Please help me settle a football argument-Colts

[Indiana]

Edge is no doubt a good RB, but he's also no doubt very expensive. My argument is to let him go and free up some good $ for a stronger defense.

Indy

[IndyGuy]

As has been mentioned before, Harrison was signed to a long term deal last November. Stokely (the 3rd wideout) was also resigned. Both Edge and Reggie Wayne are free agents at the end of this season.

I think the Colts passing attack is so effective because they have so many viable options at wideout. I wonder what the effect will be if the Colts cannot keep Wayne next year. To me that's the bigger question. (And is it just me, or despite the good stats did it seem like Wayne was dropping more passes than normal last night?)

Bill Polian (team pres) has said that keeping Edge is a priority, but it depends on the outcome of the new collective bargaining agreement. They can't throw a ton of money his way without the salary cap going up significantly. They can give him the franchise tag again next year though, if they feel that's the only way to keep him.

I'd expect the Colts to go into the draft looking at what's available in the late first round and second round at running back and see if they can get any steals. If so, it frees up money to spend on defensive talent since the can let Edge sign elsewhere.

[Sluss]

[ QUOTE ]
Wow, I"m surprised at the number of Marvin responses. I really don't think there's any WR I'd choose over Edge in this spot. I also think the days of plugging in D Rhodes or another back-up and getting Edge's numbers are long gone. Edge is an excellent RB. He does a lot of things, like yards after the hit, that a lot of RBs just can't do. And of course running the ball sets the foundation for a good passing game, and tremendously helps a defense.

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This statement isn't exactly true. The way the Colts offense is set up they are a pass first team. When Manning sees 7 or 6 men in the box he hands the ball to the Edge. Any decent running back can have good numbers against a consistent 7 or 6 man front.

I'm not sure Harrison is more valuable than James. I just think that with the current set-up of the Colts offense they don't need a great running back to put up good numbers and an effective running game.

[Jack of Arcades]

Edge's value comes not just from his running, but his value in the passing game. Backs that can have great years in the passing game are immensely valuable. That said, running backs have a very high risk of injury so giving out contracts with lots of guaranteed money to a rb at his peak wouldn't be smart.

The Colts should be very quick to do what the Pats do: have a maximum number of $$ they're willing to spend on the HB position, and don't go over it. It's not worth it. They can have an effective ground game without busting the bank and work on spending that money elsewhere. Like on, say, Reggie Wayne.

[kyro]

Easily Edge. Isn't Harrison like 44?

[MCS]

Edgerrin James.

[SossMan]

I think as a rule, I would rather have a dominant WR than a dominant RB for a number of reasons. For the most part, dominant RBs are a product of their line. They are becoming much more 'plug and play' than any other position. Also, WRs tend to be more durable and play longer at a higher level.

In this case, because of age, I would tend to lean towards Edge. But in most cases, I would take a TO type player (off the field antics notwithstanding) before a Shaun Alexander calibur player.

Harrison--and I don't even think it's close. He is so keenly in tune with Manning that it's eerie. That would be very hard to replace. IMHO, Edge could be replaced by any number of running backs. Harrison could not be easily replaced--at least not as long as Manning is there.

[unlucky513]

edge and its not even close.

if the Colts had anyone other than peyton manning at QB, then i'd probably go with marvin. but seeing as how manning can get the ball to any receiver, i'd rather give up a wide receiver than the best RB in football... but thats just me.

[brettbrettr]

[ QUOTE ]
edge and its not even close.

if the Colts had anyone other than peyton manning at QB, then i'd probably go with marvin. but seeing as how manning can get the ball to any receiver, i'd rather give up a wide receiver than the best RB in football... but thats just me.

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Aside from the best rb in football comment, this is how I see it.