The Vikings head to Indianapolis this weekend with a legitimate chance to be the only NFC North team to escape Week 2 undefeated. Seriously. It could happen. But wait, there's more. Here's a trio of other things you should know in this edition of Three and Out. 1 If you thought the release of Peyton Manning was the Colts' only major offseason decision on offense, you're mistaken.
As the opening of free agency approached this spring, Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay and new General Manager Ryan Grigson faced a quandary at receiver. The Colts had two playmakers with expiring contracts -- Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon -- but room for only one. Wayne was far more established but was coming off his least productive season since 2003 -- much of that due to Manning's absence last year.
Garcon, at 25, was eight years younger and showing signs he was ready to ascend.
Yet in the end, on the first day of free agency, the Colts reeled Wayne back in with little hesitation.
Yes, Wayne had a more affordable price tag (three years, $17.5 million compared with the five-year, $42.5 million deal Garcon got from the Redskins). But he also possessed the veteran savvy and consistency to be the perfect immediate security blanket for rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. Garcon might be faster and a more dangerous deep threat with far less mileage on his odometer. But Wayne remains Mr. Reliable and instantly has become Luck's favorite target.
On Sunday in Chicago, Luck threw 18 of his 45 passes toward Wayne, completing nine for 135 yards. Seven of Wayne's catches went for first downs.
Is it possible Wayne could wind up leading the NFL in receptions with a young quarterback on a team that often might be playing from behind?
Luck lauds Wayne for his understanding of the game and his ability to consistently find ways to get open.