Well, I'm a Colts fan, but I have to say something: It's time to start over. These last 10 years have been great, with Peyton Manning and always going to the playoffs and a Super Bowl title, but it's time to write a new chapter in this storied franchise's history. I believe the Colts need to clean house. They already got rid of the Polians, but that's not enough. The need to fire coach Jim Caldwell- who shouldn't have been hired in the first place- and maybe even get rid of all of the coaches. If I were owner Jim Irsay, I would trade players and build for the future, something the Colts really haven't done since they drafted Manning almost 15 years ago. Here's my plan:
1. TRADE PEYTON MANNING: Some of you may think I'm going insane by suggesting this, but let's look closer. They already have the number 1 pick, so say hello to Andrew Luck. Sure the Aaron Rodgers situation worked (learning behind a legend) but the Manning/Newton/Dalton/Bradford formula has worked pretty well too. Here are some teams that could use a quarterback: Browns, Redskins, Dolphins, Jaguars, and 49ers. The one team that really jumps out at me is the Washington Redskins. You could trade Manning there, get their first round draft pick and....
2. DRAFT JUSTIN BLACKMON: Boom. Luck to Blackmon on a consistent basis? That would be awesome! I did some research, and the teams in between the Colts and Redskins (picking 6th) really have no dire need at receiver, they all need other things, like lineman and defensive back. Besides, if they couldn't draft Blackmon, they could trade down and draft Michael Floyd or Alshon Jefferies, neither of who are bad alternates.
3. GET VALUE FOR ANY VETERANS: This team is full of experienced players. Why not trade some of them and get draft picks? I know the team will still need to find a GM and (hopefully) coach, but it could still work out. Of course, you don't trade Pat Angerer, Anthony Castonzo, Antoine Bethea, or Jerry Hughes- because I still have hope for some reason- but anyone else? Fair game. Reggie Wayne? Sure, who DOESN'T need an experiences All-Pro receiver. You could get a second round pick and maybe a player for that? Dwight Freeney? Robert Mathis? Joseph Addai? Dallas Clark? The Colts could get value for any of those players, so why not do it?
4. FIRE JIM CALDWELL: It's time. Actually, it never should have been time, but that's besides the point. Hire a new coach, or even a new coaching staff. I'm sure there's somebody out there who wouldn't mind coaching Andrew Luck. Some ideas: Jon Gruden (doubtful, but one can hope), Jeff Fisher (I'm not a big fan of this one), or SOMEONE. Seriously, I doubt it would be that hard for someone. Maybe they could even find some college coach or a coordinator to teach luck. Just do it.
Well, that's my idea. Will the Colts do it? Probably not. Should they do it? Well, that's an entirely different question to be answered...
