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Colts Have ‘Patriots Problems’, But Reggie Wayne Ain’t One

By Luke Schultheis

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Indianapolis Colts fans drew a collective sigh today, as the team’s former longtime wide receiver Reggie Wayne elected to sign with the New England of all teams on a 1-year deal.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (87) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

While no one can reasonably be too upset with Wayne continuing his playing career after the Colts elected to move on, seeing him in Patriots red, white, and navy will be a truly tough pill to swallow.

There were 30 other NFL teams that Wayne could’ve theoretically signed with, but it had to be the Colts arch-nemesis Patriots, joining the likes of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady on “the Darkside”.

The very same team that has ended the Colts season in consecutive years in blowout fashion. Not to mention, the heated rivalry that existed during the “Peyton Manning years” that Wayne was equally apart of.

2006 AFC Championship game, anyone? 

The 14-year veteran will no doubt always be remembered as a Colt. However, like Michael Jordan‘s late basketball career with the Washington Wizards, there will always now be the, “Yeah, but…,” that Colts fans will try to have to shake from their football memories. However, it already happened to the greatest Indianapolis Colt of all-time Peyton Manning, so needless to say, it can happen to any player, any time, anywhere. 

Make no mistake about it though, Wayne will go down as one of the greatest Indianapolis Colts regardless. Among his place in Colts franchise history, he ranks 2nd All-Time in Colts Career Receptions (1,070), 2nd All-Time in Colts Career Receiving Yards (14,345), 2nd All-Time in Colts Career Touchdowns (82), Most Colts Career Games Played (211), and Most Colts Career Wins (143).

Oct 6, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne (87) acknowledges the fans after he made a second half touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

However, regarding the Patriots themselves, there’s no question the Colts have recently had their fair share of problems beyond deflated footballs.

Offensively, the team only mustered 7 points in last year’s AFC Championship game. While the Colts defense has been pummeled by the Patriots ground game for 657 total rush yards on 130 carries (5.05 ypc avg.) in their last 3 games, allowing 13 rushing touchdowns

From a sentimental standpoint, seeing Wayne in a Patriots uniform simply hurts. However, from a production aspect, he shouldn’t pose much of a problem looking ahead to a highly anticipated Week 6 primetime matchup with the Patriots.

After all, the former beloved Colts wideout is in the twilight of his career and will be no more than the 3rd wide receiver for the Patriots offense, in an air attack that already heavily features All-Pro Rob Gronkowski at tight end.

After a disappointing season that saw Wayne labor his way to 64 receptions for 779 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, it’s time to wonder how much gas is actually left in the veteran’s tank and if he’s simply running on fumes at this late stage of his career. He simply failed to show much explosion and burst last season and was generally ineffective.

Upon suffering a torn triceps injury in Week 7, Wayne was simply never the same the rest of the way. He didn’t catch another touchdown reception and failed to eclipse the 100 yard mark in his next 9 regular season games. In the playoffs, Wayne was nearly nonexistent with only 1 reception for 12 yards in his final 3 playoff games.

With all due respect to Wayne, this isn’t a glorified “bashfest” now that he’s a member of the despised Patriots, but the reality is that he’s 36 years old, coming off a disappointing season, and has suffered a torn triceps and ACL in consecutive seasons respectively.

It doesn’t mean he can’t help the Patriots in a limited role, but I can’t see him really hurting the Colts much on the field either.

Don’t get me wrong, the Colts still have their fare share of ‘Patriots Problems’…

Belichick.

Brady.

Gronkowski.

But Reggie Wayne ain’t one. 

Nov 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne (87) embrace after their game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

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