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INDIANAPOLIS – Readers of Colts.com may submit questions during the week and have a chance to have them answered during the middle of each week. Submit your question here. Here are responses to some of the questions received recently. We thank you for your interest in the Colts.
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PATRICK K. (from Westfield, NC) What positions this offseason will the Colts focus most of their attention on to improve?
A: The coaches and personnel people have had a chance to review the roster, so they have formed some early thoughts on the approach to 2013. At the same time, having depth in all areas is a concern of every team. While there could be attention paid to a particular unit, with free agency, injuries and other factors, it's good business to take a wide view of things. This year will be a bit different from last year. While one area may be targeted, it pays to take a look at every unit across the roster.
LEON T. (from Roswell, GA) Long time Colts fan since early '60s. I think we need a BIG WR like AJ (Andre Johnson) or CJ (Calvin Johnson) that Luck can throw that corner fade to. Peyton never had one here in Indy. Any chance of that being on the off season target list?
A: I guess there's a chance. We just signed Jeremy Kelley to a Reserve/Future contract. He is 6-6, 230 and played for Utah of the Arena League last season. While we haven't had the "size" guy historically, many teams haven't been able to match what we've had either. We are in year two of a regime change here. You saw the team constructed differently (and aggressively) last year. We now have a new coordinator in Pep Hamilton, who will employ a West Coast influence. As for the two guys you mentioned, talents like those are rare.
ERIC L. (from Fairmont, MN) My wife and I have Colts and Vikings season tickets. You have probably heard that the city of Minneapolis has approved the construction of a new stadium. Zygi Wilf has mentioned PSL licenses with a very hefty price tag. Your thoughts on PSL's?
A: We did not feel PSL's were appropriate for our market. We cannot speak for other markets.
JENNIFER C. (from Carthage, IN) I see Griff Whalen is still on IR. I was really impressed with his soft-handed catching abilities in pre-season. Any chance he will be playing next season?
A: Griff was a very productive player at Stanford, and he has a year in our system on the practice squad. I am sure he will have a chance to show his abilities once the program starts up again this spring.
CINDY J. (from Horsham, PA) My son has been a Colts fan since he was 7. Now 23, he has continued to follow the team even with the recent quarterback change. He proudly wore his Luck jersey while watching the games. Great season! What is the process for requesting a signed Luck picture? THANKS!
A: We receive a high volume of requests, and we are unable to fulfill individual requests for autographed items or other memorabilia from players or coaches. However, if you would like to contact a player or coach personally, you may send them a letter at: Indianapolis Colts/Attn: (Player/Coach Name)/7001 W. 56th Street/Indianapolis, IN 46254. Please note that we cannot guarantee you will receive a response, or that your request will be fulfilled as these requests will go directly to the player/coach. Please thank your son for being a fan for 16 years.
ROBERT K. (from Yellville, AR) Will the Colts enter Peyton Manning and Jeff Saturday together in the Ring of Honor?
A: We never have inducted two guys at the same time. Two of our three "Triplets" are in – Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James. Peyton Manning, of course, still is playing. Should Jeff and Peyton eventually go in, it would be good symmetry to do so together since they started the most games as a QB-C tandem in history. I think any inductions we could have in the future would be done as those in the past. Your idea is not bad, though.
JIM B. (from Iowa) We're working on vacation plans for the summer 2013. Are tours offered of Colt facilities?
A: Glad you checked ahead. Tours every week give visitors a close look at Lucas Oil Stadium. Tours last approximately one hour and include visits to the playing field, an NFL locker room, Lucas Oil Plaza, the press box, and numerous other areas (depending on availability) that are generally inaccessible to the public. The tours are typically conducted at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors age 65 and over and children ages 4-12. Children ages 3 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available only on the day of the tour and are sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets can be purchased at the exterior ticket windows of the Colts Pro Shop located at the northeast side of the stadium, near the corner of South St. and Capitol Ave. Large groups may want to consider scheduling a private tour.
ANGIE H. (from Bloomington, IL) When will the single-game tickets go on sale for the 2013 season?
A: Our focus is in this order – renewing current season ticket holders, filling relocation requests to the extent possible, taking seat addition requests, monitoring the wait list and pursuing new season and group sales. After all of those, then the club sees where it will be for single-game sales. Should single-game sales be possible, it would be around mid-summer. In that event, we will make an announcement on www.colts.com and via a press release.
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NONNAJEAN F. (from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada) What's the future hold for Jerrell Freeman? He's been a great addition to the Colts, and helped make this a great season!
A: Jerrell seized opportunity last year and led the team in tackles in 13 games. Coaches liked his play and attitude, and 2013 should hold the same chance for him. He was a great addition to the team after a solid career in your area. I hope you enjoyed seeing him in our league. We certainly did.
MELISSA H. (from Redlands, CA) What is the status of Austin Collie? Will he continue to be on the team?
A: Austin is one of 14 unrestricted free agents. The club has not said anything in particular to this point about plans moving forward with any players. Until the free agency period starts in mid-March, I don't expect there to be much discussion regarding any players. Austin is working to overcome a tough injury. All indications are the rehabilitation is going well. I am sure he appreciates your interest in him.
J.W. (from Frankfort, IN) (I've been a) Colts fan since 1998. Do you think that our new hybrid 3-4 system is the reason why (Dwight) Freeney and (Robert) Mathis didn't get as many sacks as what they usually do?
A: The system asked a number of players to operate differently than they did in the past. You could argue Dwight and Robert were affected among the most of all players. The level of their play cannot be measured solely on sack numbers, though. Those numbers were down, but they had a great impact on the defense in the first year of its implementation. A second season in the system will help all players.
DAVID H. (from Sebring, FL) I hope we do not waste cap money on free agents. The Jets, Philly, Bucs did and they are no better. Don't fall in the same trap that other teams do. Most of the players have played their best games and it's just downhill, and I can't see throwing good money away on over-priced has beens. Free agents never work.
A: History is littered with decisions both good and bad by teams across the league, including us. We do have more room to operate than last year, but look for the club to be prudent.
KYLE C. (from undisclosed) I have tried all year to find out where Joseph Addai is. Is he just holding out? Sure do miss him, still wear his jersey.
A: I have not heard much about Joe since he was with New England briefly last year. Things didn't work out for him there, but the last I heard was that he wants to keep playing. Joe was a hard worker and a great guy. You made a good choice when you bought his jersey, and we wish him all the best.
WYATT M. (from Houston, TX) Will Pat Angerer be a starter next year if he is healthy, or has Jerrell Freeman taken his spot?
A: There were plans last year to include both in the lineup because of their production. Pat had a rough year with a foot injury. He gutted it out to the fullest, and I know he was frustrated with the injury. With a return to health being the target, I think you would see him in action for us in 2013.
TAYLOR W. (from Champaign, IL) What can you tell us about the future of Austin Collie with the team? He's a great guy and one of my favorite players but has been plagued by injury the last couple of seasons.
A: Taylor, please see above. Another reader asked about Austin, too. He always has been one of the fan favorites, and for good reason.
ENRIQUE H. (from Bakersfield, CA) Are you thinking about moving Mike McGlynn to center and adding 3 new linemen or keeping Samson (Satele) there and Mike at right guard and adding only 2 new linemen?
A: Don't know what the plans are for this year. Both Samson and Mike were good players last year who battled with their fullest effort. Mike shifted in for Samson when necessary, but right guard was the spot targeted for him last year. Every year is different, but I personally would not see there being such a shift.
ED C. (from Clarksville, TN) The only problem with this team the whole season was that on the last play of the season the defense did not (hit) Ray Lewis as he danced in the backfield. My only regret is you will not get another chance to get him again.
A: Ed, a little harsh with your opinion there. It showed you stayed tuned in until the final snap, however. The Ravens beat us and moved on. We will move on ourselves with the target being to do what they eventually accomplished. I didn't personally ask any players about that instance. I doubt we would conduct ourselves that way, though, with an out-going player.
SHANE H. (from Sebring, FL) Why is Edge's jersey not retired? (Cassius) Vaughn is not worthy.
A: We have several retired jerseys from the Baltimore era, and jersey numbers are limited. The club has not retired a jersey number for a while now, and I don't know that we have any immediate plans. Edge was special, and a couple of guys have worn number 32 since he left after 2005. Even Marvin Harrison wore a jersey number that was made popular by John Mackey, a Hall-of-Famer. Thanks for asking, and Cassius will put the same effort into his career as did The Edge.
RICHARD D. (from North Carolina) Who is the new offensive coordinator?
A: Pep Hamilton replaces Bruce Arians as the coordinator. Pep was with Stanford the last three years and has 10 years of experience in the NFL. He was the Stanford offensive coordinator for the past two years, and he will bring a version of the West Coast Offense to Indianapolis. I am sure he is getting familiar with the coaching staff and roster. Seeing what will be retained and added to the approach is yet to play out.
STEPHEN W. (from Ruskin, FL) Will the Colts ever wear their blue football pants or mix up their uniforms a little bit like the days of Harbaugh?
A: You have a good memory. We wore blue pants in three games in 1995, then shelved them. Those were the only three games in franchise history where we did not wear white pants. We did use some throwbacks on a couple of occasions, but I don't know that the blue pants will return. The throwbacks we wore in Detroit (2004) and Philadelphia (2010) were sweet looks.
KIM H. (from Decatur, IN) I heard in the Vontae Davis trade the Dolphins would get a draft pick but only if he played a certain percentage and he didn't. Do we get that pick back or what happens with the deal?
A: We ended up sending only the second-round pick to Miami for Vontae, and we think it is a really good deal for us, given his ability and age. He really finished strongly last season. We got the sixth-round pick back and are missing a fifth-round pick that was sent to San Francisco for the chance to draft T.Y. Hilton.
JOHN B. (from Carmel, IN) This is more of a statement than a question. I am a season ticket holder and all of your responses pertaining to questions of free agency are always, "I'm not going to touch that one. We'll see what happens in March." What's the point of even putting the questions in your column if you don't answer!?
A: The point of the mailbag is to engage readers as much as possible and let them know there is a chance their question can be answered. If I can address something, I certainly will. If I cannot answer a question at a certain point, I want them to know why. By at least offering an acknowledgement their question was received, maybe they would know the importance with which we embrace our fans. Those who follow us want information all the time, and we would not want that any other way. There should be times for most matters to be discussed, but personnel matters are addressed at a prudent time. At times, I know there is a redundancy in responses. I hope it's understandable. It's an honest forum and one we want fans to use. It's still relatively new to our site, and I hope you ask a question sometime. It's good to know what is on the minds of our fans.
ANDY S. (from England) Why haven't you played (in) Wembley yet?
A: We have not been selected to play there yet. The league is going to two games there this year. Maybe we'll get picked sometime. It hasn't happened yet.
TERRENCE J. (from Saluda, SC) Why is it important that the Colts need a full team of young players?
A: It is not necessary to have all young players, if you are referring to last year. When a new regime starts, there typically is an infusion of different players. The team was constrained last year by the salary cap, so the number of younger players may have been a bit greater because of that. Ryan Grigson and Coach Pagano said early on the need for "pillar" players was important, and there was some great veteran leadership on last year's team. The aim is to have a team full of good players, not necessarily young ones.
DREW D. (from Brookfield, WI) I know you probably can't answer this, but with Coach Pagano's ties to the Ravens do you see any possibility that the Colts will try and steal LB (Dannell) Ellerbe or FS (Ed) Reed from the Ravens defense to further cement the 3-4? Thank you for keeping the displaced Colts fans informed.
A: Drew, it never hurts to ask and the majority of questions we get this time of year are like the one you sent. Coach Pagano and Ryan Grigson will have their eyes open for how to construct this year's team. Talking about specific players is not allowed. Keeping fans informed is important, and we will do so at the appropriate time. Thanks for support north of Indianapolis.
