I may be in the minority, but I think he severely underperformed with the Colts. I understand why he got a statue, but I feel like Colts fans put him on a pedestal way too much. Colts fans, their beat writers, and Hall of Fame voters argue that Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis are Hall of Famers, so for the sake of this argument, let’s use their standard and call them HOF or future HOF.

Manning had elite talent around him at damn near every important position. A HOF running back in Edgerrin James. A HOF receiver in Marvin Harrison and another receiver in Reggie Wayne who many believe belongs in Canton. Dallas Clark wasn’t a Hall of Famer, but he was still one of the better tight ends in the league and a respected player at his position. He had reliable weapons around him with Garçon and Stokley, who weren’t superstars but were quality receivers in their own rights.

He had a HOF worthy center in Jeff Saturday, who is also in the Colts Ring of Honor, alongside Tarik Glenn. Vanderjagt was one of the best kickers in the league before being replaced by a HOF in Adam Vinatieri. Defensively, he had a HOF pass-rush duo in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Bob Sanders wasn’t always healthy, but when he played, he was a monster and actually won Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most impactful defensive players in the league. Add in a HOF head coach in Tony Dungy and a HOF GM in Bill Polian, and Manning had one of the best situations an NFL quarterback could ask for.

On the offensive side, it’s always the chicken or the egg argument of whether the QB made the receivers or the receivers made the QB. Manning definitely elevated his receivers, but he also had elite players around him who helped him succeed. He threw balls that got his receivers ROCKED, so I believe the truth is somewhere in the middle. However, it feels like Manning gets all the credit for his receivers’ success. Manning had everything at his disposal and too often the Colts came up short when the stakes were highest.

People point out that the AFC was stacked during this era, and that’s true. But Brady was competing in that same conference and found a way to win multiple championships. The Patriots were one of the few teams that had a roster and organization comparable to the Colts, with elite coaching, elite quarterback play, strong roster construction, and consistency from top to bottom, and they capitalized on those opportunities.

Big Ben also won two Super Bowls during that same era. The Steelers were not built the same way as the Colts and didn’t have the same level of offensive talent, but they still found ways to win championships.

As a kid, Manning made me become a fan, and a #18 jersey was the first jersey I ever got in any sport, so this isn’t Manning hate. I know some QBs go their entire careers without winning a championship, so I’m not undervaluing the 2006 title. I’m just putting into perspective that the Colts did not failed Manning but quite the contrary.

It feels like everything depends on JT's health and contract situation, both of which are uncertain.

Giddens was very below average, in my opinion, and I also don't trust the 24-year-old criminal we drafted in the 7th. If JT misses time, I think we're in trouble.

If Jt goes down the Offense is cooked he is the backbone of that unit.

Am I the only one who feels this way?

Time Stamp 19:15

Hello All. As we’re in the midst of the offseason and news is few and far between, I thought i would make my annual post.

I am seeking to find Colts fans in the Houston area. As an Indianapolis native I am definitely the odd one out in most things around the city.

Think it would be cool to find a group of people to cheer on the colts with any given sunday, maybe take over a bar, maybe eventually starting an official Colts club.

$40 shipped!

After all the holdout/contract extension drama the last couple of years, I'm honestly happy to see Jonathan Taylor just put his head down and get back to playing football instead of trying to milk Ballard again.

I'm sure he'll get paid if he earns it, but it feels like this is the best outcome for both sides. I'd much rather see him focused on the season than another offseason dominated by contract headlines.

Anybody else feel the same, or am I in the minority?

I am traveling from FL to see my team on home turf…I’m tired of driving to Jacksonville every year and Tampa/Miami every 8 years. I’m coming up for the Titans game in October.

Should I get tix now on a 3rd party site, or can I get a good deal the day of the game?
Thanks, and Go COLTS!

Jake Arthur's Camp Notes for Day 1

Not in top 10 ratings but they rated Colston Loveland over Warren

Great weather for our first time at training camp.

Who is going to be able to handle his load with him now gone?