Colts vs Bengals: Five Things to Expect in Kerry Collins' Indianapolis Debut

To a certain extent, the Colts' signing of briefly-retired quarterback Kerry Collins appears as an act of desperation.

Although Peyton Manning has been taken off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the Colts are still in need of a solid backup quarterback.

Curtis Painter has improved throughout the preseason, but apparently Indy isn't too confident with him holding the spare set of keys to Manning's car.

Also, even if Painter earns coach Jim Caldwell's and Manning's trust, Dan Orlovsky certainly isn't even good enough to be third string.

Hence, the addition of Collins will help mold Painter, while acting as the safety net in case Manning goes down.

Here's what to expect from Kerry tomorrow against Cincinnati.

Veteran Leadership

If there's one thing that Kerry Collins can match with Peyton Manning, it's veteran leadership.

He's played in a Super Bowl and has been a solid game-managing quarterback throughout his career.

Along with Manning, having an influence on Curtis Painter will be crucial.

In addition, Manning may even be able to learn something from Collins because the latter is older, and you never can learn too much about improving in the game of football.

Competitiveness

When Collins retired in early July, it came as no surprise since Tennessee had drafted quarterback Jake Locker out of Washington with their first-round pick.

Then, once the lockout was lifted, the Titans also acquired former Seattle Seahawk signal-caller Matt Hasselbeck.

Therefore, even if Collins had not retired, he most likely would have been released anyway.

Well, there's new life in Indianapolis, and when he takes the field, expect him to have a small chip on his shoulder.

He's 38-years-old, and only he knows he can still play, whereas others may lack belief.

His competitive spirit will feed off his motivation, and Collins will be raring to go.

A Little Impatience

He hasn't taken a snap all preseason since joining the Colts, so anticipate a little anxiety from Kerry Collins.

He'll most likely have a few overthrows, as well as some happy feet while in the pocket.

But, that comes with the duress of playing quarterback in the NFL, and it's nothing he's not used to.

Collins will adjust more quickly because he's a veteran, but don't be shocked when he takes a few hits at first to get the jitters out.

A Little Rust

Adding to his impatience will be some rust, because one doesn't exist without the other.

Also, he's never played with any of these players on the Colts, so Kerry will have some timing issues.

If Indianapolis really wants Collins to get quickly acclimated, they must receive the opening kickoff.

The sooner he gets out there and buffs out the rough spots, the quicker he can reestablish himself into the NFL and become a solid backup.

In turn, that'll show the young Curtis Painter how to react in a situation of sudden change.

The only difference here, though, is that Collins went from his bench at home (the couch) to the field, and not back on the field after a turnover or injury.

A Second Wind

If you ever listen to a pro athlete's retirement press conference (where they meant it), you'll see that they've lost the most important aspect of competing in sports: The will to prepare.

Everyone love to play the game, regardless of the sport, but preparing for it is a whole different story.

It's the mental aspect during the season and the hours upon hours of training in the offseason.

Well, that wasn't completely true with Kerry Collins, otherwise he would have stayed retired.

And, since he's beginning anew with the Colts and Peyton Manning, it gives him a little more initiative toward motivation.

Yes, Collins is 38, but this kind of particular situation is just the second wind he needs.

He can disperse knowledge to Manning, while also learning from him, as well as helping the growth and development of the young Curtis Painter.

In a nutshell, Kerry Collins is giving back to the game, and that's arguably the most important reason why he signed on the dotted line.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.

And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.