Manning "stunned" at Polian's dismissal

**Uli2001** · 01-03-2012, 12:45 AM

This might become a big story. Manning certainly doesn't sound too happy about it:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/74...unned-decision

Polian was the GM who drafted Manning. Is this a move by Irsay to prepare the ground to get rid of Manning? If so, this is a horrible move. If Luck is a bust, I will be the first to say that the Colts will not be in Indianapolis within 10 years. Another Irsay, the same story.

**52decleetzu** · 01-03-2012, 12:55 AM

He is stunned because he can see they are blowing it up, and he probably isn't going to be part of it after they draft Luck.

**Dade** · 01-03-2012, 12:58 AM

I think the writing has been on the wall for some time. Peyton Manning will not be a Colt next season....book it.

**RAVENOUS52** · 01-03-2012, 01:06 AM

Manning's uncertain health status and probability of a full recovery, combined with Indy's Golden Draft Ticket and the outstanding play of a slew of rookie QBs lately certainly doesn't bode well for Eli's big brother remaining in the land of Hicks & Incest.

**JMUpurkfool** · 01-03-2012, 01:14 AM

When I read a bunch of people on this board saying Peyton could be a Jet next year I didn't think it was possible.

Seems kind of likely now.

**Uli2001** · 01-03-2012, 02:19 AM

I think it's a big roll of the dice. You are jettisoning Polian and Manning at one swipe, the two reasons why Indianapolis was relevant for the last 10 years. It was one of the worst franchises before them, and I see nothing that tells me it won't go back to being what it always was before the two (see this year). I think Manning has three more of years in him. They could make this a smooth transition and passing of the torch. Luck is an unproven commodity in the NFL. There are no guarantees, despite what the histrionics of the jour in the media may be.

With all that said, I cannot care less what happens to the Indianapolis Colts. I just foresee more heartbreak caused by an Irsay in a few years when the Mayflower trucks come, which is sad.

**DarthCorvax** · 01-03-2012, 02:49 AM

I'm pretty sure this is a signal that the Manning era is pretty much done. Seems like everyone who really contributed to that run is either gone or probably on the way out the door:

Polian - gone
Harrison - gone
Wayne - free agent, likely gone
Mathis - also a free agent, correct?
Sanders - gone
Edge - been gone
Brackett - injured. wonder if he'll be gone
Freeney - getting older
Clark - wasn't he injured?
Manning - certainly was injured and might now be gone

When Manning got there, they pretty much had nothing and I guess the Luck era will start the same way.

Originally Posted by Uli2001

With all that said, I cannot care less what happens to the Indianapolis Colts. I just foresee more heartbreak caused by an Irsay in a few years when the Mayflower trucks come, which is sad.

I hope so.

**NOLARavenFAN** · 01-03-2012, 06:05 AM

Yes, maybe it was about Manning and Polian's loyalty got him fired.....either way, there are going to be some players over there to look at in the offseason.

**GOTA** · 01-03-2012, 06:30 AM

Polian had checked out already. He was already in semi-retirement and somehow got son to do most of the GM job instead. Newsflash Bill, your son isn't that good at it. As much as I love Ozzie no way would I want him to be able to do that type of thing and I doubt Ozzie would ever even consider it.

**Kyle Cactus** · 01-03-2012, 06:43 AM

Originally Posted by GOTA

Polian had checked out already. He was already in semi-retirement and somehow got son to do most of the GM job instead. Newsflash Bill, your son isn't that good at it. As much as I love Ozzie no way would I want him to be able to do that type of thing and I doubt Ozzie would ever even consider it.

The level of nepotism in the NFL is incredible. In a league that's so competitive you'd think there'd be more pressure on guys to make the best hire and not do crap like this. Hilarious that it happened to the Colts though!

**GOTA** · 01-03-2012, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by Kyle Cactus

The level of nepotism in the NFL is incredible. In a league that's so competitive you'd think there'd be more pressure on guys to make the best hire and not do crap like this. Hilarious that it happened to the Colts though!

I just can't believe that owners go for it. You're seeing something similar in Washington. Shanahan thinks he's setting this up so his son can take over. What has his son ever done to be a head coach? The Texans have been a lot better without him and the Redskins offense is disfunctional. As an owner I wouldn't allow it.

**Ravenswintitle** · 01-03-2012, 09:32 AM

If Manning is healthy, Irsay will likely pay him the money this spring; but the payment is due before the draft and they may not know by then. If it's unclear whether he is going to be able to play, I can't see them shelling out another 28 or so million without some kind of clause. Wouldn't be a good business decision regardless of the team.