Bill Polian focused on future, proud of Colts' accomplishments in '09 season

"This was, by any measure, a great season," Bill Polian opened the press conference on Friday.

The Colts team president and general manager officially addressed the media for the first time since returning from the disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. With the 14-0 start and after earning a trip to the Super Bowl, Polian calls the Colts first season under head coach, Jim Caldwell, a success.

"Most people, if you told them August 1st [2009], that we would lose Bob Sanders, Adam Vinatieri, Anthony Gonzalez, Tyjuan Hagler and Jim Sorgi for all, or significant parts, of the season yet finish 16-3 and reach the Super Bowl, would have said 'We'll take that in a heartbeat,' believes Polian.

Polian praised Jim Caldwell and the coaching staff for the ability to overcome those injuries and still win the American Football Conference, "He kept the team focused through lots of injuries, through lots of strife," Polian added on Jim Caldwell. "He kept them on even keel, playing with both confidence and abandon."

Choosing to focus on the future instead of the loss to the Saints last Sunday at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Polian pounded a common theme that 'the past is prologue'.

"You learn from your mistakes and you move on," said Polian. "You focus on the future."

That immediate future involves getting the team back to good health. With a season that extended into February of 2010, the Colts will allow the players to have more time during this upcoming offseason and report back to camp 'significantly later'.

"We'll adjust the calendar accordingly," Bill Polian said.

Pending NFL labor negotiations prevent Polian from knowing the plans for Colts players entering the free agent market but he did call Gary Brackett 'a priority' and labeled the linebacker as a 'very good player and a leader'.

"We'll have some parameters on the 5th of March," added Polian on the upcoming labor negotiations.

Peyton Manning's deal will void at the end of next season and, despite owner Jim Irsay saying the Colts would offer him a contract that would be 'the biggest in history' Polian remained his typical, coy self on sharing any of the details.

"Why would I negotiate with you?" he answered with a smile. "I'll negotiate with [Manning's agent] Tom Condon."

As for his evaluation on Peyton Manning in the 31-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, "His performance was great," said Polian.