Mar 06 The End of the Manning Era

Written by Greg Cowan.

Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. After months of lamenting the public PR battle and made-for-TV drama being produced by Colts owner Jim Irsay and quarterback Peyton Manning, Colts fans finally got what they wanted (and immediately regretted it): a resolution. Multiple sources report that, at press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Irsay will put the final nail in the era of Colts football that helped the NFL rethink offenses and helped reshape a state's sports culture and landscape by announcing that the team has decided to part ways with Manning.

There will be plenty of time to dissect the decision to part ways with Manning in the coming days, weeks, months, and, yes, years. Was parting ways with Manning the right choice? Until we see how all parties involved perform no one - and if they tell you otherwise, they are just trying to sell you something - knows. Will Manning perform at a high level for years to come? Will Luck live up to the unrealistic hype and expectations that will be heaped upon him by the media, experts, and fans in the months leading up to the season opener? While it makes for interesting conversation and analysis, the focus, for one last time, should be on Manning and the Colts.

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Mar 06 Peyton is Gone.

Written by Nate Dunlevy.

Thank you.

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Mar 06 What They Need: Defense 2012

Written by Kyle Rodriguez.

Yesterday we took a look at the offensive needs for the Colts in 2012, as we launch the draft coverage here at CA. The top needs for the Colts on offense are wide receiver, center, and offensive guard.

Despite all of the confusion and holes on offense, the defense is arguably in a worse position, not only coming off of a terrible year, but also facing massive changes with a new coaching staff. Because of the impending changes to the defense, the 2012 offseason will prove to be crucial in the team's transition from a Tampa-2, 4-3 defense to a 3-4, or even a 4-3/3-4 hybrid. In light of those potential changes, here are the Colts' needs for the 2012 offseason on the defense.

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Mar 05 Robert Mathis Re-Signed to Long Term Deal UPDATED: Contract Terms

Written by Kyle Rodriguez.

After hearing conflicting reports for the past week, the Colts have finally locked up Robert Mathis for a long term deal this afternoon. Last week, Bob Kravitz reported that talks between the two parties were "warming up," but later reports claimed that no negotiations had yet to take place.

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Mar 05 What They Need: Offense 2012

Written by Kyle Rodriguez.

The 2012 off-season promises to be a busy one (like it hasn't been already), with the Colts coming of of their worst season in 20 years. Not only do they have holes in almost every position, but uncertainty abounds with multiple key veterans becoming free agents. Coupled with the complete overhaul of the front office and coaching staff, and it makes the 2012 draft one of the most crucial Colts' drafts in recent history.

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Mar 05 The Mythology of Manning

Written by Nate Dunlevy.

Ever since the Silver Age of Comics, writers have wrung endless mileage out of the 'hero's choice'.

You know the one I'm talking about. The hero has to choose between saving the girl or saving the world. Superman faced it in the original Superman, Batman faced it in Batman Forever and again in The Dark Knight. No matter how the hero answers, the character's humanity is explored. Superman let Lois Lane die, before inexplicably flying backwards around the Earth to save her. Chris Nolan's Batman tried to save the girl, but (mostly) saved Harvey Dent by mistake. Val Kilmer's Batman just sort wussed out and saved everyone, though I would argue that letting Chris O'Donnell die would have been in the best interests of humanity, but whatever. You get the idea.

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Mar 03 Video Released of Manning Throwing

Written by Nate Dunlevy.

You don't cut a healthy Peyton Manning.

Video released by ESPN of Peyton Manning yesterday indicates that Manning's arm is in fact recovering.

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Mar 02 Did Gregg William's Illegal Bounty System Help End Peyton Manning's Career in Indianapolis?

Written by Nate Dunlevy.

A bombshell report rocked the NFL today as word of an illegal bounty system imposed by then Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams reached the public. Players were rewarded financially for injuries caused to opposing stars.

Now, players claim such a system was in place in Washington during Williams' tenure. This begs the question: were the egregious hits on Peyton Manning part of that bounty?

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Mar 02 Horseshoe Diaries, Volume 3

Written by Greg Cowan.

In this week's installment of the Horseshoe Diaries, we hear from Todd. Todd happens to be a Colts Authority "employee" - the man who brings you all of the links, does a lot of work on twitter, and is the personal cheerleader for the Check it to Pancakes program. After the jump, we'll read Todd's story.

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Mar 02 Kacsmar Wins "Writer of the Year"

Written by Nate Dunlevy.

Major props and congratulations are in order for Colts Authority's own Scott Kacsmar.

He won "Writer of the Year" from FootballNation.com for his work on ColdHardFootballFacts.com.

Scott's work has been amazing all year.

Join us in giving him a big cheer.

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Mar 02 Covering the AFC South

Written by Nate Dunlevy.

The AFC South is a fascinating division. It hosts two of the leagues best defenses, and perhaps the most unstable quarterback situations in football. All four teams are facing major questions marks. Whoever answers their quarterback problems first and best could be in prime position to dominate the division for years.

For a long time, Colts fans barely had to worry about the rest of the AFC South, but now more than ever they need to stay up and informed on the other teams. The time of Indianapolis chalking up 12 wins and letting the rest of the South scramble for a Wild Card slot are over. When the Colts return to prominence, they'll be competing against three other franchises that have done their part to become competitive.

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