January 27, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; AFC quarterback Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts (12) and AFC quarterback Peyton Manning of the Denver Broncos (18) pass the ball during warm ups before the 2013 Pro Bowl against the NFC at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The picture above this article gives me chills. Two quarterbacks who are almost identical when it comes to their style of play on the field. Andrew just being a little quicker and having the ability to turn into a ball carrier if his pocket happens to collapse. Pretty much a mirrored image of what was the past and what is the future.

With Peyton Manning being released by the Indianapolis Colts and heading to the Denver Bronco’s shortly after, the front office of the Colts were already set on the picking Andrew Luck #1 overall in last years draft. Having to come into a city, who had just recently let go of the face of their franchise the pressure was all on Luck. They had so many fresh faces on the roster last season, I don’t think anybody but their own faithful fan-base, had them going as far as they did.

But after getting a brutal welcome to the league by my Chicago Bears, things started to slowly turn around for Andrew Luck and this almost new born Indianapolis Colts team. Come back after come back, this team scratched and clawed it’s way to an 11-5 season, clinched a wild card berth and back into the playoffs once again after a 2-14 season in its previous year.

I was very impressed and started to become a believer in this team as time went on. It seemed like the world was against this team and after Chuck Pagano was diagnosed with leukemia and the way this team responded, that is when they really pulled me into their fan base. Don’t get me wrong, I will always be a Chicago Bears fan through and through, but you can’t help but root for a team who were underdogs going into pre-season.

Now with last season behind them and a few new additions to this roster, this team is ready make another playoff run once again. One thing on the sideline will look different to the rest of this team, but not Andrew Luck. Last season Bruce Arians was the offensive coordinator of this team, but after the season the Colts had last year, the Arizona Cardinals who were looking for a new head coach, hired Bruce Arians. So with Bruce Arians being the new head coach of the Cardinals, the Indianapolis Colts decided to bring in a piece of Andrew Luck from Stanford in Wide-Receiver (2010), Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback (2011-2012) coach Pep Hamilton.

Hamilton was on Stanford’s coaching staff for Luck’s final 2 years with the team. There are expected to be some changes to the offense, but nothing to big and Andrew Luck is feeling more at home than he did around this time last season.

“I am 100% more comfortable. On this day last year I was probably sitting in class. It is nice to be able to have the full off-season with the team. We have changed (offensive) coordinators, but I have had a great relationship with Pep Hamilton from before. To be around him and talk his style of offense has been great. It is just nice to be around the guys.” – Andrew Luck on Pep Hamilton 

With the additions they made on both sides of the ball, either free agency or the draft, including LaRon Landry who will play Safety and the addition of 2 offensive linemen and 2 more drafted. The protection for Luck will be better than he received when he was a rookie. Who wouldn’t like and be comfortable with that? After recently trading their Center A.Q. Shipley to the Baltimore Ravens, they now have Samson Satele starting at that position with rookie Khaled Holmes out of USC backing him up. But I don’t think Luck and Hamilton or anybody on this team are too worried about the changes that came this off-season and I don’t think their fans should either. This team will be perfectly fine and could easily compete for the AFC South, being Houston’s only competition.

But in all honesty, am I the only one who actually forgot that Peyton Manning was out of Indianapolis and that Luck was the new quarterback? I can’t wait to see what Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts do this season.

July 27, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik talks with the media during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking like a different and even more powerful team than they were last season.

Bringing in free agent free safety Dashon Goldson from the San Francisco 49ers and later on trading for possibly the best corner-back in the league, in Darrelle Revis, Mark Dominik, so far, is making the right moves. But what else could they possibly need? They traded running back LeGarrette Blount to the New England Patriots on the last day of the draft, for a 7th round pick and return man Jeff Demps.

You figured with Mark Dominik letting everybody know that he is willing to spend or do whatever it takes to make this team into a winning franchise, he would try to go for one of the two top defensive end free agents on the market. Well according to Mark Cook of PewterReport.com, Mark Dominik and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have absolutely no interest in bringing in Dwight Freeney or John Abraham.

Right now they seem comfortable with letting Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers hold things down on the ends of the defensive line. Two young defensive ends who were drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2011 draft, Clayborn in the 1st round, Bowers in the 2nd. Both players who have what it takes to become corner stones of this young defensive team. We see all the money that Dominik and the Buccaneers threw into this secondary, while picking up 3 defensive line players, along with a corner-back in this years draft.

Both Clayborn and Bowers had 12 sacks between the two last season, where John Abraham had 10 all by himself and Freeney had 5 in Indianapolis. With 3 of their 6 draft picks, they selected both defensive tackle Akeem Spence (University of Illinois) and defensive end William Gholston (Michigan State) in the 4th round, while picking up defensive end Steven Means (Buffalo) in the 5th.

It looks as if Gholston will back up Da’Quan Bowers at the left defensive end position, while Means can compete for the right end, possibly seeing playing time on special teams. Meanwhile, Akeem Spence, will look to help stop the run game, as he needs to work on his pass rush, along side Gerald McCoy, Gary Gibson and Derek Landri who was signed on March 13th by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, previously playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

So Dwight Freeney and John Abraham are still looking for a new place to rest their heads. John Abraham already telling the Atlanta Falcons that he wasn’t interested in returning after they released him, could have been a perfect fit for this defense, adding a solid pass rusher to their roster. And Dwight Freeney, well, his production is declining, so he was probably going to be overlooked anyway, could have had a come back season, or at least he still can if he gets signed.

Two of the greatest pass rushing defensive ends from this decade, are still waiting for their phones to ring in hopes of employment.  I expect this two players to get calls from teams any time during camp or the regular season. We will just have to wait and see if that actually happens.

December 11, 2011; Baltimore, MD, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M

With the #24 pick in the NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Bjoern Werner out of Florida State.

A solid defensive end who had a productive stint at Florida State, will be a solid player once again but in Indianapolis. A team last season who bounced back from having one of the worst teams in the league, to almost being one of the best, is a good place for Werner to enter the league. Will fit perfectly in this defensive system.

I expect this team to get back to last seasons form, after adding LaRon Landry and having some cap space to bring in another veteran defensive player.

Minnesota Vikings are now on the Clock.

Aug. 26, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet seen on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory credit: Michael Hickey-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts had a strong season last year. They lost in the first round to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Ravens, but are looking to make another playoff run. The schedule has a few bumps for them. Namely the Seahawks, Broncos, Texans, 49ers and Chiefs. Other than those handful of games this could be a very favorable schedule.

They open the season with two favorable match ups hosting the Raiders and Dolphins. Then they face the Jaguars in week 3, that could have this team sitting at 3-1 early in the season. They also face 3 of this toughest opponents in the first half of the season before their bye week.

• Sep. 8 Oakland Raiders 1:00p
• Sep. 15 Miami Dolphins 1:00p
• Sep. 22 at San Francisco 49ers 4:25p
• Sep. 29 at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00p
• Oct. 6 Seattle Seahawks 1:00p
• Oct. 14 at San Diego Chargers (Mon) 8:40p
• Oct. 20 Denver Broncos 8:30p
• Oct. 27 BYE
• Nov. 3 at Houston Texans 8:30p
• Nov. 10 St. Louis Rams 1:00p
• Nov. 14 at Tennessee Titans (Thurs) 8:25p
• Nov. 24 at Arizona Cardinals 4:05p
• Dec. 1 Tennessee Titans 1:00p
• Dec. 8 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00p
• Dec. 15 Houston Texans 1:00p
• Dec. 22 at Kansas City Chiefs 1:00p
• Dec. 29 Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00p

22. St. Louis Rams (From Redskins) – John Cyprien, S, FIU – The Rams fill in their need at safety here with John Cyprien, a standout free safety from Florida International, where he currently holds the record for all time leading tackles.  This is a guy who may be unfairly overlooked because of his school but will put out some major numbers to whatever team drafting him.  It’s a homerun hit for a team like the Rams who are only a stand out safety away from fielding a complete defense with no other glaring needs

23. Minnesota Vikings – Keenan Allen, WR California – The Vikings use this opportunity to upgrade their 2012 WR situation.  It’s unfortunate they lost Percy Harvin, but to be able to sign Greg Jennings AND be able to draft a playmaking receiver like Keenan Allen, elevates their offense more than if they had stayed put with Harvin.  Plus, it’ll be nice for Minnesota to have a receiver on the team that won’t miss games due to migraines that occur when the team makes him stop smoking pot for league drug tests.

24. Indianapolis Colts – Damontre Moore, DE/OLB, Texas A&M – The Colts get a highly heralded pass rusher way down in the draft.  Damontre, originally thought of to be a top 5 pick, was one of the best pass rushers in the nation last year at A&M.  A flimsy combine and decent pro day made his draft stock take a bit of a free fall.  The Colts picks him up here, hoping his performance in Indianapolis is better the second time he comes to town

25. Minnesota Vikings (from Seattle Seahawks) – Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia – Minnesota has 2 picks and can take a shot at the quarterback everyone has been talking about.  This gives Christian Ponder much needed competition at the least and a new franchise quarterback at the most.  At this point given every team’s situation, Geno makes the most sense in Minnesota if Jacksonville isn’t comfortable enough to reach for him with the #2 overall pick.

Feb 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith throws a pass during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Viewed by most scouts as a third day selection in this draft, Ware’s decision to bolt out of LSU early was met with criticism by many. Anyway, Ware is a strong running back at 223 pounds and showed it with 17 reps on the bench press. He was very productive for the Tigers as a sophomore, but things fell off for him as a junior due to the emergence of freshman back Jeremy Hill.

Ware dined with the St. Louis Rams earlier this month, and they are in the market for another running back. Ware could be a potential sleeper for the Rams, because both of their second-year backs that they are high on fit the explosive mold. Ware could be a nice compliment as the third back in a committee to Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson, so that’s something to watch for.

The Colts are also in a great position to snap-up a player like Ware on the third day of the draft and add him into their RB rotation, and it’s easy to forget that Ware rushed for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011 en route to a second-team All-SEC birth.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Vontae Davis is a solid starter on the one end, and Toler is also a capable corner. However, Darius Butler isn’t anything more than a dime corner at this point, and you have to think the Colts aren’t going to rest easy at the position in the draft. They could go elsewhere  in round one, but selecting a corner would be the best avenue for the Colts. Cornerback has become one of the most important positions in the NFL, and you need multiple quality CBs to succeed.

Washington Huskies standout cornerback Desmond Trufant is more than just “capable”, as he has star potential with a great NFL pedigree (long-time Seattle Seahawks fan favorite Marcus Trufant and New York Jets young CB Isaiah Trufant are his brothers). NFL Spin Zone Hall of Famer Josh Sanchez does the 2013 NFL Mock Drafts for the FanSided.com main page, and he had the Colts selecting Trufant with the 24th pick.

Sanchez writes that the Colts should go for a dynamic CB duo in Davis and Trufant, and this is a message he has stayed constant with throughout his mock drafts. Interestingly enough, he name-drops the Seattle Seahawks bruising CB duo as an example, and this is interesting for several reasons. Trufant played for Washington, he is a Seattle native, his brother plays for the ‘Hawks, and he is a big corner like Richard Sherman and a Pac-12 alumn like Sherman. Trufant also quelled concerns about his speed from college with a great forty time at the 2013 NFL Combine, and he would be a very good pick for the Colts.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Nov. 22, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets inside linebacker Bart Scott (57) reacts after a tackle against the New England Patriots during the first half on Thanksgiving at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

“Can’t Wait!” said Bart Scott as he interrupted ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio after the New York Jets defeated the New England Patriots on January 16th, 2011.

Well, I wonder if Scott is still shouting that famous catch phrase now that he is a free agent and still hasn’t been picked up yet. Being 32 years old, it is understandable that he hasn’t been contacted yet, being in a free agent market that still has a lot of big name talent floating around. I do believe he will be signed, but not sure when, he has been somewhat healthy in his career, starting every game in the last 8 seasons in his career but 1 last season.

He had a streak of around 119 games, but that streak came to an end as he was sidelined with turf toe against the Miami Dolphins. So besides that, there shouldn’t be any problems, but of course it should all come down to the plans a franchise has with the position and what it would cost to sign him.

Through his 12 season in the National Football League, he has had some problems with his attitude and has lashed out at reporters and teammates. So this could possibly be another issue and does look bad on his resume as he looks to come back for his 13th season. But if he managed to put all those problems aside and assures his possible employer that those times are behind him, he could be a good fit for any team looking to add depth at the linebacker position.

Bart Scott has over 732 career tackles, 25 sacks, 4 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles with 1 Pro Bowl appearance which was in 2006.

1. Minnesota Vikings - A team who was thought to be interested in former division rival and Chicago Bear, Brian Urlacher, denied any interest unless his price “comes way, way down.” So this could possibly open up a roster spot for Bart Scott as the Minnesota Vikings look to add more talent to compete with the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears for the division crown. If he could keep his attitude under control, we know he can stay healthy enough to play, this should be a good solid pick up for the Minnesota Vikings if they happen to in fact get ahold of Bart Scott’s agent. With talented defensive players they already have, including Jared Allen, Chad Greenway, Kevin Williams just to name a few, this could be a potential top 10 defense next season.

2. Buffalo Bills - Until this team finds someone who can step up and become a leader on either side of the ball, I will continue to mention them. This team needs a leader! Attention to the front office of the Buffalo Bills! Yes you signed Kevin Kolb, awesome job, but is he the leader this team is looking for? No. This team has so A LOT of young talent and kids who have potential to be key players on both sides of the ball, they just need a guy who could light the fire under them to get them going. There are a handful of veteran leaders who you could bring into this organization and get your guys motivated to win. If you won’t look at Brian Urlacher or Karlos Dansby, at least contact Bart Scott. Not to mention, do you imagine the hype you guys would get for him whenever you played the division rival New York Jets?

3. Indianapolis Colts - They signed his former teammate LaRon Landry, so this could be a possible destination for him, it’s just a matter of how much and when. I think this could be the best fit for him, surrounded by a group of guys who made doubters into believers. The same thing that Bart Scott barked about when they beat the New England Patriots in 2011 when Scott sounded off on live television, calling out everybody who either doubted or didn’t back his team. They have a young solid group of linebackers, men including Robert Mathis, Kevin Conner and Jerrell Freeman, bring in the hard hitting, smash mouth player like Scott and this team could possibly win the division.

4. Baltimore Ravens - He started his career there, so why not go back to where it all began. They are still looking to add to their defense and have, with Elvis Dumervil, Marcus Spears, Chris Canty and Michael Huff. Just roll the dice and bring in Scott unless they have decided that the rest of their needs will be met when it comes time for them to turn their picks in for the NFL Draft. Adding Bart Scott would give them so much depth, it would be ridiculous, I made the mistake of saying that the Baltimore Ravens should be in panic mode as soon as Ellerbe and Kruger left, but now know they are good shape with the signings they have made. You could never go wrong with bringing him back, it’s just what would the fans think about it? I honestly think they could repeat with a defense like this. Just keep adding more pieces to this championship puzzle, give Bart Scott a call and try to get him cheap.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Adam Schefter has reported that linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended for the first 4 games of the regular season due to violating league’s substance abuse policy. Which isn’t good, but could be an easy fix if they decided to fill in that 4 games and possibly the rest of the year, by signing the man who is in the spotlight of this article. Unless they want to roll with back up Zack Nash, who is entering his 2nd season, has 1 total tackle in 8 games in his rookie season. If they do want to stay young, then roll with Nash and see what you can get in the draft. But if you want a dependable veteran who can come into camp, ready to work and produce for those 4 games Washington will be absent, then Bart Scott is your man.

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Darrius Heyward-Bey had this to say following the visit, “It’s very appealing. No. 1 he’s a great guy. I’ve known him since we were coming out in the draft. And just the ability for him to throw the ball and how smart he is. Coach lets him do his thing back there.”

Heyward-Bey is, of course, referencing Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who would greatly benefit from the addition of a vertical threat to the Lions offense. With Titus Young gone and Ryan Broyles injured, the Lions could certainly use another receiver to more than add into the mix. While he won’t have a huge role in the offense, Heyward-Bey will start across from Calvin Johnson (something that will undoubtedly benefit the former Oakland Raiders first-rounder) and should receive frequent targets in Broyles’s absence.

Last season, he caught 41 passes for 606 yards and five touchdowns, and it is important to note that he averaged nearly 15 yards per reception. Heyward-Bey would fit both the vertical passing styles that the Lions and Colts implement, but it sounds like the Lions are “very appealing” and in the best position to sign Heyward-Bey.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Aug 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets safety LaRon Landry (30) during warmups prior to playing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts have made a big move and signed safety LaRon Landry to a 4 year, $24 million dollar deal with $14 million guarantee’d as reported by Adam Schefter via twitter.

This move is huge for the Indianapolis Colts as they look to keep things going from last season.

Motivated by the news of head coach Chuck Pagano being diagnosed with leukemia, Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts hit the ground running and had an amazing season.

Finishing 11-5, with a wild card berth, fueled by come back wins and solid/clutch play on both sides of the ball. Adding LaRon Landry just makes this team even better, a hard hitting safety like himself, should help keep opposing offenses under control and the points they have given up should lower.

A young team all around, a veteran like Landry will do some good for the younger players looking to improve their game.

Having Antoine Bethea and Tom Zbikowski at both safety positions, the competition for these spots on the depth chart has just heated up.  A great deal for a safety like LaRon, should fit with this scheme perfectly.

It isn’t the Peyton Manning Colts, but it sure is turning into something special once again.

Colts signed former Jets S LaRon Landry.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2013

LaRon signs Colts contract #FreeAgency #ColtsFA tinyurl.com/7xvpl4c twitter.com/nflcolts/statu…

— Indianapolis Colts (@nflcolts) March 14, 2013