VSN "What-If" Offseason Scenario #1 -- What if the Colts draft Ryan Leaf 1st overall?

[Hasselbeck]

Precursor - YES.. I know this didn't happen. I know this is all hyperbole. So you don't have to go "lol this never happened so who cares?!?!111oneoneone" .. either play along, or don't. That simple.

With that out of the way..

To get us through the offseason, I will throw out various scenarios that would re-write NFL history as we know it.. the first scenario to discuss..

What if.. in 1998, the Colts decided to select Ryan Leaf #1 overall instead of Peyton Manning?

Some things to consider:

-- Does Leaf still flop as horribly as he did in San Diego with Marshall Faulk and Marvin Harrison at his disposal?

-- How does this impact Harrison's career and legacy?

-- Are the Colts more/less likely to trade Marshall Faulk to the Rams, opening up that window for their Super Bowl run a year later?

-- What becomes of Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson? Would San Diego be bad enough to select them in the 2001 draft?

-- What happens to Kevin Gilbride, the coach of the Chargers in 1998? Does Mike Riley still transition to the NFL? Does Riley have pro success with Peyton at the helm over Leaf?

Lots of different ways to go with this. Hence why I think it could be a really interesting discussion. So .. out with it.

[Wildcard]

Here's how things would go down.

Leaf would of have a few decent seasons until Marshall goes to StL.

Harrison, disgusted by mediocrity signs with the Philadelphia Eagles to play with Donovan McNabb.

Edgerin James comes to Indianapolis to go up against 8 men in the box every play, and his career numbers suffer, and he retires before he's 28 due to injury.

Ryan Leaf falls into the free agency in 2003 after Indianapolis finally realizes this isn't the guy for the job.

The Colts draft Byron Leftwich in the 2003 draft.

Archer would officially be a San Diego Chargers fan.

The Chargers combination of Peyton Manning and LaDanian Tomlinson would win 5 superbowls in the decade.

Drew Brees gets drafted by Miami after dismal Jay Fiedler seasons, and Drew would not have his SuperBowl.
The

[bcransom]

Leaf's horrible attitude and work ethic wouldn't have changed, and he would've dragged the Colts down for a few years before they regrouped. The Colts wouldn't be the team we know today with the great young receivers and offense and such because Manning wouldn't have been there to impact Harrison, who in turn impacted Wayne and the rest of the youngsters. I think they would've gotten Big Ben/Rivers/Eli or busted again with Leinart a few years back though. Depending who they got I think they'd be competitive, but not super bowl caliber at all.

The Chargers would be a complete powerhouse with Manning. No other way to put it.

[Archer]

Here's how things would go down.

Leaf would of have a few decent seasons until Marshall goes to StL.

Harrison, disgusted by mediocrity signs with the Philadelphia Eagles to play with Donovan McNabb.

Edgerin James comes to Indianapolis to go up against 8 men in the box every play, and his career numbers suffer, and he retires before he's 28 due to injury.

Ryan Leaf falls into the free agency in 2003 after Indianapolis finally realizes this isn't the guy for the job.

The Colts draft Byron Leftwich in the 2003 draft.

Archer would officially be a San Diego Chargers fan.

The Chargers combination of Peyton Manning and LaDanian Tomlinson would win 5 superbowls in the decade.

Drew Brees gets drafted by Miami after dismal Jay Fiedler seasons, and Drew would not have his SuperBowl.
The

I'd rather stab myself in the face over and over. The Chargers would still have L.T and various other fags which would prevent me from liking them nevermind supporting them

[Nukleopatra]

Ryan Leaf failed because he was a major headcase, and he really didn't give a flying fuck about football. He wanted the fame, the fortune, the pussy, and the party. When he realized there's was going to be actual work involved, well, fuck, that was the end of his fucking world right there.

San Diego had the #1 defense in yards given up during his rookie season, he failed.
San Diego had the 13th defense in yards given up in 2000, he failed.

Peyton Manning had to play with defenses worse than that during his first two seasons, and he went 13-3 in year two. So, to answer the only question that really matters - Ryan Leaf would have failed, no matter who drafted him.

[Chadman]

Ryan Leaf failed because he was a major headcase, and he really didn't give a flying fuck about football. He wanted the fame, the fortune, the pussy, and the party. When he realized there's was going to be actual work involed, well, fuck, that was the end of his fucking world right there.

San Diego had the #1 defense in yards given up during his rookie season, he failed.
San Diego had the 13th defense in yards given up in 2000, he failed.

Peyton Manning had to play with defenses worse than that during his first two seasons, and he went 13-3 in year two. So, to answer the only question that really matters - Ryan Leaf would failed, no matter where who drafted him.

i like

[Leftwich]

I hate this discussion. The only thing that sticks in my head is Junior Seau pulling leaf away in his underwear.

[Wildcard]

I hate this discussion. The only thing that sticks in my head is Junior Seau pulling leaf away in his underwear.

That's why your name is Gaybe.

[DoubleDeuce]

Jets win Superbowl this year

[packersfan4eva]

Leaf would still be a shit-hole, but he would have lasted longer than he did IRL. He would have been cut in 2001, and the Colts would have drafted either Patrick Ramsey, Josh McCown, or they would have traded up to get Joey Harrington. They all suck, LOL. But at the time they were the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th best QB's in the draft.

Peyton Manning would have been amazing with the Chargers, and they would probably have a Super Bowl title in San Diego right now

[FirstTimer]

I'd rather stab myself in the face over and over. The Chargers would still have L.T and various other fags which would prevent me from liking them nevermind supporting them

I highly doubt with Manning as a QB the Chargers would be drafting in the Top 5 or have the Top pick in any draft and deal it away so the Falcons move up to take Vick.

[Archer]

I highly doubt with Manning as a QB the Chargers would be drafting in the Top 5 or have the Top pick in any draft and deal it away so the Falcons move up to take Vick.

The Chargers combination of Peyton Manning and LaDanian Tomlinson would win 5 superbowls in the decade.

Was more in response to this . I highly doubt they would have him aswell

[FirstTimer]

Was more in response to this . I highly doubt they would have him aswell

Right on.

[Fox1994]

-- Are the Colts more/less likely to trade Marshall Faulk to the Rams, opening up that window for their Super Bowl run a year later?

-- What becomes of Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson? Would San Diego be bad enough to select them in the 2001 draft?

98-2004 Colts:

In 1998, the Colts struggle to win a single game, finishing 1-15, despite the presence of Marshall Faulk, who requests a trade. In-walks Mike Martz. The Colts take, with the first pick in the 1999 draft, Edgerrin James.

In 1999, Edge straps the team on his back, finishing with 1640 yards and 15 touchdowns. The team goes 10-6, but they fall apart in the playoffs thanks to who else but Ryan Leaf.

In 2000, the Colts win 10 games, Leaf regresses... Or, rather, his suck-i-tude shows more.

In 2001, the Colts take Deuce McAllister in the draft as a power compliment to Edgerrin James. Ryan finally flounders completely. Donnie inherits Marvin Harrison.

In 2002, the Colts hire Tony Dungy as head coach. Ryan Leaf, at this point holding onto the starting job, is replaced, by David Garrard - fourth round pick. He's basically an offensive caretaker, as the team is built around the running game. First two picks - linemen. Dwight Freeney and Langston Walker. (Real life - Dwight Freeney and Larry Tripplett)

2003, Tony Dungy orchestrates a trade for Michael Vick, a player he thinks is immensely talented, but needs the right system to prosper. In exchange for Vick, the Falcons get the Colts' third-round pick and Edgerrin James. The Falcons draft Carson Palmer from USC. The Colts draft Andre Johnson from the University of Miami.

In 2004, the Colts draft Kellen Winslow Jr, who becomes Vick's second-favorite target. 10-6 finish. Loss in the playoffs to the Chargers.

98-2004 Chargers:

In 1998, the Chargers team that went 5-11 with Ryan Leaf under-center wins two more games with rookie Peyton Manning.

In 1999, that same Chargers team does nothing of note in the offseason... But better team cohesion brings them to 10 wins. An early playoff exit, but ten wins nonetheless.

In 2000, they win 12 games. They lose to the Ravens team that beat the Broncos in real life. The Ravens, of course, go on to win the Super Bowl over the Giants.

In 2001, the Chargers don't draft Drew Brees. He's drafted by a Steelers team wary of an aging Tommy Mattox. They finish the season 11-5. They beat the Pats in the playoffs - they don't get fucked by the refs, winning 20-17 in regulation in the divisional round. They beat the Steelers 31-14 in the AFC Championship Game, and Peyton Manning becomes a Super Bowl champion five years ahead of schedule.

In 2002, the Raiders try and make their Super Bowl run, with the Chargers as the number three seed in the playoffs as the AFCW champ. The divisional rivals meet in the AFC Championship Game. Peyton - having received play-calling duties - blows the game, throwing when he should've run... The Rams make one last run at the championship, beating the Raiders 27-17.

In 2003, the Chargers draft Dallas Clark. The Raiders fall-off, like in real life. The Chargers are mostly unchallenged, finishing the season 13-3. They lost one division game each to the Broncos and Chiefs. And the Cedar Fire game against Miami. They take the Broncos' playoff spot, beat the Colts, Patriots, and Chiefs, but lose to Marvin Harrison, Donovan McNabb, and the Eagles.

In 2004, Phillip Rivers goes to the Giants. Eli Manning is drafted by his home-town Saints, who figure that Aaron Brooks' time is coming to a close. Ben Roethlisberger is drafted by the Steelers, backing-up Drew Brees. The Chargers rematch the Eagles in the Super Bowl after a 15-1 season. This time, Peyton Manning's Chargers come out on top...

2005-2009

2005 - Kurt Warner's time in the spotlight is on hold, again. The struggling Cardinals sign him to be their signal caller. Marshall Faulk is playing-out his contract. Steven Jackson is drafted... Things are bleak in Oakland... The Chiefs and Broncos are trying to present themselves as competition for the Chargers. The Colts and Jaguars battle-it out in the AFCS. The Chargers beat-out the Steelers in the AFCCG and Peyton Manning has his second title.

2006 - The Titans draft Vince Young. The Cardinals draft Jay Cutler. The Broncos draft Matt Leinart. The Saints take Reggie. Vick, Wayne, Winslow, the Tampa 2, and the rest of the Colts end-up in a Super Bowl against the Saints, who backed-in thanks to mistakes by the Eagles. Colts win.

2007-2009 - Michael Vick is not arrested on charges of marijuana possession... And neither does he kill dogs, because his friend and mentor Tony Dungy keeps him out of that shit. The Patriots' style of offense never caught on because the Patriots never caught-on. Tom Brady is still highly-regarded as a fifth-round pick who somehow became a franchise QB and a consistent playoff contender... Unfortunately, that's all he ever was... A contender. Michael Vick's Colts and Peyton Manning's Chargers are the AFC powers...

---

You never know...

[Marley]

-- Are the Colts more/less likely to trade Marshall Faulk to the Rams, opening up that window for their Super Bowl run a year later?

-- What becomes of Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson? Would San Diego be bad enough to select them in the 2001 draft?

98-2004 Colts:

In 1998, the Colts struggle to win a single game, finishing 1-15, despite the presence of Marshall Faulk, who requests a trade. In-walks Mike Martz. The Colts take, with the first pick in the 1999 draft, Edgerrin James.

In 1999, Edge straps the team on his back, finishing with 1640 yards and 15 touchdowns. The team goes 10-6, but they fall apart in the playoffs thanks to who else but Ryan Leaf.

In 2000, the Colts win 10 games, Leaf regresses... Or, rather, his suck-i-tude shows more.

In 2001, the Colts take Deuce McAllister in the draft as a power compliment to Edgerrin James. Ryan finally flounders completely. Donnie inherits Marvin Harrison.

In 2002, the Colts hire Tony Dungy as head coach. Ryan Leaf, at this point holding onto the starting job, is replaced, by David Garrard - fourth round pick. He's basically an offensive caretaker, as the team is built around the running game. First two picks - linemen. Dwight Freeney and Langston Walker. (Real life - Dwight Freeney and Larry Tripplett)

2003, Tony Dungy orchestrates a trade for Michael Vick, a player he thinks is immensely talented, but needs the right system to prosper. In exchange for Vick, the Falcons get the Colts' third-round pick and Edgerrin James. The Falcons draft Carson Palmer from USC. The Colts draft Andre Johnson from the University of Miami.

In 2004, the Colts draft Kellen Winslow Jr, who becomes Vick's second-favorite target. 10-6 finish. Loss in the playoffs to the Chargers.

98-2004 Chargers:

In 1998, the Chargers team that went 5-11 with Ryan Leaf under-center wins two more games with rookie Peyton Manning.

In 1999, that same Chargers team does nothing of note in the offseason... But better team cohesion brings them to 10 wins. An early playoff exit, but ten wins nonetheless.

In 2000, they win 12 games. They lose to the Ravens team that beat the Broncos in real life. The Ravens, of course, go on to win the Super Bowl over the Giants.

In 2001, the Chargers don't draft Drew Brees. He's drafted by a Steelers team wary of an aging Tommy Mattox. They finish the season 11-5. They beat the Pats in the playoffs - they don't get fucked by the refs, winning 20-17 in regulation in the divisional round. They beat the Steelers 31-14 in the AFC Championship Game, and Peyton Manning becomes a Super Bowl champion five years ahead of schedule.

In 2002, the Raiders try and make their Super Bowl run, with the Chargers as the number three seed in the playoffs as the AFCW champ. The divisional rivals meet in the AFC Championship Game. Peyton - having received play-calling duties - blows the game, throwing when he should've run... The Rams make one last run at the championship, beating the Raiders 27-17.

In 2003, the Chargers draft Dallas Clark. The Raiders fall-off, like in real life. The Chargers are mostly unchallenged, finishing the season 13-3. They lost one division game each to the Broncos and Chiefs. And the Cedar Fire game against Miami. They take the Broncos' playoff spot, beat the Colts, Patriots, and Chiefs, but lose to Marvin Harrison, Donovan McNabb, and the Eagles.

In 2004, Phillip Rivers goes to the Giants. Eli Manning is drafted by his home-town Saints, who figure that Aaron Brooks' time is coming to a close. Ben Roethlisberger is drafted by the Steelers, backing-up Drew Brees. The Chargers rematch the Eagles in the Super Bowl after a 15-1 season. This time, Peyton Manning's Chargers come out on top...

2005-2009

2005 - Kurt Warner's time in the spotlight is on hold, again. The struggling Cardinals sign him to be their signal caller. Marshall Faulk is playing-out his contract. Steven Jackson is drafted... Things are bleak in Oakland... The Chiefs and Broncos are trying to present themselves as competition for the Chargers. The Colts and Jaguars battle-it out in the AFCS. The Chargers beat-out the Steelers in the AFCCG and Peyton Manning has his second title.

2006 - The Titans draft Vince Young. The Cardinals draft Jay Cutler. The Broncos draft Matt Leinart. The Saints take Reggie. Vick, Wayne, Winslow, the Tampa 2, and the rest of the Colts end-up in a Super Bowl against the Saints, who backed-in thanks to mistakes by the Eagles. Colts win.

2007-2009 - Michael Vick is not arrested on charges of marijuana possession... And neither does he kill dogs, because his friend and mentor Tony Dungy keeps him out of that shit. The Patriots' style of offense never caught on because the Patriots never caught-on. Tom Brady is still highly-regarded as a fifth-round pick who somehow became a franchise QB and a consistent playoff contender... Unfortunately, that's all he ever was... A contender. Michael Vick's Colts and Peyton Manning's Chargers are the AFC powers...

---

You never know...

You have quite the imagination Fox.