It sometimes is just too easy in sports to decry the guy who isn’t quite as good as we think he should be. Forget the fact he is light years more athletic than we are, as that is not the point. He makes a lot of money and was productive at the collegiate level, so why shouldn’t he be as good in the NFL? If he doesn’t produce he will indeed hear the boos, and I think it is safe to say Curtis Painter has heard them loud and clearly this season.
While his salary of just over one half a million dollars is certainly mad money to me, it is a bargain basement type number in the NFL, and really is nothing close to what this guy should be paid to take the verbal onslaught directed his way by the media and the fans, who continue to cling to the hope that Peyton Manning will magically trot out each Sunday.
With virtually no game experience under his belt, Painter eagerly stepped up in the preseason and attempted to take advantage of the opportunity presented to him. But after three rocky preseason games, the Colts brass went out and lured Kerry Collins out of retirement, which clearly was a statement about their lack of faith in Painter.
Through it all he handled it well, speaking in positive tones to the media as he fell back in to the role he was accustomed to ¬ not playing. But this is the NFL and injuries occur, so when Collins suffered a concussion, it was again up to the pride of Watseka, Ill., to get back in the saddle and listen to the boo birds sing.
Much to the chagrin of the Colts faithful, Painter came in against Pittsburgh and played much better, even though Indianapolis would lose in a close game. He then started his first NFL game against Tampa Bay and while he kept things interesting with a better than average passing performance, in the end he would again come up short. The same scenario would play out the next week in Cincinnati, where the Colts dropped yet another close game.
However, lost in this continued losing streak is the fact that Painter continues to improve. With the experience only found in game action reinforcing his confidence, he has shown signs of running the passing game and keeping his cool in the pocket under the constant pressure that arrives courtesy of a sub par Colts offensive line.
Look, I am not saying he has made me forget about Johnny Unitas or for that matter even Kerry Collins, but the bottom line is despite all the naysayers and critics, Painter has shown that he can play at the NFL level. He also has been totally accountable for his shortcomings and has not pointed a finger at those on the team who have also struggled.
The pressure of following Manning is beyond enormous, and Painter will probably never get that free trip to Hawaii that goes along with being selected to the Pro Bowl. He can however make his mark in the NFL and if he continues to show improvement, the Colts should seriously consider tearing up his paltry contract (Again, by NFL standards) and tender him a raise.
With the Manning era officially over in my opinion, Painter can be an intricate part of the rebuilding effort and in the process get the snaps he needs to become a consistent quarterback. The Colts would also be wise to open up the offense for the balance of the season and simply let this young man spread his wings in hopes of earning the job for next season.
While many are clamoring for the services of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck via the first pick in the draft, I would contend that he will not be as capable of playing well next season as Painter will. Granted, whoever replaces Manning permanently will face an uphill battle. I will take the guy with some experience and skin that has thickened from the constant boos he has endured. That has to be worth something and right now while still searching for his first win, Painter is steadily getting better in terms of reading defenses and making choices with the football.
One thing is for certain, this season is one that is lost in terms of competing for a championship. It can however provide the training and opportunity for the next man behind center for the Colts. I say go as far as we can with Painter, while continuing the reconstruction of the team from top to bottom. The guy once threw for nearly 4,000 yards in a season at Purdue, and I am betting if given the tools he needs to succeed here in Indianapolis, he can make some strides in the NFL. There will be plenty of booing in terms of the rebuilding process. Why not go with a guy who is used to it?
Danny Bridges, who finds Curtis Painter to be a class act and then some, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com
