Reggie Wayne's return could spark maturing team

Colts almost literally hit the ground running after leaving the womb, so maybe it should come as little surprise that the Indianapolis Colts' rebirth as an NFL power has taken almost no time at all.

Heading into Year 3 P.M. - post-Manning - head coach Chuck Pagano, quarterback Andrew Luck and a roster mostly devoid of thirtysomethings have helped guide this franchise to 22 regular-season wins, two playoff berths and its first postseason triumph since Peyton Manning led a come-from-behind victory in the 2009 AFC Championship Game.

But the Colts will run their next derby with the welcome return of an old warhorse, wideout Reggie Wayne, whose absence clearly impacted the offense last year after he suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament Oct. 20.

Though Wayne will turn 36 in November, his coach can't stress his value to the program enough.

"When I got this job, Reggie wasn't under contract," Pagano told USA TODAY Sports, reflecting back on the 2-14 outfit he inherited after the 2011 season. "I asked Reggie to take a leap of faith because everybody was gone. This whole organization was blown up - rookie quarterback, rookie GM, rookie head coach. But he's so loyal to the (team) and to this community and this city."

Though he caught his last pass from Manning in 2010, Wayne has remained highly productive, averaging 72.3 receiving yards per game over the past three years, a figure that equates to 1,156 yards over a full season.

Perhaps more important, Wayne is the old soul of a young team, the mentor Luck and other up-and-comers lean on.

"He can still play. You know he's gonna get open, you know he's gonna make the catch," Pagano says of Wayne, whom he's known since their days together at the University of Miami (Fla.) two decades ago.

"And you know what he brings to the table as far as the locker room and your facility with the type of leader and type of man that he is. It's gonna be great to have him back in there."

Maybe not so great for opposing defenses.

Despite issues running the ball and safeguarding Luck - not to mention losing Wayne for half the year - the Colts scored nearly a field goal more per game in 2013 than they did in 2012.

Now there are new parts on offense, and Pagano says his defense is "better than ever. We're looking to wreak havoc. Going into Year 3, guys are really comfortable."

Then there's the expected progression by Luck, who's now one ring behind 2012 draftmate Russell Wilson.

"He's maturing as a leader and growing into that role," Pagano says of Luck, the No. 1 pick two years ago. "You can start to see that part of it coming out.
"We feel really great about where he is in his progress and look for him to lead us to a championship."

With the league's easiest schedule based on opponents' 2013 winning percentage (.430), expectations in Indianapolis are hitting a full gallop.

Saddle up.


(freep.com)