COLTS FANS SHOULDN'T WANT MANNING TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL

The title alone will make people hate me, which is fine because it's the truth, yet so many Colts' fans are still
so oblivious. I understand the logic of "but he did so much for the city of Indianapolis that we should want him to succeed". I do, I really do. But when you break that logic down, it's dumb!

Here's why...

As everybody knows, Manning was a GOD here in Indianapolis from 1998-2010 (yes 2010, he sat on the bench in 2011 after he butt raped the Colts when signing a contract extension, knowing the severity of his injury). The things he brought to this city were beyond amazing. I mean, this guy really was a God. Record after record, division title after title, putting smiles upon smiles on Riley kids' faces, etc.

The one thing he didn't bring us, though, was Super Bowl after Super Bowl, like Tom Brady did (sorry, had to). Now, I've always been one to say that you cannot compare players off of how many times they have won a championship, which is 100% true. Look at Dan Marino and Reggie Miller, for example. Both players were one of the best in their league's history, and neither got a ring. A ring is a TEAM achievement, therefore I don't fully put the blame on #18. We didn't win as a TEAM during all of those years we were one-and-done or lost after the 2nd round in the playoffs. HOWEVER, Manning still had a lot of questionable plays that helped seal the deal with a loss.

But all of that is just bullshit, that nobody cares about. Let's get to the real point.

Manning marched into Denver and nobody knew what to expect. Everybody knew he was one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, but coming off a handful of neck surgeries it was just hard to predict how he would do. In 2012, he shocked the world. No, the Broncos didn't win the Super Bowl, but they went a lot further than predicted at the beginning of the season.

And now we're in 2013 (ok, 2014, but you know what I mean), and the Broncos are in the Super Bowl and have to face the top defense in the NFL--the Seattle Seahawks. This year was a record year for Manning (broke the passing yards record, set by Drew Brees/broke the TD record, set by Tom Brady). Irsay did mention in an interview that Manning was an "all about me" kinda guy, which completely makes sense. He wants the records, he wants the best stats HE can get. But as every NFL player does, he also wants those RINGS. And now, he has the team to do it.

Colts "fans" must be drooling at the thought of the team he's surrounded with. This is a perfect scenario for those fans, but it shouldn't be. In fact, every one of you should be rooting for the SEAHAWKS on Sunday. You see, if Manning wins a Super Bowl this year, he'll have just as many rings as he did in Indy, but he did it in 2 years. And after this year, the GOAT QB will have 2 years left on his contract in Denver, which means he'll have 2 more opportunities to win the Super Bowl again. I know what you're thinking, it's hard to win back-to-back Super Bowls, let alone do it 3 times. BUT, he has the team to do it, and if he does, his legacy in Indianapolis will start to diminish. Once Manning retires, his legacy will now be remembered in Denver, where "he" won Super Bowls. Because let's face it, that's all everybody looks at.

Here's my proof on why this will happen: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was drafted 1st overall in the 1969 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He played there from 1969-1975, and won one ring with them. But how he is remembered now? He's remembered as a Laker. Why? Because he won 5 (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) rings with them from 1975-1989! Go to Google images and type in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and see what uniform he's wearing in most of the pictures. I tell you what, I'll save you the trouble-- he's in a Lakers' uniform, because that's how even GOOGLE remembers him. Granted, he did play a lot more years in L.A., but he still won his first championship with the team that drafted him.

Is that really what you want, Colts' fans? Do you want Manning to be remembered as a Bronco instead of a Colt? If so, then that's on you, but this Colts' fan will do the right thing and not root for an AFC RIVAL (yes, Manning IS a rival), but instead root for an NFC team that has no affect on me, whatsoever, if they win.

Oh, and I know I can speak for a lot of Colts' fans here when I say we are SICK OF HEARING ABOUT THE BRONCOS!

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T GIVE UP ON TRENT RICHARDSON...FOR NOW

In the 2012 NFL Draft, the players drafted went as follows: Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Trent Richardson.

Andrew Luck obviously went to the Colts, everybody and their mother knows where RGIII went (because he's all everybody talked about), and Trent Richardson went to the Browns.

Never in a million years did anybody think Trent Richardson would end up with the Colts, and never in a million years did anybody think the Colts would have the 1st and the 3rd overall picks from the 2012 draft on their team.

But, that's what we get for thinking, eh?

Before the Colts played the 49ers during the regular season, they made a trade that was eye-opening to everybody--they traded for RB Trent Richardson.

Richardson, who had a pretty amazing career at Alabama, was a second year RB that everybody thought could be the next Edgerrin James in the Colts' backfield. "A rolling ball of butcher knives" as Pagano said, was headed to Indianapolis, which could've been/still can be potentially dangerous.

As a rookie, Richardson had 1,317 total yards and 12 total touchdowns, which ironically is just about what Richardson's former college teammate, Eddie Lacy, produced this year, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and also is now Rookie of the Year candidate (1,435 yards/11 TD's).

This year wasn't the best year for Richardson, or any RB for that matter. In fact, he was just about the worst NFL RB in 2013, which makes Grigson look dumb after giving up a 1st round pick in the trade. HOWEVER, Richardson, since being drafted, has had 3 different offensive coordinators and was also asked this year to just "learn each gameplan" week-by-week instead of learning the whole playbook.

The issue with mid-season trades is just that--it's very hard for an NFL player to just pick up another teams' playbook and learn it fast. In fact, it's damn near impossible. But it simply isn't fair to call Richardson a bust, especially after what he's dealt with since being drafted.

Let's take a look at Marshawn Lynch, shall we?

Lynch started off his career with the Buffalo Bills. Granted, Lynch showed some upside, but he still wasn't the RB that they were hoping for.  His first couple of years he had over 1,000 yards each, but his third year his carries reduced drastically and he didn't even make it to 500 yards.  Then, he goes to Seattle, and BAM! He's now one of the best RB's in the league, and let's not fail to mention that he will be trying to win his first Super Bowl this Sunday.

Why did I bring up Lynch? Well, because Richardson is very comparable!

Richardson had a great rookie year in Cleveland. CLEVELAND! THE BROWNS! And he was still successful. There is upside to Richardson, and a lot of it. I'm so tired of people saying to cut him (which by the way would be the dumbest thing in the world; his paycheck is fully guaranteed), when he hasn't ever even went through OTA's or training camp with the Colts.

In my opinion, give him until after the 2014-2015 season to jump his case. As previously mentioned, he's on his third OC, and next year will be the first time he's had the same OC two years in a row (he dodged a bullet though, since Pep Hamilton decided to remove his name from the Vanderbilt HC job). Next year he'll be able to go through OTA's and training camp with the Colts, which is where most of the learning is done.

Honestly, folks, I think he's a potentially dangerous RB next year. And when/if he is, I don't want any of his "haters" to jump back on his bandwagon!

TAKING A LOOK AT THE 2014 COLTS OFFSEASON

Like last year, the Colts have a huge offseason coming up. They have about 20 free agents heading into the 2014 season, and a lot of cap space to work with. Let's take a look at the Colts' free agents, whom they should re-sign, which Colts should potentially be cut, and big name free agents that are testing the market that would no doubt help out the boys in blue.

First let's start with the Colts' free agent list: Pat McAfee, Adam Vinatieri, Vontae Davis, Donald Brown, Joe Reitz, Kavell Conner, Ahmad Bradshaw, Josh Gordy, Fili Moala, Lawrence Sidbury, Deoin Branch, Sergio Brown, Aubrayo Franklin, Antoine Bethea, Cassius Vaughn, Jeff Linkenbach, Ricardo Mathews, Pat Angerer, Darrius Heward-Bey, and Mike McGlynn.

Shew, that's a lot.

So, which players should the Colts re-sign? Let's take a look.

Pat McAfee- McAfee has been one of the best punters in the game (though he has repeatedly been snubbed from the Pro Bowl) and offers more than just a monstrous leg on 4th downs. He's waiting for his turn to kick FG's in the NFL (can nail 75 yarders--seen it in person) and also is a lifesaver on kickoffs when our kickoff coverage fails to tackle the returner; just ask Trindon Holliday of the Denver Broncos. According to PFF, McAfee was the 3rd best punter in the league in 2013, only behind Shane Lechler and Johnny Hekker. I think McAfee should receive a 4-year deal worth $16 million.

Adam Vinatieri- Vinatieri is the oldest player in the league and still believes he has a couple of years left. "Money" as Colts fans like to call him has been clutch since coming to Indy, and as long as he can still kick, let him kick! The only thing I wish the Colts would do different is use McAfee in long-distance situations--you know, the ones that are out of Vinatieri's range. Vinatieri should receive a 2-year deal worth $6 million.

Vontae Davis- When Grigson traded for Davis last year everybody was beyond excited. Davis was known as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and rightfully so. He's been the lock-down corner the Colts have been looking for, and the Colts need to lock-down a deal with him right away. Don't allow him to test free agency, just show him the money! We cannot afford to lose the best cornerback we've had in years, and with that the Colts should throw a 3-year deal worth $20.5 million at him.

Ahmad Bradshaw- Bradshaw was brought in in 2012 on a $2 million deal for one year. Let's not forget, Colts fans, that Bradshaw looked to be our hardest runner early in the season until a neck injury that placed him on IR. Though he is injury prone, if we give him an incentive based contract for the same $2 million on one year, if he can stay healthy, he would help the Colts create a dangerous running game. At first I wasn't too sure about re-signing him, but there isn't a lot out there for RB's in this years' free agent class, so it's worth another shot.

As you can tell, the list of the Colts' free agents that we should sign is fairly small compared to the ones we shouldn't, but no worries, it's for the best!

Moving on, there are some players on the Colts' roster that have INSANELY RIDICULOUS contracts! Those players are the following: Samson Satele, Greg Toler, and Matt Hasselbeck.

Samson Satele- After Jeff Saturday wasn't re-signed, the Colts knew they had to find a good center and thought they had the guy when the signed Satele. They were wrong...horribly wrong! PFF's grading scale had him at -10.4, which doesn't help the Colts out much when they're trying to run the ball. His run blocking grade was actually -12.1, to be exact. Satele's contract is the WORST contract the Colts have, and it should be terminated.  The center is due to make $5,066,668 this year, which can be spent a lot more wisely on somebody that can actually do the job (Alex Mack). If the Colts do cut Satele (which is likely), they'll save $4,000,000.

Greg Toler- When signed, Colts' fans had high expectations for Toler. Though injury prone, his speed/coverage skills seems to match well with Davis', so everybody thought our cornerback positions were very good. And they were, until Toler got hurt in the game against Denver. Toler sat out the remainder of the season, but came back against KC and got burnt time after time, eventually being benched after re-injuring his groin. After that game, he was placed on IR. Due to make $4,833,333 this year, the Colts cannot afford to pay this kind of money to a player that has a big history of injuries. I like the guy, but he needs cut. This is a business, unfortunately, and it should be handled as such. If cut (which is doubtful), the Colts would save $4,166,666.

Matt Hasselbeck- Hasselbeck was brought in in 2012 to be a mentor for Andrew Luck. It was Luck's rookie year, and though he was said to be the smartest QB coming out of college ever, a little guidance from a veteran can never be a bad thing...until this year. This year Hasselbeck is set to make $3,750,000. For what? To sit on the bench. Luck (IMO) is passed needing guidance, and we could spend $3.7 million elsewhere. The Colts should cut him and use Harnish as their backup; he isn't too bad for a second year QB either! If they did decide to cut Hasselbeck, they would save $2,250,000.

The rest of the Colts players that should be cut (some are obvious) are the following: Corey Lynch, Tashard Choice, Weslye Saunders, Dan Herron, Aaron Morgan, Thomas Austin, Mario Harvey, Justin Anderson, Jeris Pendleton, Justin Anderson, Marcus Burley, Alan Baxter, Jake McDonough, Sheldon Price, and Martell Webb.

For shits and giggles, let's say everybody that I think should get cut, gets cut. With that in mind, let's take a look at what the Colts salary cap situation would look like.

Cap Savings- $18,311,666
Dead Money- $4,003, 067
Practice Squad- $816,000
Draft- $2,100,000
Projected Salary Cap- $71,602,647
Projected NFL Salary Cap- $126,300,000
Colts Cap Space- $48,941,243

Yes, you see that right. If the Colts cut a few big names that aren't really helping us anyway, plus the rest of the players listed (and half of them won't make the final roster as it is), they would save almost FORTY-NINE MILLION DOLLARS!

Just let that sink in.

Now the fun part beings...

WHICH FREE AGENTS SHOULD THE COLTS SIGN?

Alex Mack- Mack was the 4th best center last year, and that was with the Cleveland Browns. Granted the Browns have a pretty stout offensive line, that's still a pretty solid ranking and should be treated as such. As previously mentioned, if the Colts were smart they would cut Satele and save $4 million. And if they continued to be smart they would sign Mack for a 4-year deal worth $22 million, meaning his cap hit would be $5.5 million. For $1.5 million more, that's one hell of an upgrade. The interior of the offensive line was a nightmare for the Colts this year, and signing Mack be a quick/enormous upgrade.

Jairus Byrd- I highly doubt the Bills will let this young and upcoming safety go, but if they do, the Colts need to jump on it quick. Bethea, who has been with the Colts since 2006, is a free agent this year and though it pains me to say it, they shouldn't re-sign him. He is slowing down, his coverage skills are becoming average, and he will want a large paycheck. Though Landry didn't pan out the way the Colts wanted him to in 2013, with time, he'll be there. With that said, the Colts will need another safety back there with Landry, and Byrd (the 8th best S according to PFF) is the answer. The only downfall is he's seeking to become the highest paid safety in the NFL, but the Colts should pay him, and pay him big. A 4-year/$38 million contract is what I had in mind, but boy would those two safeties create quite the duo.

Corey Graham- As a cornerback that's spent most of his time with the Chicago Bears, but the last couple with the Baltimore Ravens, Corey Graham handles business. He played in 16 games this season, starting 5, but the biggest key to this sentence is the number 16. Durability is what the Colts need at the CB position, and Graham provides that. This season he had 12 passes defensed and 4 INT's, and sheesh, we all love INTs! I'm thinking a 2-year deal worth $6 million would lock up this cornerback, and that's a big saving/upgrade from the injury prone Greg Toler.

Arthur Jones- The defensive line need one thing this year--PUSH! Cory Redding did an exceptional job this year, but the newly acquired Ricky Jean-Francois wasn't spectacular. Jones was in on 53 tackles this year including 4 sacks, and may just be the DE the Colts need. Not to mention Pagano and Manusky are familiar with Jones, as he has spent the last 4 years (whole career) with the Baltimore Ravens. Jones should receive a a 3-year deal worth $12 million.

Jason Hatcher- Jason Hatcher is the last FA I think the Colts should look at. Hatcher, who has been in the NFL for 8 years, is a DT that has turned on the jets the last few years. He's a "late bloomer" as some would say. At 32 years of age, Hatcher still made the Pro Bowl this year, as he should have after recording 11 sacks. Granted he played in the 4-3 this year under Kiffen, the year prior he still put up Redding-like numbers, which every Colts fan should take. If Hatcher was willing to leave the Cowboys (or if the Cowboys decide they don't/can't re-sign him), he should look into coming to Indy. His chance to win a Super Bowl is here, and I think the Colts could bring him in on a 3-year deal worth $7.5 million.

After all of the free agents (including current Colts free agents) are signed, that would put the Colts' free agent spending at a whopping $40,250,000. That's a lot of money, but luckily after the cuts that I had previously mentioned should happen, that would still leave the Colts with $8,691,243 left to spend on un-drafted free agents.

As I said before, this is a huge offseason for the Colts as they are still trying to "Build the Monster". It's not built yet, folks, but it's very close! I think with the moves I've mentioned, this would put them in the position they needed to be to go to the Super Bowl.