Indianapolis Colts - What are you going to do?

Indianapolis Colts – What are you going to do?

Congratulations to anyone who managed to avoid seeing the hapless Colts, as they were hosted by the unrelenting New Orleans Saints on Sunday night (7–62).

Judging by that display and the season so far, the Colts may be best advised in coming games to simply 'take a knee' right from the first quarter. In that way, they could minimise the otherwise inevitable damage. Run down the clock, avoid turnovers (limit points conceded) and give the opposing offense less time with ball (limit points conceded). Seriously, the Colts' current run of form is damaging to the image of the franchise and an insult to past success.

So it all boils down to the quarterback and the devastating absence of Peyton Manning. There is a lot of talk about next year's draft and the necessity of acquiring future QB star and 2010 Heisman Trophy runner-up, Andrew Luck. Is it really that simple? Is this team that reliant on one man? A simple answer is, “Yes.” However, no one could have foreseen just how unable Indianapolis would cope without their talisman.

Enough said. 2011 is a disaster. Let's move. The Colts will be in a position for that 2012 first round pick, so how does it become guaranteed?

An idealistic approach is that Manning stays, Luck is drafted, thus producing the perfect mentor, scholar relationship. Manning stays healthy and Luck has time to grow into the Colts offense. Realistically, there is a likelihood that will not happen.

Do you trade Manning? His fitness is questionable, his age is no longer on his side and there are teams that would want to take him. Even if he returns to his peak, how much longer can he go on – two, three, four years. Unquestionably, it is time to look to the future.

Clearly, a lot of hard-thinking, decision-making and negotiating needs to happen soon. 'Long-term' is the key, but think really 'long-term.' Presuming the Colts do pick up Luck in the draft, and presuming all the vibes prove correct, then the Colts will have an opportunity to rebuild a very fine, well-oiled machine for years to come. However, as a word of caution, imagine the consequences of rushing that development. Consider the immense challenges faced by any NFL player in his rookie season, think about the deficiencies in the Colts' team this season and at least contemplate the bad things that could happen.

One thing is for certain, a lot needs sorting out in Indianapolis. The solution does not come down to one man (other than Peyton Manning, of course.)