In the first of 32 installments, I'll be trying to address five topics that will weigh heavily on the minds of each team's fanbase. I'll be going in the 2012 Draft order, so today's topic will be the Indianapolis Colts.
Quarterback Quandry: Now possessing the #1 overall pick in the 2012 Draft, its widely assumed that the Colts will draft Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, grooming a successor to Peyton Manning similarly to what the Packers did with Aaron Rodgers sitting behind Brett Favre. Luck has all the physical tools, as well as a good football mind, which make him a very rare quarterback prospect. With the new collective bargaining agreement, the contract of Luck should be in line with Cam Newton's four year, $22 million deal, and makes it much easier on owner Jim Irsay's pocketbook having two great quarterbacks on the roster. If for some reason Peyton can't return to form, Luck should still be able to step in and play well, as there are still receiving weapons on this team when its healthy.
Will Wayne Return? One of the top receivers in the NFL for the past decade, Reggie Wayne has been a fixture on what's a perennially strong offense since he was taken 30th overall in the 2001 Draft. Despite the lack of anything resembling consistent quarterback play, Wayne was still productive (75 catches, 960 yards, 4 TD). His first step at the snap has slowed somewhat, but he is still a very good route runner who knows how to find soft spots in zones. His return is likely going to be tied to Manning's recovery, as if Peyton doesn't progress, the team may look to give young receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie more targets. Wayne likely won't command top-ten receiver money ($8-9 million per year), but is still talented enough to be a solid number two option for most teams.
No Polian, No Problem? Just a little over 24 hours after the season ended, longtime front office fixture Bill Polian (vice chairman) and his son, general manager Chris Polian. After a series of mediocre drafts and the lack of a true backup quarterback to Peyton Manning, I can understand why owner Jim Irsay wanted to move forward with new management in place. Bill Polian made his name as the general manager of the Bills, building a team that made an NFL-record four straight Super Bowls. Where the team goes from here is unclear, but whoever fills the GM role will need to do a better job of evaluating young talent in the league.
Offensive Defense? As much as the offense struggled this season, the Colts defense ranked near the bottom of the NFL in nearly every category including 25th in total defense, 29th in rush defense, tied for 30th in sacks, and tied for last in interceptions. There is still talent on the defense, in particular defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney, and linebacker Pat Angerer is a tackling machine. They will definitely need to upgrade their secondary, and could use some stout interior defensive lineman, as both Freeney and Mathis tend to struggle in run defense due to their pass-rushing mindset.
End of the Road for Addai? With Joseph Addai hitting free agency this off-season, it could signify the end of his time with the Colts. Addai will turn 29 before next season, and for most running backs, production starts to fall when they hit age 30 due to the wear and tear endured from constantly being hit. Addai has missed 37.5% of the teams' games the past two seasons (12 of 32), and only has a combined 928 yards and 5 TD over the 20 games he's played in. Donald Brown has seemed to emerge as the feature back for the Colts, racking up 645 yards on 134 carries (4.8 average) with five touchdowns this season. Despite a drop in production and injuries, Addai is still an effective receiver out of the backfield, as well as very good in pass protection. After decisions on Manning and Wayne, the decision to keep Addai will likely be a difficult one.
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