ANDERSON, Ind. —
In the end, everybody got something to cheer about from the Indianapolis Colts.
The coaches and players avoided the indignity of an 0-16 season. Fans were able to celebrate unlikely victories in each of the final two home games.
And owner Jim Irsay now has the ability to install his thought-to-be desired succession plan at quarterback.
Sunday’s 19-13 loss at Jacksonville capped a horrific season for the once proud franchise. But the sun rose in the east today, and it could shine brightly indeed come April.
That’s because Indianapolis clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. And, with it, the Colts have the ability to select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck — alternately compared to fellow Cardinal alum John Elway and Indianapolis’ own Peyton Manning.
The Colts had the No. 1 pick in 1983 and wanted Elway. But he didn’t want to play in Baltimore and orchestrated a trade to Denver — where he went on to enjoy a Hall of Fame career and finish with two Super Bowl titles.
It’s possible Luck could make a similar power play and find a spot where he can start from day one, assuming Manning is healthy enough to return next season.
But Luck doesn’t seem inclined to play the political game. He told reporters in Baltimore last month, while in town to pick up the Johnny Unitas Award, that he didn’t envision a problem sitting behind a veteran to start his career.
Luck will finish his college career tonight in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State, and we’ll likely begin to learn his true intentions shortly thereafter.
The Colts, meanwhile, are about to embark on an interesting offseason. Key veterans Jeff Saturday, Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis, Pierre Garcon and Jacob Tamme are scheduled to become free agents.
The realities of the salary cap mean it’s highly unlikely Indianapolis will be able to bring back all of them. And the decisions to let any of them go will not be easy.
It all, of course, hinges on Manning.
Doctors believe he should be healthy enough to play again, but there are no guarantees. And there are plenty of questions about whether he even should want to return.
Manning became the father of twins in the spring, and any hard hit could cause further damage to his neck. He has said recently his primary goal is to ensure he will continue to be able to hold his children.
But he’s also a supreme competitor. And he isn’t likely to be OK with watching his final NFL game from the sideline.
Nationally, there are plenty of questions about what the Colts could or should do about the quarterback position.
Locally, I think we know the answer.
Irsay has said Manning will be his starter next year so long as the four-time MVP has the health and desire to play. He’s made it just as clear he’ll have no problem drafting Luck to prepare for the future.
For the Colts, the 2012 season could be the best of two worlds.
Win with Manning now.
And save Luck for later.
Contact George Bremer: 640-4831, george.bremer@heraldbulletin.com.
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Contact George Bremer: 640-4831, george.bremer@heraldbulletin.com
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George Bremer: Indianapolis is not out of Luck after all
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George Bremer: Indianapolis is not out of Luck after all
In the end, everybody got something to cheer about from the Indianapolis Colts. The coaches and players avoided the indignity of an 0-16 season. Fans were able to celebrate unlikely victories in each of the final two home games. And owner Jim Irsay now has the ability to install his thought-to-be desired succession plan at quarterback.
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