Did the Colts just get lucky?

by DevilsReject on Nov 6, 2009 8:26 AM EST Comment 6 comments

As many of you have heard by now, Marlin Jackson is done for the year with a torn left ACL. This is a great guy who has been a positive part of the team, involved in charities and the such. He's also one of the guys who made major contributions to the Colts SB win. He's also probably just played his last snaps as a player for the Colts too.

However, I think the Colts just hit the lottery with his injury. Many of us have speculated who the Colts would re-sign come the offseason. As we know, there is Melvin Bullitt, Antoine Bethea, and Marlin Jackson, as well as a few others. Most have said let's worry about re-signing Bullitt and Jackson, letting Bethea go.

I've always felt that would be a stupid part on our part and I think the Colts just lucked out in not having to make that choice. With Jackson going down with a 2nd ACL injury in as many seasons, the Colts cannot afford to dump the money he would have commanded in free agency into him. A guy with two bad knees playing corner is not exactly someone I want getting 50 million dollars. Especially with the money the Colts already dropped on both Hayden and Sanders.

We were very fortunate to pick up two very, very good defensive backs in Powers and Lacey super cheap. These guys are signed for a few years at a much cheaper rate than Jackson would be. They have played VERY well thus far in the NFL for being rookies, and this comes amid having the entire defense have to adjust to a slightly different style. Imagine these guys coming in next year with a full grasp on the defense?

I got nothing but love for Jackson, but the reality here is simple: His knees have done him in as a CB for the Colts. He could possibly be brought back in to fill a role as Jennings does, but I seriously doubt he will play for us again.

Poll

Will Marlin Jackson be re-signed by the Colts?

Yes

30 votes

No

95 votes

125 votes | Poll has closed

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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Comments

Drop Bethea?

That would be a monumentally bad move by the Front Office. Bethea is one of the best free safties in the league. If any of those three can be dropped, it’s been Marlin from the beginning. Polian is very good at finding corners, and Powers and Lacy show. Both Bullitt and Bethea should be resigned.

I’ve also heard a rumor that Coyer is working on a 3-saftey package that would allow Bobzilla, Bullitt and Bethea on the field at the same time.

by 2ndBlueGeneration on Nov 6, 2009 9:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bethea will be a RFA if the cap comes off

Bullitt will be one no matter what. Both should be back. I’m less sure of it, but I expect Marlin back as well.

Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.

by shake n bake on Nov 6, 2009 10:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I truly

feel that Jackson will be back, but this situation with his injuries has simply put the Colts in a much better position right now to how they handle their upcoming FA’s and RFA’s

by DevilsReject on Nov 6, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with shake on this one....

I expect Marlin to be back but probably at a greatly reduced price. Cover 2 corners aren’t in great demand around the league. Much less a cover 2 corner coming off of two ACL tears.

by cscott5527 on Nov 6, 2009 12:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting views

I’d place the safeties as higher priorities.

I also voted yes above—depending on the market, Jackson is a good CB, but not a great one and his injuries could scare away many teams. I’d be happy to have him back for a short term contract to provide vet leadership and depth, while polishing his resume to allow another team to pay him more than we’re willing to. Trade bait?

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Nov 6, 2009 12:32 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jackson was a great CB

Jackson was arguably best corner on the team back in Tony Dungy day before he got injured. Now Coyer is here, he demands a bit more man-to-man from CBs, something Jackson isn’t fit for at all, so Jackson isn’t the best fit anymore — still a good fit.

BUT, with 2 ACL tears, I strongly doubt Jackson will ever get back to his original form. Remember Deuce McAllister? The dude was awesome… till he hurt both his knees. I think Marlin is heading down a similar path.

Oh no!

by Bluedude on Nov 6, 2009 3:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs