Michael Silver hates the Colts

Well, probably not. But he did rank them 16th in his pre-draft ranking, and although he admits that the ranks don't mean much, he at least has some justification.

When I ranked the Indianapolis Colts 16th in my pre-draft edition of 32 Questions, many of the team’s loyalists reacted as though I’d just rated the Indy 500 a middle-of-the-pack auto race. The typical reaction was, in so many words, “How dare you?” Well, here’s how: The Colts, in the wake of Tony Dungy’s departure, are undergoing a period of tumultuous change. Dungy’s successor, Jim Caldwell, ran off defensive coordinator Ron Meeks and special teams coordinator Russ Purnell shortly after taking charge. Now comes Thursday’s confirmation that two longtime assistants, offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd, have filed their retirement papers because of their concerns about the new policy allowing teams to opt out of the NFL’s pension plan. I know Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning, and I know the Colts have plenty of talent. But I also believe that, after a shaky start in ’08, Dungy’s cool, steady leadership was the primary force that kept things together – and that without it the situation could’ve turned very ugly. Throw in the fact that my final impression of the ’08 Colts was not a very positive one, and you should be able to understand why I’m a bit dubious. And, as always, if it turns out the Colts prove me wrong, feel free to inform me that I know absolutely nothing about football. Thank you.

Now, I like Silver and a writer and credit to him, he's never afraid to back up his opinion. But I know a lot of us here get a bit antsy when someone thinks the Colts aren't that great without a lot of justification, so here's someone who thinks we're not that great with justification.

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