Did the Colts Mishandle Having Manning as their QB?

[The JareBear]

Some great posts in this thread, enjoying this discussion.

[slickdtc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Chip Douglass

I think this is the nub of it. Colts-era Manning in the playoffs played at Foxboro twice against the dynasty Patriots (lost both); Broncos' Manning in the playoffs played weaker New England teams at home twice (won both). 2005 14-2 Colts (arguably Peyton's best Indy team) had the misfortune of playing a really strong 11-5 Pittsburgh team in the divisional round that was much better than their record. 2015 Broncos played a Pittsburgh team in the divisional round that frankly limped into that game. Building an elite defense is easier said than done. One great QB is pretty much sufficient to have a good offense, but you need lots of impact players to have a great defense.

Liked this post a lot. As great as we may hold up those NE and PIT teams, Indy could be thought of in the same class as them if they had built a more balanced roster. It shouldn't be forgotten that PIT nearly fumbled that game away before Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard FG. Also, Big Ben making the tackle on the return (not to mention Harper being possibly hobbled due to a stab wound leading up to the game). There's so many little things that led us to the results we remember now.

I do agree that it's easier said than done to build an overall great team. And by this time, Peyton was surely making a large percentage of the cap. The price of having a great QB is that it depletes your roster elsewhere.

I think a lot of this points to the scouting/front office prowess of Indianapolis, especially seeing their current iteration. It must be lacking to have the same problems they did with Peyton. They were even able to luck in to another franchise QB and have him under a structured contract for then last 4 seasons, allowing them to invest elsewhere. They bought Andre Johnson, Frank Gore, and traded high picks for Trent Richardson instead. Whose the last defensive player they added that's been an impact guy? D'Qwell Jackson comes to mind is it. They've given up on players like Jerry Hughes or Antoine Bethea who've blossomed elsewhere. Just reviewing it now, it's nearly criminal how they've mismanaged their roster structure.

They've been endowed with riches, and completely blown it. There are haves and havenots in the NFL, but from there you have to rely on smart picks, development, coaching, and execution. The best can make the best of what they're given or have chosen, while others can bungle a good thing and fall short of what they should be.

[ImTellinTim]

Where's the thread about the true kings of wasting HOF-level QB play, the Green Bay Packers?

[dsallupinyaarea]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

Where's the thread about the true kings of wasting HOF-level QB play, the Green Bay Packers?

Bold move.

[roadman]

A old bold move.

[ImTellinTim]

Quote: Originally Posted by roadman

A old bold move.

The truth sometimes hurts.

[BleacherBum2310]

it turns out even if you have an Elite QB winning a super bowl is hard. whoa.

[roadman]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

The truth sometimes hurts.

As much as the 80's Bears with one Lombardi trophy?