FanPost

Colts 2010/2011


This past season was an interesting season. It was certainly quite different for the Colts. It seem to somewhat feel like the 2001 season (aka the "lost season"). Usually when the season ends, I like to try and look forward, see what moves can, should, and/or will be made on the roster and/or coaching staff. But this year, more than any other, I feel that I need to review this last season. A lot of things really just stuck out this year and certain things would seem to dictate what this team must do going forward. I'm certainly no expert, just a die hard fan, but I'll share some of my thoughts both looking back on this season and looking ahead

Here are some of my thoughts.....

What if (looking back)......

1a. What if Austin Collie or Dallas Clark had been able to play in the Jets game? I am convinced we would have won. Reggie was not an option most of the night, being taken away by one man, which most of us expected. Garcon broke free a good bit and made some plays. Tamme and White, while they caught some balls, both were underwhelming. I told my grandfather, the key to us winning would be us winning the battle in the middle of the field. Obviously we did not do that. Both Tamme and White contributed this season and probably did better than anyone would have thought they would, but in the end, they just are not the playmakers that Dallas Clark and Austin Collie are. Just one of those guys would have ensured more points on the board from the Colts and they likely win.

1b. What if Austin Collie or Dallas Clark had been able to play the entire season? This would have majorly impacted the Colts this season. Think of all the close games we lost. I believe that with these guys healthy and playing, the Colts win the games against Philly, NE, and Dallas. All close games and all that saw the offense stumble. That means the Colts could have been 13-3 and potentially the #1 seed. Without them the Colts still averged high point totals in games. With them, the offense might have been unstoppable. Hopefully next year the weapons can stay healthy.

2. Oh that secondary....As others have expressed, I'm not as upset about losing to the Jets b/c there is NO WAY the Colts would have gone all the way. The secondary this year redefined depleted and abysmal. The two highest paid players back there (I think. Don't remember how much they gave Bethea) have trouble staying healthy for a whole season and one of them has trouble staying healthy for a whole quarter! Bob is a beast there is no doubt but if you can't play your useless and he has proven he cannot stay healthy. He needs to go unless he's willing to renegotiate the deal he has. Hayden is just average and not worth the money he gets. Assuming there is open competition in camp next year he might be down on the depth chart behind Powers and Tryon. We have got to get some tough and durable players back there! Also wouldn't mind a "shutdown" corner either.

3. TACKLES! Offensive and defensive ones are needed immediately. On defense, while you can say Moala improved this year (which he did toward the end) and Antonio Johnson is fairly good, Muir regressed and none of them are just DOMINANT tackles. Can you imagine if we had somone who could consistently stuff runs and rush up the middle? With the two ends, that would be a killer d-line! Can't wait to see if Matthews gets more time on the line next year though. On offense we need at least a new LT. Drafting an elite LT fixes two problems on the line b/c they could then move CJ back to guard. If we do not get a new RT then ol Jeff Lichenbach (sp?) should start over Diem. I do not know what happened to Ryan Diem but he has become terrible over there! I know he was the one player that caused me to get up and yell at my tv more than any other this year. Dumb penalties all year sums up his season.

4. Coaching. This is a total weakness for us. I don't feel that I'm knee-jerk reacting either. Last year, Caldwell took a Dungy team to a Super Bowl just like Gruden did a decade ago. I used to think Dungy was too conservative. Well Caldwell makes me rethink the word conservative now. He coaches not to lose and you just can't do that. He screwed up the timeout in the Jags game and then turned around and did it again in the playoff game! Learn from your mistakes you idiot! We were never gonna force a turnover! Have you watched your defense this year?! Also why is Peyton made to look to Clyde on the sideline to get the play? He is PEYTON FREAKING MANNING! Let PEYTON run the offense! And fire Clyde cuz he's an idiot! If you can't get someone better, then throw money at Moore and beg him to come back! Larry Coyer, I was happily suprised with you your first year with the Colts. This year, you lost all that good will from me (not that you care). Quit stunting! IT DOES NOT WORK! STOP IT! And coach those corners to not give ten yards of cushion please!

5. After Donald Brown had his best game ever, why did we only see him a couple of times afterwards? I don't get it? Did the coaches just think that game was a fluke? I mean maybe it was but how do you know unless you stick him back out there? It just seemed strange to me. Don't get me wrong I love Addai and Rhodes but I thought Brown should have got some carries too.

What if (looking ahead).....

1. Peyton uses his contract negotiations to gain some leverage and power? I personally can't see Peyton forcing the Colts to do certain things, but man I'd love it if he did. For instance....

a. Forces them to oust Caldwell (and maybe the whole staff) for Gruden or someone else. Now I believe the Gruden rumor is just that, a rumor, but if Peyton wanted that and could force that, I'd be very happy! Now let me say I'm not the biggest fan of Gruden and I also believe a coach with a defensive background would be better. However, I believe Gruden to be far and above a better coach than Jim Caldwell. You can argue its too soon to oust him and he's a new coach and is gonna make a few mistakes and I can see those points. I just don't like him though. I don't like his style of coaching and I hate his management of games! Also, I'd like to see some changes in Indy and one is for them to show some passion and get fired up, which we all know Gruden has no problem doing. And while he is an offensive guy, I don't believe he'd try to control Peyton or not let him run the offense. He might bring some new plays and wrinkles to the offense which is good I think, but he'd still let Peyton run it all. An aggressive coach and mindset would be great. While I hate Bill and Tom and the Pats, I'd rather the Colts go overkill like them instead of getting ahead a little and playing not to lose. At least Tom and Bill leave themselves plenty of room for error.

b. Tells them that if they are ever lucky enough to make some kind of history, such as going undefeated, they better not make him and the team quit on that. That is an unbelievable feat if it happens and to just quit on it when it is within reach can deflate players I think. I'm not sayin they lost the Super Bowl b/c of that but it was obvious the players wanted to go for it and were not happy about the decision. Yes injuries are a risk, but as this year taught us, they can happen any time in any game on any day. You cannot be afraid of the risks or greatness and run from them. Also, Peyton would still have the season TD record if they didn't yank him in 04. Let Peyton be the great QB he is and get his records!

2. Bill Polian gets back to form in drafting players. If this team is totally healthy next year, we really don't need too many players to go all the way. I'd say the biggest needs are: LT, S, DT, & CB. Maybe a guard too. We got skill players on offense and I like the linebackers we have assuming Session and/or Hagler stay. Also some players to boost the ST would be nice too. This was a dissapointing year but we are not that far away from greatness.

3. If a few injuries happen next year (you know they will), I feel a litte better as long as they don't get out of hand like this year. So many guys got valuable playing time and experience this year and with an offseason to get better, i won't panic if a few guys go down next season cuz we have experienced backups.

4. Resign Addai! After Peyton, he is the top priority! Don't wanna even think about him leaving. Best blocker in the backfield!

I know I had other points but have forgot them. And I know this is not the most well written thing and much of this has already been discussed. I mostly did this to get it all out of my system but hopefully it can start some discussion. Thanks.

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.