The Indianapolis Colts' 2010 organized team activities are over, and as they ended came a signing that was nearly as significant for what is symbolized as for who it returned.
Because make no mistake:
While the re-signing of S Antoine Bethea Friday was big for solidifying the Colts' secondary moving forward, it also further exemplified what has become an obvious and notable trend in recent seasons – that while the Colts are understandably known for offense, they are equally committed to defense.
Remember? In the early part of the 2000s? When the Colts were an offense-heavy team, to the point where some thought too much so?
Those days may not be over.
But they're sure a lot less obvious.
I'll credit Indy Football Report's friends at Stampede Blue and Mike Chappell at the Indianapolis Star for writing the idea first, but because it already has been written doesn't make it less true that while the Colts are still known in many circles first as an offensive team, recent signings of Colts defensive players to big-money contracts by the team indicates a not-so-subtle shift in approach.
OK, with QB Peyton Manning, TE Dallas Clark, WR Reggie Wayne and C Jeff Saturday on the roster, it's perhaps not fair to say there has been a seismic change in shift from an offensive-oriented franchise to one focused on defense. The Colts also have invested first-round selections in not only Manning, Wayne and Clark in this era, but WR Anthony Gonzalez and RBs Donald Brown and Joseph Addai.
But the Colts are far from a one-sided team – on the field or on paper.
Bethea's signing was just the latest proof that's true.
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