the 1.1 for starter quality DB/LB + 2 firsts + 2nd + 3rd is the way to have approached this.

Last season was all the proof you needed that Manning covered ALL the warts this teams has/had. That's not something that changes right away. I'm pretty well shocked at the lack of outrage from Colts fans. Most seem to go along with this, or have a lot more acceptance that Irsay (who is w/o a doubt the one driving the bus down this road) is doing the right thing.

I'm not saying taking the road I discussed above is w/o risks, but honestly, Peyton deserves for this team to take that risk. I've spoken my peace on the matter. I'll have to revisit this thread once in awhile as Colts fans slowly wake to the horror of many-a-losing-season to come.

Obviously, we'll never know if your scenario would have been the better plan. But, even as a huge fan of Peyton Manning, my sense is that Irsay has made the correct call here. If you agree, as I do, that Jim Caldwell and Chris Polian both had to go for the good of the organization, then you've already started down a rebuilding road. I applaud the Mathis re-signing and the attempt to retain Garcon, but if the new staff believes that Luck has the POTENTIAL to be even 75% of what Peyton has been, then you have to turn the page and build for the future. I think Peyton probably realizes that as well, as much as he wanted to finish his career in Indy. I'll always be a fan of Peyton, no matter where he lands, but I'll also always be a Colts fan. It is indeed a sad, bittersweet day for all of us. We love Peyton for all he's done for the team, the city and the fans. But we also have reason to believe that the team is respecting all of us by making the tough decision to hopefully keep the strength of the organization at a high level. Kravitz sums it up pretty well here.

 

[JohnnyU]

No one is a bigger Peyton Manning fan than me, but I have to say this is the right move. Sure, I would have loved to have seen the Colts keep Manning for another 3 years and have Luck be his understudy, but that wasn't practical financially for the organization's long term health. I also liked the Mathis signing and I hope they can trade Freeney for anything decent. His cost (19 mil I believe?) and the fact that he was one of the biggest reasons the Colts were so terrible against the run for the last 10 years, I'm not at all sad to see him go. Yes, he was a great pass rusher, but you have to admit he was a liability against the run. Teams knew this and would run right at him. It will take the Colts about 2 or 3 years to be competitive again, but I can't think of a better beginning piece for the next 15 years than Andrew Luck.

 

[ExaltedOne]

I hope they learned their lesson and get a couple more Qbs to develop behind Luck

 

[Dr. Octopus]

No one is a bigger Peyton Manning fan than me,

What about Archie?

 

[JohnnyU]

No one is a bigger Peyton Manning fan than me,

What about Archie?

figure of speech

 

[icehacka]

I hope they learned their lesson and get a couple more Qbs to develop behind Luck

I hope they also learned their lesson and don't purely rely on Luck to carry the team. I want to see some sort of defense. A running game. I want to see them become a well rounded team that develops into a great team with a stud QB.

 

[az_prof]

The team made the right call on Manning. I am not optimistic that he will return to the same form as before the injury. And this is the optimum time to move on because you have a great prospect in Luck available AND the team has the pick to take him. If they passed on Luck, and then go 6-10 or 8-8, we would be looking at a much worse pick next year or the year after to try and find the future franchise QB. But keeping both Luck and Manning under contract ties up so much cap money that it would make it hard to field a quality team over the next few years anyway.

Plus, the team has to begin transforming to a new style of Offense. As good as Manning was, his lack of mobility was a detriment. And the team needs to start building a more balanced offense. I for one am sick of seeing running plays where Manning is in shotgun and then hands off 5 yards behind line of scrimmage and the RB has to start from a dead stop. Donald Brown looked like a different back running out of the I and with the blocking of a FB. Improve the OL with some stronger, more physical lineman so that the team can run AND pass. They became too dependent on a pass heavy offense. Trying to build an offense of the future that will work with Luck while trying to keep Manning happy and have an offense that works for him is not a strategic possibility.

 

[CalBear]

Did they change the rules with the new CBA? It seems like with the new rookie salary scale, if the Colts really intend to take Luck, they could already have the contract done and signed. Is that not allowed anymore? Or could they still be thinking about a different move?

 

[Faust]

Finding the Fits -- Hilton could surprise for Colts

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

As owners of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Indianpolis Colts lead off in NFLDraftScout.com's "Finding the Fit" series. The goal of this series is to identify one relatively unheralded player per team who would appear to be a particularly good schematic fit and therefore more likely to be a surprise contributor early in his respective pro career.

As the first pick of the draft, quarterback Andrew Luck is naturally going to receive most of the attention regarding the Colts 2012 selections. Considering the hype he's generated over his distinguished collegiate career, as well as the future Hall of Famer he's being asked to replace, the attention is well deserved.

While Luck is clearly the most important of the Colts' ten draft picks, he's not the only player drafted by first year general manager Ryan Grigson and head coach Chuck Pagano who could make an immediate impact.

Frankly, Florida International wideout and return specialist T.Y. Hilton didn't receive the national fanfare that his athleticism and game-breaking ability warrant. Had he been starring in the SEC rather than the Sun Belt Conference, the fact that he scored six combined touchdowns as a punt and kick returner over his career would have gained more notice. So too would the fact that he showed remarkable consistency throughout his career -- catching between five and seven touchdowns a season (24 total) in his four years with the Panthers. And it isn't like Hilton didn't have the opportunity to play in the SEC; he was recruited by Ole Miss and Florida (among others) but simply chose to stay closer to home. And how is this for confidence? Hilton promised on National Signing Day that he'd score the first time he touched the ball at FIU. He fulfilled that guarantee, taking a second quarter punt 74 yards for a touchdown against Kansas. Incidentally, FIU was down 24-0 at the time.

Blessed with terrific quickness, lightning straight-line speed and courage to cross the middle, Hilton could emerge early in his pro career as a dynamic slot receiver. His vision and burst in the return game will make him a playmaker to fear, as well.

Hilton's ability to impact the game on both offense and defense should result in early playing time with the young Colts. Don't be surprised when Hilton, selected No. 92 overall and 13th among receivers, winds up being more productive as a rookie and over his career than several of the pass-catchers drafted ahead of him.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck-led Colts will be much better than you think in 2012

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

That's what opponents will soon realize after facing Andrew Luck and a rebuilt Indianapolis Colts offense that is eerily similar to the unit that dominated the AFC for more than a decade.

Although the loss of Peyton Manning and the images of a dismal 2011 campaign make it difficult to imagine a swift turnaround for the Colts, I believe the pieces are in place for the team to quickly rejoin the ranks of the elite, particularly on offense.

Here are three reasons why the Colts' offense will be much better than anyone thinks in 2012:

1) Luck's wealth of college experience will lead to instant success as a pro.

In looking at the most productive rookie quarterbacks in the NFL in recent history, it has been experience and a winning pedigree that has been critical to their success. According to a formula used by Bill Parcells, quarterbacks entering the league with 30-plus starts and at least 23 victories are far more successful than their counterparts. Luck certainly qualifies after compiling a 31-7 record in 38 career starts at Stanford. He led the Cardinal to 23 wins in the last two seasons alone (and a pair of BCS bowl games), restoring a program that had been downtrodden prior to his arrival.

Luck's gaudy collegiate résumé certainly points to eventual success as a starter in the NFL, but it is his extensive experience directing a pro-style offense that leads me to believe he will put up big numbers in his rookie season. At Stanford, Luck orchestrated a system deeply rooted in the principles of Bill Walsh's West Coast offense, and his mastery of those concepts puts him well ahead of the game. From "22-Scat Hank" to "2 Jet Flanker Drive," Luck understands the pass protection, route progressions and verbiage of the NFL's prevalent offensive system. This should accelerate his decision making in the pocket, leading to fewer mistakes and generally efficient play.

Luck's extensive collegiate experience has prepared him for the complex defensive fronts and coverages presented by NFL defensive coordinators. He has faced a variety of attack-style defenses in the Pac-12, providing him with the opportunity to make hot reads or pre-snap adjustments to alter pass protection. In addition, Luck spent parts of his final season at Stanford calling his own plays and assisting coaches with the implementation of the game plan.

With confidence and preparation paramount to the success of young quarterbacks, Luck has all the tools to be an impact player in his first season.

2) Bruce Arians is a masterful developer of young quarterbacks.

It is not a coincidence that Arians was appointed the architect of the Colts' offense following his distinguished track record of success with young quarterbacks. Arians has tutored the likes of Peyton Manning, Tim Couch and Ben Roethlisberger during his time in the league, and his ability to maximize their collective talents has been lauded by his peers.

As a disciple of Tom Moore, he has constructed a quarterback-friendly offense that places the onus on the signal caller to make sound decisions at the line. From calling pass protections to pointing out potential hot reads, the system makes the quarterback accountable for all aspect of the offense. To Arians' credit, he has been known to alter the verbiage of his system to allow his QB to become comfortable. His adaptability and willingness to incorporate his franchise quarterback's opinion into his game plan builds a chemistry and rapport that routinely leads to success.

For example, Arians took advantage of Roethlisberger's improvisational skills and mastery of spread-offense principles to install a wide-open offense in Pittsburgh that routinely placed three and four receivers on the field. He added several varieties of bunch formations and quirky sets to create quick, easy throws for his quarterback. In Cleveland, he adapted his offense to mask Couch's arm deficiencies by utilizing crossing routes from shotgun formations and open sets.

Given Luck's fantastic overall skill set, he will likely meld his previous offensive philosophies with some of the concepts from Stanford's playbook to ensure his young quarterback reaches a comfort level early in his first season.

As a play caller, Arians has a preference for putting the ball in the air, but his game plans are rooted in a balanced approach. He favors a 50/50 run-pass ratio during the first three quarters, but will skew his play calls in the final quarter based on game situations. While this is the approach followed by most offensive coordinators, Arians will routinely flip the script by opening the game with a variety of passes to loosen up the defense before pounding away with a bruising runner between the tackles. With a young quarterback in place capable of making sound decisions and pinpoint throws, a decision to open up the playbook will speed his development and quickly help the Colts' offense return to elite status.

The Colts are building an "old school" offense that will be problematic for opponents.

For all of the conversation about the Colts copying the New England Patriots' offensive approach with multiple tight ends, the team is actually returning to the original blueprint used to help Manning during his formative years.

During the late 1990s, the Colts befuddled opponents utilizing a two-tight end set that featured Ken Dilger and Marcus Pollard. These two were interchangeable as playmakers in the Colts' "12" personnel package, and their ability to make plays over the middle of the field put defensive coordinators in a quandary. If opponents stayed with their base personnel, the Colts would displace one of the tight ends to take advantage of a favorable matchup against a linebacker in space. If the defense trotted out a nickel package, the Colts would routinely align in an ace formation and run the ball off tackle on a stretch play or post up one of the tight ends against a smaller defender in the passing game. The defense rarely came up with effective answers, and the success of the offense fueled the Colts' ascension in the AFC.

In looking at the Colts' draft, the selections of Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen signal a return to that approach in 2012. Both are exceptional playmakers, but they bring different skills to the table.

Fleener is the better athlete. He is at his best working on vertical routes from an inline or split alignment. Luck's teammate at Stanford is ideally suited to play as the H-back or "Move" tight end in the offense, which makes him the matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Allen is a silky smooth route runner with outstanding hands. He shows an uncanny knack for getting open over the middle of the field and effectively uses his size against smaller defenders. While he lacks the speed and explosiveness to consistently threaten the deep areas of the field, his ability to control the middle will open up windows for Reggie Wayne and Co. outside the numbers.

Luck is already very comfortable targeting tight ends -- Stanford's offense extensively featured two- and three-tight end formations in the passing game -- so the addition of two unique playmakers will not only put the defense in a bind, but it could allow the Colts' new franchise quarterback to get off to a fast start in 2012.

 

[Faust]

Austin Collie excited to be part of Colts' next chapter

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

We start by reminding you that Austin Collie is still a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

In an offseason of sweeping change within the organization, it's hard to keep track of which notable veterans actually survived the purge. Collie did, and he's excited to be part of the franchise's next generation.

"I'm doing great and feel good," Collie told his hometown paper, The Sacramento Bee. "We lost a lot of friends here with changes, and Peyton (Manning) was one of them. It's tough losing a guy you got to know so well, learned so much from. But I'm really excited about the future."

Collie goes from one No. 1 overall pick to another in Andrew Luck. The quarterback has been prohibited from team activities until he completes his educational requirements at Stanford, but Collie looks forward to building a connection.

"I've gotten to chat with him briefly, and he's a bright kid," he said of Luck, who's nearing a deal with the Colts. "You can tell he's a special player. I'm just happy he's on our side."

Though the concussions issues he dealt with in 2010 followed by 2011's Kerry Collins/Curtis Painter/Dan Orlovsky circle of pain make it easy to forget, Collie has been a legitimate playmaker when on the field. He had eight touchdowns in nine games in 2010, and he proved he could stay healthy in 2011 by playing all 16 games.

Combine health with a good quarterback by his side, and we could see a return to form for the receiver in 2012.

 

[Faust]

MIrsay says Andrew Luck nearing deal with Colts

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Back in the "good old days," signing high draft picks was a laborious chore for NFL teams. Feelings were hurt, holdouts happened.

The new landscape laid out by the present collective bargaining agreement has eased this process considerably. Case in point: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted on Saturday that the team is getting close to a deal with No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck.

Jim Irsay

@JimIrsay

Talks with A Luck's agent,Will Wilson(the brother of Andrew's mother) have been productive. Team Counsel Dan Emerson n Will r getting close!

Luck can expect a contract in the range of what quarterback Cam Newton got last year from the Carolina Panthers. The 2011 No. 1 pick, Newton received a four-year, $22 million guaranteed deal that included a $14.5 million signing bonus.(To show how much the rookie landscape has changed, St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford -- the 2010 No. 1 pick -- signed a six-year, $78 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.)

Luck has been absent from Colts OTAs, but it has nothing to do with money. He remains prohibited from taking part in team activities until after June 7, when his final exams at Stanford will be completed.

The Indianapolis Star reported Luck will be in attendance for the June 12-14 mandatory minicamp.

 

[Faust]

Colts thin at RB with Donald Brown, three youngsters

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

"NFL Total Access" kicked off its 32 teams in 32 days series Monday with the Indianapolis Colts. As the new kids on the NFL.com block, we decided to score some brownie points by writing an accompanying post each night. We'll focus on one goal that each team needs to accomplish before Week 1.

Colts still need running back depth

Here's a quote from Colts running backs coach David Walker that should scare the team's fans: "Donald (Brown) deserves to be the No. 1 back right now as we go through offseason training. But we'll see how that unfolds as we get to camp and start hitting, playing against other people in the preseason. Everybody wants to be that guy, and we'll give everybody that opportunity to show us he can be that guy."

Brown's career has been up and down, to put it nicely. It ended on an up last season, but is he really an NFL starting running back? The Colts have a new offensive scheme and different needs.

It's not like there are great options behind Brown. Delone Carter, Darren Evans and late-round draft pick Vick Ballard are the only other players on the Colts' depth chart.

Joe Flacco, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton are recent rookie quarterbacks who greatly benefited from a strong running game. It's hard to see the Colts doing Andrew Luck the same favor.

New Colts coach Chuck Pagano needs to find some running back depth he can trust. If not, new general manager Ryan Grigson might want to give a veteran running back like Cedric Benson a call in August.

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

32 in 32: Indianapolis Colts

07:18 – The "NFL Total Access" crew kicks off its 32 Teams in 32 Days series with a look at the Indianapolis Colts and the coming 2012 season that head coach Chuck Pagano calls a reloading year and not a rebuilding project.

 

[Late225]

After reading about Allen/Fleener, it sounds like Fleener compares to Aaron Hernandez and Allen compares to Rob Gronkowski based on their style of play. I think a major difference is that Gronk was drafted earlier for Colts and Fleener was drafted earlier for the Colts.

Any homers think Allen can be the TE to own in this situation? He's definitely cheaper to grab in rookie drafts.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck, Colts itching to finally work together

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

NFL teams are deep into their respective offseason practices, but the Indianapolis Colts remain stuck in neutral in one very important sense. Or, to be more accurate, with one very important player.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis' No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and new projected starting quarterback, is unable to join the Colts or even have contact with them until he fulfills his academic obligations at Stanford.

Luck's last final exam is Thursday, then he can attend the Colts' June 12-14 mandatory minicamp. He has been trying to stay sharp at Stanford with private workouts, but Colts wide receiver Austin Collie said it has been a challenging time for his new teammate.

"I don't want to say he's miserable, but you can tell it bugs him," said Collie, who recently had dinner with Luck and his girlfriend in California, according to The Associated Press. "He's not here, and it's probably killing him."

Without their starter, the Colts have been practicing with not-so-fearsome foursome of rookie Chandler Harnish, Drew Stanton, Trevor Vittatoe and David Legree.

Luck's arrival will bring challenges that are obvious -- like the quarterback forming a rapport with his receivers -- and others that are less so, as offensive tackle Winston Justice explained.

"It's tough because everyone has a different cadence, it's something you all have to get used to, especially the two tackles," Justice said. "It takes years to get that down, 10,000 hours."

In other words, June 12 can't get here soon enough for the Colts.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck gets comfortable at Colts minicamp

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

The day has finally arrived for Andrew Luck, who was finally permitted to join Indianapolis Colts teammates on Tuesday for the start of the team's mandatory minicamp.

Following his first practice, Luck was asked if it has "sunk in" that he's now the face of the franchise defined for so long by Peyton Manning.

"I think the 'face of the franchise' stuff, I don't approach anything like that," Luck said. "I try to come in here and learn as much as I can, do my best job so I can help these guys, these veterans all the guys in here, get back to the playoffs. Get back to being a great team and winning championships.

"I don't know if (being the franchise star) will ever sink in," Luck added. "I just try to build up my job and not get caught up in anything else."

Luck told The Indianapolis Star he's "managed to learn the playbook a little bit," and said he has "somewhat high expectations" for himself.

Outside of rookie minicamp in May, Luck had been prohibited from working with the Colts due to academic requirements at Stanford. Despite the lack of contact, Chuck Pagano was pleased with what he saw Tuesday.

"He hasn't missed a beat," the coach said.

Austin Collie, the veteran wide receiver who was in contact with Luck during the QB's absence, didn't mince words in describing the No. 1 overall pick.

"The kid has got it."

We've seen the hype machine go into overdrive for Robert Griffin III in Washington, and expect similarly glowing reviews to come out of Indy. Whether he's ready to accept that title or not, Luck already is the face of the Colts.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck already looking like a pro on Day 1 with Colts

By Albert Breer

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

INDIANAPOLIS -- Tuesday was Day 1 for Andrew Luck in working with his veteran Indianapolis Colts teammates, but if you didn't know that beforehand, you'd probably have missed it.

Yes, he threw one up for grabs down the middle of the field during 11-on-11 drills. He had a couple balls batted down at the line, too.

Still, it wasn't hard for anyone to see what they were looking at here: a rookie in official designation only. Luck came as advertised. When I asked his Stanford-turned-Colts teammate Coby Fleener how he, who was allowed to attend organized team activities because he had already graduated from The Farm, would describe Luck to teammates, he said simply, "The best I've ever played with. The best I've ever seen in person."

The older guys now have that perspective -- having seen Luck in person themselves. The best they've seen? For those who've shared a field with guys named Brady and Rodgers, or the guy Luck happens to be replacing, the answer would be no.

But they'd all quickly add that, mere hours into his full NFL ingratiation, he already looks the part of a pro.

"Like we've said all along, he is off the charts, as far as football IQ," coach Chuck Pagano said. "There are no mental errors. The same thing we saw at rookie minicamp with what we gave him until coming back now, he hasn't missed a beat. He is a really bright kid. He is really focused and he is really driven. Obviously, the success he has had to this point, there is a reason behind all of that. It is because football is very, very important to him."

That much was clear at Stanford. It was clear in the pre-draft process. And it's been clear in the five weeks that he's been forced to stay away from his Colts teammates, according to those who've been around him.

NFL rules forbade Luck from being at the club's facility or talking football with any of his coaches until he finished up classes last week.

It created a bind for the quarterback, sure. But it wasn't something he couldn't deal with, and Luck had two pretty valuable resources at his disposal in Fleener, who was allowed to attend OTAs and was commuting back and forth from Palo Alto while working on his master's degree, and undrafted rookie Colts receiver Griff Whalen, who was in the same boat as his quarterback.

Whalen, also an ex-Cardinal, was Luck's guy, day to day. And Fleener was their spy, keeping both up to date on what was happening in their new home.

"It was a little different without a coach there. We would go through stuff, and kinda guess -- 'It's probably something like this,' " Whalen explained. "And then we'd go with that for then, and come back here and find out we were wrong on this and this and this. But it's a million times better to have one other person talk about it with, than to just be by yourself."

Whalen and Luck would study the playbook over breakfast every day. Then, depending on class schedules, they'd try and get about 90 minutes of field work in, with normal conditioning and weight lifting. When Fleener could pick up things and bring them back to Palo Alto, all the better. The main objective was learning new terminology, which is markedly different under Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians than it was in Stanford's West Coast system.

Luck said he thinks over the five weeks, "I've managed to learn the playbook a good bit," with Whalen adding that "we did as much on the field as we could, just getting used to the terminology -- using the new terminology rather than the Stanford stuff. We'd simulate adjustments, since there was no defense out there."

And, Whalen continued, in addition to getting the new nomenclature down, the group focused on practicing hot reads -- basic blitz adjustments for quarterbacks and receivers -- because those weren't emphasized as much at Stanford.

What's scary is that, for Luck, the work really starts now. Pagano agreed on Tuesday that the success of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton as rookies last year, without the benefit of an offseason program, is heartening for the Colts. But everyone here is convinced Luck is a different animal anyway.

After his first walk-through, safety Tom Zbikowski told me he was impressed by Luck's confidence. How could the big-hitting former Raven tell in such a low-impact environment? The quarterback was already making adjustments at the line.

"I'm in awe sometimes, when he's changing the play at the line of scrimmage, given that this is his fourth official practice, or whatever it is," Fleener said. "Then again, it's not surprising."

Not to those who know him.

"He's come in and just taken over the offense," Whalen said. "He's telling guys what to do, directing things as much as he can, without stepping on anyone's toes. He's still learning a lot. But everyone else on the team is too. And he can pick things up as quickly as anyone."

That much, even mere hours into Luck's full integration as Colts quarterback, hasn't been hard for anyone to see.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck impresses players and coaches at minicamp

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck signed autographs for hundreds of fans on Wednesday, including quite a few wearing No. 18 Manning jerseys.

The scene told the story of a franchise in transition: Peyton Manning remains close to hearts of the fans -- including the estimated 7,500 in attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium -- but Luck represents a new beginning.

Luck completed 26 of 37 passes against the Colts' defense, getting a rise out of what the team hopes to be future season-ticket holders when he connected on a touchdown pass with wide receiver Austin Collie.

Reggie Wayne, who entered minicamp with some odd reservations about Luck's ability to throw a regulation NFL football, came away impressed.

"We've still got work to do, but I like him," Wayne said via The Associated Press. "He's got a great ball, nice spin on it and whenever your quarterback is having fun, you've got to have fun, too."

Head coach Chuck Pagano sounds like a happy man with his No. 1 pick in-house.

"I thought Andrew did a heck of a job, both quarterbacks, really," he said, likely referring to Drew Stanton. "I know there were a couple of balls they'd like back, but that's always the case. We've got two weeks left in their seven-week program and there's a ton of things to work on."

The Colts are undoubtedly relieved to finally have Luck in the fold. There's plenty of work to do, but Indy already seems light years removed from last season's gloom and doom.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck fits perfectly into Colts' new team-first culture

By Albert Breer

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hundreds of fans, many already wearing the No. 12 jerseys that hit stores in late April, were waiting for autographs about 20 feet away. High above were the video boards that had showed his every move through a 150-minute practice. Near that hung the banners representing the two trips to the Super Bowl that the man he's succeeding, Peyton Manning, achieved.

You can't be a bigger star without taking a snap than Andrew Luck is now.

The scrutiny couldn't be more intense. The spotlight couldn't be brighter. The stakes couldn't be higher.

And yet, easy as it can be to forget, Luck is a rookie. And if you think that's lost on him, ask him how he feels about being the most famous guy on the Indianapolis Colts roster, even though he doesn't turn 23 until September.

"We've still got Dwight Freeney and Reggie Wayne, those are some pretty high-profile players," Luck said, carefully navigating a loaded question on carrying the team's highest profile. "I realize there's a certain notoriety that comes with playing the quarterback position, but that's all for naught if you can't produce on the field. So I approach every day like I'm fighting for a job, trying to get better and hopefully it all takes care of itself that way."

If they had a test for these things, Luck aced it with that answer, as if he was going through a checklist … Pay homage to teammates. Chalk fame up to outside forces. Emphasize how it doesn't matter if he doesn't perform.

And now you get an idea why GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano feel so comfortable putting their professional futures on the broad shoulders of the ex-Stanford star.

Ultimately, replacing Manning will boil down to just how good a player Luck becomes. Everyone knows that. But how he gets there will involve his ability to handle all the ancillary elements that go with being considered the best quarterback prospect in a generation, replacing the last guy to carry that tag (and one who delivered on all that promise), and serving as front man for a major organizational overhaul.

Nothing tangible has been accomplished in Indianapolis yet. But one thing Grigson does feel like he and Pagano have done is instill what the GM calls a "Team -- Small Me" culture that emphasizes the group over individual. And though it had been a fait accompli that Luck would wind up being a first overall pick, the Colts brass saw it as a pretty nice bonus that the obvious guy with its first selection just so happened to embody its new ideals.

"Let's just say this: He is the genuine article," Grigson told NFL.com. "He's strong when he needs to be strong. He listens when he needs to listen. He's just a natural. Nothing's forced with him. He's not afraid to take charge of the huddle. But also, if a college free agent from who-knows-where asks him a question, I believe he'll take the time with that guy to explain it to him in a non-demeaning or condescending way, because he's Andrew Luck. He epitomizes the word 'team' to me."

That also means Luck knows his place now. On Tuesday, in his first full day with the vets, his new No. 1 receiver, Reggie Wayne, stared down the assembled media en route to practice and belted out, "Everybody's here to see my new quarterback!" Moments later, massive defensive lineman Cory Redding pointed at the press and yelled across the field to Luck, "Hey 12, they're all here, homes!"

But when work started, the laughter quieted. Luck can already make adjustments and checks at the line, and he spent considerable time attached to Wayne's hip on both days. He's well aware he's got a ways to go. Pro-ready as he is, as much as any quarterback has been since Manning, offensive coordinator Bruce Arians speaks a different football language than Luck did at Stanford. Terminology will be key, as will learning hot reads and sight adjustments, which he and fellow rookie receiver Griff Whelan emphasized at Stanford the past five weeks, as both finished their degrees.

"I know it's terribly cliché, but (I have to improve) everywhere," Luck told NFL.com. "I always try to get better in all aspects and then just learning the offense and getting reps. Getting reps is so important and trying to get as many game-speed reps is sort of my main focus."

Luck has time. He'll be with the other rookies at the Colts facility the next two weeks, playing catch-up after missing all but six days of the offseason program. He did get to see counterpart Robert Griffin on TV, working with the Washington Redskins while he was unable to do the same with Colts. "I'm happy for him that he got to be there," Luck said of Griffin. "It was frustrating in general not to be with the team. But I wasn't looking at it, 'Oh, this guy gets to be here and that guy gets to be there, why don't I get to be there?' I knew the situation I was in."

Opening Day is still almost three months away. And yet, already, the Colts can see the return on their investment coming. The fresh, proletariat ethos on 56th Street in Indianapolis has its standard-bearer. Because much as he might be anything-but-just-another-rookie, Luck certainly is doing his best to play the part of one.

"He fits, like a glove, because he is not a 'me' guy," Grigson said. "He is all about the team. You can go back to Stanford, his early days just starting and being a young guy there. You're not gonna see a difference here. That's who he is. He's not trying to be someone he's not. He's out here to win and to improve every day. He has things to learn, he hasn't seen a different color jersey yet. But he understands it as well. He knows Rome wasn't built in a day."

After Wednesday's practice at the stadium, Dwight Freeney, now the third most tenured Colt, laughed when it was posed to him that the quarterback wouldn't be getting special treatment from the vets, when the time comes rookies to stand on tables and sing songs. "Exactly," Freeney said. "It'll be me doing it to him."

But there's another, more serious message Freeney will send his new teammate, too, after spending the past decade as part of Indianapolis' Manning Show.

"You know what? We're gonna let him know, he doesn't have to do anything extra," Freeney said. "It's gonna be hard, because everybody has all these expectations for him. As long as you go out there, and do your job, and control the huddle, that's all that you can do. And if things happen to progress and take off from there, so be it. But it has to start somewhere. 'Don't feel like you have to take on the world.'"

It's easy to see that Luck's employing that approach already. Ready to take on the world? Maybe not. But judging by his early days in Indy, Luck's uniquely prepared for just about anything it throws at him.

 

[Faust]

Mewelde Moore signs with Indianapolis Colts

By Brian McIntyre NFL.com

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay announced a minor roster move on Tuesday, reporting that the team had signed veteran running back Mewelde Moore and placed rookie quarterback David Legree on waivers.

The terms of Moore's signing were not disclosed.

The 29-year-old Moore was a 2004 fourth-round pick out of Tulane by the Minnesota Vikings. In 113 career games, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Moore has rushed for 2,247 yards and six touchdowns with 214 receptions for 1,875 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield. Moore has primarily worked as a third-down back over the last six seasons, including the four with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played for Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

In four seasons in Arians' offense, Moore ran for 962 yards with five touchdowns and caught 98 passes for 782 yards and four touchdowns.

Donald Brown and Delone Carter are expected to be the top two backs on the Colts, so Moore will provide some veteran leadership as the team installs Arians' offense as he competes with 2012 fifth-round pick Vick Ballard, Darren Evans and Deji Karim for the No. 3 running back role this summer.

 

[Faust]

Chuck Pagano sees Donald Brown as 'bell cow' back

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

Donald Brown will never be confused with Adrian Peterson, but Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano sees his running back as a legit No. 1 option.

"Donald is an every-down back," Pagano said Wednesday, according to The Indianapolis Star. "He is doing a tremendous job and he is having a fantastic offseason. He understands, especially on third down as far as protections go and all of those things. Nothing is going to be more important than protections."

Brown had just 645 yards rushing last season, but he averaged 4.8 yards per attempt, good for 11th in the league. He currently sits at the top of a depth chart that includes Delone Carter, Darren Evans, Vick Ballard and Deji Karim. The team added another back Wednesday in signing veteran Mewelde Moore.

Not exactly a murderer's row, we know. But Pagano believes Indianapolis has a wealth of options.

"You just don't want to wear somebody out," Pagano said. "You've got a bell cow (in Brown), so to speak, and a lot of teams have a third-down guy. So if we can keep guys fresh, and guys are able to go out and execute the offense, then we will use them for sure."

Pagano can imagine it, but the "bell cow" title is earned in the NFL. Brown carried the ball 134 times last season. If he can double that and maintain that pretty average, then Pagano knows he has himself a No. 1.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck, Colts reportedly stuck on endorsements

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Top picks are easier to sign than ever since the new collective bargaining agreement was signed, but that doesn't mean it's easy to negotiate a No. 1 overall pick's contract.

Andrew Luck and the Colts are clashing over details that have nothing to do with guaranteed money. Len Pasquarelli reports that Luck's camp is balking at language in the contract dealing with Luck's marketing endeavors.

"One of the stumbling blocks in negotiations ... is the proposed inclusion of marketing language that Luck and his representatives, at least so far, regard as strident," Pasquarelli writes. "One source with knowledge of the talks even suggested that Luck would 'have to clear' marketing proposals with the club"

It's not believed that Manning's original contact contained such a provision. Which is no surprise. It sounds strange for the Colts to have veto power over Luck's endorsement deal.

The whole report is odd. Pasquarelli writes that "some team officials" believed Manning was overexposed during his run with the Colts. This is so ridiculous it's hard to know what to think.

Manning has been a brilliant pitchman throughout his career. He's managed his image as well as any pro football player in memory and he's been paid handsomely for it. Perhaps the Colts don't love the fact their star player serves multiple masters, but that's life in modern sports.

It's not like Manning's commercials hurt his focus or work ethic. The Colts appear to be overreaching here.

 

[Faust]

Donald Brown has breakout potential for Colts

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

As we count down the days to training camp, Around the League will examine one player from every team set for a breakout campaign in 2012. Next up, the Indianapolis Colts.

Former first-round pick Donald Brown showed signs of life in 2011.

Following a decade of dominance in the AFC South, expectations are low for the 2012 Indianapolis Colts. The team went 2-14 in 2011, changed head coaches, general managers and, most notably, quarterbacks. Out goes Peyton Manning and in comes No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck. He may be the most NFL-ready quarterback to enter the league since Manning, but he is also still a rookie.

The Colts have completely purged their roster of veterans who were deemed to not be part of the team's future, leaving them with nearly $40 million in "dead money" on this year's salary cap. Among the surviving holdovers is running back Donald Brown. The 2009 first-round pick, who disappointed in his first two seasons in the NFL, showed signs of life in what was an otherwise forgettable 2011 season in Indianapolis.

Brown gained 778 yards on 207 carries (3.8-yard average) and five touchdowns over the 2009-2010 seasons. He went for 645 yards on 134 carries (4.8-yard average) with five touchdowns in 2011. In terms of advanced metrics, Brown had ranked 29th in Football Outsiders' DYAR and DVOA in 2010, his first season of achieving the minimum 100 rushing attempts to qualify. Last season, Brown ranked 16th in DYAR, but was fifth in DVOA, which represents a player's "value, per play, over an average running back in the same game situations".

Considering the makeshift offensive line -- Jeff Saturday and Jeff Linkenbach were the only two linemen to play more than 70 percent of the Colts' snaps last season -- that's impressive production from a player whose game-breaking ability got him drafted in the first round of the 2009 draft. With improved offensive line play, and the addition of Luck (who is kind of an upgrade over Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky), big things could be on the horizon for Brown, who is approaching the end of his rookie contract.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck not worried about contract getting done

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

Andrew Luck is one of 14 unsigned first-round picks from the 2012 NFL Draft, upon his arrival to the AFC portion of the NFL Rookie Symposium in Aurora, Ohio, the future of the Indianapolis Colts expressed confidence in a deal getting done before his opens training camp on July 28.

"I'm sure (the contract) will get done," Luck said Wednesday, according to Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com.

The new collective bargaining agreement has really simplified the signing process, so it would be a complete shock if Luck is not signed before camp. Luck's four-year contract has an expected value of around $24 million, fully guaranteed, with a signing bonus of just more than $14.5 million, the same amount that Cam Newton received from the Carolina Panthers as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Because of the simplified process, and how he missed a good portion of the OTAs while wrapping things up Stanford, Luck's focused more on the Colts' playbook than his checkbook.

"I focus on football, especially having missed so much (practice) time because of school," said Luck. "I didn't want very many distractions to make sure I catch up in terms of time with everybody else. My agent (Will Wilson) will handle (negotiations)."

 

[Faust]

Colts' Tight Ends Off To Impressive Start

Published July 7, 2012

By Charlie Campbell

In speaking with some league staff, there is word that the Indianapolis Colts have seen a lot of impressive play with their rookie tight ends.

Indianapolis selected Andrew Luck's college teammate Coby Fleener with the 34th-overall selection and then Clemson's Dwayne Allen with the 64th-overall pick. In a league that is increasingly featuring double tight end sets, the Colts immediately addressed some weapons for Luck to work with.

Having two tight ends with receiving ability presents some favorable matchups against linebackers or defensive backs. Luck and his rookie tight ends could generate immediate production for the Colts.

Fleener (6-6, 247) was a dangerous receiver for quarterback Andrew Luck. Fleener had 32 receptions for 667 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011. He runs good routes and is adept at exploiting the deep middle of the field on seam routes. He caught 28 receptions for 434 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010. The fast and athletic tight end should contribute well as a receiver as a rookie.

Even though he was underused by Clemson, Allen (6-3, 255) caught 50 balls for 598 yards and eight scores. He was also a decent blocker for the Tigers. Allen beats defensive backs with surprising quickness and good route running. He is fabulous at going up and getting high passes over defenders. In the NFL, Allen should be a complete tight end who is a red-zone weapon, a third-down target and a blocker in the ground game.

The early returns are that Fleener and Allen have looked excellent. Some believe that in the next couple of seasons, they will prove to be one of the best tight end tandems in the league. Fleener and Allen probably won't surpass New England's duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, but it sounds like the Colts have a nice start in building an offense that will pose many problems for defenses.

 

[Faust]

Adam Vinatieri's salary no fit for Andrew Luck's Colts

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

"Around the League" is taking a look at each team's salary-cap situation heading into training camp. Next up: The Indianapolis Colts.

Adjusted Cap Number: $128.361 million

Cap Room Remaining: $14.596 million (will decrease by around $4 million when draft picks Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen are signed.

Best Bargain: Inside linebacker Pat Angerer is among over 70 current Colts under contract for the league minimum base salary this season. For a player who led his team and finished in the top five in tackles this past season with 146, that's pretty good value. Even better when you consider that Angerer showed improvement in coverage last season, with Rivers McCown of Football Outsiders reporting in their 2012 almanac that Angerer allowed just three passes over 10 yards all season. Angerer will earn $540,000 in base salary and, according to a source with knowledge of his contract, a $340,000 roster bonus on the first day of Colts training camp.

Potential Camp Casualty: Once Luck signs his rookie contract, only seven active members of the Colts will have cap numbers north of $2 million this season. One of those players is 39-year-old kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is due $2 million in base salary and hardly fits in what is quite clearly a rebuilding season in Indianapolis.

Contract Issue Looming In 2013: As the Colts transition to a 3-4 defense under first-year head coach Chuck Pagano, all eyes are on Dwight Freeney's change from defensive end to linebacker. A seven-time Pro Bowl player, including each of the last four seasons, Freeney is Colts' all-time leader with 102.5 sacks and is due $14.035 million in base salary this season. Freeney was reportedly excited about his new role, but the Colts might want to see how the experiment plays out over a 16-game season before making a long-term commitment to a player who'll turn 33 before the start of the 2013 league year.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck's 'learning capacity' off the charts

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The Indianapolis Colts are counting on rookie Andrew Luck to take control of their offense from the first snap. It's a different scheme than what he mastered at Stanford, but there's reason to believe Luck won't skip a beat.

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah has scouted and visited with Luck repeatedly over the years. He wrote about his observations Friday, painting the picture of a highly intelligent passer.

Case in point: Back at Stanford, head coach David Shaw asked Luck to school his teammates at the chalk board on the second day of "install" meetings during a fall practice. Many quarterbacks wouldn't be prepared to run the show -- some of them play in the NFL -- but Luck was at ease. "I heard stories about Luck's learning capacity that I've never heard about any other quarterback," Jeremiah wrote.

Luck's laid-back persona belies the intensity his teammates saw in Palo Alto. Stanford ran a complex, pro-system offense that asked a lot of its players. Luck -- and this is eerily Peyton Manning-like -- established a "punishment system" for error-prone teammates that forced the entire offense to run laps after a mistake.

Jeremiah spent last weekend at the Manning Passing Academy and had some juicy Peyton nuggets in this piece, too. Like you, we can't wait until both of these quarterbacks take the field. We're almost there.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck eerily similar to Colts predecessor Peyton Manning

By Daniel Jeremiah

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

Last week, I spent four days hanging around former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (yes, that still sounds weird). As a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy, I had the opportunity to observe the Denver Broncos' new signal-caller work out on two separate occasions. I was also in attendance in a small meeting room at Nicholls State University as both Peyton and Eli Manning addressed 40 of the top college quarterbacks in the country (who were also serving as Manning Passing Academy counselors). They spent an hour answering every question the college quarterbacks threw at them.

After listening to Peyton speak during that session, two distinct thoughts came to mind about the future Hall of Famer:

1) He's the most intelligent football player I've ever been around.

2) His passion for preparation and attention to detail are unlike anything I've ever seen.

Fortunately for the Colts and their fans, Peyton's successor in Indy, Andrew Luck, graded out higher in those two areas than any college quarterback I've scouted over the last eight years. Even better: Luck and the Colts just consummated a four-year, $22.1 million contract, with the rookie quarterback putting pen to paper on Thursday.

I visited with the Stanford coaching staff on four occasions over the past year to gather background information about Luck and the rest of the Cardinal draft prospects. I've never heard everyone in a program universally rave about a player like the folks at Stanford did about Luck.

Entering my first Stanford visit, I knew Luck would be given high marks for his intelligence. The fact that such a prestigious academic institution accepted him was impressive by itself. However, upon arrival in Palo Alto, Calif., I learned that he is even smarter than I'd predicted. I heard stories about Luck's learning capacity that I've never heard about any other quarterback. For instance, during fall camp, Stanford head coach David Shaw had Luck run the second day of "install" meetings for the entire offense. Picture a room full of 18- to 22-year-old kids staring at their junior quarterback as he goes over the assignments for every single one of their positions.

I was able to speak with Shaw, who I worked with during my time in the Baltimore Ravens' personnel department, during each of my trips to Stanford. During an August visit, I stood in his office and listened as he described one of Stanford's typical offensive play calls. Check that: It was actually three play calls. Shaw said they would usually gave Andrew three different plays in the huddle, then he would go to the line of scrimmage and determine which was best suited to run against the defensive look that was being shown. The amount of verbiage was astounding, and Shaw said Luck made the correct play call 99 percent of the time.

And how's this for attention to detail? At one point during the fall, Stanford's offense was having issues with false starts. Instead of waiting for a coach to solve the problem, Luck set up a punishment system that involved A LOT of running for the entire offense after each ensuing transgression. Problem solved.

While Luck presents something like an "aw, shucks" persona to the media, he is very passionate when he addresses teammates in the heat of battle. Several of his Stanford cohorts told me that he gave a very intense and inspiring speech during halftime of the 2010 USC contest (a game which Stanford won, 37-35; Luck completed 20 of his 24 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns while also racking up 40 yards on the ground).

Luck is extremely competitive in everything he does. In fact, Stanford's strength coaches were constantly trying to keep him from over-working in the weight room.

Now, the fact that Luck is very bright and possesses an enviable work ethic doesn't guarantee he will thrive in the NFL. However, those qualities, combined with his impressive physical skill set, make it difficult to envision Luck being anything but successful.

Time will tell how Andrew Luck's football talent stacks up against Peyton Manning's. But the Colts are very fortunate to be handing the keys of their offense to another incredibly intelligent quarterback with a true passion for preparation and attention to detail.

 

[Faust]

Reggie Wayne, Andrew Luck look to develop chemistry

By Brian McIntyre

Around the League writer

Count Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne among those happy that No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck signed in time for the start of training camp.

Because Stanford operates on the "quarters" system, Luck missed nearly the Colts' entire offseason program. Luck was able to participate in the mandatory minicamp and traveled down to Miami to work out with Wayne earlier this month, but the two have not had time to develop an on-field rapport.

Wayne hopes that chemistry develops in training camp, James Oldham of the Indianapolis Star reports.

"It's going to take some time," Wayne said from his charity basketball game at the Indiana Convention Center on Saturday. "It was only a few days, so we'll just take it one day at a time and we'll go from there. That's why we have training camp. Hopefully in training camp, we can get some chemistry going and everything will be all right."

With seven weeks before the start of the regular season, Luck and Wayne should have plenty of time to develop a feel for one another. Colts rookies will report to training camp at Anderson University on Wednesday with the veterans reporting Saturday. The Colts' first practice as a team is one week from Sunday and their first preseason game (at home against the St. Louis Rams) is in three weeks.

 

[Faust]

Andrew Luck 'just gets it,' says Colts' Bruce Arians

By Dan Hanzus

Writer

There's no more quarter system, no final exams to distract him from the big picture. Andrew Luck is now a quarterback in the NFL.

"Your life turns very simple," Luck said Saturday from Indianapolis Colts training camp at Anderson University in Anderson, Ind. "I appreciate that during camp. You really have football to focus on and not much else. That excites me."

Luck's commitments at Stanford put him a bit behind the curve, but his football IQ is one of the reasons the Colts took him off the board with the No. 1 overall pick.

"I've never been around a guy who can learn that fast," said offensive coordinator Bruce Arians. "I've been around guys who are extremely smart, worked extremely hard at it, but he just gets it. It's kind of scary that he can -- I have to watch that he and I don't get ahead of everybody else, because his learning curve is so quick.

"Those young receivers, young tight ends, he'll leave them in the dust; and I'll leave them in the dust because I have a way of doing that myself with the quarterback."

It's quite a compliment by Arians, especially when you remember he was the Colts' quarterbacks coach in 1998, when a hotshot rookie named Peyton Manning was digesting his first NFL playbook.