Humility is something I do not practice. Please keep that in mind!
I like to think of myself as a pretty good judge of talent. Freaky, in fact. Following sports like a lunatic for 40 years has a way of making armchair GM’s of men, and I suppose I’m no different. That said, as a Reds fan, I knew Paul Janish was a terrible hitter 3 years ago. I knew Johnny Gomes would struggle after the Phillies exposed his weakness against the off-speed pitch low and away. And I knew Fransisco Cordero would be a very shaky closer. I cringed when the Pacers drafted Scott Haskin and gave a franchise contract to Jermaine O’Neal. I even knew Mike Davis would be a disaster as IU’s basketball coach and that Bracey Wright would never live up to his expectations. As a Colts fan, I’ve been equally uncanny – he says with a straight face – and I have some thoughts on the 2011 version.
Donald Brown? Slow. Jeff Linkenbach? Couldn’t block a CYO striper. Anthony Gonzalez? Completely expendable. After watching (painfully) the pre-season, it’s obvious to me the Donald Brown experiment should end, and the Darren Evans era should begin. Gonzalez and his plastic bubble need to make way for Taj Smith. Michael Toudouze and Linkenbach should open a gym together. And Curtis Painter should buy a “Super Cuts” franchise.
Karma is a strange animal, and Gonzalez may be a victim if you believe in that sort of thing. I had the good fortune to work for a gentleman not long ago whom one might consider “connected” here in Indianapolis; and I know he wouldn’t make a story up. He was at the Indy 500 a couple of years ago, and basically saw Gonzalez treat a fellow Ohio State Buckeye like a handful of head lice while sitting in Peyton Manning’s turn-2 suite. Now, that building is wide open. If you’re outside, you’re opening yourself up to dozens of people within feet of you. Fences between suites are 3 feet high and there is no real barrier. Any NFL player, rock star, or regular Joe is readily accessible. That’s not the place to act like an entitled, arrogant athlete, but Gonzalez chose to do that and he’s played very sparingly since. Not only can I judge talent, the people around me clearly have an effect on athletes.
I do hope levity isn’t lost on people. Anyway, those who should make the Colts’ roster? Smith – after a few years in the system, this talented WR has made enough plays to earn a spot. Evans – has a burst and plays like he’s got something to prove. WR Chris Brooks – adds size and playmaking ability to a team that needs it. LB Adrian Moton – undrafted free agent has an incredible motor and is always around the ball.
Experienced casualties? Brown (RB), Gonzalez (WR), Painter (QB), RB Javaris James, TE Brody Eldridge, and DT Ricardo Matthews.
The “guy who SHOULD start but might not?” Ben Ijalana, OT. Really moves his feet well and uses his long arms very well. He should be the starting RT, but I fear that role will go to Linkenbach, who would have trouble staying with a glacier. The Colts have talent and they have speed. What they can’t afford is too much loyalty. Tough decisions loom, and to me? They’re obvious.