Downfall of the Colts Means Opportunity for Mike Mularkey

by Adam Stites on Jan 27, 2012 3:47 PM EST in Meta-Jacksonville Jaguars

In 2003, Jack Del Rio was hired as the head coach of the Jaguars, serving eight full seasons before being fired during his ninth season in 2011. Through those eight full seasons he coached the Jaguars, he never once lead his team into the playoffs as the AFC South division champions.

Also in 2003, Peyton Manning earned his first ever AP All-Pro and won the 2003 NFL AP MVP award after leading the Colts to a 12-4 record. Between 2003-2009, the Colts had seven consecutive seasons with 12 or more wins and won the AFC South in every year during that span with the exception of the 2008 season in which they were dethroned by the 13-3 Tennessee Titans.

While the Jaguars certainly weren't world-beaters any time during that era of Colts dominance, each year they were given very little chance at winning the AFC South title. But with the absolute implosion that was the Colts in 2011, the future for Mike Mularkey's Jaguars isn't so daunting.

The Colts appear to be inching closer towards releasing the man that made it all work, Peyton Manning. After multiple neck surgeries kept him out for all of the 2011 season, Jim Irsay and the Colts have fired just about everyone who is anyone in the organization and is prepared to start over with Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Manning, who is 14-5 all-time against the Jaguars in the regular season, is soon to be the next victim of the purge.

Yes, the Texans are a good football team, but they are not even close to the same level of scary that the Colts were on. For one, their quarterback, Matt Schaub, is already 30 years old as the team is just now reaching a playoff quality of play and he has a had a history of injuries, including a foot injury that sent him to injured reserve in 2011 and essentially cost the team a chance at a Super Bowl run.

What Mularkey will have is an opportunity that is much larger and easier to obtain than Del Rio ever had during his tenure in Jacksonville.

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It is absolutely glorious to watch the Colts implode.

They have a serious dearth of talent on that roster, and even Peyton and Irsay are bickering. I hope Luck is a BUUUUUST, and the Colts return to the time of empty seats, fan apathy, and losing records that they lived in for so long in the AFC East.

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by JPQ! on Jan 27, 2012 4:00 PM EST reply actions

They may need to do a full rebuild.

Wayne and Garcon(their top 2 receivers) are both free agents, and might both walk if Peyton is released. If Peyton leaves, the team has a low chance of success without a rebuild. Which may take up to 3-4 years. If they leave, and Robert Mathis leaves, they’ll only have a few guys to be the foundation that they rebuild upon. Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeney, and Pat Angerer. Losing 2 of their best offensive players, and 1 of their best defensive players. But as the Colts have fallen, the Texans have risen. But were rising too.

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by rhettchrystal on Jan 27, 2012 4:04 PM EST reply actions

Why would they

let so many FAs walk. They will have the money to keep some players.

I would argue the Titans are rising too (dependant upon Jakie-poo). There should be some competitive years coming up without 18 stacking the deck to one side.

by CheapSeat on Jan 28, 2012 1:35 AM EST up reply actions

We have had to wait a decade

for this to finally happen. It has been painful playing second and third fiddle to the Manning led Colts. I hope we get some of their talent and move on to GLOORRRRRYYYYYYY!!!!!! Was that too over the top?

by JagSoldier on Jan 27, 2012 4:15 PM EST reply actions

Let's hope

Luck will not put the Colts back quick where they were with Peyton…

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by Zoltan from Budapest on Jan 27, 2012 6:46 PM EST reply actions

The Colts Have Luck on their side

They also pick at the top of each round – they’ll get compensatory picks this year.
They had a good draft last year they’ve saved $28m for FA by jettisoning Peyton and will be back in the mix in 1-3 years. Rookie Luck > 2nd year Gabbert

The Texans have so many weapons it isn’t funny. They are a much more complete team than the Colts ever were. They won’t even miss Mario Williams much. Fill the few remaining holes in the draft and they’re the top team in the AFC.

The Titans are about our level which is decent 8-8.

What could of happened; did.

by Mullayo on Jan 29, 2012 10:24 PM EST up reply actions

The time is now

At Weavers selling of the team press conference he said Jags are “two drafts away”. Screw that. It’s time for this franchise to act and play like they give a damn. There ain’t no reason this team can’t win the division this year and years to come. Jag fans deserve alot better than this BS that we’ve been getting.

by nationalmediacansuckit on Jan 27, 2012 8:30 PM EST via mobile reply actions