44 replies to this topic

[Playoffs2013]

If andy luck gets us to the playoffs ( not saying he will but....) we should throw a parade and rename 12/12/13 Andrew luck day because our team is 20x weaker then that bengals team of last year

[John Doe]

If the Colts make the playoffs, I think Luck will be the first person to attribute it to the team's efforts (including the coaching staff), and decline any special honor that singles him out. I am basing this off of interviews I have seen of him.

[Superman]

Our roster isn't as bad as advertised, especially not after the draft.

[ruksak]

'Next year' is the new 'this year'.

You meant next season, as in the coming season, right?

[HyToCrItE]

Our roster isn't as bad as advertised, especially not after the draft.

I agree with this. Many mainstream pundits have predicted 2 or 3 wins for us next year and the #1 pick in the 2013 draft. I think we will beat that, but it isn't just a question of talent. We have new coaches and we will have a lot of rookies and 2nd year guys. Everybody will be learning a new playbook (on both sides of the ball). It will be rough at first... I don't expect Bengals-like success this year, but I don't think we will be as bad as MIN or MIA. heck, we might even win more than JAX.

[Smonroe]

Our roster isn't as bad as advertised, especially not after the draft.

I agree. I keep hearing that Luck will be with a team that's worse than the Peyton 3-13 rookie season. I do agree that he'll make rookie mistakes, we have to expect that.

My real concern is that our O-line and coaches protect him. I don't mind if he breaks Peyton's rookie interception record, I just don't want him to break David Carr's sack record.

[Superman]

I agree with this. Many mainstream pundits have predicted 2 or 3 wins for us next year and the #1 pick in the 2013 draft. I think we will beat that, but it isn't just a question of talent. We have new coaches and we will have a lot of rookies and 2nd year guys. Everybody will be learning a new playbook (on both sides of the ball). It will be rough at first... I don't expect Bengals-like success this year, but I don't think we will be as bad as MIN or MIA. heck, we might even win more than JAX.

Only classically mismanaged teams hit bottom and take several years to pull themselves out. I wouldn't be surprised if we only win 4 games this season, given our youth, rookie quarterback, and rookie head coach. But I also wouldn't be surprised if we only win 8 games this season, given how many close games we played with over-ripe vets, terrible quarterbacking and terrible coaching.

I keep going back to a team that suffered from some bad decision-making and bad management, but rebounded with a rookie GM, head coach and quarterback: the 2008 Falcons. It's highly unlikely that we go 11-5, but we don't have to wallow in mediocrity for three seasons like people keep saying we do. I wouldn't mind another 4 win season and a top five draft pick, honestly, but I don't think we're destined for that the way others claim we are.

I agree. I keep hearing that Luck will be with a team that's worse than the Peyton 3-13 rookie season. I do agree that he'll make rookie mistakes, we have to expect that.

My real concern is that our O-line and coaches protect him. I don't mind if he breaks Peyton's rookie interception record, I just don't want him to break David Carr's sack record.

I don't think there's any reasonable likelihood of either. I think he'll be a lot more careful with the ball as a rookie than Manning was. And I think our offensive line is better than it was two years ago. No one will have Manning's ability to avoid sacks, but Luck is significantly more mobile than Manning was. And if Manning was able to avoid being sacked on all but 16 of his 695 drop backs in 2010 (2.3%), I don't see any way that Luck goes down more than 40 times. And that's being generous. Carr got sacked on 14.6% of his 520 drop backs in his rookie year. That's just an inordinate number of sacks, even for a bad offensive line and a bad quarterback.

[Andy]

There are a lot of holes, especially on D, but if Pagano can really turn it around there is a chance at the playoffs. I just don't he'll do that in one year. Plus, you have to keep in mind that Luck is still a rookie, no matter how hyped up he is and how good he is, he is still a rookie.

15% chance at the playoffs next year, imo.

[Superman]

There are a lot of holes, especially on D, but if Pagano can really turn it around there is a chance at the playoffs. I just don't he'll do that in one year. Plus, you have to keep in mind that Luck is still a rookie, no matter how hyped up he is and how good he is, he is still a rookie.

15% chance at the playoffs next year, imo.

Matt Ryan's numbers as a rookie were 3500 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions. I hate to keep bringing him and the Falcons up, but it's very possible for Luck to come out and have a respectable year as a rookie. He doesn't have to throw 25 interceptions. It helped that the Falcons had Michael Turner pacing the offense, of course. We don't have anyone that we can expect to turn in that kind of performance. But I also don't expect us to win 11 games.

[Andy]

Matt Ryan's numbers as a rookie were 3500 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions. I hate to keep bringing him and the Falcons up, but it's very possible for Luck to come out and have a respectable year as a rookie. He doesn't have to throw 25 interceptions. It helped that the Falcons had Michael Turner pacing the offense, of course. We don't have anyone that we can expect to turn in that kind of performance. But I also don't expect us to win 11 games.

I never said he would have a bad year, I'm just saying don't expect a top 10 QB type season, b/c he's a rookie. If the Colts use him right, he'll do nicely. Just don't expect big numbers is what I'm saying.

[Malakai432]

20 times weaker than the Bengals? I didn't think that was possible.......

[buccolts]

Matt Ryan's numbers as a rookie were 3500 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 interceptions. I hate to keep bringing him and the Falcons up, but it's very possible for Luck to come out and have a respectable year as a rookie. He doesn't have to throw 25 interceptions. It helped that the Falcons had Michael Turner pacing the offense, of course. We don't have anyone that we can expect to turn in that kind of performance. But I also don't expect us to win 11 games.

If the Colts can figure it out before the others figure us out, we'll be O.K. this year.

[DG1]

I am still waiting for this year (season) to show up.

[unitaswestand]

Our roster isn't as bad as advertised, especially not after the draft.

I am glad you said that. The team of last year had most of the starters from the last Super Bowl. A competent QB is what was missing. Sure, besides Manning we lost some good players, but it is arguable we had better players in every position to replace them (not Manning). So with the free agents we signed and the draft, this is a far better team then what credit is being given.

[betheafan41]

to be honest, i dont think the colts will be as bad as some are projecting them to be. although i would not mind another top 5 pick in next years draft inorder to draft honey badger mathieu from LSU to go in the defensive backfield but i dont think they will get a top 5 pick. 6 or 7 wins next year is what im thinking. maybe even avoid getting swept by divisional teams. the only thing keeping the colts from getting a winning season next year is the colts being a young team and the brutal schedule they have.

[Warhorse]

Well, tomorrow we find out the schedule. Then we can discuss that.

[MAC]

Assuming that we get competent QB play, the oline continues to improve, and the reshaping of the defense doesn't hit some dramatic glitches, I would expect the Colts to be "in" an awful lot of games. It's that getting over the top - learning how to win - closing out without the defense collapsing from exhaustion part that's tricky. QB growing pains is obviously the most important part. As bad as last year was, I'm convinced that we still would have made the playoffs with Peyton. The question now is whether Luck is going to find ways to win games like Peyton did, or find ways to lose games like last years delightful crew. Common sense suggests that there will be a little bit of both. The long term good of the team would benefit more from 14 or so exiting "near misses", and more high draft picks the following year. Overachieving early with a rebuilding team doesn't help you much over the long haul.

[Dtman513]

There are a lot of holes, especially on D, but if Pagano can really turn it around there is a chance at the playoffs. I just don't he'll do that in one year. Plus, you have to keep in mind that Luck is still a rookie, no matter how hyped up he is and how good he is, he is still a rookie.

15% chance at the playoffs next year, imo.

Hopefully Pagano can make our defense become relevant. As for Luck, he needs some weapons and his rookie season is expected to be rocky....

50% chance of the playoffs.......Either it happens or it doesn't

[John Dee]

There are a lot of holes, especially on D, but if Pagano can really turn it around there is a chance at the playoffs. I just don't he'll do that in one year. Plus, you have to keep in mind that Luck is still a rookie, no matter how hyped up he is and how good he is, he is still a rookie.

15% chance at the playoffs next year, imo.

Canadian? Right?

In the NFL.. GREAT "QB" play or great "D" WINS...... and wins BIG.

The Colts will be getting "great" QB play next season. Add some D... Indy will be dare I say a ............................................................................... "MONSTER" ??

[John Dee]

Hopefully Pagano can make our defense become relevant. As for Luck, he needs some weapons and his rookie season is expected to be rocky....

50% chance of the playoffs.......Either it happens or it doesn't

How many did dude need at Stanford? 3 TE's? And a couple AAmerican OL men? No WR talent?


hmmmm..

[funktacious2]

I don't know why so many people don't think we can be much better this year. Most of the players lost in Free Agency or were cut hardly played last season. We may not look like it on paper, but after the draft we should be a better looking team than last year. I see us winning 4-8 games next year, and we have some pretty tough games next year. (especially our away games...) My only concern is the offense. I'm already putting a lot of faith that the defense can turn it around and show some energy, but unless the draft proves otherwise, our offense is a prime example of looking bad on paper. xD

[Gavin]

I am glad you said that. The team of last year had most of the starters from the last Super Bowl. A competent QB is what was missing. Sure, besides Manning we lost some good players, but it is arguable we had better players in every position to replace them (not Manning). So with the free agents we signed and the draft, this is a far better team then what credit is being given.

we actually had a competant quarterback in Dan Orlovsky, if we would have played him from day one their is no way we would even have a chance at Luck, its very possible we could have been a playoff team with him

[GoColts8818]

we actually had a competant quarterback in Dan Orlovsky, if we would have played him from day one their is no way we would even have a chance at Luck, its very possible we could have been a playoff team with him

I doubt that. Remeber that "competant" QB couldn't do anything vs. the Jags in the last game of the season either. We might have won a couple more games with Orlovsky and taken us out of the Luck race but I really doubt we sniffed the playoffs even with Orlovsky.

[John Dee]

I never said he would have a bad year, I'm just saying don't expect a top 10 QB type season, b/c he's a rookie. If the Colts use him right, he'll do nicely. Just don't expect big numbers is what I'm saying.

Andy... Indy has the best QB in the last 25 years.

Watch and learn. OK....

[Gavin]

I doubt that. Remeber that "competant" QB couldn't do anything vs. the Jags in the last game of the season either. We might have won a couple more games with Orlovsky and taken us out of the Luck race but I really doubt we sniffed the playoffs even with Orlovsky.

Maybe not made the playoffs but through no fault of his, our offensive line was busted and terrible last year, he can start on some teams in this league

[GoColts8818]

Maybe not made the playoffs but through no fault of his, our offensive line was busted and terrible last year, he can start on some teams in this league

Well clearly QB wasn't our only problem last year I don't think anyone is going to argue that. In fact I think last year just made Peyton Manning look that much better because he took pretty much the same team and got them into the playoffs the year before that. It's pretty clear last year's team was just not good. Orvlosky is a decent QB, but is your run of the mill back up QB/starter in this league much like a Charlie Batch.

[Gavin]

17 @JAC L 13-19 27 40 67.5 264 6.6 1 2 3 22 73.3 1 7 7.0 0 2

Orlovsky did a decent job that final game on one of those interceptions right before halftime he got hit right as he threw, would've like his passer rating to up in that game but 264 yards is pretty good especially considering the offensive line problems 27-40 is pretty good to

[Smitto]

I agree. I keep hearing that Luck will be with a team that's worse than the Peyton 3-13 rookie season. I do agree that he'll make rookie mistakes, we have to expect that.

My real concern is that our O-line and coaches protect him. I don't mind if he breaks Peyton's rookie interception record, I just don't want him to break David Carr's sack record.

I've heard the exact opposite, Luck will inherit a much better team than Peyton... one side ppl will be surprised of is the defense... the 3-4 could be just what brings someone like freeney near an LT status and Mathis right at the top.

[Smonroe]

I've heard the exact opposite, Luck will inherit a much better team than Peyton... one side ppl will be surprised of is the defense... the 3-4 could be just what brings someone like freeney near an LT status and Mathis right at the top.

I hope you're right. I don't expect a Houston type of turn around, where they went from one of the worst D's in the league to one of the best when they switched to a 3-4. But I won't be surprised if we're middle of the pack.

[schwamm]

17 @JAC L 13-19 27 40 67.5 264 6.6 1 2 3 22 73.3 1 7 7.0 0 2

Orlovsky did a decent job that final game on one of those interceptions right before halftime he got hit right as he threw, would've like his passer rating to up in that game but 264 yards is pretty good especially considering the offensive line problems 27-40 is pretty good to

He showed signs of being passable last year, but let's not get carried away... Before we go building him up too much, remind me again, what was his record as an NFL starter before last year? What is it now? There was a point last year where DanO had a real shot at being the only QB in history to start for 2 different 0-16 teams. I am grateful he helped the Colts pull out a couple wins last year, but if he's starter material, he's bottom of the barrel.

[KarlKuffs]

Our roster isn't as bad as advertised, especially not after the draft.

Agreed. It's not even possible for us to be worse this year than we were last year at QB, OL, DT, CB & S.

[OZOC01]

I agree with this. Many mainstream pundits have predicted 2 or 3 wins for us next year and the #1 pick in the 2013 draft. I think we will beat that, but it isn't just a question of talent. We have new coaches and we will have a lot of rookies and 2nd year guys. Everybody will be learning a new playbook (on both sides of the ball). It will be rough at first... I don't expect Bengals-like success this year, but I don't think we will be as bad as MIN or MIA. heck, we might even win more than JAX.

Also, one benefit of only winning 2 games last season is that we will have a last place schedule. That alone will give us more than three wins.

[Smitto]

I hope you're right. I don't expect a Houston type of turn around, where they went from one of the worst D's in the league to one of the best when they switched to a 3-4. But I won't be surprised if we're middle of the pack.

I hope I'm right as well but if the colts do get that really good NT or Poe I can see the defense being really successful.... not to mention the Oline as well... I really can't remember the last time the colts actually had this much TALENT and not just bodies on the Oline.... they just need to play and practice on the same page.

[schwamm]

I hope I'm right as well but if the colts do get that really good NT or Poe I can see the defense being really successful.... not to mention the Oline as well... I really can't remember the last time the colts actually had this much TALENT and not just bodies on the Oline.... they just need to play and practice on the same page.

I agree, and am chomping at the bit to see how this new OLine comes together in preseason. Part of me thinks DBrown will shock the world if this OLine gels well.

[Smitto]

I agree, and am chomping at the bit to see how this new OLine comes together in preseason. Part of me thinks DBrown will shock the world if this OLine gels well.

Yep yep, if Carter can hold on to the ball no telling what he would be able to do not to mention that he's basically unknown around the league. Donald is gonna have a stellar year this year, Pagano doesn't seem like the guy who's into the whole committee back thing too much.

[Superman]

Well clearly QB wasn't our only problem last year I don't think anyone is going to argue that. In fact I think last year just made Peyton Manning look that much better because he took pretty much the same team and got them into the playoffs the year before that. It's pretty clear last year's team was just not good. Orvlosky is a decent QB, but is your run of the mill back up QB/starter in this league much like a Charlie Batch.

Lots of issues aside from quarterback, but honestly, not too many of them aren't fixable in short order. The offensive line was young, and suffered a lot of injuries. We've added two veterans who should help right away, plus our two 2011 draft picks look like they'll be the real deal. I don't expect us to have the best line in the game, but it should be better than 2010 and 2011, that's for sure.

The issues with the defense and the secondary will get better immediately just by changing what we do on defense. The iteration of Cover 2 that we were running most of last season was a disaster, to put it mildly. That's gone. We also had several injuries in the middle of the defensive line last year, and with health and our additions in free agency, we should be better there also. And we still have draft picks coming in that should help.

And we lost a lot of games last year. Got blown out in a few. But we lost seven games by eight points or less (one score), if you include the Patriots game. There were three more we lost by between 10-14 points. We weren't good, not by any stretch of the imagination. But I firmly believe that, with better coaching and better quarterbacking, we could have avoiding starting 0-13.

Give me better quarterbacking and better coaching, along with a sprinkling of better health, and that's going to go a long way toward adding some competitiveness, and hopefully some wins. Even if it doesn't result in wins, I don't think we're doomed to be 2-14 again, the way most people talk about us.

[MAC]

Canadian? Right?

In the NFL.. GREAT "QB" play or great "D" WINS...... and wins BIG.

The Colts will be getting "great" QB play next season. Add some D... Indy will be dare I say a ............................................................................... "MONSTER" ??

Andy... Indy has the best QB in the last 25 years.

Watch and learn. OK....

I keep looking for smiley faces without success. Amongst other things, you're explaining "American" football to Andy? Why not explain it to 21isSuperman as well, I don't think that they've perfected hooking tv or internet up to their igloos yet.

[MAC]

Maybe not made the playoffs but through no fault of his, our offensive line was busted and terrible last year, he can start on some teams in this league

Our offensive line was dramatically better than the previous year, when only an incredible string of injuries kept us from advancing deep in the playoffs. Orlovsky actually had a running game, which he made full use of.

The best thing that you can say about Orlovsky is that he didn't crack under pressure like Painter did, or collapse repeatedly in a heap like Collins did. In comparison to them he almost looked adequate. In comparison to 30-40 other QBs he did not.

[dgambill]

Where did this influx of talent come from? Did I miss some signings? I mean when did taking other teams throw aways and backups make us better? We down graded at WR, C, RB, TE. The OL is much the same except a number of backups and toss aways from other teams. We added one aging DT that has underachieved his whole career and will no longer benefit from playing with the best NT, LBs, and overall defense in the league. A saftey that didn't play much. We will upgrade at qb but he is still a rookie with few weapons. I love the Colts and I can see us winning more games with better coaching and hopefully building some confidence and string some games together (like we got after winning a game) but where are we better? We can/should be competitive but I wouldn't say we are favorites in any games next year outside maybe Minnesota and perhaps Cleveland. (who we lost to) 5 or 6 wins and I would be THRILLED. Expecting 4. Less I would be disappointed.

[Timo1]

The Falcons are my 2nd favorite team going back to the late 80's. I see alot of the early Peyton years in the Falcons. Great regular seasons with early exits in the playoffs. A QB that could win the big game. A dome team called soft. When they figure out the playoffs the Falcons will be a SB team for years. The bad thing is Like the Colts having to beat The Pats and Steelers to reach the Superbowl the Falcons will have to beat the Packers, Saints, and Giants.