Indianapolis Colts: Jim Irsay Opens Up About Team Moving Forward
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay addressed the media Monday at the NFL owners meeting in Phoenix, AZ, talking about Robert Mathis‘s recovery, parting ways with Reggie Wayne, Andrew Luck‘s contract and the team’s aggressiveness during free agency.
For some time now, Colts fans have had some questions that have been awaiting answers. Owner Jim Irsay answered a few of those lingering questions Monday morning to the media during the NFL owners meeting. Most notably the Robert Mathis situation.
Jim Irsay said Robert Mathis may not be ready to re-emerge until November
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 23, 2015
This is surprising to some people as many assumed that Mathis would be ready to go and back to health come week-one. If in fact Robert Mathis does not return to action until November of this coming season, it would mark almost two years since the 34 year-old linebacker has played a single snap. Not having Mathis on the defensive side for the majority of the season could hurt the Colts. But with second-year player Jonathan Newsome showing some promise and insurance as Mathis’s replacement, the Colts may remain to be in good hands in that position. It is certainly debatable.
Irsay also opened up as to why the team was so aggressive in this year’s free agency period:
Owner @JimIrsay said losses to Pats (twice), Pitts and Dallas left them concerned on where they are as a team. Why they were aggressive
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 23, 2015
It comes as no surprise that Irsay and the front-office looked to improve the team and be aggressive in doing so, most notably with the additions of veterans Frank Gore and Andre Johnson.
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The losses to Pittsburgh, Dallas and New England were embarrassing showcases for the team, and were all lost in blow-out fashion.
Many fans, myself included, would like to put the 45-7 thumping at the hands of New England in the championship game in the past and keep it there.
Not only does adding Frank Gore give the Colts a power-running game and a quality back that they haven’t had in years, but the addition of Andre Johnson provides a veteran presence to mentor the young receiver talent. Johnson’s presence on the field also gives opposing teams another player to focus on rather than only having to worry about locking down T.Y. Hilton the whole game, which is a huge plus for the Colts.
ESPN’s Mike Wells had more to report about Irsay’s take on the future of the team, including addressing quarterback Andrew Luck’s new contract:
Irsay said they likely won't address Andrew Luck's contract until next offseason
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 23, 2015
That’s probably a good idea, as there have been reports that Luck’s new contract could be in the upwards of $25 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history and the Colts will want to have all the money they can save up for next season in order to retain Luck and T.Y. Hilton, whom expects to receive a good pay-day as well. The amount may be large, but it is certainly well-deserved for Luck as he is the best young quarterback in the NFL and has led this team to success with a little supporting cast, speaking mainly of inconsistent offensive-line play, no running game and a shaky defense.
On deciding to part ways with veteran receiver Reggie Wayne:
Irsay said he told Reggie Wayne they thought it was time when they met over a two-day period in Florida.
— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) March 23, 2015
No one wanted to believe it. The time couldn’t have arrived already could it?
That’s the reality of the NFL however. At the end of the day it is a business, and the Colts brought fans to the reality of that when they decided to part ways with the longtime receiver, marking the end of a long, memorable era in Indianapolis.
Wayne had one of his worst seasons in 2014, mostly because of injury. He only totaled 779 yards to go along with two touchdowns, his worst numbers of such in years.
The writing was on the wall throughout the course of the season but fans didn’t want to believe it. The addition of Andre Johnson to the team fills Wayne’s absence on the team as a veteran and a leader, but the memories of Wayne during the course of his career in Indy will forever remain strong.
Through and through, Irsay addressed the lingering questions left on any Colts fan’s mind and what many have been wondering for months now.
The team seems to be in good shape and ready to make some noise this coming season. With what has been a successful free agency period so far, and the growth and development of the younger players on the team, this Colts team seems poised to achieve their goal, perhaps very soon.
The goal that is a super bowl.
Next: How Andre Johnson Can Help Improve Donte Moncrief's Development