Five quick questions at the midway point of Indianapolis Colts organized team activities . . .
We spent the first half of the Indianapolis Colts' organized team activities addressing major, obvious issues, so as the second half begins, Indy Football Report Editor John Oehser takes a look at five off-season questions that might not be so obvious.
1. Is Curtis Painter entrenched as the backup quarterback? That apparently is the case, that despite concern from observers and fans over the situation. Painter, a sixth-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft from Purdue University, played extensively in the final two regular-season games as a rookie. He struggled in those appearances, but played in tough situations, with the Colts having pulled most of their starters having clinched their post-season seeding. Painter at the time was playing because the Colts had placed then-backup Jim Sorgi on injured reserve, and after the Colts allowed Sorgo to sign with the New York Giants as a free agent, there was speculation that the Colts would sign a veteran to backup Peyton Manning. But the Colts typically develop young players as backups, and did so with Sorgi six seasons ago, and with OTAs halfway over, it would be something of a surprise if they deviated from that course.
2. How much can Jerraud Powers improve? Indications would be quite a bit. Powers, a third-round selection from Auburn University, was perhaps the best of a strong 2009 rookie class and played well enough that Colts President Bill Polian said late in the season he deserved Rookie of the Year consideration. He missed significant time late in the season – including the AFC Championship Game – with injuries, and plays a position where a year of experience should help significantly. With the Colts relatively thin entering the season at cornerback, his ability to return, stay healthy and improve will be critical to the Colts' secondary.
3. Will Philip Wheeler have a consistent, complete season? Wheeler, a third-round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft from Georgia Tech, is perhaps the Colts' most prototypical linebacker. Still, after playing as a backup and special teams player as a rookie, he started last season in the same position after veteran Tyjuan Hagler beat him out for a starting position in training camp. Wheeler moved into the starting lineup after Hagler sustained a season-ending, mid-season biceps injury, and teammates and coaches said he improved throughout the last half of the season. If he can fulfill his potential, the Colts potentially could have their best starting linebacker corps in several seasons.
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