Advertisement

Should Colts pull plug on Peyton Manning and try for Andrew Luck?

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.


Writers from around Tribune Co. discuss the quarterback situation in Indianapolis, with Colts superstar Peyton Manning out indefinitely and potential future superstar Andrew Luck of Stanford looming as the top pick in next year’s draft.

Check back throughout the day for more responses, vote in the poll and weigh in with a comment of your own.

Advertisement

Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

We’re one game into the season. One game! It’s silly to suggest that after one week a team should just tank it, write off the season and give up in hopes of finishing with the NFL’s worst record. A lot of things can happen between now and April, not the least of which could be Manning healing quicker than expected or Luck getting hurt.

Besides, it’s not as if Luck is the only possible solution; there are other quarterbacks out there. Maybe he’s a generational player, maybe he isn’t. To suggest the Colts call it a season now is just dumb.

[Updated at 1:24 p.m.: Kevin Van Valkenburg, Baltimore Sun

Anyone who thinks the Colts should essentially tank this season to position themselves in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes is being completely naive. If Indianapolis officials really want Luck and they’re not in a position to draft him in 2012, they should just offer whatever it takes -- even if it’s three first-round draft picks and Dwight Freeney -- to get him.

But suggesting they throw the season is absurd. And doing it might even be illegal. Imagine the gambling implications alone if Joseph Addai decided to start intentionally fumbling whenever he sniffed the end zone. I’m not sure the U.S. Department of Justice would be able to ignore that kind of massive fraud.

Advertisement

Plus, how would it even work? Would Bill Polian look Reggie Wayne and Freeney in the eye and tell them to play at half speed for the rest of the year? It’s one thing to pull your starters, put yourself at a competitive disadvantage and make it more likely you’ll lose, but to intentionally tank an entire season? It’s not only unfeasible, it’s insulting to your fans and current players, not to mention the head coach. If Jim Irsay or Polian even hinted at throwing the season, Jim Caldwell should resign on the spot.

I’m not even sure Indianapolis should panic anyway. They played one miserable game. Have enough pride to see how the first month plays out at the very least.

Steve Svekis, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Peyton Manning may not ever play again. Or he may feel well enough to come back this season. It will be his decision only. Apart from that, the Colts probably aren’t quite the 3-13 or 2-14 caliber they would need to be to end up with the Luck-y first overall selection in the 2012 draft.

They got waxed in the opener on the road against one of the most talented teams in the league, so it’s important not to over-react to that. In addition, the Colts’ home schedule is very soft, with games against the Browns, Chiefs, Panthers, Jaguars and Titans all in the mix.

Even without Manning taking a single snap, the Colts look like a five-win team, nowhere near where the teams in the Luck lotto will reside.]

Advertisement

ALSO:

Should Tim Tebow be the Denver Broncos’ starting QB? [Poll]

Bill Plaschke: Oakland Raiders could use some brains with their brawn

Tom Brady, Wes Welker make New England Patriots history with 99-yard play

Advertisement