Indianapolis Colts Sign Kerry Collins, Could Spell End of Peyton Manning Era

If you aren't following Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) on Twitter, you're missing out on horrible grammar, interesting insider information and a look at the Colts' moves as they happen.

Today, I bring you this nugget, courtesy of Irsay.

"

We have agreed to terms with Kerry Collins...more details to come

"

Yes, quarterback Kerry Collins. The same guy who was retired as of last week.

In case you have been under a rock this summer, or perhaps you're a diehard Colts fan and you refuse to accept it, Peyton Manning hasn't worked out all summer. It's August and he's not thrown a football in practice with his teammates yet. The NFL regular season starts in three weeks and Manning's done nothing more than hold a Gatorade cup in a polo shirt on the sidelines.

Face it, Colts fans, the Manning era is dangerously close to ending. If it weren't, why else would Indianapolis sign a veteran quarterback three weeks before Week 1?

At 35 years old, Manning has never missed a regular-season start. We're three weeks away from that happening for the first time, as Manning has not recovered from offseason neck surgery as fast as most would have thought—or hoped.

It's been evident over the last two weeks that the Colts had no answer for a Manning-less season, and even Irsay himself as said the team is preparing to play without Peyton. And so they are, by signing Kerry Collins.

It's very possible that this is the beginning of the end for Manning. He's led the Colts to nine straight playoff appearances, but it cannot go on forever. Manning is credited with being one of the smartest quarterbacks to ever play the game. Hopefully he is smart enough to realize when it's time to hang up his cleats and pick up a whistle.

How bad will the Colts be without Manning, you ask? Horrible is one word that comes to mind. No team in the NFL relies more heavily on one single player to carry them than the Indianapolis Colts. Without Manning, players like Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne are less dynamic, and an already weak defense is handed the pressure of carrying the load until Manning returns.

We're three weeks away from the kickoff of the NFL regular season. Even if Manning miraculously returns over the next 21 days, how ready for live football action could be possibly be?

Brace yourselves, Colts Nation. The 2011 season will be a rocky one.