Despite what imaginary fantasy world Roger Goodell lives in, most NFL fans do NOT want an 18-game regular season. In fact, the backlash against 18 games is so strong, I lose respect for Goodell every time he opens his yap to talk about it. Players don't want it. Fans don't want it. Coaches don't want it. Bill Polian doesn't seem jazzed about it. The only people who want it are owners,  who are so out of touch with reality it's almost scary.

If people want to know why the owners and players aren't currently negotiating and are, instead, litigating for a new CBA, look no further than the 18-game season issue. One cannot negotiate with people who do not base their opinions on reality, and when the owners keep saying 'Fans want 18 games!' and there is absolutely zero evidence to back up that claim, it kinda makes negotiations a waste.

FROM THE SADDLE (official team news)

• Colts.com has a nice three part series going on with longtime linebackers coach Mike Murphy.
• Jim Irsay talks about Peyton Manning's recent neck surgery.
• The owners meeting in Indianapolis was focused on player safety.

GREEN APPLES AND ROAD APPLES (media analysis)

• The Indy Star says the Colts will have training camp in Anderson if and when the lockout ends.
  
• Yahoo Sports! and Football Outsiders writer exposes the disconnect between the NFL owners and reality.
  
• The Indy Star says Jim Irsay is confident a deal will get done with Manning. Note to Jim Irsay- No deal can get done as long as you and your 31 buddies keep locking Peyton and his teammates out.
• It's been nearly a month, and Coltzilla has just one article posted (May 21st). Starting to think this site is dead.
• 18to88 asks, 'How long does it take Larry coyer to change a defense?' 
• Speaking of Nate, he's still stubborn in not giving us credit for correctly reporting the Manning injury in September 2010
• From PFT, the NFL's Coaches Association came out in support of the players in the NFL labor issue. To counter this, Dan Snyder (probably) told his coaches to sign something saying they support Lord Snyder and the owners. Stay classy, Dan.
• Reggie Wayne says 40 to 50 guys are in attendance at the Colts player workouts. Thanks to VERNON for FanShotting this.