It’s almost hard to believe. After months of chaos – Manning’s release, the other massive cuts, the NFL draft, rookie minicamp, OTAs, mandatory minicamp – it was all quiet on the #ColtsNation front this week. It is, after all, the offseason, so they’re entitled. Still, this year even a quiet week brings some changes for the Colts. Jim Irsay, Ryan Grigson, and Coach Pagano continue to build and shape the Colts roster that has become otherwise known as “The Monster.”
Most importantly, the Colts finally have their starting quarterback. Andrew Luck joined the team for its mandatory minicamp after graduating from Stanford University earlier this month. Luck more than impressed at the camp, instilling in his new coaches a large amount of confidence in his ability to execute and perform. The Colts front office illustrated this newfound confidence by making several cuts at the quarterback position. In other words, the team removed some of its backup “safety blankets.” This freeing up of roster spots allows the team to establish depth at some other weaker positions.
This week the Colts freed up room to better the running back position. Quarterback David Legree was placed on waivers and replaced by 8-year veteran running back Melwede Moore. Trevor Vittatoe was also waived. Neither quarterback loss is very significant, for the Colts are already set at backup with former Jet Drew Stanton and 7th-round draft selection Chandler Harnish.
Legree took tight end Brody Eldgride’s spot on the roster in May, but he did not last long. The former Hampton University quarterback was already released from the Kansas City roster earlier in the offseason after signing with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. Vittatoe came to the Colts from the Chicago Bears. He never saw playing time with that team.
Moore, however, is a very solid addition. The 29-year-old is a recruit from new offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, the former offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Moore played four seasons for the Steelers and contributed five rushing and four passing touchdowns to the team during his time there. A very solid third-down back, Moore has the veteran experience and familiarity with the Arians-style offense to be a valuable leader for the Horseshoe.
Meanwhile, last week’s open house helped the team sell 800 season tickets, lowering the amount of sales needed to avoid unwanted blackouts this season. The Colts need to sell 2,200 more tickets to avoid such a situation. Group sales should help their cause.
You never know what’s going to be next for the new era Colts! Check back next Friday for more Colts-related news in the next edition of #HorseBytes.