Window of opportunity closing fast on the Colts (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

Not only will Peyton Manning be 35 in March

Offense

Reggie Wayne- 32 on 2011 opening day (turns 33 next season), signed through 2011.

Dallas Clark- 32 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2013.

Jeff Saturday- 36 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.

Ryan Diem- 32 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.

Defense

Dwight Freeney- 31 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2012.

Robert Mathis- 30 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.

Gary Brackett- 31 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2014.

Bob Sanders- 30 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2012.

 

[Sweet Love]

At this rate, they will be known as the Atlanta Braves of football...very dominant decade, yet "only" one championship. They are/were both so good and consistent during their dynasty, that it actually hurts their reputation that they only won one championship.

 

[RustyFA2]

I think the fault comes to the gm and staff. They simply have drafted poorly for the last several years. How much better would the Colts have been this year with Roger Saffold as compared to Jerry Hughes?

One example and the easy one but the Colts have not given PM the pieces to be a championship team. I think the one SB win was inspite of the talent around him, not because of it.

Reggie Wayne has been talking all year about a new contract. Give it to him. Sign NA to be your shutdown CB. Trade your 1st next year for a 2nd this year. Draft OL, WR, WR. Make your run now Colts. The window is shut without some big moves. You still have the most important piece.

 

[Jerry Lawler]

Not much young talent emerging to fill in for the aging veterans either. Here are the results of the last 4 1st round draft picks:

2007: Anthony Gonzalez - talented, but always injured, not likely to produce for the Colts

2008: traded for Tony Ugoh, now waived

2009: Donald Brown - useless

2010: Jerry Hughes - useless so far

 

[Ministry of Pain]

At least 20-25 teams in the NFL that would like to be the "failure" that the Colts have been for the last 10-12 years. 2 Super Bowl appearances and 1 Lombardi Trophy to boot. They did it, period.

 

[JohnnyU]

Not much young talent emerging to fill in for the aging veterans either. Here are the results of the last 4 1st round draft picks:

2007: Anthony Gonzalez - talented, but always injured, not likely to produce for the Colts

2008: traded for Tony Ugoh, now waived

2009: Donald Brown - useless

2010: Jerry Hughes - useless so far

Actually Ugoh wasn't a first rd pick. See the other thread I started on Polian and his awful draft picks as of late - http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=580789

2010 - Jerry Hughes (1st round) - 6 tackles, 0 sacks, no forced fumbles. Did you see that whiff on Cromartie? You would think for 12 million dollars he would start out as good and get better, not start out terrible and become ok to good.

2009 - Donald Brown (1st round) - No vision and hasn't shown that much talent. He's more like a 4th round pick, not a 1st round talent.

2008 - Mike Pallak (2nd round) - Average at best

2008 - Phillip Wheeler (3rd round) - yawn

2007 - Anthony Gonzalez (1st round) - Always injured and probably gets cut this off-season

2007 - Tony Ugoh (2nd round) - Total bust and no longer on the team

2007 - Daymeion (Dante) Hughes (3rd round) - Plays for SD

2006 - Joesph Addai (1st round) - Servicable decent RB, but not great

2006 - Tim Jennings (2nd round) - Now with the Bears

 

[bostonfred]

One example and the easy one but the Colts have not given PM the pieces to be a championship team. I think the one SB win was inspite of the talent around him, not because of it.

This sounds so true if you didn't watch the games or look back at his numbers from that year.

 

[coolnerd]

Honestly, if he texans, titans or Jags weren't mediocore franchises, the colts would not have won the division this year.

 

[JohnnyU]

Honestly, if he texans, titans or Jags weren't mediocore franchises, the colts would not have won the division this year.

You got that right.

 

[coolnerd]

Honestly, if he texans, titans or Jags weren't mediocore franchises, the colts would not have won the division this year.

You got that right.

and you guys are favorites in 2011, for the exact same reason.

 

[Judge Smails]

They won't be a serious SB contender the rest of Peyton's career. It's over. They'll win games, maybe win the division - but no way do they string wins against top tier teams in the playoffs with their current makeup and age of skill players.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

One example and the easy one but the Colts have not given PM the pieces to be a championship team. I think the one SB win was inspite of the talent around him, not because of it.

This sounds so true if you didn't watch the games or look back at his numbers from that year.

 

[gradin123]

If The Texans can get their Defense together to be even competent then I think they will win the division next year.

I actually think Wade Phillips is a good hire. The Texans this year remind me a bit of the 2008/09 Saints. Great offense but horrid defense. The Saints got their defense turned around enough in 2009/10 to win the SB and I think the Texans are certainly capable of that too.

 

[rabidfireweasel]

Didn't most people sing this same song about NE after they got smacked in the playoffs at home against Baltimore last year?

 

[DoubleG]

Ironically, I think Manning is at fault for the high expectations - but probably not in the way most people think about it. My point is, that Manning in large part took teams that probably could not have won a division (much a less a playoff game or two) into the playoffs, that had they had an "average" or even "above average" QB, might not have otherwise made it.

Some people point to the Colts "poor" post season W/L records as a reason that Manning isn't a good QB - in fact, I think it is quite the opposite. They wouldnt have gotten to many of those post seasons had it not been for Manning's incredible regular season play.

I don't want this to morph into a Manning thread, but I do agree that his age (and possibly diminishing skills) coupled with an aging and mediocre WR group, an aging and injured TE = the seeming end of a nice run. Sadly, some of it is quickened by a coach who seems subpar.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Who is this Bob Sanders you speak of?

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

I am not a huge Manning or Colts fan, but I've come around on the fact that as long as Manning is healthy, this team "can" compete for a SuperBowl every season. With the injuries they had this season, any other QB (maybe not Brady) would have been lucky to get that team to .500.

Enjoy it now Colts fans; Manning won't play forever, but if he suits up for another 3-5 years, you'll probably be in the hunt every year.

 

[kyoun1e]

They won't be a serious SB contender the rest of Peyton's career. It's over. They'll win games, maybe win the division - but no way do they string wins against top tier teams in the playoffs with their current makeup and age of skill players.

I think this is wishful thinking.As a NE fan I wish it, but doubt it.Could see Manning playing another 5 years. That said, I think this is a critical offseason for this team. They need to take advantage of what seems to be a closing window with Manning. At the same time, they need to find a way to replace key components that are aging.Funny...a year or so ago, the same was said of NE. They basically rebuilt this year on the fly. It can happen, but some savvy draft pics and acquisitions will have to be made the next 1-2 years.KY

 

[Baron Samedi]

At this rate, they will be known as the Atlanta Braves of football...very dominant decade, yet "only" one championship. They are/were both so good and consistent during their dynasty, that it actually hurts their reputation that they only won one championship.

Football is very different than baseball as you know. With the salary cap, coach & player turnover, injuries, the absolute beating week in and week out teams endure to make it 9 straight years to the playoffs as Indy has done is an unbelieveable feat. Manning has been the constant and even if he doesnt win another SB but gets to add 4 or 5 more years to this record still would be an awesome accomplishment.

 

[bigmiiiiike]

Manning and the Colts have always lacked the killer instinct. The Pats/Brady have it. All too often, the Colts are content to have Manning march them down the field, and then run the ball twice unsuccessfully, and then throw on 3rd and goal from the 8. Sometimes it leads to a TD, sometimes it doesn't, but when it doesn't they are forced to settle for field goals, and at the end of the game when you're in a nailbiter you wish you would've had TDs on those earlier opportunities. BB would have an F*** you mentality and unleash Manning (like he does with Brady) as possibly the greatest asset of all time, and score a far higher percentage of TDs in the redzone, and TDs as a percentage of total points scored, IMHO.

The quandry of Manning is that he passes the eye test as the GOAT. Everyone watches him play and thinks, "this guy should have 8+ rings by now..." It may be unfair, but when he is SO MEDIOCRE in the playoffs (compared to the top 20 or so QBs ever), and compared to how he grades in the "eye test", he leaves much to be desired.

 

[Sarnoff]

A couple of names on D are concerning, but, really, the offense is all Manning. What he did this year with Blair White and Jacob Tamme in there shows that all Manning needs is enough practice time with his WRs to get them up to speed on his timing. The whole offense is based on precision timing, and once new guys learn it, it's really plug-and-play.

Saturday's name up there is the only one on offense that could be an issue. Otherwise, as long as they have Manning, and Manning has healthy bodies to practice with, they'll be fine.

 

[higgins]

A couple of names on D are concerning, but, really, the offense is all Manning. What he did this year with Blair White and Jacob Tamme in there shows that all Manning needs is enough practice time with his WRs to get them up to speed on his timing. The whole offense is based on precision timing, and once new guys learn it, it's really plug-and-play. Saturday's name up there is the only one on offense that could be an issue. Otherwise, as long as they have Manning, and Manning has healthy bodies to practice with, they'll be fine.

 

[JohnnyU]

Manning and the Colts have always lacked the killer instinct. The Pats/Brady have it. All too often, the Colts are content to have Manning march them down the field, and then run the ball twice unsuccessfully, and then throw on 3rd and goal from the 8. Sometimes it leads to a TD, sometimes it doesn't, but when it doesn't they are forced to settle for field goals, and at the end of the game when you're in a nailbiter you wish you would've had TDs on those earlier opportunities. BB would have an F*** you mentality and unleash Manning (like he does with Brady) as possibly the greatest asset of all time, and score a far higher percentage of TDs in the redzone, and TDs as a percentage of total points scored, IMHO. The quandry of Manning is that he passes the eye test as the GOAT. Everyone watches him play and thinks, "this guy should have 8+ rings by now..." It may be unfair, but when he is SO MEDIOCRE in the playoffs (compared to the top 20 or so QBs ever), and compared to how he grades in the "eye test", he leaves much to be desired.

That's BS. Manning has more desire to win than anyone and he certainly had the killer look about him in the AFC Championship game against NE and NY.

 

[bigmiiiiike]

Manning and the Colts have always lacked the killer instinct. The Pats/Brady have it. All too often, the Colts are content to have Manning march them down the field, and then run the ball twice unsuccessfully, and then throw on 3rd and goal from the 8. Sometimes it leads to a TD, sometimes it doesn't, but when it doesn't they are forced to settle for field goals, and at the end of the game when you're in a nailbiter you wish you would've had TDs on those earlier opportunities. BB would have an F*** you mentality and unleash Manning (like he does with Brady) as possibly the greatest asset of all time, and score a far higher percentage of TDs in the redzone, and TDs as a percentage of total points scored, IMHO.

The quandry of Manning is that he passes the eye test as the GOAT. Everyone watches him play and thinks, "this guy should have 8+ rings by now..." It may be unfair, but when he is SO MEDIOCRE in the playoffs (compared to the top 20 or so QBs ever), and compared to how he grades in the "eye test", he leaves much to be desired.

That's BS. Manning has more desire to win than anyone and he certainly had the killer look about him in the AFC Championship game against NE and NY.

I'm not talking about desire to win. Or even "killer instinct" shining through in a couple of games. My point is that, in any sport, if you take a guy who "looks" (according to the eye test) like the greatest player of all time, he SHOULD have several championships and a dominant post-season resume. Of course, even with Manning and his mediocre playoff resume, there are MOMENTS where he is the absolute man, but it is not as systemic through and through as it should be. And I'm not 100% certain it's Manning's fault, I think Dungy (and now Caldwell), as much respect as he has, is soft and lacked the killer instinct, and I'm sure that rubs off on Peyton, or even if it doesn't "rub off", it constrains Peyton's abilities.

 

[DropKick]

Didn't most people sing this same song about NE after they got smacked in the playoffs at home against Baltimore last year?

I was thinking the same thing but thought we didn't need another Colts/Pats comparison.

 

[DropKick]

Not only will Peyton Manning be 35 in MarchOffenseReggie Wayne- 32 on 2011 opening day (turns 33 next season), signed through 2011.Dallas Clark- 32 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2013.Jeff Saturday- 36 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.Ryan Diem- 32 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011. DefenseDwight Freeney- 31 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2012.Robert Mathis- 30 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.Gary Brackett- 31 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2014. Bob Sanders- 30 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2012.

So, pursue Sidney Rice and/or DeAngelo Williams in free agency. Build the line and the defense through the draft... Win in shoot-outs. Great for fantasy numbers. I like it.Doesn't seem to fit the Colt's MO though. Isn't their preference to build from within?

 

[Bri]

Colts need to get a good defense and good DC. That plus Peyton will always be tough and keep the window of opportunity open

 

[NE_REVIVAL]

I think the 10 ton Ellephant in the room is what will Manning demand in his next contract?

I have always felt that had he taken a little less money, the Colts would have been able to surround him with a little more talent (on D anyway).

It is going to be very interesting to see whether or not he is willing to take a little less for himself in what might be his final contract in order to help ensure he has better players around him.

I know I will get bashed for this, but I think it is a fair point to bring up.

The guy has more money than he will ever be able to spend, does he finally take a little less and give his team more flexibility to sign some other players? Or does he take every dime he can possibly get? I think it will be the latter and not just because I hope that is what he does (better for NE to see Indy less of a threat), but I honestly think that is what he will do.

If I were him, with his money and at this stage of his career, I would be less concerned with money and more concerned about winning championships. I know some will strongly dissagree and thats fine, but there are players and people who feel exactly the same way I do.

Flame away, but I think it is a fair point.

 

[kyoun1e]

I think the 10 ton Ellephant in the room is what will Manning demand in his next contract? I have always felt that had he taken a little less money, the Colts would have been able to surround him with a little more talent (on D anyway).It is going to be very interesting to see whether or not he is willing to take a little less for himself in what might be his final contract in order to help ensure he has better players around him.I know I will get bashed for this, but I think it is a fair point to bring up.The guy has more money than he will ever be able to spend, does he finally take a little less and give his team more flexibility to sign some other players? Or does he take every dime he can possibly get? I think it will be the latter and not just because I hope that is what he does (better for NE to see Indy less of a threat), but I honestly think that is what he will do. If I were him, with his money and at this stage of his career, I would be less concerned with money and more concerned about winning championships. I know some will strongly dissagree and thats fine, but there are players and people who feel exactly the same way I do.Flame away, but I think it is a fair point.

Don't think Manning is the type.I think he's either bringing another bowl or two to this team or he's going down with the ship.KY

 

[Bri]

I think the 10 ton Ellephant in the room is what will Manning demand in his next contract? I have always felt that had he taken a little less money, the Colts would have been able to surround him with a little more talent (on D anyway).It is going to be very interesting to see whether or not he is willing to take a little less for himself in what might be his final contract in order to help ensure he has better players around him.I know I will get bashed for this, but I think it is a fair point to bring up.The guy has more money than he will ever be able to spend, does he finally take a little less and give his team more flexibility to sign some other players? Or does he take every dime he can possibly get? I think it will be the latter and not just because I hope that is what he does (better for NE to see Indy less of a threat), but I honestly think that is what he will do. If I were him, with his money and at this stage of his career, I would be less concerned with money and more concerned about winning championships. I know some will strongly dissagree and thats fine, but there are players and people who feel exactly the same way I do.Flame away, but I think it is a fair point.

I think this was solved in the last CBA. The cap total goes up every year so if Peyton makes 10% of their cap one year then it's probably 9% or 8% the next and so on.Dungy had a decent defense years ago when Sanders was healthy. The entire rest of Peyton's career the Colts have drafted poorly and signed free agents that didn't make a difference. In my opinion, it's just not that hard. If we did the pretend we're GM game like so many do- We could handpick several seasons (10?) and say "we're staying put on offense and only improving the defense." There's 11 starters on D and they get seven picks-->seven new players. Indianapolis isn't the hotspot that NYC is or whatever city, but I gotta believe there's plenty of guys that wouldn't mind playing opposite sir Peyton so they have to have a little pull in free agency. Ya know...they could sign the top two free agent CBs and I wonder if right there they wouldn't win a Supe. How could the opposition keep up with Peyton?From afar I see the same guys all the time so they don't really have trouble keeping people-maybe o-linemen but they draft well there. They are the first team ever (well that I can recall) two have two excellent DEs and stink on D. I'd swear they have had 100-150 different players play LB since Peyton started meanwhile most NFL teams find a good one and he plays til they have to sorta push him out the door like Bullock, Seau, Zach Thomas etc. At what point is Bob Sanders just plain stupid to keep around? I mean he can't be cheap and it seems the KR is in on more plays than him some years. And you said Peyton was overpaid- how about the other QBs. They are so done so possibly the worst team in football if Peyton doesn't do his iron man routine every year. Good for Sorgi-he's got a great gig but he might be the worst QB in the NFL, not even decent enough to play in the Arena league and we wouldn't know. In my opinion if Brett Favre, Joe Montana, you name the guy, barely played for six or seven years and was asked to suddenly start, they wouldn't be effective. I'm not saying bench Peyton but there's gotta be a point that his backup is just too dusty and they need a more fresh guy. If Kerry Collins isn't resigned by the Titans. Give him a mil to do nothing. At least if he is needed, he might be able to get it done. Feel free to replace KC every single year with some veteran about to retire. I'm rambling, sorry, but I want to go back to something-please name a defense with two excellent DEs that stunk. Well, I would fire their DC until they get someone that can do it and it may be the very next guy they hire. It's been that common throughout NFL history, it just can't be that hard to find someone who can get it done.

 

[Sinrman]

I absolutely agree with the OP. Their time is almost up. Players will be retiring soon on that team, and they are aging fast. Peyton will be around another... 4? 6 years? In the

next year or two, they need to figure out who his successor will be. They need to get younger on their O-line and at other positions. I would say younger and healthier on

D, too. Some players there are beasts, but get nicked up a lot.

 

[Driver]

Manning and the Colts have always lacked the killer instinct. The Pats/Brady have it. All too often, the Colts are content to have Manning march them down the field, and then run the ball twice unsuccessfully, and then throw on 3rd and goal from the 8. Sometimes it leads to a TD, sometimes it doesn't, but when it doesn't they are forced to settle for field goals, and at the end of the game when you're in a nailbiter you wish you would've had TDs on those earlier opportunities. BB would have an F*** you mentality and unleash Manning (like he does with Brady) as possibly the greatest asset of all time, and score a far higher percentage of TDs in the redzone, and TDs as a percentage of total points scored, IMHO.

The quandry of Manning is that he passes the eye test as the GOAT. Everyone watches him play and thinks, "this guy should have 8+ rings by now..." It may be unfair, but when he is SO MEDIOCRE in the playoffs (compared to the top 20 or so QBs ever), and compared to how he grades in the "eye test", he leaves much to be desired.

That's BS. Manning has more desire to win than anyone and he certainly had the killer look about him in the AFC Championship game against NE and NY.

I'm not talking about desire to win. Or even "killer instinct" shining through in a couple of games. My point is that, in any sport, if you take a guy who "looks" (according to the eye test) like the greatest player of all time, he SHOULD have several championships and a dominant post-season resume. Of course, even with Manning and his mediocre playoff resume, there are MOMENTS where he is the absolute man, but it is not as systemic through and through as it should be. And I'm not 100% certain it's Manning's fault, I think Dungy (and now Caldwell), as much respect as he has, is soft and lacked the killer instinct, and I'm sure that rubs off on Peyton, or even if it doesn't "rub off", it constrains Peyton's abilities.

Peyton Manning has achieved the highest level of respect, which is deserved IMO, and he is on track to have the best QB statistics of all time.That being said, I've always distinguished between being a "statistical producer" in any sport -- and a "clutch performer." The clutch performers rise to the occasion and play their best in the biggest games of their careers. In pro football, the biggest games are the playoffs.

Peyton just completed his 13th season, and his team has made the playoffs in 11 of those seasons. Here are the playoff records for 13 QBs who played in many playoff games (in the first 13 seasons of their careers):

Bradshaw: 15-4 (in 13 seasons) -- won 4 SuperBowls

Brady: 14-4 (in 11 seasons) -- won 2 SuperBowls

Montana: 13-5 (in 13 seasons) -- won 4 SuperBowls

Aikman: 11-4 (in 12 seasons) -- won 3 SuperBowls

Warner: 9-4 (in 12 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowl

Staubach: 11-6 (in 11 seasons) -- won 2 SuperBowls

Stabler: 7-5 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowl

Favre: 11-8 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowl

McNabb: 9-7 (in 12 seasons)

Griese: 6-5 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowl

Kelly: 9-8 (in 11 seasons)

P. Manning: 9-10 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowl

Marino: 6-7 (in 13 seasons)

Of these QBs, only Manning and Marino have losing records in playoff games. Even McNabb and Kelly have winning records.

Apologists can come up with all kinds of excuses -- he didn't have a strong team around him, he didn't have the right coach, he has more desire to win than anybody, his team had critical injuries at the wrong time, etc.

For me, the bottom line is simple: "Did you win the biggest games of your career?" The answer to that question is what determines a player's legacy. Statistical records are nice, but GOAT should be determined based on being a clutch performer and winning championships, IMO. According to that criteria, Manning is not currently in the top 5.

In the 11 years that the Colts have made the playoffs with Manning, they lost their 1st playoff game in 7 of those years. In Manning's 10 playoff losses, the Colts scored an average of only 14.2 points. With Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, etc. Come on!

Why doesn't Manning have a better record in the biggest games of his career? Bottom line -- he's just not good enough to win the biggest games, time after time, when he has the opportunity to do so. Playoff games and championships are won when the best players make fantastic plays and carry their teams on their shoulders to the trophy. I'm not saying the victory over Chicago to win the SuperBowl was a fluke. He led his team to a single SB victory just like Stabler, Griese, Warner and many others did.

Peyton just hasn't risen to the occasion nearly ENOUGH. Not like Montana, Bradshaw, Aikman or even Brady. Manning's career is far from over. But so far, he's not in the same class as the most-clutch performers at the QB position.

 

[Shutout]

I am not a huge Manning or Colts fan, but I've come around on the fact that as long as Manning is healthy, this team "can" compete for a SuperBowl every season. With the injuries they had this season, any other QB (maybe not Brady) would have been lucky to get that team to .500.Enjoy it now Colts fans; Manning won't play forever, but if he suits up for another 3-5 years, you'll probably be in the hunt every year.

That's it. As long as #18 is there, there is a legit chance. Look at the NFL and the teams that do well in the playoffs or are still alive in the playoffs: this is a QB-driven league and Manning is top 5 alltime no matter how you slice it.Saying Manning isn't great in the playoffs should be taken with a grain of salt. How many times did they get beaten by the team that eventually won the SuperBowl. they have kind of been the New York Knicks to the Bulls; unfortunately playing at a time when the Patriots, Steelers, etc have had perenially great teams.Injuries devastated them this year. Sanders is as good as gone.Some of their 1st round draft picks aren't pro-bowlers but some are...let's not crucify Pollian..The team has done ok and some of their "other" draft picks have produced (collie, Angerer, Hayden, Lacey, Tamme).It takes a team to win and few teams lost as many starters as the Colts did this year. It actually makes me appreciate the team more because few teams in the league can take the hits they did and even remotely remain in contention for a division. But the colts did. And yes, in the last two seasons, the Patriots have been all but had their eulogy read...the defense is done...Moss can't be replaced...etc, etc. And here they are today as probably the favorites to win the SuperBowl. Great QBs make all the difference in the NFL and Manning is one of them. IF there is a season next year and all these guys stay healthy, I would not be surpised at all if the colts start out 7-1 or 6-2 and simply do it again. All the "sky is falling' talk is for people with no long-term memory, people looking at numbers and assuming guys are going to turn 50 overnight. How old was Randy Moss when he set the TD in a single season record? I think the Colts easily have a couple of good contending years left in them if they maintain their health and 2-3 years is an eternity in the NFL.

 

[kyoun1e]

Bradshaw: 15-4 (in 13 seasons) -- won 4 SuperBowlsBrady: 14-4 (in 11 seasons) -- won 2 SuperBowlsMontana: 13-5 (in 13 seasons) -- won 4 SuperBowlsAikman: 11-4 (in 12 seasons) -- won 3 SuperBowlsWarner: 9-4 (in 12 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowlStaubach: 11-6 (in 11 seasons) -- won 2 SuperBowlsStabler: 7-5 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowlFavre: 11-8 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowlMcNabb: 9-7 (in 12 seasons)Griese: 6-5 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowlKelly: 9-8 (in 11 seasons)P. Manning: 9-10 (in 13 seasons) -- won 1 SuperBowlMarino: 6-7 (in 13 seasons)

Exhibit A of why I think Manning has some work to do...in terms of playoff victories and super bowl wins -- in order to in the Montana/Brady tier vs. the Favre tier.KY

 

[vandyt]

I think the fault comes to the gm and staff. They simply have drafted poorly for the last several years. How much better would the Colts have been this year with Roger Saffold as compared to Jerry Hughes?

One example and the easy one but the Colts have not given PM the pieces to be a championship team. I think the one SB win was inspite of the talent around him, not because of it.



Reggie Wayne has been talking all year about a new contract. Give it to him. Sign NA to be your shutdown CB. Trade your 1st next year for a 2nd this year. Draft OL, WR, WR. Make your run now Colts. The window is shut without some big moves. You still have the most important piece.

We've found Dan Snyder's FBG alias.

 

[az_prof]

Op is right. Except I think the door has slammed shut. Colts need to begin rebuilding. Manning is not good enough at this stage of his career to carry the team. The OL is really bad at run blocking. Lots of leaders on both sides of the ball who are aging.

 

[Maroney=Speed]

Not only will Peyton Manning be 35 in MarchOffenseReggie Wayne- 32 on 2011 opening day (turns 33 next season), signed through 2011.Dallas Clark- 32 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2013.Jeff Saturday- 36 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.Ryan Diem- 32 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011. DefenseDwight Freeney- 31 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2012.Robert Mathis- 30 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2011.Gary Brackett- 31 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2014. Bob Sanders- 30 on 2011 opening day, signed through 2012.

I feel a draft, please shut the window. Hope that helps.

 

[TheWheel]

Honestly, Peyton Manning might play another decade. He hasn't been hit all to much and has absolutely no history of injury. If he was smart he'd be happy with his riches and take the minimum. As long as he is there they can win. The older he gets though, the more he needs a running game. The guy could manage an offense until his arm falls off. Their defense is really, truly tailored to second half running production to eat the clock and increase the opponents desperation. And injuries have totally killed that defense. Along with, of course, the cover 2 defense. They do not have the defensive personnel in the meat of the line that the cover 2 benefits from. You really need a dominate tackle like Warren Sapp to stop the run and pressure the passer.