Colts Lose To Jaguars 19-13, Secure No. 1 Overall Pick In 2012 NFL Draft

by Brad Wells on Jan 1, 2012 4:18 PM EST in 2011 Colts Game Recaps

Welcome to the Indianapolis Colts, Mr. Andrew Luck.

Despite a two-game winning streak after starting the season 0-13, the Colts managed to not screw-up their draft positioning in the final week of the 2011 regular season. A 19-13 loss to the Jaguars in Jacksonville secures the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft to Indy. That pick will most certainly be Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, meaning the Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis could be coming to an end.

Suck 4 Luck is now complete.

As he always does, Maurice Jones-Drew destroyed the Colts defense. He rushed for 169 yards on 25 carries. The Jags became the first AFC South team to sweep the Colts since the Titans did it back in 2002.

Dan Orlovsky finished the day with 264 yards, a touchdown, and two picks. Indy's running game was non-existent, with Donald Brown and Joseph Addai averaging only 2.6 yards a carry.

In likely their final games as Colts, Robert Mathis had two tackles and a forced fumble while Reggie Wayne had 8 catches for 73 yards.

In many ways, the final score might actually count as a 'win.' The first overall pick means the Colts can rebuild their roster with premiere talent in a draft that features some real playmakers. The Colts end the season 2-14, their worst season since their 1-15 record in 1991. Hopefully, with the No. 1 overall pick, and perhaps some changes in the front office and coaching staff, the Colts can get back to being an elite franchise.

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Mathis will be franchised

by Ty46 on Jan 1, 2012 4:23 PM EST reply actions

And if Freeney agrees to a contract rework, the franchise tag gets smaller

by Ty46 on Jan 1, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions

From a Chiefs fan

Congrats on the #1 pick. Best of “Luck” next year.

Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible.
Escher, M.C.

by motrepip on Jan 1, 2012 4:25 PM EST via Android app reply actions

Leave Caldwell in Jacksonville, please.

I admit to wholeheartedly rooting against the Colts today. Winning would accomplish nothing other than a worse draft pick and increased chances of the clueless one staying on.

by Joseph* on Jan 1, 2012 4:26 PM EST reply actions

Andrew Luck is coming to Indianapolis, you guys.

Follow @scottcoleman55

by Scott Coleman on Jan 1, 2012 4:27 PM EST reply actions

hmmm

" Hopefully, with the No. 1 overall pick, and perhaps some changes in the front office and coaching staff, the Colts can get back to being an elite franchise."

Kinda forgot the whole thing about a healthy Peyton Manning return in that formula.

"No one's gonna take me alive
The time has come to make things right
You and I must fight for our rights
You and I must fight to survive"

by Z.Pain on Jan 1, 2012 4:27 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Only way Andrew Luck sees Indy . . .

. . . .starts by trotting out from the visitors locker room. If Peyton regains his skill level, Irsay keeps him in Indy for as long as Peyton wants. Trade the damn pick for a boatload and let Peyton make a glory run. When you have a Hall of Fame quarterback on your roster, why be in such a hurry to get rid of him?

by oldecoltsfan on Jan 1, 2012 4:31 PM EST reply actions

because the hall of fame QB is 36 with three neck surgeries and has not played in 18 months

by armycolts25 on Jan 1, 2012 6:41 PM EST up reply actions

Regardless of which side you're on

Luck vs. Peyton … At least we have the flexibilty, assuming our front office is competent, to do what’s best for the Colts’ future.

by Nosewiper on Jan 1, 2012 5:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions

that's true

This opens up so many possibilities about the draft and the future of the colts. Regardless of what happens with Luck vs Manning, unless the FO does something stupid, the cotls will be a much better team in the years to come.

by fanatik on Jan 1, 2012 5:41 PM EST up reply actions

@Nosewiper

Valid point, especially for BBS to make. Count me in the multitude of Bill Polian “appreciators”.
Yes, recent drafts have not been sterling. However, the free agents picked up this year to replace fallen players have been superb – Hines, Addison, Lutrus, . . .etc.
This roster is in good shape. Just needs Peyton and some newly acquired talent around him to return to the usual high satandards.

by oldecoltsfan on Jan 1, 2012 5:43 PM EST up reply actions