Redskins/NFL confirm suspensions of Trent Williams and Fred Davis.

[cowboyjoe]

EyeOnNFLEye on Football
RT @willbrinson: Redskins/NFL confirm suspensions of Trent Williams and Fred Davis.

[joseephuss]

Their off season starts early.

[Aikbach]

Crap, i really don't want them to be within striking distance of drafting RG3.

[Hoofbite]

Is that gonna start this week? Maybe they can appeal for a week or two and have it carry over to next year........

[ChldsPlay]

That just screwed my Fantasy team just in time for the playoffs.

[CowboyMike]

That just screwed my Fantasy team just in time for the playoffs.

A Cowboys fan shouldn't have a Redskin on their fantasy team anyway. Can't say I feel for ya.

[trickblue]

This is a kick in the nuts to those redskin fans that continually call Dallas the "Crimeboys"...

[Sonny#9]

This is a kick in the nuts to those redskin fans that continually call Dallas the "Crimeboys"...

Not until Santana Moss tries to stab a backup lineman in the neck with scissors over a haircut, or Tre Johnson gets busted with about a 1/4 ton of pot, or Mike Shanahan tries to go through the airport with a loaded gun (can you imagine if Switzer had done that today?) But it does suck.

I would mention Hollywood Henderson, but a. he has cleaned up entirely, from what I understand, and b. Dexter Manley kind of cancels him out! :)

The worst part about this is, if these two boneheads get caught again, it's a year. No appeal, just year. Talk about it at the end of that year. Trent Williams especially -- there aren't very many LTs in the league that give Ware the fits Williams does. That's not a shot at Ware, but more of a compliment, he is the best pass rusher in the league.

[SkinsHokieFan]

Regardless of what I feel about our nation's laws regarding pot, the rules are the rules, and these guys are just idiots.

Davis killed his value on the market being a UFA this year. If there is a silver lining, it will be we can re-sign him cheap.

T-Williams has been playing at an elite level for weeks now (probably coincides with when these rumors first surfaced). If anything, we don't have to worry about anymore wins.

We are trending towards the number 3 or 4 pick, number 3 if Minny can get one more win before playing us and hopefully J-Ville can beat the Colts one more time.

Based on Archie Manning's comments yesterday, if we are in the top 4 with Miami and Seattle behind us, and RG3 and Matt Barkley in this draft along with a healthy #18, I wouldn't be surprised to see some draft day fireworks regarding the Redskins, Colts and Andrew Luck.

[Yeagermeister]

Not until Santana Moss tries to stab a backup lineman in the neck with scissors over a haircut, or Tre Johnson gets busted with about a 1/4 ton of pot, or Mike Shanahan tries to go through the airport with a loaded gun (can you imagine if Switzer had done that today?) But it does suck.

I would mention Hollywood Henderson, but a. he has cleaned up entirely, from what I understand, and b. Dexter Manley kind of cancels him out! :)

The worst part about this is, if these two boneheads get caught again, it's a year. No appeal, just year. Talk about it at the end of that year. Trent Williams especially -- there aren't very many LTs in the league that give Ware the fits Williams does. That's not a shot at Ware, but more of a compliment, he is the best pass rusher in the league.

Dexter Manly......nuff said

[BraveHeartFan]

Figures that they get a 4 game suspension during a 4 game stretch that doesn't matter at all.

Typical of the NFL.

If you really want to hurt these players, hurt their team. That's how you make suspensions work.

Suspending these guys for the final 4 games of a season that is over anyway doesn't do anything.

Make them sit the first 4 games next year and you bet that Shanny and Danny Boy are not going to be very pleased and will work even harder to make sure they understand that this won't be tolerated.

Although I guess, in a sense, they're just waiting till they screw up again so they can slap them with the year.

[Sonny#9]

Figures that they get a 4 game suspension during a 4 game stretch that doesn't matter at all.

Typical of the NFL.

If you really want to hurt these players, hurt their team. That's how you make suspensions work.

Suspending these guys for the final 4 games of a season that is over anyway doesn't do anything.

It does help from the standpoint we won't have to trade up very far, if at all, to get a QB.

Make them sit the first 4 games next year and you bet that Shanny and Danny Boy are not going to be very pleased and will work even harder to make sure they understand that this won't be tolerated.

I have a feeling Shanahan is already making that perfectly clear.

Although I guess, in a sense, they're just waiting till they screw up again so they can slap them with the year.

That's the real issue. Lets face it, first four games next year aren't going to matter much either. If either of these players get suspended for the year -- it's going to be VERY painful. They're both extremely talented and will be a part of any contending team.

[Dough Boy]

Not until Santana Moss tries to stab a backup lineman in the neck with scissors over a haircut, or Tre Johnson gets busted with about a 1/4 ton of pot, or Mike Shanahan tries to go through the airport with a loaded gun (can you imagine if Switzer had done that today?) But it does suck.

I would mention Hollywood Henderson, but a. he has cleaned up entirely, from what I understand, and b. Dexter Manley kind of cancels him out! :)


You have to go back 10+ years to pull up dirt on the Cowboys. I can go back 10 days on your team. Its amazing how far people will go to make a point.

[BraveHeartFan]

Regardless of what I feel about our nation's laws regarding pot, the rules are the rules, and these guys are just idiots.

Davis killed his value on the market being a UFA this year. If there is a silver lining, it will be we can re-sign him cheap.

T-Williams has been playing at an elite level for weeks now (probably coincides with when these rumors first surfaced). If anything, we don't have to worry about anymore wins.

We are trending towards the number 3 or 4 pick, number 3 if Minny can get one more win before playing us and hopefully J-Ville can beat the Colts one more time.

Based on Archie Manning's comments yesterday, if we are in the top 4 with Miami and Seattle behind us, and RG3 and Matt Barkley in this draft along with a healthy #18, I wouldn't be surprised to see some draft day fireworks regarding the Redskins, Colts and Andrew Luck.


2 things...

1) Manning probably isn't ever going to be healthy again. If he is I don't see the Colts passing on Luck to keep him at his age and the condition he's coming off of.

2) Barkley will probably not come out. That's just my opinion on it, nothing i've heard or anything, but i've just got a feeling he'll stay.


I really think the top teir QBs thing is down to Luck and RGIII. I feel pretty confident that Indy will pick Luck.

So for some draft day fireworks would the Redskins be dealing picks to pick up an old, at the end of his run, Manning?

Sure it would help in a real short window, I'm thinking 2 seasons tops, but then after that you'd be without a QB again and you're likely giving up some quality picks in order to bring that guy, and that contract, in.


Should be an interesting offseason.

[Sonny#9]

2 things...

1) Manning probably isn't ever going to be healthy again. If he is I don't see the Colts passing on Luck to keep him at his age and the condition he's coming off of.

SHF -- don't let this naysayer get you down. Don't stop believin' hold on to that feeling. :)

I agree it's highly unlikely, but one can hope!

2) Barkley will probably not come out. That's just my opinion on it, nothing i've heard or anything, but i've just got a feeling he'll stay.

I really think the top teir QBs thing is down to Luck and RGIII. I feel pretty confident that Indy will pick Luck.

I really think Barkley will come out, Jones won't. USC is not BCS eligible due to sanctions -- as far as I understand. I thought it was a several year ban. Jones did not have a great year. So I think he goes back, tries to improve his stock and get the #1 overall next year. Griffin I thought was definitely going back. I could be wrong, I don't follow college football that closely.

So for some draft day fireworks would the Redskins be dealing picks to pick up an old, at the end of his run, Manning?

Sure it would help in a real short window, I'm thinking 2 seasons tops, but then after that you'd be without a QB again and you're likely giving up some quality picks in order to bring that guy, and that contract, in.


Should be an interesting offseason.

Under Snyderatto -- this would have been a definite. Not just a possibility -- but a definite. Don't forget Cerrato is the idiot who wanted to trade two 1st round draft picks for Chad Ochocinco (the picks that turned into Orakpo and Trent Williams). But not under Shanahan and Allen -- they learned from the McNabb debacle. I don't think they'll make the same mistake twice.

[SkinsHokieFan]

2 things...

1) Manning probably isn't ever going to be healthy again. If he is I don't see the Colts passing on Luck to keep him at his age and the condition he's coming off of.

2) Barkley will probably not come out. That's just my opinion on it, nothing i've heard or anything, but i've just got a feeling he'll stay.


I really think the top teir QBs thing is down to Luck and RGIII. I feel pretty confident that Indy will pick Luck.

So for some draft day fireworks would the Redskins be dealing picks to pick up an old, at the end of his run, Manning?

Sure it would help in a real short window, I'm thinking 2 seasons tops, but then after that you'd be without a QB again and you're likely giving up some quality picks in order to bring that guy, and that contract, in.


Should be an interesting offseason.


1) Manning's neck fusion is now a success

http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=1134854&nid=5782585&fhn=1

2 months ago it was an 80-90 percent chance he retires. Now I think its 50/50.

Obviously if Peyton is done, the Colts go with Luck. So that is the key assumption

2) You will not have Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck on the same roster for many reasons, including #18's contract, Luck's shorter rookie deal (4-5 years) and the potential for the biggest QB controversy of all time. You mean to tell me you would trot Peyton Manning out there behind an 0-16 team and not use your biggest chip to improve it at all?

3) In addition, trading Manning is prohibitive, again because of his contract. He will retire or be released. And good luck selling to Colts fans that he is being released

4) Matt Barkley will come out. Very strong rumors out of USC that are indicating this. Of course things can change and neither you nor I can predict the whims of a 21 year old college student.


So the Colts will have a very difficult decision if Peyton Manning is healthy. It is compounded if the Dolphins, Seahawks and Browns win a few more games and slide further down in the top 10. The Redskins aren't winning anymore games and will most likely end up at the 3 or 4 spot. If RG3 and Barkley come out, suddenly the value of that number 1 pick has been reduced.

Why "trade the farm" to a team for a QB when you have 2 other excellent prospects to choose from if you are a little patient

[SkinsHokieFan]

Under Snyderatto -- this would have been a definite. Not just a possibility -- but a definite. Don't forget Cerrato is the idiot who wanted to trade two 1st round draft picks for Chad Ochocinco (the picks that turned into Orakpo and Trent Williams). But not under Shanahan and Allen -- they learned from the McNabb debacle. I don't think they'll make the same mistake twice.

I think it has been underrported that Manning's contract makes it impossible for him to be traded.

He is due 28 million before the next league year, prior to trades being allowed.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/colts-cant-pay-and-trade-peyton/

So here are the options

1) Colts pay him and then trade him. Fat chance they give him 28 million and then trade him for a 3rd and 5th. Manning is far more valueable to the Colts then any other team

2) Manning "re-structures" Again, fat chance there. 28 million dollars, last big pay day, just so he can be traded and Indy can draft a QB

3) The Colts cut Manning prior to the bonus being paid. Remember the fan revolt in 2009 with the Redskins fan base? Think of that times 10

There are only 2 options for the Colts and its all in Peyton's hands. Manning either retires and the Colts pick Luck, or Manning is healthy and the Colts trade that pick for essentially at max the Eli deal. The Redskins/Dolphins/Browns/Seahawks are not giving up 6 picks when there will be many other options in this draft

[BraveHeartFan]

I'll say it right now.

As much as I love Manning, and I think he's amazing, the Colts are complete FOOLS if they pass on Luck to keep Manning.

Just that simple.


Manning gives them, at best, 2 more years. Luck, if he is what everyone believes he is, is a franchise QB for a decade.


If they're worried about the fans being pissed cause it's Manning then so be it. The fans would have to be upset and get over it.

You don't pass on the kid who gives you potentially 10 years of quality QB play for a legend who will give you no more than 2 more.


And I could be wrong on Barkley but I thought I heard them on ESPN, during a halftime show, speculating that he'd definately comeback because next year they are eligible to play for a BCS National Championship.

I'm not certain on that, don't know all the factors on their sanctions and what not, but that's what I heard just a couple weeks ago.

That's why I'm thinking he doesn't come out.

I also believe that Landry Jones is a lock to stay at OU. No way he's going out with the season they've had.

I'm about 50/50 on RGIII. I can absolutely see him staying but i'm just not sold that he will.

[SkinsHokieFan]

I'll say it right now.

As much as I love Manning, and I think he's amazing, the Colts are complete FOOLS if they pass on Luck to keep Manning.

Just that simple.


Manning gives them, at best, 2 more years. Luck, if he is what everyone believes he is, is a franchise QB for a decade.

The argument I have heard from Colts fans (on their messageboards as well as through an in law who grew up in Indy) is they know what they have in Peyton. He is potentially the GOAT. Why not build and take another shot with him.

With Luck, you are talking about a great PROSPECT. Although I doubt he will, he could bust, or simply be above average.






And I could be wrong on Barkley but I thought I heard them on ESPN, during a halftime show, speculating that he'd definately comeback because next year they are eligible to play for a BCS National Championship.

I'm not certain on that, don't know all the factors on their sanctions and what not, but that's what I heard just a couple weeks ago.

Its ESPN, they are the last to know :)

If anyone can with certaintiy predict what a 21 year old college kid will do, they are fools. There are plenty of pros for going back and pros for declaring.



I'm about 50/50 on RGIII. I can absolutely see him staying but i'm just not sold that he will.

RG3 will come out

[BraveHeartFan]

And their fans are very short sighted and stupid, IMO, then.

Manning might very well be the GOAT. I am not debating that or taking away anything he's done in the past.


But you don't pass up someone like Luck simply to keep fans happy that the potential GOAT isn't being moved.

Not to mention I don't care how clean a bill of health they've given, or what they say about that neck, those injuries are VERY serious and I am not sold that he'll be anything close to what he once was.

[burmafrd]

as this year showed the Colts have a lot of problems besides no Manning. Unless Luck can do just about the exact same things Manning did and as well that team as it is currently built is at BEST 8-8. More likely 5-11. They need to rebuild.

[Dallas]

Not until Santana Moss tries to stab a backup lineman in the neck with scissors over a haircut, or Tre Johnson gets busted with about a 1/4 ton of pot, or Mike Shanahan tries to go through the airport with a loaded gun (can you imagine if Switzer had done that today?) But it does suck.

I would mention Hollywood Henderson, but a. he has cleaned up entirely, from what I understand, and b. Dexter Manley kind of cancels him out! :)

The worst part about this is, if these two boneheads get caught again, it's a year. No appeal, just year. Talk about it at the end of that year. Trent Williams especially -- there aren't very many LTs in the league that give Ware the fits Williams does. That's not a shot at Ware, but more of a compliment, he is the best pass rusher in the league.

If someone was constantly holding and tackling you, I guess you could call it a fit.

Seriously why do you even come here?

[Skinsradiosucks]

Just adding, it wasn't pot as the Redskin fan would imply, it was PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS! Even cheating, your team is terrible. SMH.

[Dallas]

Just adding, it wasn't pot as the Redskin fan would imply, it was PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS! Even cheating, your team is terrible. SMH.

Funny- it was reported as RECREATIONAL DRUGS and its all I have heard reported on since.

I have not heard anything about regarding performance enhancing.

[SkinsHokieFan]

Funny- it was reported as RECREATIONAL DRUGS and its all I have heard reported on since.

I have not heard anything about regarding performance enhancing.

Agree. Where is the PED line coming from?

I just heard pot. Which again is just stupid to get caught 3 times. Imbeciles

[BraveHeartFan]

Agree. Where is the PED line coming from?

I just heard pot. Which again is just stupid to get caught 3 times. Imbeciles


If they're dumb enough to get caught 3 times they're quite likely to get caught again and again still.

Stupid people don't usually quit being stupid people.

[joseephuss]

Agree. Where is the PED line coming from?

I just heard pot. Which again is just stupid to get caught 3 times. Imbeciles

It is only 2 times. Getting caught a third time would equal a year long suspension.

[Sonny#9]

If someone was constantly holding and tackling you, I guess you could call it a fit.

Seriously why do you even come here?

Yes. You're right. It's only Ware that gets held. And Williams holds him on every play.

Seriously, is that the best you can come up with?

[Sonny#9]

If they're dumb enough to get caught 3 times they're quite likely to get caught again and again still.

Stupid people don't usually quit being stupid people.

I tend to agree with you on the stupid people part. However -- it's not often the league hands out year-long bans. When was the last one?

I am willing to bet -- and hoping like hell -- they clean up their act

[Sonny#9]

Just adding, it wasn't pot as the Redskin fan would imply, it was PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS! Even cheating, your team is terrible. SMH.

John Moffit of the Seahawks was suspended for PEDs.

[Skinsradiosucks]

Foxsports reports it as being "Performance Enhancing Drugs" right here when you clicked on the "in case you missed it"

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/page/fox-flash

[SkinsHokieFan]

Foxsports reports it as being "Performance Enhancing Drugs" right here when you clicked on the "in case you missed it"

http://msn.foxsports.com/other/page/fox-flash

And every other outlet has reported it as pot.

I am going with every other outlet on this one.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/nfl-suspends-redskins-trent-williams-fred-davis/2011/12/06/gIQAYFXsaO_story.html

Davis and Williams both failed an additional test during the season for recreational drugs, believed to be marijuana, according to people familiar with their cases

[SkinsHokieFan]

It is only 2 times. Getting caught a third time would equal a year long suspension.

. Under the settlement between the NFL and the union, the third positive test is being treated as a second offense, which carries a four-game suspension.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/nfl-suspends-redskins-trent-williams-fred-davis/2011/12/06/gIQAYFXsaO_story.html

[Skinsradiosucks]

Regardless of the details, it still makes them both retards.

[Hoofbite]

Figures that they get a 4 game suspension during a 4 game stretch that doesn't matter at all.

Typical of the NFL.

If you really want to hurt these players, hurt their team. That's how you make suspensions work.

It's not about punishing the team. It's about punishing the player.

I'd say 4 games without pay is pretty damn hurting to any player.

Suspending these guys for the final 4 games of a season that is over anyway doesn't do anything.

Make them sit the first 4 games next year and you bet that Shanny and Danny Boy are not going to be very pleased and will work even harder to make sure they understand that this won't be tolerated.

Although I guess, in a sense, they're just waiting till they screw up again so they can slap them with the year.

You can't have the NFL picking and choosing when to suspend players.

They should be suspended as soon their appeal is denied or dropped, simple as that.

[Hoofbite]

I think it has been underrported that Manning's contract makes it impossible for him to be traded.

He is due 28 million before the next league year, prior to trades being allowed.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/07/colts-cant-pay-and-trade-peyton/

So here are the options

1) Colts pay him and then trade him. Fat chance they give him 28 million and then trade him for a 3rd and 5th. Manning is far more valueable to the Colts then any other team

2) Manning "re-structures" Again, fat chance there. 28 million dollars, last big pay day, just so he can be traded and Indy can draft a QB

3) The Colts cut Manning prior to the bonus being paid. Remember the fan revolt in 2009 with the Redskins fan base? Think of that times 10

There are only 2 options for the Colts and its all in Peyton's hands. Manning either retires and the Colts pick Luck, or Manning is healthy and the Colts trade that pick for essentially at max the Eli deal. The Redskins/Dolphins/Browns/Seahawks are not giving up 6 picks when there will be many other options in this draft

Why can't the Colts keep Manning and draft Luck?

[SkinsHokieFan]

Why can't the Colts keep Manning and draft Luck?

Are you going to invest a full 1/3 of your cap into the QB position, when only 1 of them can play at a time?

Are you going to trot Manning out there with an 0-16 team and not utilize the biggest asset you have to improve the team immediately?

Are you willing to risk the biggest QB controversy in NFL history?

From a Colts fan blog

http://18to88.com/2011-archives/september/its-time-to-talk-about-luck.html

If Manning is healthy, he's going to play for 4 to 5 more years. It's too soon to take Luck to 'learn' from Manning. This option makes the least sense. It's probably the most popular among fans and pundits, but it's pure unadulterated stupidity. It will ruin the franchise.

[67CowboysFan]

Are you going to invest a full 1/3 of your cap into the QB position, when only 1 of them can play at a time?

Are you going to trot Manning out there with an 0-16 team and not utilize the biggest asset you have to improve the team immediately?

Are you willing to risk the biggest QB controversy in NFL history?

From a Colts fan blog

http://18to88.com/2011-archives/september/its-time-to-talk-about-luck.html

If Manning is healthy, he's going to play for 4 to 5 more years. It's too soon to take Luck to 'learn' from Manning. This option makes the least sense. It's probably the most popular among fans and pundits, but it's pure unadulterated stupidity. It will ruin the franchise.

Looking at their record this year, I'd say they are already in a state of ruin.

[ChldsPlay]

A Cowboys fan shouldn't have a Redskin on their fantasy team anyway. Can't say I feel for ya.

He wasn't my first choice. It's a 16 team league, so there are slim pickings, and Mercedes Lewis crapped the bed so I had to get a replacement.

[BraveHeartFan]

I tend to agree with you on the stupid people part. However -- it's not often the league hands out year-long bans. When was the last one?

I am willing to bet -- and hoping like hell -- they clean up their act

This is quite true.


It's not about punishing the team. It's about punishing the player.

I'd say 4 games without pay is pretty damn hurting to any player.



You can't have the NFL picking and choosing when to suspend players.

They should be suspended as soon their appeal is denied or dropped, simple as that.

I'm not saying they should just go picking and choosing at random here. I'm saying that in a case like this its not really a lesson to anyone.

So these guys don't get to play 4 meaningless games? So what? They'll go on vacation early now. WOOOO. Big deal.

Yes they are going to lose that money but I doubt they're going to be strapped for cash.

In a situation like this I think the better, harder, lesson learned would have been to suspend them the first 4 games of next year.

That's probably just me though. I guess i'm more heavy handed on something like this than maybe it calls for.


Are you going to invest a full 1/3 of your cap into the QB position, when only 1 of them can play at a time?

Are you going to trot Manning out there with an 0-16 team and not utilize the biggest asset you have to improve the team immediately?

Are you willing to risk the biggest QB controversy in NFL history?

From a Colts fan blog

http://18to88.com/2011-archives/september/its-time-to-talk-about-luck.html

No offense to that Colt fan but he's an idiot.

Manning doesn't have 4-5 more years in him, most likely, even without the Neck problems. He certainly doesn't have 4-5 after serious neck surgeries.

They'll be lucky to get 2 full seasons out of him. Passing on Luck is moronic and will ruin their franchise that is already, clearly, in ruin.

[Hoofbite]

Are you going to invest a full 1/3 of your cap into the QB position, when only 1 of them can play at a time?

I hope you're exaggerating. Manning's cap number will be like 17M next year and it goes up 1M every year after that, basically holding pretty steady percentage wise if you account for an annual rise in the cap.

Cam Newton's contract was for 22M, all guaranteed. I'm not sure if they have the power to maneuver the numbers like teams could in the past but lets just say that his number is the yearly average of 5.5M. I'm assuming they do because Manning's cap number only goes up 1M even though his base salary more than doubles between this year and next. Luck will get a little more so lets just pretend it's 24M guaranteed, averaging 6M per year.

Next year's cap number for both would be 23M. Not sure what the salary cap will be but you can get a good estimate based off this years of 120.

2012: 23M = 19%

2013: 24M = 20%

2014: 25 = 21%

2015: 26 = 22%

Nowhere near 40%. And even if it was near 40%, it still wouldn't matter because you are only allocating 5% of the total cap to Luck. It's not like each is accounting for for 20%. You have one of the best QB in the game making what the very few guys of his caliber make and then you have the best prospect QB to come out since your current QB taking up little space.

Allocating 5% for a couple of years to give you the ability to go about 3 decades (between Manning and Luck) with elite level QB play if your draft pick pans out, that's chump change. Dallas currently has like 18M in free space. Many other teams have tons of free space too. I don't know what the skins have, I tried to look and some skins fan said they could have upward of 45M if they made all the space they possibly could.

Are you telling me the Redskins wouldn't take Andrew Luck on the condition that they had to wait 2-3 years for him to start and use 6M of their 45M available space?

I don't think you could find a team in the league who would look at the possibility of getting a legitimate franchise QB for a measly 5% of the cap that likely wouldn't be used anyway.

Are you going to trot Manning out there with an 0-16 team and not utilize the biggest asset you have to improve the team immediately?

They're 0-16 because they don't have Manning. I think they'd be in the playoff hunt if they had him. He's that valuable to the team. And even if it was the case that the team would be horrible with Manning, why would anyone want to throw Luck out there?

What's their biggest asset to improve? I hope you're not saying trading down and picking a player with a lower ceiling and currently less promise. Even Luck himself is a crapshoot because that's the draft. However, I'd wager that taking a player the quality of Luck over a trade down and getting lesser guys would work more time than it wouldn't.

Are you willing to risk the biggest QB controversy in NFL history?

There wouldn't be one. You have one of the best QBs to ever play as your starter. You drafted this guy to take over. How would there be a controversy, simply because they drafted him?

From a Colts fan blog

http://18to88.com/2011-archives/september/its-time-to-talk-about-luck.html

If Peyton plays another 4-5 years, that means the Colts are in the playoffs and competing year-in and year-out. Who's going to stir up controversy in this scenario?

Furthermore, if Peyton can be expected to play a total of like 17 years, why couldn't Luck provide another 12-13 years beyond Peyton's retirement?

The Colts have what amounts to be one of the rarest opportunities I've seen in all of professional sports. They can draft the highest rated QB to come out in years and they can let him sit and learn from one of the best QBs to ever play.

If they pass, I firmly believe they will regret it for LONG, LONG time.