Looking Ahead to Next Season: Colts and Titans

by MonkeyBusiness on Dec 7, 2008 7:57 PM EST Comment 42 comments

With the Titans clinching of an AFC South championship thanks to a win over the moribund Browns, I thought I'd take a look and see how the two teams' schedules will look for next season. The AFC South draws the AFC East and the NFC West next season.

Colts
Home: TEN, HOU, JAX, NE, NYJ, SF, SEA, SD
Away: TEN, HOU, JAX, BUF, MIA, ARI, STL, BAL

Titans
Home: IND, HOU, JAX, BUF, MIA, ARI, STL, DEN
Away: IND, HOU, JAX, NE, NYJ, SF, SEA, PIT

The Colts definitely have a more favorable schedule. They get the Patriots, Jets, and San Diego at home, and may only face real road challenges in Buffalo (depending on the timing), Arizona, and Baltimore. However, Baltimore has a tendency to be up one year and down another. This year seems to be an up year and the Colts always play best against them, so that might be more lopsided than predicted. Also, the jury is still out on Arizona, who could be worse than advertised next season.

The Titans draw away games at New England, New York, and Pittsburgh, and take long trips to San Francisco and Seattle.

The Colts will play likely Divisional champs TEN, NYJ, and ARI. However, it's very easy to predict that NE and SD could regain their Divisional crowns next season.

The Titans will play likely Divisional champs ARI, DEN, NYJ, and PIT. However, they draw the Colts twice and NE.

My Predictions: Colts go 13-3 with an AFC South championship. Titans go 10-6 and barely miss the playoffs.

My Reason: This season has shown that the Colts are a tough, resiliant organization, and similar to 2007 I predict the Colts will come back with a vengeance and start destroying teams, especially divisional rivals, again. Injured players will get healthy, another stellar draft class will offer their services, and the Colts will continue to just win. It's hard to predict which games the Colts will lose; the AFC South is not an easy division, but we draw our hardest games at home. Still, in bad weather it's possible to knock us around.

The Titans are due for a big regression. Prior to stomping on the head of Andre Gurode, no one had heard of Albert Haynesworth. Now he's an unstoppable defensive force, who is once again in a contract year. The Titans will be faced with the unenviable position of giving him a big money long term contract, which will kill his work ethic and desire to play like a man possessed, or lose his services and let him go elsewhere. Moreover, they have a real problem at quarterback. Kerry Collins is no spring chicken, but Vince Young has not shown the maturity or ability to lead a franchise yet. In a best case scenario, Collins stays around another year or two as a starter and mentor to VY before retiring, and the Titans are forced to give him a starter-level contract or franchise him for two years. Worst case scenario: Collins goes elsewhere, Vince Young gets cut, and the Titans hope to replicate the success of Atlanta and Baltimore with Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco.

So, what's everyone's thoughts?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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I think your insane.

by Shainoc on Dec 7, 2008 9:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

What are you talking about?

I predict the Colts will come back with a vengeance and start destroying teams, especially divisional rivals, again.

Since October 5th you have two squeaker wins against the Texans and one loss to the Titans. You have not destroyed a single divisional rival all year. You’re running out of time for your prediction to come true!

As for the Titans regression. Not likely.

We’re a young stable team. We have excellent offensive and defensive lines, a top flight secondary, and a solid linebacking corps. We may lose Haynesworth and Bulluck won’t have many seasons left, so we need to address DT and OLB, and could use more depth at CB.

On offense, we have an outstanding O-Line and a solid running back duo. Any half decent QB could run this offense. We continue to be below average on WR but since we have our O-line and running games shored up this is something we can address in the offseason. Our TE situation is excellent with Scaife, Crumpler and Stevens.

It will be interesting to see how things shake out at the QB position, (Is it Young, Simms, Collins, etc? Who knows?) but unlike the Colts, our team is not overly dependent on the QB position.

Where your analysis is wrong is that you think the Colts will improve, while the Titans will get worse. The Colts are a team that are at the end of their window. Salary cap issues will force start to force some tough personnel decisions and Peyton’s play will taper off as he ages.

The Colts may still be decent next year, but the Division will remain ours. In fact, I believe that 2nd place in the AFC South is anybody’s game next season.

by BeansCarter on Dec 7, 2008 9:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't see it

The Colts being at the “end of their window”. I actually think the Colts are the second youngest team in the league (plus or minus a little, been a little while since I heard that stat quoted). It has been this way the past few years actually. All the key cogs to the team have been tied down. It’s a talented veteran core surrounded by young role-players.
As for Peyton’s play tapering off, lol, well I guess if my team was in the same division as one with an opposing QB like Peyton, I would be hoping for that too. But I think you are crazy for thinking that. He’s in his early thirties still, and leading as many late comebacks as ever before.

by yellowsnow on Dec 7, 2008 10:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

As for "leading late comebacks"

He’s done it a couple of times this year. Don’t let the “legend” of Peyton Manning cloud your memory.

Peyton is still a great Quarterback. I am not saying otherwise. He is a deserving Hall-of-Famer. But he is at the age where play starts to deteriorate. Whereas in the past the entire franchise could be Peyton and his receivers, this will inevitably change.

Your window is not closing because your team is old. Your window is closing because Dungy is leaving, Marvin Harrison is done, and you have a number of expensive veteran guys. But never mind the cap management issues for a second. Dungy’s departure will lead to an adjustment period that will make next year a challenge. Like I said, Colts will not be bad, it’s just that you have already peaked as a franchise and are slowly declining.

by BeansCarter on Dec 7, 2008 10:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Dungy

My understanding (and I believe this was something discussed here earlier) is that Caldwell has already assumed a vast amount of the head coaching duties, in the anticipation of Coach Dungy’s eventual retirement. With any head coaching change there will be an adjustment period but the Colts have been planning for Dungy’s retirement since last season and there is no way Polian would let the talent on this team sit in limbo as a new coach gets used to the big seat.

by burc on Dec 7, 2008 11:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Burk

See Beans, you forget the one constant in terms of this teams talent pool Bill Polian, one of the greatest GM’s of all time and probably the best GM in football right now. This guy knows how to find talent and knows how to replace it. Dont believe me? just look at his track record from his years in Buffalo till now with the Colts.

As for Peyton Deteriorating, Illl ditto what Shake said; your timetable is way off. Manning will reach the end when he gets to the age 40 or slightly less at the age of 38 or 39. The end isnt near for Peyton, not for another 6-7 years.

by metal_militia on Dec 8, 2008 1:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and I forgot to mention

Polian can handle the salary a hell of a lot better than Floyd Reese.

by metal_militia on Dec 8, 2008 1:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What?!?!?

Without having hit the Quarterback Jackpot in Peyton Manning, your Colts would have had a hard time finishing above .500 in any of the last ten years. Greatest GM of all time? Doubtful.

by BeansCarter on Dec 8, 2008 7:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Polian would have found someone else

That is just a dumb statement that they wouldn’t have been able to finish above .500 in the last ten years.

by yellowsnow on Dec 8, 2008 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, when you look at some of the current QBs in the NFL who could have been drafted instead of Manning, you get a decent crop. Actually, you could have your pick of just about any of the starting QBs in the NFL right now, save Favre.

So realistically, the Colts would need just one bad season to pick up another Franchise QB, and would have been fine.

Bob Sanders eats a forest on Friday so he can lay the wood on Sunday.
http://sportscircuits.wordpress.com
http://monkeybiziu.deviantart.com

by MonkeyBusiness on Dec 8, 2008 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

again

you didnt look at his track record. He got Jim Kelly who is a HOF for the bills, He got your QB who in just 2 seasons got the Panthers to the NFC Title game, and in just 2 seasons got the Colts to the playoffs. See you didnt read the damn post fully. You didnt look at his success prior to indianapolis

by metal_militia on Dec 8, 2008 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and if you still think players are a product of Manning

then look at Thornton, Harper, and Scott. They are on your team and producing. Thank Mr, Polian for finding such great talent your former idiot GM could never find.

by metal_militia on Dec 8, 2008 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting that you're talking about Peyton being at the age where he will "degenerate"

considering you’re current QB is older than Moses. C’mon, now..please. And Kerry Collins is not, nor has he ever been a Hall of Famer, yet he is getting the job done.

If the surgeries hadn’t side-lined Peyton, this season would have gone deferently…we know that and you know that. So, enjoy your team’s success while it lasts. You guys are going one and done in playoffs…

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 8, 2008 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

*differently

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 8, 2008 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well that's different...

Our entire franchise is not built around Kerry Collins.

but another note, have you guys seen our new t-shirts? Pretty sweet.

If you want to buy some for yourselves you can go to the NFL shop here – http://www.nflshop.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3405097&cp=716714

Thanks for contributing to our AFC South winning season. Without that MNF Win over the Colts we might not be here yet!

by BeansCarter on Dec 8, 2008 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So what

If I have learned anything from past and present NFL teams, is that those who have the Best QB’s in the league, are normally the teams that have long periods of dominance. A HOF QB always gives your team a chance to beat anybody in the league, ANYBODY

by metal_militia on Dec 8, 2008 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Tell that to Marino and Kelly.

by BeansCarter on Dec 8, 2008 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

They may not have won superbowls

But they have kept their teams successful for long periods of time. Thats what I meant by periods of dominance.

by metal_militia on Dec 9, 2008 1:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No thanks.

I already have a Superbowl Champions T-Shirt. I expect another this year.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 8, 2008 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention

five, yes FIVE, Divisional Champions T-Shirts.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 8, 2008 7:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Congrats, btw.

Your team did earn it.

Enjoy the euphoria…it is sure to be short-lived! :)

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 8, 2008 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

FIVE?

That’s awesome. Do you have one with a ‘2008’ on it? Or do you just the have old ones that don’t matter anymore?

by BeansCarter on Dec 8, 2008 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Whoa whoa.

Are you kidding? You should be grateful that you’re likely to make the playoffs this year. And even once there, what makes you think you won’t perform like you did in the past.

In Peyton’s 6 playoff appearances, he has been:

One and done twice
Two and done twice (once against the Titans no less)
Three and done once
1 Superbowl.

It’s a tough hill to climb – why are you confident this year? When you look at the body of work, Dungy and Manning are still iffy in the post-season.

by BeansCarter on Dec 8, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

What makes you believe the Titans will be better?

How many times have the Titans made the playoffs during that span?

by ColtsFanNChiTown on Dec 8, 2008 9:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

not sure they will be

the only thing i have been saying is that titans are better than the colts this year, and obviously that argument is well supported by a large body of evidence.

by BeansCarter on Dec 8, 2008 11:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

by KingRichard on Dec 9, 2008 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you have ^

We have

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Big Ten's leading Rusher
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Dec 9, 2008 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Like I posted on the Titans website…

The Colts have a nice little ring:

The Titans have…well nothing except this epic failure:

by KingRichard on Dec 9, 2008 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate to wade into this...

…but one yard short of scoring the tying TD is not “epic.” Failure, but not epic.

The Bills getting blown out by the Cowboys 3 or 4 times in the 90’s, now THAT’s epic.

by hartley on Dec 9, 2008 10:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that had to stink.

by coltsfanawalt on Dec 9, 2008 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Too funny!!! ROFL!!!

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Dec 9, 2008 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my bad

You only meant next season you’d destroy divisional rivals. You’re not suggesting that you will this season. OK. Fair enough; I should read more carefully.

See my reasons above as to why you won’t destroy divisional rivals next season.

by BeansCarter on Dec 7, 2008 9:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

a few things I have to go after

Not overly dependent on QB situation

You are aware of how the Titans did under Vince Young right? You are right that any half decent QB could run the Titans O, but the Titans clearly only have one of those and he is 37 and a free agent after the season and I wouldn’t trust the FO that spent a top 5 pick on VY to be able to find a half decent QB.

Salary cap issues will force start to force some tough personnel decisions

Just because the Titans weren’t able to contend without damning themselves to salary cap hell doesn’t mean the Colts can’t do it. They are able to make this run under the cap because they can replace all but a small core of the team. With the exception of about 10 guys everyone else can and will be (if they become expensive) replaced.

Peyton’s play will taper off as he ages.

True, but you timeframe is off. Peyton is 32, your QB is 36 and having one of his best years ever. Favre is a solid QB at 39. Dan Marino (the only other QB ever to put up Peyton/Brady numbers) played until he was 38. Peyton has half a decade at a high level up easily.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Big Ten's leading Rusher
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Dec 7, 2008 11:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I based my regression of the Titans on their performance over the last several years, and applied the same methodology to the Colts. The Colts are a surprisingly young team. Manning has taken significantly less punishment over his career than most QBs, and has stated his desire to play for 18 seasons. This is his 11th season, which means he would retire after the 2015-2016 NFL season barring catastrophic injury. Moreover, the best way to keep a team in contention is to develop internally. The Colts’ front office are undisputed masters of the draft, and constantly keep this team in contention. That virtually all the Colts players have never played a game for any other franchise is remarkable.

The problem with your analysis is that you undervalue the QB and WR positions. You can’t run the ball all of the time. You have to pass eventually. Kerry Collins runs the Titans offense well because it’s simple. It’s a ball control offense. Nothing flashy. If he were quarterbacking the Colts, they’d be looking ahead to next season right now. He’s perfect for what the Titans are doing now, but it’s almost guaranteed he’ll be elsewhere next season.

Also, you’re undervaluing Haynesworth. He’s a beast when he’s motivated. He consumes two and sometimes three offensive linemen. Prior to 2006, the Titans barely got a whiff of Manning. Oddly enough, that’s when Haynesworth began to really play. Without that presence in the middle, the Titans pass rush is mediocre at best.

Bob Sanders eats a forest on Friday so he can lay the wood on Sunday.
http://sportscircuits.wordpress.com
http://monkeybiziu.deviantart.com

by MonkeyBusiness on Dec 8, 2008 2:27 AM EST reply actions 0 recs