Pro Bowl Bound Colts

   Incase you aren't totally aware, the Pro Bowl rosters have been out for a good while, and with the game approaching this weekend, I though that it would only be appropriate to give you a little bit of info on the Colt Pro Bowl players. 

   Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, and Reggie Wayne were all named starters on the Pro Bowl list. This is great but there is one big name obviously missing. Peyton Manning was awarded with a Pro Bowl spot, but because of his three or four game stretch of bad play, Peyton was put lower on the depth chart. 

   I just want to tell anyone trying to criticize Peyton that if injuries hadn't plagues the team this year, Peyton would be the obvious MVP. Just wait for it because it is going to happen next year. Yeah!!! I said it I guarantee that Peyton will win the MVP next year. Write it down and save it for later. 

   Now that I have that off my chest, I want to congratulate the others for being named starts. I would like to tell you however that ,due to injury , Dwight will not be playing. It doesn't really matter though. 

So good job guys! I look forward to watching you honored in a boring noncompetitive game this weekend, and look for more of me here and on my blog

Indianapolis Colts Report Card: Offense

B-

   This season had great expectations going into the first game. After a bad high scoring loss, there were thoughts that maybe we would have a bad season due solely to the defense and the loss of Bob Sanders... Again!

   These thoughts changed when Peyton came out and played great for us and had a good possibility of getting another MVP. These aspirations of greatness were shot down when both Dallas Clark and Austin Collie went down for the season. With injures abound, Peyton's play plummeted, and he went through a very rough stretch. The offense picked back up late in the season, but it wasn't enough.

   The offense had great potential, but injures killed the Colts. Based on the first half of the season they would have had an A+. Unfortunately, the F- they had in that stretch during the middle of the season lowered the grade dramatically. I will cut them a little bit of slack after they found a way to pick up the offense late in the season even with the injures, but that only gets them a B- or a C+.

For more of me check out my blog maxthecoltsfan.blogspot.com or check here again later in the week. 

Up And Coming Offensive Players In the NFL

Quarterback:

Matt Ryan - As you may already know Matt Ryan is close to being an elite QB in this league.  He has that swagger that everyone talks about, he has the composer, he has all the intangibles to lead his team into the playoffs (oh ya, he already did).  He has only lost 3 games at home as a starter.  He only had 9 interceptions against his 28 TDs.  He will be an elite QB, and it might start next season.

  

Running Backs:

 LeSean McCoy - McCoy didn't have the best of seasons in 2009, partly because he was a rookie.  This season McCoy had a break out season of sorts. He averaged about 111 all-purpose yards a game. He was probably the reason why the Eagles were better than expected, right next to Vick.  With the off season for the Eagles, he will be able to come back better, stronger, and have more elusiveness.

Arian Foster - Foster led the NFL in rushing yards in only his second season, that's pretty good.  He compiled over 1,600 rushing yards and ultimately making him a pro-bowler.  He came out of the gate with a huge game against the Colts, where he rushed for over 200 yards.  He is very similar to McCoy, in the fact that he is an all-purpose running back, but better.

Wide Receivers:

Mike Williams - I usually don't like to call players up-coming in their first year, but I am with Mike Williams(TB).  He almost didn't even seem to look like a rookie.  He looked like player that had been in the league a couple of years.  He was second in receptions in Tampa Bay only behind Kellen Winslow and first in receiving yards this season and probably will lead in both categories on the team next year.

Stevie Johnson - If there were any bright spots in the Bills organization, it was Steve Johnson. He led Buffalo in receptions and receiving yards and it wasn't even close.  He had over 1,000 receiving yards and 82 receptions.  He had 10 receiving touchdowns.  He was clearly Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target, and would be a young QB favorite target as well  if the Bills decide to draft one.

Tight Ends;

Brandon Pettigrew - At the beginning of the season Pettigrew was not a big factor in the Lions offense, but during the middle and end of the season he was a big force.  He ended up being second on the Lions in receptions, only 6 receptions behind C. Johnson's 77.  He had 772 yards receiving, also second on team behind C. Johnson in that category.  He will be the main reason why the Lions will actually be good next year.  The Lions will be my sleeper/surprise team next season.

 Jacob Tamme - Out went Dallas Clark in came someone just as good.  Jacob Tamme has size and sure hands.  He stepped in for the injured Dallas Clark and it almost didn't faze the Colts in the tight end position.  He had 67 receptions and 631 receiving yards this season.  Whether he is still with the colts next season is to be unknown.  In my opinion he probably will be traded to a team like the Arizona Cardinals.  If the Cardinals get a franchise QB Tamme would be a nice toy for the new QB to use.

Next week I will have the up and coming defensive players, then the week after that I'll have Special Teams

Keeping Caldwell

   After the Colts lost against, the New York Jets I noticed a lot of people tweeting and talking about getting rid of Jim Caldwell.

   I don't have much to say about it, but whoever is saying really needs to sit down and think about what they are saying. Sure, Caldwell called a really bad timeout at the end of the game. That call didn't make Cromartie run his kick return into good field position. That didn't injure Dallas, Austin, Hayden, Sanders, or any of the other guys that weren't with us when we played. That didn't make our replacement corner back blow his coverage for the second time in two plays. The only thing it did was give the Jets another chance to go down the field. In fact, it gave the Colts D a chance to step up and make a good defensive play. It didn't though.

   When I saw the time out called, I immediately said that it was a bad call and that the Jets were going to take a shot for Edwards, and it happened. The Jets won the game off that timeout. That's no reason to get rid of a coach that led us to a Superbowl in his first year. Winning his first 14 games, and only losing 1 game that he wasn't resting people in. Caldwell is not a bad coach. His team is just beat up.

   So Colts fans stop saying that we need to get rid of Jim. The last thing we need is a change in coaching. We just need to get healthy. Don't get mad. Get excited for the return of some healthy players, and a chance to do what we did last year (we went to the Superbowl last year... Just saying). Only this time we will finish off the job and get another ring.

Hellooooooooo!!!

What's up guys this is Max the colts fan. I'm here to hit you guys up with all colts info and opinion three times a week. This is my first post so I'm just going to tell you a little about what you need to know. I've been a colts fan all my life, and when it comes to football, I know my stuff.

I'll be giving you guys on Around The NFL the update on Colts info every couple of days with a little bit of opinion add in. Since it's the offseason for us right now. I plan on giving you the latest on the draft, managerial decisions, and anything that the colts end up in the news for.

Once the season starts back up, I'll be giving you the weekly "why the colts are going to win" report befo the game, and a post game "I told you they would win" recap. I'll keep you updated with any important news about Indianapolis during the week as well.

I'm looking forward to contributing to Around The NFL, and I'll hit you guys up with a post later this week about why Jim Caldwell isn't going anywhere despite idiots on twitter and other sites saying that he needs to go.

Until then remember that a health Indianapolis Colts team could demolish any team left in the playoffs. ( and yes that includes you New England )

2011 NFL Mock Draft

1. Panthers

AJ Green (WR) - Georgia

This might not seem like the popular choice that most people would take.  But, if you think about it who did Jimmy Clausen, or any other Carolina QB, have to throw to?  Don't say Steve Smith, because he was doubled teamed the whole year.  Carolina does not have a big physical WR and AJ Green is the best one in this draft and would compliment Steve Smith nicely.  He would also Give Clausen a sure target, and/or free up Steve Smith.  

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 2. Broncos

Marcell Dareus (DT) - Alabama                                                          Broncos lack a big DT that can get to the QB.  Dareus provides the Broncos with that option.

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3. Bills

Nick Fairley (DT) - Auburn                                                                      This would make the second DT taken in the first 3 picks, and he is a good one.  If there is anything the Bills need it is great devensive player.  The Bills defense was among the worst in the NFL.  Fairley provides the Bills with a great defensive prospect that the can build around.

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4. Bengals

Akeem Ayers (OLB) - UCLA                                                         The Bengals do not need to draft an offensive player, because they have plenty of talent with Ochocinco, Simpson, Caldwell and Gresham.  What Ayers brings to the table is a fast physical linebacker, which will be needed during AFC North games.

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5. Cardinals

Blaine Gabbert (QB) - Mizzou                                                      Blaine Gabbert is the best Quarterback in this years draft thanks to Andrew Luck.  Cardinals need a franchise QB, and Gabbert give them the best chance to do just that.

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6. Browns

Da'Quan Bowers (DE) - Clemson                                                     As the Browns offense seems to be shaping up to quite a force to be reckoned with, the defense is what will need to be the focus in this years draft.  Although, do not be surprised if the Browns take Julio Jones from Alabama. Da'Quan has that big body and the knack to get to the QB.

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7. Eagles

Eagles get San Fransisco's 7th pick and San Fransisco gets Kevin Kolb and 2nd RD pick.                                                              Patrick Peterson (CB) - LSU                                                The Eagles secondary, besides Samuel, was probably the worst in all of the NFL.  They, Demitri Paterson, got burned over and over again.  It is time for the Eagles to finally fix this problem first this year. 

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8. Titans 

Ryan Mallet (QB) - Arkansas Who knows what is going to happen to Vince Young.  The Titans cannot rely on Kerry Collins to be the future QB.  Mallet is the best available franchise QB left at this point.

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9. Cowboys

Robert Quinn (DE) - UNC                                                                         The Cowboys will need some that can keep up with Mike Vick in the NFC East.  Quinn will also help out DeMarcus Ware on the other side.

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10. Redskins 

Cam Newton (QB) - Auburn                                                    Donavon McNabb most likely will not be in a Redskins uniform.  Cam Newton, despite the controversy in college, will be the answer to the future under center for the Washington Redskins.

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11. Texans

Prince Amukamara (CB) - Nebraska                                                         Along with the Eagles, the Texans were one the worst secondaries that teams scorched this year.  Prince Amukamara will be a big upgrade to the Texans secondary.

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12. Vikings

Von Miller (OLB) - Texas A&M                                                The Vikings do not have any big named linebackers and Von Miller will give them just that.

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13. Lions

Brandon Harris (CB) - Miami(FL)                                                   The Lions are one good corner back from having one of the best defenses in the league next year and taking Harris here would be a good start.

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14. Rams

Julio Jones (WR) - Alabama                                                                               The Rams have good looking future quarterback in Bradford, so they take Julio Jones here to give Bradford a shiney new toy. He is big and physical and will punish opposing corner backs.

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15. Dolphins

Aldon Smith (DE) - Mizzou Smith would be a great compliment to Cameron Wake on the other side of the D-line.

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16. Jaguars

Rahim Moore (FS) - UCLA Who played free safety for the Jaguars last year? Don't know huh? Moore will hopefully give the Jaguars a household name at free safety

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17. Patriots  

Justin Blackman (WR) - Oklahoma St. With the departure of Randy Moss early in the season, it left the Patriots with a true deep threat.  Blackman gives the Patriots just that.

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18. Chargers

Anthony Castonzo (OT) - Colorado If you give the best quarterback in the NFL time to pick apart your secondary, you will not have much of a chance to win. That's what the Chargers hopes happens when they take Costanzo here.

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19. Giants

Nate Solder (OT) -  Boston College                              David Diehl just isn't going to get it done and the Giants will look at Solder as a possible option moving forward.

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20. Buccs

Cameron Heyward (DE) - Ohio State                                                     Heyward provides the Buccs with a great pass rusher and will only improve their D-line.

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21. Chiefs

Cameron Jordan (DE) - Cal                                                                          Jordan is a good looking Defensive End prospect and that is why the Chiefs take him here with this pick.

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22. Colts

Muhammad Wilkerson (DT) - Temple                                    Wanna improve the Colts running defense? You do that with taking Wilkerson here.

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23. Eagles

Gabe Carimi (OT) - Wisconsin                                                       Michael Vick gets sacked 40+ times in a season you know your offensive line is really bad.  The Eagles need to take action here, and they do that with this guy.  Not to mention Carimi is one of the main reasons why Wisconsin's running game was so good this year.

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24. Saints

Corey Liuget (DT) - Illinois                                                                     The Saints could use a future DT and they will fill that need here with Liuget.

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25. Seahawks

Jake Locker (QB) - Washington                                                                    Matt Hasselbeck is old, Jake Locker is not.  Locker will have a grand ole time in the sate he played college ball, and who better to play for than Pete Carrol.

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26. Packers

Mark Ingram (RB) - Alabama                                                        Ryan Grant is not the answer in Green Bay.  The Heisman trophy award winner will be however, and will give the Pack a running game to be reckoned with.

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27. Bears

Phil Taylor (DT) - Baylor                                                               Taylor will give Peppers help rushing the QB. making the Bears defense even better

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28. Jets

JJ Watt (DE) - Wisconsin                                                              Jason Taylor is old and will not be a Jet for much longer.  Watt will rejuvenate the Jets d-line 

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29. Ravens

Derek Sherrod (OT) - Mississippi St. Rivals will now be teammates.  Oher and Sherrod will play along side each other now.

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30. Steelers

Mike Pouncy (OG) - Florida                                                If they can win championships in Florida, why can't they win championships in Pitsburgh? The Steelers make a good choice here.  

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31. Patriots

Tyrone Smith (OT) - USC                                                                           The Patriots o-line is old and Smith will fix that problem, quickly.

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32. Falcons

Randall Cobb (Utility) - Kentucky                                                                 Cobb mostly played WR at Kentucky, but he a better QB and RB than people think.  But the Falcon need neither a QB or a RB, so Cobb will likely play WR for the Falcons.