Soren Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 NFL.com articleAs this article states the Colts may not be in a position to resign Robert Mathis next year as he has only one year left on his contract. It's a longshot but Mathis is the perfect fit for our quick 43 defense, he brings pressure off the edge, just like we see Abraham do. He is not a long-term solution but having a defensive dou of those two extremely productive pass rushers would surely help right now. What would you say to signing him next year, where he is one year older, is he done? And how much would it take to trade for him hypothetically? (sure don't want to lose many more picks) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soren Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Reggie Wayne or Robert Mathis?With both players entering the final year of their contracts, that's the question Colts president Bill Polian is facing as he attempts to decide which veteran will give Indianapolis the best opportunity to make a sustained run at another Super Bowl title.Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by AkamaiAlthough conventional wisdom suggests that defense wins championships, the Colts have been a perennial contender due to their high-powered offense. Indianapolis has finished among the top-five offenses in six out of the last eight years, and the team has captured six division titles and went to the playoffs every season during that span.That's why retaining Wayne makes the most sense for the Colts' long-term future.While Peyton Manning is certainly the most valuable player on the roster, he needs a stellar supporting cast to maintain his high level of play.Wayne, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been a model of consistency, producing seven straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons with 80-plus receptions in six of those seasons. Those numbers are remarkable on their own merit, but he deserves credit for being the rare complementary receiver who blossomed into a No.1 target in the middle of his career.Since supplanting Marvin Harrison as Manning's top option in 2007, Wayne has ranked among the league leaders in receptions, tallying at least 100 in three of the past four seasons.Kirwan's offseason rankingsPat Kirwan ranks the 35 best quarterbacks in the NFL, including a top five that includes four passers who've led their respective teams to Super Bowl triumphs. More ...» NFL's best running backs» NFL's best receivers» NFL's best tight ends» NFL's best offensive linemen» NFL's best pass rushers» NFL's best defensive tackles» NFL's best linebackers» NFL's best cornerbacks» NFL's best safetiesGranted, the Colts' wide-open, no-huddle offense provides Wayne with plenty of opportunities. However, he is much more than a system player. Wayne is a polished receiver with an all-around game. From his precise route running to his exceptional hand-eye coordination, he shows few flaws on film. He is versatile enough to do damage as a possession receiver, yet also able to make plays downfield.Now, a strong argument could be waged that Mathis is just as vital to the Colts. Their defensive system relies heavily on the defensive line to create pressure, and Mathis has been one of the game's most-productive pass rushers during his eight-year career, with 74 sacks and double-digit totals in two of the past three seasons.As an undersized speed rusher with explosive first-step quickness, Mathis overwhelms offensive tackles with his burst and acceleration. He complements his straight-line speed with athleticism and agility that allow win with a frenetic style off the edge. Throw in his non-stop motor and penchant for creating turnovers (36 career forced fumbles), and there is no denying his impact as a pass rusher.Even with all the production, the Colts should have some concerns about Mathis' game and long-term prospects.At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, Mathis lacks the bulk and power to hold up against the run. He routinely gets knocked off the ball and his inability to hold the point allows opponents to run successfully on the edges. In the past, the Colts kept him off the field on early downs to compensate for his deficiencies, but he has been forced to play more in running situations due to their lack of depth at end. Given their consistent struggles to stop opposing ground games, keeping Mathis on the field more might not be a wise idea.Unlock HQ Video HQ video delivered by AkamaiIf that's the case, the Colts should think long and hard about investing significant dollars in a situational player who downplayed a recent report he'll holdout.To that point, the Colts have already found Mathis' eventual successor in 2010 first-round pick Jerry Hughes. Even though he didn't make a substantial impact as a rookie, Hughes is a young, athletic rusher with the potential to develop into a disruptive force. If Hughes develops according to plans, it will make it easier to part ways with Mathis at the end of his deal.The Colts' title window is closing quickly, but picking the right veteran could make another run at a ring a strong possibility. With Manning and the offense ultimately holding the key to those hopes, there is no doubt that the money should head in Wayne's direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Right Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Maybe as a 1 year replacement for Abraham. Problem with Mathis is he's 30 and he's not the best a stopping the run. Even though I believe he plays LDE for the Colts, I think he may be better suited for RDE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soren Posted July 10, 2011 Author Share Posted July 10, 2011 Maybe as a 1 year replacement for Abraham. Problem with Mathis is he's 30 and he's not the best a stopping the run. Even though I believe he plays LDE for the Colts, I think he may be better suited for RDE.you are right he is not a typical LE. But he is very efficient in the Colts "undersized" 43 scheme, which has a lot in common to our scheme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mashburn Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 I hope we do pursue him. I wish we could get him now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtlantaFanatic Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Charles Johnson isn't 30 years old. Just sayin, that is the guy we need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Chief Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 He's a beast in passing situations. I'd take him for about 4 mill a year but i think he will want more than that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butudontseeme™ Posted July 10, 2011 Share Posted July 10, 2011 Charles Johnson isn't 30 years old. Just sayin, that is the guy we need.Agreed. I like Mathis but just not here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
since68andcounting Posted July 12, 2011 Share Posted July 12, 2011 I think Mathis sounds like a great fit. Situational pass rusher, left or right side. One year contract. I'm not sold on Edwards. And we're not gonna get Johnson. I wish people would just lay off it. A first year defensive coach on a 1-15 team is NOT gonna let go of the only cornerstone their defense has to build on. Ain't gonna happen. Carolina will pay WHATEVER it takes to keep Johnson. As someone said, "Richardson is stupid, but he ain't brain dead." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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