NFL preseason rankings...

Let's see: The salary cap cost Indy another linebacker, both of last year's starting cornerbacks and a running back (Dominic Rhodes); Rhodes also fills the bad behavior quotient after his recent behaving badly, DUI division.

But all it takes is ONE retirement from the game to make folks here really nervous!

In the last 144 regular season games (that's 9 years!), Colts' quarterbacks have been sacked 172 times - the fewest sacks allowed in the whole league in that period.

Tarik Glenn literally protected Peyton Manning's back for 10 years. Think Manning just might be a wee bit apprehensive now?

But let the record show that I admire Glenn for not staying past the time when he felt the desire to play - and leaving $4.5 million (his 2007 salary) and whatever he could have gotten as a free agent in 2008 (probably $20 - 30 million) on the table. Rare is the elite athlete who leaves the game on his own terms.

An each one has a role. The great quarterbacks are the first to say that they are as good as the protection they get and the smart running of pass routes and good hands of their receivers.

My favorite Titan was Frank Wycheck, who retired after suffering concussions. (He now does the color for Titans radio.) He, like so many outstanding players, had that certain "fire in the belly" that inspired others. They leave a huge hole when they leave the team which could take a long time to fill.

Glenn is one of those. He is also smart to know when that fire is dying and retire with dignity and great stats.

Angeline
Speakeasy Moderator