Thread: Bill Polian: I’m not speaking to Jim Irsay and I’m rooting for Denver

When Colts owner Jim Irsay said that cutting Peyton Manning was a step toward building a team that could win more than one championship, it was perceived by many as a shot at Manning. But it was also perceived as a shot at Bill Polian, the man who built the Colts’ rosters during Manning’s time with the team.

Polian sounded like his feelings were hurt in an appearance on SportsCenter today in which he said he and Irsay aren’t speaking. A somewhat awkward exchange between Polian and ESPN’s Sage Steele went like this:

Steele: Have you spoken to Mr. Irsay?
Polian: I have not.
Steele: Do you plan to?
Polian: No.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...ng-for-denver/

MORE FROM ARTICLE:

“My Lord, we won more games for 10 years than any team in the history of the league,” Polian said. “Eleven playoff appearances in 13 years so, you know, that’s the definition of winning.”



Burrrrrrrrrrn!

Sounds like Irsay wants to blame the playoff disappointments squarely on Manning. I guess he forgot about the defense that gave up game winning scores and their idiot kicker.

Originally Posted by CrazyHorse

Sounds like Irsay wants to blame the playoff disappointments squarely on Manning. I guess he forgot about the defense that gave up game winning scores and their idiot kicker.

You must have missed where he clarified his comments and pretty much blamed it squarely on Polian. He said something to the effect of "we didn't win more titles because we didn't put a good defense and special teams around him". That's about as big a shot at the GM as you can make.

Originally Posted by BroncoWave

You must have missed where he clarified his comments and pretty much blamed it squarely on Polian. He said something to the effect of "we didn't win more titles because we didn't put a good defense and special teams around him". That's about as big a shot at the GM as you can make.

Yeah I did miss that. That doesn't give the reason why they wanted to move on from Manning though.

Originally Posted by CrazyHorse

Yeah I did miss that. That doesn't give the reason why they wanted to move on from Manning though.

Well.... Irsay did say that Manning, himself, told the Colts that they just HAD to draft Andrew Luck. He knew they couldn't let that kid pass by, and it would have been stupid for the Colts to. So they made the decision that was best for their franchise. I absolutely, even with Manning playing like he is right now, believe the Colts made the right decision.

Originally Posted by CrazyHorse

Yeah I did miss that. That doesn't give the reason why they wanted to move on from Manning though.

They moved on from Manning for two reasons....Time and money.

And given the nature of Manning's injury, it was simply not worth the risk to keep him on that team (Indy) which had so many other needs in other positions. Releasing him and drafting Luck was the best thing that could have happened...for all parties, including Peyton who now has a legitimate shot at another title.

Polian can talk all he wants about how many games his Colts won over the decade, but those teams were definitely not well rounded. As often as I talk about Manning's shortcomings in the post season, Polian has to be considered the biggest post season Jonah of all time, between his record in Indy and Buffalo.

I've been wondering with all this drama how much influence Irsay had in who was drafted / brought in. How much "control" over those decisions did Polian actually have?

Would fit Irsay to tie Polians hands behind his back and now use him as the excuse for their not having more bling.

Originally Posted by Spiritguy

I've been wondering with all this drama how much influence Irsay had in who was drafted / brought in. How much "control" over those decisions did Polian actually have?

Would fit Irsay to tie Polians hands behind his back and now use him as the excuse for their not having more bling.

Polian had almost complete control. The interesting thing about Polian is that he built two almost-dynasties, and took three franchises to seven Super Bowls, but has just one ring.

Thanks for the insight MO. Looks a bit like the adage close but no cigar for him.

Originally Posted by MOtorboat

Polian had almost complete control. The interesting thing about Polian is that he built two almost-dynasties, and took three franchises to seven Super Bowls, but has just one ring.

I would say that's just more bad luck than anything. With that kind of success I don't think he has anything at all to prove as a GM.

Originally Posted by BroncoWave

I would say that's just more bad luck than anything. With that kind of success I don't think he has anything at all to prove as a GM.

Probably not, but he has been the GM of the Bills and the Colts during their Super Bowl/Contending runs...makes you wonder why they never got over the hump. (The third team is the Panthers).

Jim Irsay fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down...

Polian built a lot of very fine teams for a very long time. He 'should' have more rings, so I guess his reputation is tarnished a bit, but he's one of the best front office guys that I've seen.

I think he's pretty damn awesome.

Originally Posted by MOtorboat

Probably not, but he has been the GM of the Bills and the Colts during their Super Bowl/Contending runs...makes you wonder why they never got over the hump. (The third team is the Panthers).

If Scott Norwood makes a FG and Adam Vinateri misses one, he has 3 rings. I just chalk it up to nothing more than bad luck that he only has one ring.