Bill Polian on Free Agency: Nice article in Indy Star.

[Modern]

The evidence is there. Go look at all of Polians drafts with the Colts, look at how the team fell apart when Manning went down. Polian was busy drafting the worst corners in the NFL, random tight ends and linebackers who disappeared after their rookie contracts expired.

Look at all the 1st round picks he made that flat out sucked.

He swung and missed on both Addai and Brown with 1st round picks. Gonzo ... Jerry Hughes ..... Tony Ugoh .....

Marlin Jackson ......

Dont drink the Koolaid..... Those executive of the year awards he received while in Indy should have been given to Peyton with his MVP awards because he was earning both.

Polian found some great players, and he found a ton of busts. He managed to build one team that won a Superbowl.

Go find a GM that won multiple Superbowls and ask if he would trade them for executive of the year awards.

[pacolts56]

Polian may have won 4 executive of the year awards but he only got one Lombardi trophy.

I never had everybody over for an executive of the year party ..... Just sayin

In all fairness, a successfully returned fumble recovery (Nick Harper) and a successfully executed 3rd and 2 (versus San Diego)....and the Polian-era Colts would have had perhaps 3 Super Bowl wins, and this grenade toss of a thread wouldn't be happening.....I think.

 

However, it's also a fair criticism to say that Bill Polian built an entire super-structure based upon a "pass-first, gain the lead, protect the lead" approach that, to the good side, produced a very potent offense and perennial playoff appearances....but at the same time cost so much to assemble and maintain, that in the absence of flawless drafting and/or successful free agency signings, left exploitable weaknesses when playoff time rolled around.

 

With little room for error against well-coached and often more physical playoff opposition....a handful of plays illustrating those weaknesses were the difference between 1 Lombardi trophy and very possibly 3.

 

There's nothing new about this theory.....but there were also plenty of flubs not only by Polian but also the coaches and the player's execution on the field to spread the blame around.

 

I realize Bill Polian has the personality and disposition of a rhinoceros with hemorrhoids....but IMO, laying too much blame on him for our playoff failures is pretty unreasonable. We were good enough and close enough to win those 3 Lombardis.

 

It was the players and coaches who failed.

[BrentMc11]

I did not start the thread for a debate on Polian.  I started the thread for the article.

 

Sorry if this has turned into a debacle...was not my intention

[Modern]

This isnt a debacle. Polian voiced an opinion in the article and people posted their opinion of him here. Just some good healthy debate and difference of opinions. This place would be boring if everyone stayed 100% on topic and all shared the same opinions.

[BrentMc11]

This isnt a debacle. Polian voiced an opinion in the article and people posted their opinion of him here. Just some good healthy debate and difference of opinions. This place would be boring if everyone stayed 100% on topic and all shared the same opinions.

I agree Modern....we just have had a million debates on Polian....and for some of us old timers...kinda gets old.  And I love debates...and good natured ribbing too

[Jaric]

Bill Polian has decided that this discussion was not the goal, it was never the goal, so from now on Curtis Painter will be taking over running this thread.

[BrentMc11]

Bill Polian has decided that this discussion was not the goal, it was never the goal, so from now on Curtis Painter will be taking over running this thread.

Ouch...is that better or worse than Chris?

[Jaric]

Ouch...is that better or worse than Chris?

Well, it's not possible to be worse than Chris so we'll go with better by default.

FYI: those of you with arbitrary posting goals will still be allowed to continue posting until your arbitrary milestone has been reached because in this thread we value meaningless milestones over NFL immortality. However, once your milestone has been reached we're sending in Curtis Painter.

[Superman]

Polian is getting harder and harder to take seriously. His top rated free agent running back is Donald Brown, and his top rated safety is Antoine Bethea.