Fires can be good, at least in the sense of forest fires. No one wants to see a fire raging out of control and wreaking havoc, but a fire, especially a controlled or non-life-threatening one, is essential. A fire removes dead debris and makes way for new life. It encourages diversity and the chance for new opportunities for different species to thrive. The Indianapolis Colts are experiencing their own version of a controlled burn, and while it may be painful to witness, it is exactly what’s needed.
Two pillars of the team are gone. Captains Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner have new teams. No, these men aren’t “dead debris” but they are older players with expiring deals. For this metaphor, we will consider them to be the underbrush that needs to be parted with to make room for new growth. They probably won’t be the last either as Grover Stewart, Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, and others are floating around the rumor mill as trade candidates.
If all of those players leave, the Colts will resemble a burned-out forest, dead and a shell of its former self. That’s when the magic can happen, though. New players can rise to take their place. Those that might not have gotten much of a shot will get to demonstrate what they can do now that the path has been cleared. Through the restocking of draft picks, the new growth begins as well. Fresh faces and an infusion of young talent can start to take root and stand where the mighty pines once did.
There is no guarantee that it all works out and the forest returns to its mighty glory. That could take several burns and restarts. What is guaranteed is that this current iteration of the Colts isn’t going anywhere. By trading the men they have, the Colts are accomplishing two things: they are providing cherished players an environment in which to thrive and are reaping draft capital to help restore what has been missing in this organization. The moves have been twofold so far and completely necessary.
The top canopy of the forest is gone. When Chris Ballard was fired, it left the whole forest exposed. The Colts looked around and realized how desperately they needed a refresh. When the fire is calculated and controlled, it is most effective. Fans have to trust the Irsays to keep it that way, and if they do, this organization can reap the benefits. Watching long-time players leave is tough, but removing the old and restarting with new can bring a world of possibilities. The fire itself isn’t usually pleasant, but for the Colts, this one is essential to their future.
