Team owner Jim Irsay fired team vice chairman Bill Polian and his son, Chris, the Colts’ general manager on Monday. He said there was a good chance coach Jim Caldwell will be back next season, but his evaluation was not over.

He also must still decide whether a healthy Peyton Manning and a new quarterback can co-exist in the same locker room, and which veteran free agents come back next year, if any.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a year in the NFL where a team went 2-14 and there’s not been changes,” defensive captain Gary Brackett said Monday, less than 24 hours after a season-ending loss at Jacksonville.

Outsiders had expected the first order of business to be the firing of Caldwell, who won 14 straight games and advanced to the Super Bowl in his first season as Colts coach. Caldwell said he simply went about his business Monday, speaking with Irsay following the 19-13 loss at Jacksonville and with both Polians on Monday, part of his usual routine.

“You lose as many games as we lost in a year, there’s a problem, there’s an issue,” Caldwell said. “But when we were 14-2, the way you guys put it, my job was in limbo then, right?”

The elder Polian had constructed Super Bowl teams in Buffalo and Indy, and an NFC title contender at Carolina.

But troubling signs emerged this season as the Colts lost time and time again — 13 straight at one point — with Manning sidelined to recover from Sept. 8 neck surgery. And it was Manning who suggested he and Bill Polian were not on the same page.

Polian said on one of his weekly radio shows that he and the four-time league MVP had discussed the possibility of establishing a transition plan at quarterback and that Manning was OK with it. Manning later said the two had never discussed the 2012 draft plans, which include the No. 1 pick amid speculation that the Colts will take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck to groom as Manning’s successor.

Then, just before Christmas, Polian told local reporters that Manning would fail his exit physical, a move that would actually help the Colts because it would allow him to continue working out at the team complex during the offseason.

“That was kind of news to me,” Manning told reporters Sunday, then said he probably could pass the physical.

Fans have been clamoring for the ouster of Caldwell and both Polians. Irsay, a frequent poster on Twitter, has been listening.

“I want 2 thank all ColtsFans..here,throughout the country n abroad,4ur tremendous,loyal support all year long. Ur feedback is heard n noted,” he tweeted Monday morning.

For their part, players offered support for Caldwell, who just wrapped his third year as head coach in Indy.

“One thing about Jim is that he’s a stand-up guy, and guys respect that,” cornerback Jerraud Powers said. “He’s a great coach, a good guy, and it was unfortunate situation this year. But he never lost the locker room.”

The longer and, perhaps, more critical debate is how to rebuild this team and what to do at quarterback.

Manning never played after undergoing his third neck surgery in 19 months, a fusion of two vertebrae.

He did, however, start throwing to teammates in mid-December and received good reviews from both Bill Polian, who was watching, and running back Joseph Addai, who was catching balls. Doctors familiar with the procedure who did not treat Manning say he should return to a high level of play now that the fusion has healed.

If he is healthy, Irsay has promised to bring back Manning regardless of the $28 million bonus he is owed in March.

But after posting the NFL’s worst record without Manning, the Colts also have won the Luck sweepstakes, potentially putting two franchise quarterbacks on the same roster.

“I think I can co-exist with any player I’ve ever played with,” Manning said Sunday. “I think I’ve always been a good teammate in that way.”

If Manning returns, Irsay might be more likely to bring back former Pro Bowlers Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday and Reggie Wayne, all of whom are now in their 30s, and keep other key high-priced cogs in the Colts’ success such as Brackett and safety Melvin Bullitt.

“I think when you’re playing, you’re so entrenched with the people you go to work with every day,” Saturday said. “It’s different for us to go out and think like an owner. But whatever decisions, we’ve got to take it as a community and move on.”

He’d clearly had enough of the Polians, though.

Bill Polian drew the wrath of fans in 2009 when he pulled the starters in the third quarter against the New York Jets, costing the Colts a chance at a perfect season after going 14-0. At the time, Polian told listeners that the team’s goal was to win the Super Bowl, not go undefeated. Indy wound up losing the Super Bowl, too.

When Manning went down this season, Polian came under fire for not having a capable backup in place, signing Kerry Collins out of retirement and fueling speculation that the team was interested in Brett Favre. He told radio listeners that he accepted the blame.

 

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

Bill Polian used his first draft pick in Indianapolis on Peyton Manning.

Not getting an adequate backup for Manning at some point over the next 13 years cost Polian and his son, Chris, their jobs.

Less than 24 hours after finishing a 2-14 season with Manning on the bench, team owner Jim Irsay started the housecleaning by firing the architect of the Colts’ success and his hand-picked successor. Coach Jim Caldwell is safe, for now, though the evaluation continues.

The moves caught Colts players off-guard.

”Shock, man, just shock,” safety Antoine Bethea said after finding out the Polians were gone. ”I knew there were going to be some things happening, but I didn’t expect them to come so soon.”

While swift moves are common right after the season for struggling NFL teams, stability has been a key part of the Polian regime.

Since making Manning the top overall pick in 1998, the Colts have celebrated 141 regular-season wins, 11 playoff appearances, six division titles, two AFC championships and one Super Bowl title. During that span, there have been only three head coaches, two offensive coordinators and one family making the personnel moves.

The problem in Indianapolis was losing, which came in bunches this season.

”I felt that it was time for a change, that there was a need for a change,” Irsay said, flanked by his three daughters. ”Bill had entered a role where he was less involved, but still quite a bit involved because of the lockout and Peyton’s injury and the losing streak. He was around a lot more than he probably anticipated or I did. But it really was a question about both situations. I thought that it was time to change the personnel department on the football side of things that wasn’t involved with the coaching.”

Bill Polian declined to comment when The Associated Press contacted him by phone, but did issue a statement through the team.

”I’m grateful for all the support the fans have shown us in good times and bad,” Polian said. ”Indianapolis has been a wonderful place to live and work. Most of all, I would like to thank the players coaches and staff who have played the pivotal role in this magnificent journey. I will miss them all.”

Those players became increasingly dismayed with Polian’s comments, particularly those made on his weekly radio show. And the most vocal critic was Manning, probably the only person in the organization with more leverage than the team’s vice chairman.

Manning missed the entire season with a neck injury after signing a five-year, $90 million deal in July, about six weeks before he needed his third neck surgery in 19 months.

When Polian told listeners to his show that he and Manning had discussed drafting his eventual successor and that Manning was ”OK” with it, the four-time league MVP later said he and Polian had never discussed the 2012 draft and it would be inappropriate for him to have those discussions. And just before Christmas, Polian told reporters that Manning would fail his season-ending physical. Following Sunday’s 19-13 loss at Jacksonville, Manning said: ”That’s news to me.”

An even bigger problem was that the lack of a backup plan.

With Manning struggling to come back from May surgery on his neck, Indy brought 17-year veteran Kerry Collins out of retirement in late August with a $4 million contract. He didn’t last a month.

Collins was replaced by Curtis Painter, who started well but struggled badly after Bill Polian said he felt ”vindicated” by Painter’s success.

The Colts lost their first 13 games, finished with the second-fewest victories since the team moved to Indianapolis in 1984 and wound up with the No. 1 draft pick.

Bill Polian repeatedly said he should be blamed if there was a talent deficiency.

Chris Polian, who was named the team’s GM four years ago but didn’t start making the day-to-day decisions until this season, got caught in the crossfire. He was seen leaving the team complex Monday afternoon, just about the time word leaked of the firings.

”To think that just less than less than two years ago we were getting ready to go to Miami and play in a Super Bowl, and we were cleaning off the confetti from the turf in Lucas Oil Stadium, it has been a very sharp decline,” Irsay said. ”Even after going 10-6 last year, if people had said you would have the No. 1 draft pick and go 2-14, nobody would have believed it.”

Irsay has not established a timeline for finding a new general manager, though he said he would start contacting other GMs and teams Monday night.

No decision on Caldwell is expected to be made until after the GM is hired, though players have overwhelmingly supported him.

”One thing about Jim is that he’s a stand-up guy, and guys respect that,” cornerback Jerraud Powers said. ”He’s a great coach, a good guy, and it was unfortunate situation this year. But he never lost the locker room.”

In fact, Irsay said, there’s a good chance Caldwell will be back.

Whoever replaces Polian faces an abundance of decisions in a major rebuilding effort.

Manning never played after undergoing his third neck surgery in 19 months, a fusion of two vertebrae to fix a damaged nerve that was causing weakness in his throwing arm.

He did, however, start throwing to teammates in mid-December and received good reviews from both Bill Polian, who was watching, and running back Joseph Addai, who was catching balls. Doctors familiar with the procedure who did not treat Manning say he should return to a high level of play now that the fusion has healed.

If he is healthy, Irsay has promised to bring back Manning regardless of the $28 million bonus he is owed in March, potentially putting two franchise quarterbacks — Manning and Andrew Luck — on the same roster.

”I think I can co-exist with any player I’ve ever played with,” Manning said Sunday. ”I think I’ve always been a good teammate in that way.”

If Manning returns, Irsay might be more likely to bring back former Pro Bowlers Robert Mathis, Jeff Saturday and Reggie Wayne, all of whom are now in their 30s, and keep other key high-priced cogs in the Colts’ success such as Brackett and safety Melvin Bullitt.

But the Polians will no longer be making those decisions.

”Bill and I had a chance to have a second meeting and to have some tears and a hug, and that was good,” Irsay said. ”It’s extremely difficult. Walking out of the locker room in Jacksonville that was a hard walk, and it’s hard because my affection for them is deep.”

Indianapolis —
The Indianapolis Colts defense is preparing to face a two-pronged offensive attack when the Tennessee Titans visit Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.

Either veteran Matt Hasselbeck or rookie Jake Locker will get the start at quarterback and both offer specific skills that could give the Colts problems.

Hasselbeck is not known as a scrambler out of the pocket but can keep plays alive with his mobility behind the line of scrimmage. Locker, meanwhile, can present all sorts of issues with his legs and his arm.

“You have to assess both [Hasselbeck and Locker. Hasselbeck has been around for a while and the reports are that we think he will be there and be ready to go,” coach Jim Caldwell previewed Thursday.

“So that’s what we’ll prepare for. But, also, we’ll take a look at Locker as well, and make certain that we get prepared for him also.”

Hasselbeck is nursing a sore left calf that he hurt in last week’s home loss to New Orleans. Locker has been getting most of the work behind center this week but Titans first-year coach Mike Munchak is going to wait before formally announcing a starter.

Hasselbeck started and went the entire way in Tennessee’s 27-10 win over the Colts at Nashville’s LP Field on Oct. 30. Locker, though, remains a bit of a mystery.

The former University of Washington quarterback, who has been bothered by a sore chest, saw extensive playing time against the Saints last week after Hasselbeck left with the calf injury. It would be his first regular-season NFL start if he got the call Sunday.

“[Locker is] very fast and he’s pretty explosive outside of the pocket, as was demonstrated last week on his touchdown run. But he can also throw the ball,” Caldwell said.

“He made some impressive throws as well. He’s got good touch, and I just think he’s a pretty complete guy. So he does pose a lot of problems for you.”

Johnson running well — Despite the Colts’ problems in stopping the run against the rest of the league over the years, the team has done a pretty good job in the past at slowing down Tennessee running back Chris Johnson.

In six career games against Indianapolis, Johnson has rushed for 408 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee has a 2-4 record against the Colts games that Johnson has played. He has averaged 68.0 rushing yards per game, 32.0 receiving yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry.

Still, as evidenced by recent games against the rest of the NFL, the fleet-footed runner is still a dangerous weapon in the Titans’ offensive arsenal.

“[The Titans are] taking advantage of his skill set, and I think he’s back in his groove,” Caldwell said. “He looks pretty good to me. He’s still just as explosive as ever. They’re getting the ball in his hands quite a bit, both in the passing game and also handing it to him as well. He’s still like lightning in a bottle.”

Injury list — It’s still uncertain whether weak side linebacker Philip Wheeler (foot) will be available for Sunday’s game. Wheeler was injured in the second half of last week’s loss to the Ravens.

“He is day-to-day,” the Colts coach said.

Caldwell said the same thing about tight end Dallas Clark (burner) chances of playing against the Titans.

Clark, who had missed three game with a broken fibula, was injured in last week’s loss to Baltimore.

“Dallas is day-to-day and hopefully he’ll continue to improve,” he added. “He’s improving, but we’ll see how fast.”

Wheeler, Clark, defensive end Jamaal Anderson (groin), linebacker A.J. Edds (ankle), defensive end Robert Mathis (knee), and center Jeff Saturday (rest) did not practice on Thursday.

INDIANAPOLIS —
The Indianapolis Colts defense is preparing to face a two-pronged offensive attack when the Tennessee Titans visit Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday.

Either veteran Matt Hasselbeck or rookie Jake Locker will get the start at quarterback and both offer specific skills that could give the Colts problems.

Hasselbeck is not known as a scrambler out of the pocket but can keep plays alive with his mobility behind the line of scrimmage. Locker, meanwhile, can present all sorts of issues with his legs and his arm.

“You have to assess both [Hasselbeck and Locker. Hasselbeck has been around for a while and the reports are that we think he will be there and be ready to go,” coach Jim Caldwell previewed Thursday.

“So that’s what we’ll prepare for. But, also, we’ll take a look at Locker as well, and make certain that we get prepared for him also.”

Hasselbeck is nursing a sore left calf that he hurt in last week’s home loss to New Orleans. Locker has been getting most of the work behind center this week but Titans first-year coach Mike Munchak is going to wait before formally announcing a starter.

Hasselbeck started and went the entire way in Tennessee’s 27-10 win over the Colts at Nashville’s LP Field on Oct. 30. Locker, though, remains a bit of a mystery.

The former University of Washington quarterback, who has been bothered by a sore chest, saw extensive playing time against the Saints last week after Hasselbeck left with the calf injury. It would be his first regular-season NFL start if he got the call Sunday.

“[Locker is] very fast and he’s pretty explosive outside of the pocket, as was demonstrated last week on his touchdown run. But he can also throw the ball,” Caldwell said.

“He made some impressive throws as well. He’s got good touch, and I just think he’s a pretty complete guy. So he does pose a lot of problems for you.”

I I I

n Johnson running well — Despite the Colts’ problems in stopping the run against the rest of the league over the years, the team has done a pretty good job in the past at slowing down Tennessee running back Chris Johnson.

In six career games against Indianapolis, Johnson has rushed for 408 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee has a 2-4 record against the Colts games that Johnson has played. He has averaged 68.0 rushing yards per game, 32.0 receiving yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry.

Still, as evidenced by recent games against the rest of the NFL, the fleet-footed runner is still a dangerous weapon in the Titans’ offensive arsenal.

“[The Titans are] taking advantage of his skill set, and I think he’s back in his groove,” Caldwell said. “He looks pretty good to me. He’s still just as explosive as ever. They’re getting the ball in his hands quite a bit, both in the passing game and also handing it to him as well. He’s still like lightning in a bottle.”

n Injury list — It’s still uncertain whether weak side linebacker Philip Wheeler (foot) will be available for Sunday’s game. Wheeler was injured in the second half of last week’s loss to the Ravens.

“He is day-to-day,” the Colts coach said.

Caldwell said the same thing about tight end Dallas Clark (burner) chances of playing against the Titans.

Clark, who had missed three game with a broken fibula, was injured in last week’s loss to Baltimore.

“Dallas is day-to-day and hopefully he’ll continue to improve,” he added. “He’s improving, but we’ll see how fast.”

Wheeler, Clark, defensive end Jamaal Anderson (groin), linebacker A.J. Edds (ankle), defensive end Robert Mathis (knee), and center Jeff Saturday (rest) did not practice on Thursday.

 

So too is Caldwell, whose job appears in jeopardy as the Colts try to avoid joining the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only NFL team in history to finish 0-16.

Even though Indianapolis has been without injured quarterback Peyton Manning for the entire season, the Colts’ problems extend well beyond that.

“I really don’t focus on myself. … There’s no self-pity or anything of that nature,” Caldwell said. “Really, I’m concerned about the men who play for us, making sure these guys keep their heads up, keep fighting to the end. Those are the things that really matter.”

From that perspective, the Colts at least made their coach proud Sunday. Despite being harassed by a relentless Ravens defense all afternoon, Dan Orlovsky directed a late scoring drive, throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Tamme on the game’s final play.

“The guys kept fighting,” Caldwell said. “But obviously, it’s little consolation in a game like this.”

Precisely. The Colts trailed 17-3 at halftime and had only 53 yards in offense through three quarters.

“Losing (stinks), no matter what it is,” said Dan Orlovsky, who was 17 for 37 for 136 yards. “Whether it’s football, if it’s rock-paper, none of us like to lose. There’s nothing fun about losing.”

Terrell Suggs had three sacks and forced three fumbles for the Ravens, who have won four straight without injured middle linebacker Ray Lewis.

“They’re one of the best defenses in the league statistically in every category for a reason,” said Orlovsky, the third quarterback to start this season for Indianapolis. “Are they the best defense in the NFL? I don’t know. But I’d like to watch one better.”

Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes and Ray Rice ran for 103 yards and a score to help the Ravens win their fourth straight and improve to 7-0 at home.

Baltimore is tied with Pittsburgh for the lead in the AFC North, but the Ravens hold the tiebreaker because of their two wins over the Steelers.

“We have control of our own destiny,” Rice said. “We’re in the driver’s seat. As long as we keep winning, we’ll be fine.”

The Ravens had lost eight straight to Indianapolis, but that was when Manning was healthy and at the top of his game.

The game was far more lopsided than the final score would indicate. Baltimore led 17-3 at halftime and 24-3 in the third quarter, and the Colts drove 76 yards in the final two minutes in a drive that ended with Orlovsky’s TD pass as time expired.

‘It just shows that you play as hard as you can until the end,” Colts center Jeff Saturday said. “You can’t give up. At least it shows we were still playing hard.”

The Ravens needed less than five minutes to take the lead for good. After the Colts went three and out following the opening kickoff, Lardarius Webb returned a punt 27 yards to the Indianapolis 40 and Flacco capped a six-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith.

Baltimore’s next march covered 66 yards over 13 plays and ended with a 36-yard field goal by Billy Cundiff for a 10-0 lead.

The first quarter ended with the Ravens holding a 111-10 advantage in yardage and an 8-1 lead in first downs.

Nothing changed in the second quarter. Baltimore forced a punt and Flacco went 5 for 7 for 54 yards in a 10-play drive that ended with a 6-yard touchdown run by Rice.

Indianapolis finally got into Baltimore territory when Joe Lefeged returned the ensuing kickoff 51 yards. Orlovsky then completed a fourth-down pass to Dallas Clark, and Adam Vinatieri kicked a field goal to make it 17-3 late in the half.

Baltimore went ahead 24-3 with 3:41 left in the third quarter. Flacco rolled to his right and was near the sideline when he threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta in the middle of the end zone.

Flacco went 23 for 31 for 227 yards and an interception.

NOTES: Suggs has a career-high 13 sacks. … The Colts have only six INTs this season. … Flacco went over 3,000 yards passing and Rice eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing. … Smith’s TD gave him six, tying Jamal Lewis for most by a Ravens rookie. … Indy’s Dwight Freeney had two sacks to go over 100 for his career.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.