The problem for Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell is a good one to have.

The problem involves nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning, who last season had one of the most remarkable second halves to a season in recent NFL memory, in the process winning the third Associated Press Most Valuable Player Award of what likely will be a Hall of Fame career.

Caldwell's problem with Manning?

He can't get the quarterback to slow down. Even when it might be good to do so.

"He works extremely hard," Caldwell said this week. "The thing we would like to be able to do is pull those reigns in, but that’s not part of his nature."

Caldwell discussed Manning as the Colts began their 2009 organized team activities, a time during which Manning typically focuses on working with younger receivers and developing overall timing. It's an important time for Manning and the Colts any season, but particularly so this season with a new head coach (Caldwell), and a new dynamic to the offensive coaching staff in the wake of the retirements of offensive line coach Howard Mudd and offensive coordinator Tom Moore. The pair are expected to return as consultants, but for now, Pete Metzelaars and Clyde Christensen have assumed the duties.

As for the changes, I can't see them changing much how Manning prepares.

And I can't see them hurting his performance on the field, either.

I've been thinking some about this subject lately, and I just get more and and more of a feeling that Manning's going to have a huge season next season. Now, there is an obvious question of how much better he can play than he did late last season, when he threw 17 touchdown passes and three interceptions over the last nine games. And statistics didn't tell the entire story of that stretch. The Colts won all nine games, overcoming a 3-4 start to win 12 games for an NFL-record sixth consecutive season.

Manning did it behind an offensive line that shifted lineups much of the season.

He did it with a running game that ranked No. 31 in the NFL.

He did it with every game close to a must-win situation.

He did it with eight-time Pro Bowl WR Marvin Harrison far less productive than he was in his prime.

Now, Harrison is gone, having been released in February, and although Manning never wants for motivation, I can't help think there's something in him that will want to prove to people he can play at a high level without Harrison on the right side of the field.

But more than that, Manning seems primed for another big year because unlike last season, he will have an entire offseason in which to prepare. He will have WR Reggie Wayne in his prime, and TE Dallas Clark on the verge of the Pro Bowl. Instead of an aging and at times ineffective Harrison on the right side, he will have third-year veteran Anthony Gonzalez, who caught 57 for 664 yards and four touchdowns last year while starting just two games.

He also should have a far more-productive running game, which historically has been productive enough to set up the crucial, play-action part of the Colts' passing game but which last year struggled the entire season.

Mostly, he will have preparation time. While he was able to participate in OTAs last offseason, he missed training camp and preseason. That and injuries to the offensive line contributed to a slow start in which he had 10 touchdown passes and nine interceptions through seven games.

This season, Caldwell said Manning offseason approach is what might be expected.

“If you know him, whatever phase he’s in, he’s in it 100 percent and it’s an intense situation,” Caldwell said. ”Even during his rehab, it was an intense rehab. He attacks everything the same way. So, although it may have been a little different for him, the intensity level he displayed did not change. This year, it’s the same.

“Obviously, he’s back on his regular schedule and not having to deal with as many problems that he had in the offseason, but he’s coming along at his old pace.  He has an unbelievable work ethic and great work habits, but he’s great for our young guys, to see how hard he works, how dedicated he is and how committed he is.”

And with Manning having a full offseason, you get the idea those same young players will see something special on the field next season, too.

 

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