Has the Colts' window closed?

[Chris Raiden]

I'm watching ESPN (yes, Sportscenter at 5 a.m., the things to do when you can't sleep), and one of their analysts is saying the Colts' window has closed due to the coaching and personnel changes.

I'm not entirely certain about this. What do you all think?

[Sascha]

I was watching the same show, mostly about the Rays and some other dude, forgot what that was about though.


As long as Peyton QB's that team, the Colts window is not closed. But every year, it seems like a few more competitors sprout up. I can see any of the South's teams' fighting for a playoff spot, so just getting out of the division will be tough for them. But in the overall, I think they're still as competitive as ever.

[Texecutioner]

I was watching the same show, mostly about the Rays and some other dude, forgot what that was about though.


As long as Peyton QB's that team, the Colts window is not closed. But every year, it seems like a few more competitors sprout up. I can see any of the South's teams' fighting for a playoff spot, so just getting out of the division will be tough for them. But in the overall, I think they're still as competitive as ever.

Not the Jags. Won't happen.

[Hawkeye]

I agree with ruuudiii that as long as Manning is there, they are a contender. I mean Manning is still playing at a high level and the team isn't exactly over the hill. I think a new coach and coordinators does make a difference, but time will tell on that. If the Colts' window is closing, what does that make the window for the Pats with Brady, Bruschi, Springs, Taylor, Faulk, Galloway, Moss, Morris and Thomas all in the double digits of their careers?

[Chris Raiden]

I agree with ruuudiii that as long as Manning is there, they are a contender. I mean Manning is still playing at a high level and the team isn't exactly over the hill. I think a new coach and coordinators does make a difference, but time will tell on that. If the Colts' window is closing, what does that make the window for the Pats with Brady, Bruschi, Springs, Taylor, Faulk, Galloway, Moss, Morris and Thomas all in the double digits of their careers?

Those guys also have Bill Belichick calling the shots though, there's continuity in the organization from the standpoint of not everybody's gone.

In this case, they've lost Dungy (the obvious one) and now Tom Moore is no longer calling the shots on offense, and I think that's going to be the bigger blow honestly. The Colts had had the same guy calling the shots throughout Manning's career, and he's now retired or going to be a special assistant, so it changes the flow significantly on gameday.

[Zero]

I think the Colts are still going to win the division, sure the titans did amazing last year, but I think they were one hit wonders.. and they lost one of their biggest playmakers.. they still dont have any WR Threats...

The Jags arent doing anything except getting rid of everyone

and I think the Texans have a good shot, but Peyton Manning is still the leader of that division

[Dreamers]

I have to say no here. Yes it is the start of a new team with a new style but that can be a plus for this team. I thought they had one of if not the best drafts this year and they have a line that will be solid for years. I think with Brown and Addia you will see a run 1st O which will take a lot of teams by surprise. Then adding Collie into a 3rd down set with Wayne, Addia, Clark, and Gonzo could be really hard to stop. I'm not expecting everyone on this team to get 70+ catches but I think those 5 guys could do just that this year. Fili fills what has been their biggest whole for years and outside of a shut down CB I'd say they have all the pieces easy.

[Tronix]

I think it's closing, but not closed, as long as you have an extreme playmaker like Manning behind center they'll have a chance, but if the new coaching staff doesn't live up to the bold expectations of the players, the window will slam shut, because the team will unravel in short order.

[dagumol]

I can forsee the offense getting a slow start. But defensively, they made a good leap forward. The D-line should (I hate that S word) no longer be the joke of the league.The AFC South is a battle ground. Houston, if they don't break down in the last half of the season, has a legitimate shot at the division title. All in all, with Manning, Addai, Wayne, Clark and that amazing O-line in tact they are going to put points on the board.

[TexecutedInTampa]

I'm watching ESPN (yes, Sportscenter at 5 a.m., the things to do when you can't sleep), and one of their analysts is saying the Colts' window has closed due to the coaching and personnel changes.

I'm not entirely certain about this. What do you all think?

In 2009, the Colts' window has not closed.

Sure, Manning has to break in new coaches and that's a tall order....

The Colts, IMO, are the favorite in the D, but they'll have to fight for it. I think they are better prepared for that fight than their divisional opponents, but that's just me.