Now, I don't know about you, but any time I see a headline with the two words "crazy idea" in it, I usually like to click on it to see what the buzz is all about. I knew it had to do with the Colts, since it's former head coach Tony Dungy whose Colts won the Super Bowl after the '06 regular season.
And nowadays, any time there's something in the news about the Colts, we all know it has to do with the franchise's foggy quarterback situation.
With Manning still looking to miss at least 75% of the regular season, and the Colts sitting at 0-6 with Curtis Painter's struggles under center continuing, it's clear the Colts will be missing the postseason for the first time in about a decade this season.
Here is coach Dungy's idea: If Indy has a shot at drafting Stanford's junior quarterback in April's draft, they shouldn't hesitate to do so.
Now, here's where the crazy comes in. Dungy went on to state that if they get Luck, and he impresses early on, they can then trade Super Bowl champion and four-time MVP Peyton Manning.
As outrageously insane that sounds, I think it would actually be a way of moving forward for this franchise. Manning means the world to Indianapolis, and he helped them so much, but we all know that this is a business and that quarterbacks don't last forever. This time next season Manning will be 36-years old and if there was ever a good time to switch gears and rebuild, now is the time.
Manning's supporting cast has never really been all too strong, aside from WRs Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, TE Dallas Clark and RB Edgerrin James. Head coach Jim Caldwell could surely use some help on the defensive side of the ball as well, especially that porous secondary.
Instead of spending it all on Manning, perhaps they could move forward and take a shot on one of the most-coveted quarterbacks in the April 2012 draft...and save some money for the rest of the team.
Obviously the fans will likely be irate if this was to happen in the future–and trust me it would sadden me too if Manning was given the boot–but owner Jim Irsay has to do what's best for the franchise. And if that includes the trading of a legend and the face of the franchise to begin rebuilding and adding youth for the future, then so be it.
At this point, it wouldn't surprise me too much if Manning didn't retire a Colt, although I'm sure everyone would love to see it happen. If Irsay takes a shot on Luck, I think trading Manning to a QB-needy team could work out greatly for Indy considering teams would be willing to pay a great price on such a highly-coveted icon.
Whether he retires a Colt or not, I do think some sort of coaching job could already be lined up for Manning after he hangs his cleats up for good–just look at him standing on the sidelines (^^^), he's looking mighty snazzy in a polo and khakis.
To Dungy: your crazy idea may not sound too crazy after all, Mr. Dungy.
Photo credit
Dungy: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Manning: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
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