What Colts players would make an All-AFC South Team?
By Brad Marr
A front office in the NFL should be a combination of both aggressive and conservative, with a proven ability to be the brains behind a cohesive unit that wins football games. Here’s what a combined AFC South front office would look like.
All-AFC South Team Owner: Jim Irsay
In an owner, you’d like to see a passion behind the moves they make on and off the field. For the AFC South, the owner that does this the best is Jim Irsay from the Colts.
The Irsay family has been an anchor in the NFL world, dating back to when Robert Irsay acquired and then traded the LA Rams for the Baltimore Colts back in 1972. It’s a task on its own to find a more passionate candidate than the former SMU Linebacker turned owner to lead an NFL Franchise.
While sporadic in his own nature, Jim Irsay fuels a team with energy.
Balancing a love for football with good business is what you’re going to need in a prime all-division GM.
All-AFC South Team General Manager: Chris Ballard
Chris Ballard has been named one of the NFL’s best GMs since assuming duties for Indy in 2018. A string of excellent draft classes and winning football teams are vital to what the Colts have become in recent years. His moves this past offseason showcase what sets the standard for how a general manager operates.
All-AFC South Team Head Coach: Doug Pederson
Although coach Pederson hasn’t completed a season as a head coach in the division, you can’t really argue with his resume. A Super Bowl-winning nod here is enough to project success on a dismal Jags team that won a combined total of 4 games over the span of two years.
Pederson is looking to turn around the Jags after yet another disaster of a college head coach seemingly folded under the pressure of being the face of an NFL team. (Chip Kelly, Urban Meyer)
Frank Reich and Mike Vrabel are still two of the best coaches in the NFL, from both a media standpoint and a player’s. Each displays their worthiness of success and leadership. In this scenario, they’re at a default based on resume alone.
Lovie Smith hasn’t won a Superbowl, but his defensive approach lead a Chicago Bears team to a Superbowl bid, only to suffer defeat at the hands of Peyton Manning and the Colts back in 2006.