Peyton Manning wins 4th MVP

As we enter the new decade with the Pacers on an 8-game losing streak and the Hoosiers undefeated in BigTen play, I wanted to keep my streak going of passing on tomorrow's news: Peyton Manning will win an NFL-record 4th MVP and the six Pro Bowlers mentioned below will also include Bethea but none of them will be available to play due to XLiV.

Colts in 2010 ProBowl & SB

We all know that Manning, Clark, Wayne, Freeney, Mathis and Saturday are the best at their position.

Antonie Bethea (2nd-best among AFC FS's in both tackles and interceptions) should get in behind Ed Reed and Brian Dawkins. Melvin Bullitt is available on Special Teams. Pat McAfee, Gary Brackett, Raheem Brock and Clint Session all deserve consideration too. Now if you're thinking "whoa, Clint Session? c'mon Pete, quit bein a homer" - Sessions has 76 tackles (2nd among all AFC players) and returned one last week to clinch the game. Fun Fact: Only 3 AFC players have at least 60 tackles and a score, rookie CB Jacob Lacey also holds that honor.

Colts Run D just got worse

Early this morning Ed Johnson was pulled over on I-465 in Hamilton County (surprise!) for speeding. Instead of rolling down his window to speak with the officer, Mr Johnson instead tried communicating through the car's sunroof. His excuse: new tint on the windows. Reality: he just hot-boxed his whip.
Police brought in a dog to sniff the situation out and found ~10 grams of pot in his center console. This isn't the first time the Defensive Tackle has been in trouble with the law, although it is his first arrest since joining the NFL last summer. At Penn State (yeah, he's one of the 49) he was suspended 3 times including the 2007 Outback Bowl game for charges including battery, confinement, possession, etc. Obviously, no NFL teams wanted to draft the troubled All-American Honorable Mention, but Bill Polian decided to give him a chance as an unrestricted free agent. He and Tony Dungy told Ed what he needed to do, or not do, in order to remain an Indianapolis Colt.
Basically he violated the terms of his probation, so to speak. Now the Colts are left with a depleted defensive line for the 3rd consecutive year. First it was DT Corey Simon and his 'diagnosis' - not to mention the legal battle for his undeserved paycheck. Then last year it was DT Anthony 'Booger' McFarland injuring himself in training camp, forcing the Colts to place him on the IR and eventually waive him. Additionally, last year's 3rd round draft pick DT Quinn Pitcock abruptly retired before camp this summer at the tender age of 24.
DE Robert Mathis no longer has the luxury of getting rest as Raheem Brock's backup; Brock will be moved from LE back to his original position at DT, alongside 2nd-year player Keyunta Dawson. This movement allows DE Curtis Johnson to be elevated to 2nd string, and DT Darrell Reid should get more playing time other than just special teams.