Colts of the Decade

This decade Colts fans have been blessed with an unbelievable quarterback, a Hall of Fame coach, and a multitude of great players. From Gary Brackett to Dallas Clark many players have been apart of the rebirth of this proud Colts franchise. Although it has yet to be decided who the franchise of the decade will be, Patriots, Colts, Steelers, one thing we can be certain of is that Indianapolis has truly been blessed with a great football organization.

To end this decade I would like to take a step back and select the top players who went out everyday Sunday and represented our team and our city. 

5. Jeff Saturday: Saturday has been a member of this organization for 11 years now, and in that time has started 155 games, been named to four Pro Bowls, and one NFL All-Pro first team. He is the leader of the offensive line, and is responsible for the great connection between Peyton Manning and this standout line. Year after year Saturday has proven to be a pure professional who goes about his job with a desire to win. Although Manning gets a lot of the credit for this high octane offense, Saturday is a very smart lineman who helps keep everyone on the same page. 

4. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis: These two come in a package for the simple fact that one would not be as dominant without the other. Freeney has been the one to gain the national exposure, and rightfully so tallying 84 sacks over his eight year tenure with the Colts. However, Mathis has always been the neglected child, but with this years Pro Bowl invitation Mathis will be joining Freeney on the AFC roster and finally earning the attention he deserves. These two have struck fear into the hearts of offensive coordinators for an entire decade, between the two of them they have a total of 147 sacks and counting. Although health has always been a concern, the impact that these two had when on the field cannot be argued.  

3. Edgerrin James: Now I understand that James was only a member of the Colts from 1999 until 2005. However, in that short span he ran for 9,226 yards and 64 touchdowns. James was not a member of the Super Bowl squad, but he did help lay the foundation that ultimately allowed the Colts to defeat the Chicago Bears on route to their first Super Bowl in Indianapolis. Edgerrin gave Peyton a potent running attack that allowed him time in the pressure and the ability to keep the defense guessing. Without James I believe that Manning would not be as great of a quarterback as he is today. Although his time in Indy was cut short because of free agency, I must say that James was one of key pieces of the puzzle for this great franchise. 

2. Marvin Harrison: Harrison began his tenure with the Colts in 1996, playing with the squad for a grand total of 13 marvelous years. After establishing his dominance in the 90’s there was no turning back for Harrison, who left the most recent decade as one of the greatest of all-time. From 2000 until 2008 he was able to garner 10,439 receiving yards to go along with an astonishing 95 touchdowns. Clearly Peyton Manning’s all-time favorite target, marvelous Marvin made it to 8 Pro Bowls and was named to the All-Pro First Team 3 times. Harrison was a safety blanket for Manning for years, and established himself as one of the greatest Colts of all-time. 

1. Peyton Manning: Was there really any doubt as to who would earn this honor? Manning has been the lifeblood for the Indianapolis Colts for 12 years now, and he doesn’t look to be going anywhere. With 9 Pro Bowl nominations and 4 First Team All-Pro honors, Manning has established himself as not only one of the greatest quarterbacks of the decade, but of all-time. Manning has been a statistical monster for the Colts, since 2000 having thrown for 42,159 yards and 314 touchdowns. Although he does not have the rings of a Tom Brady, Joe Montana, or Terry Bradshaw, in terms of what he brings to the table Manning is clearly one of the most dominant of all-time. Peyton Manning has been more than just a football player to this community, he has been a face that has united Colts fans throughout the state. Lucas Oil Stadium, a Super Bowl trophy, and economical boosts can all be tied back to this southern boy out of Tennessee University. 

I would like to thank all of the Colts, past and present, for what they have done for this community. They have turned a franchise headed in the wrong direction into one of the best of this decade, it has certainly been exciting to watch.

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Honored, But Hope to Miss

Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, and Robert Mathis have all been named as starters on this year’s AFC pro bowl team. Joining them will be Jeff Saturday as a backup, giving the Colts a total of 6 members on this years squad. The Colts are tied for the second most with 6 total members, the Vikings leading all teams with 8. Although the fans determine who will be the starters for the pro bowl teams, all of the members of the Colts are honored to make the trip to Miami, especially Dallas Clark. Clark was able to earn his first trip to a pro bowl this season, and will be a starter ahead of Antonio Gates. Granted Clark has statistically been deserving in years past, but with the absence of Tony Gonzalez in the AFC Clark was finally able to break through. However, even though the Colts are honored to earn spots on the roster, Colts fans can only hope that none of the players will be able to attend the pro bowl.

This season the NFL has elected to hold the Pro Bowl in Miami a week before the Super Bowl. While I understand the idea of increasing the popularity and interest around the game, I cannot imagine this idea working for the long term. The idea of the Pro Bowl is to see the league’s elite players on one field, but with two teams playing in the Super Bowl a week later, the NFL will be restricting elite players from the two best teams in the NFL. Thus, the two teams in the Super Bowl will not be able to send their players to the pro bowl. So even though it is great to see as many Colts as possible honored, I believe I speak for most Colt’s fans when I say that it would be much better to see the Colts playing for the Super Bowl opposed to the pro bowl.

However, on a positive note it is great to see players like Dallas Clark and Robert Mathis finally being honored for their production on the field. They have been two key players for the Colts for a long time, and it is time that they became known on a national stage.

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Pop the Champagne

Somewhere in the country Don Shula and his Miami Dolphins are popping champagne, as another year goes by and another NFL season fails to produce a perfect record. On Sunday, December 27, the Indianapolis Colts lost to the New York Jets 29-15. Even though this loss does not change anything on paper for the Colts, who are still the one seed in the AFC with home field advantage throughout, it may have a lasting mental impact on this team going forward. On Sunday coach Jim Caldwell established the precedent that this team is more concerned with Super Bowl titles, opposed to possible perfection. Although I agree that a Super Bowl title is more important than a 16-0 regular season, just ask the Patriots, I disagree with Caldwell’s decision on Sunday. 

Caldwell elected to pull Peyton Manning and other key starters with around 5 minutes left in the third quarter when the Colts had a 15-10 lead. Curtis Painter took the field for the MVP caliber quarterback, and quite frankly looked like a deer in the head lights. The Colts were barely holding onto a 5 point lead when Painter entered the game, but with the way the Jets offense was playing Caldwell may have felt that a five point lead may just have been enough. However, his hopes did not come to fruition, and the Colts were shut out for the remainder of the game. Granted Caldwell was just looking out for his starters, and in all honesty had a player, such as, Manning or Wayne been injured on Sunday we would all be cursing Caldwell. So while I cannot completely fault him, I can argue that with one more Manning drive the Colts may have been able to put themselves in a much better position to remain undefeated. 

If Manning and company would have been left in for one more drive, and understood that they had one more chance to put this game out of reach of the Jets, then maybe they could have moved down the field and supplied Painter with a two possession lead and with less time for the Jets to work with. Instead Caldwell placed Painter right into the heat of the action, and with only a five point deficit the Jets knew that they were right in the game. Not to mention the simple fact that the Jets had almost a full quarter and a half left in the game, which is plenty of time for a desperate NFL team trying to make the playoffs. 

As I have stated before, the Colts’ legacy for this decade will be shaped on how they do in this year’s playoffs. They are fighting against the New England Patriots for the franchise of the decade, and for all Colts fans knowing that their franchise was the best over a ten year span would mean a lot. Another Super Bowl title would also do wonders for the legacy of Peyton Manning, who has produced statistically better than any other quarterback, but has struggled to make it to the big game. Although I understand that today’s loss was a major disappointment to most Colt’s fans, it is unfair to criticize this organization, especially without seeing the end results of this move. But I will quote one thing that I believe every coach and organization in the NFL should live by, “You play to win the game.” – Herm Edwards

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Top Two Decided

With last nights impressive victory over the red hot Tennessee Titans, the San Diego Chargers were able to clinch the second seed in the AFC going into the playoffs. This is good news for Colts fans, for the simple fact that it means the Colts would face the Chargers in the AFC championship game opposed to in the AFC divisional round. Over the years the Chargers have been one of the more difficult matchups for Manning and company, and this year is shaping up to be the same way. 

The Chargers have a dynamic group of wide receivers on offense to go along with their franchise quarterback and running back tandem. However, what always seems to give the Colts trouble are the defensive and special team units of this high powered team. Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, Shaun Phillips, and Darren Sproles have given the Colts fits in the past, and if the Colts are forced to play the Chargers again they must find ways to give Peyton Manning time and eliminate big special team plays. 

Although this defensive unit has historically posed problems in the past, this year they have been up and down. An important part to the success of this defense is Shawne Merriman. Merriman has not played well after injuring his knee last year, and that has many people around the league wondering if he will ever be the high-powered sack machine that he once was. Another key ingredient for this defense was nose tackle Jamal Williams, however, Williams was placed on injured reserve earlier in the season, which really hurts this 3-4 defense that relies upon a big solid group up front. But despite all of their injuries and letdowns throughout the season the Chargers are still limiting opponents to 222 passing yards and 82 rushing yards per game. 

The Chargers defense may have taken a step back from where it once was, but they have more then made up for it on the offensive side of the ball. Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, and Antonio Gates headline one of the leagues premier passing attacks, and the combination of Tomlinson and Sproles is not too bad either. It seems almost inevitable that the Colts will have to face one of their longtime adversaries in either the Chargers or the Patriots, and although many people don’t want to see the Patriots again, I believe that the road to the Super Bowl will be much easier without a Bolts-Colts matchup.

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Gonzalez Gone For the Year

NFL.com has reported that Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez has been placed on injured reserve. Colts President Bill Polian had this to say about the move: 

“Anthony has been diligent in the rehabilitation of his knee, but it has not progressed to the point that it will allow him to return to the field this season… We look forward to his healthy return next season.” 

After being injured in the September 13 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gonzalez underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to help repair sprained ligaments. He was never able to recover and with only two games left in the season, it didn’t appear that he would be able to help this team down the stretch. 

At the beginning of the season this would have been a huge blow for this Colts’ offense. However, with the emergence of wide receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon, the Colts have not missed a beat without Gonzalez in the lineup. Granted, having him would allow Peyton Manning to have yet another weapon in his arsenal, but the Colts have been able to go this far without him so I do not think it will have a large effect on this team going forward. It will be interesting to see what happens next season amongst the trio of receivers, Garcon, Collie, and Gonzalez will all be fighting for time and opportunities on what has now become a deep receiving core.

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AFC South Predictions: Week 16

AFC South Prediction Record: 42-14

San Diego Chargers (11-3) @ Tennessee Titans (7-7)

The San Diego Chargers have placed themselves in a comfortable second place in the AFC playoff picture, and pending a two game skid to end the season will receive a first round bye. On the other hand, the Titans are barely clinging onto their playoff lives, and will need to win out and receive a lot of help from other teams in order to stay alive. However, unlike on Thanksgiving, with the lowly Lions and the inconsistent Cowboys, this holiday game looks to be one of the best of the week. Led by Philip Rivers, the Chargers come into this one averaging 28 points per game with 355 yards of total offense. Rivers is quietly having an MVP caliber season, and if it were not for the Colts unblemished record and the return of Brett Favre, Rivers would surely be in the discussion for league MVP. With Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Darren Sproles, and Ladanian Tomlinson the Chargers have a multitude of weapons on offense, and going against a Titans defense that surrenders 25 points per game could foreshadow a high scoring contest. However, Chris Johnson and Vince Young head a Titans offense that can be just as potent, averaging 23 points per game and 163 yards per game rushing. Johnson has 1,730 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season and may be on track to join the elite 2,000 yard rushing club. This game should be full of big plays and excitement, and I expect a high-scoring affair. In the end I believe that the Titans will be able to pull this one out, but only if Vince Young performs up to the level that he has been playing over the past few games. 

Titans 27     Chargers 24

Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) @ New England Patriots (9-5)

This is another game that has huge implications upon the AFC playoff picture. With the Patriots now having a 2 game lead in the division, and tied with the Bengals for the third seed in the AFC playoffs, this will not be a letdown game for New England. However, the Jaguars need this game in the worst way. The Jaguars had a wild card berth in their paws, but after losing to the Colts they are now on the outside looking in. With an offense that is only averaging 19 points per game, the Jaguars will need another big game out of Maurice Jones-Drew. The Patriots are a team that has struggled as of late, but have found ways to win despite distractions. This game will mean more to the Jaguars then it will to the Patriots, and if they want to win they will have to slow down Tom Brady and posses the ball with Jones-Drew. I expect the Jaguars to come out hard and catch the Patriots off guard, and in the end they will win a close one.

Jaguars 24     Patriots 21

Houston Texans (7-7) @ Miami Dolphins (7-7)

After placing themselves in a position to possibly catch the Patriots, the Dolphins took a big hit last week by losing to the Tennessee Titans. However, the Dolphins are still alive in the playoff race, but will need to pull out a win against a Texans team who is also looking to sneak into the playoffs. These two teams could not be any different in terms of how they have won games this season. The Texans have relied heavily on the arm of Matt Schaub, and for a good portion of the season they have struggled to run the ball and stop opposing offenses. On the other hand, the Dolphins have been able to run the ball and play solid defense, whether it be with Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams the Dolphins have simply pounded opposing teams. Although both teams need a win in order to stay alive, I believe that the Dolphins are playing better football as of late. 

Dolphins 20     Texans 16

New York Jets (7-7) @ Indianapolis Colts (14-0)

Now this game will be a tough one to get a reading on. Although many Colts fans want the Colts to run the table and finish the regular season at a perfect 16-0, I believe that it is much more important that this team is fully healthy and ready to make a Super Bowl run. The New York Jets are a team that is desperate for a win, and at 7-7 they are another one of those AFC teams that are clinging onto their playoff lives. What especially scares me about this game is the fact that the Jets are so desperate, and that they are a defensive oriented team. The Jets are a defensive oriented team that love to get after the quarterback and play smashmouth football. Whether it be Bart Scott, David Harris, or Shaun Ellis, Ryan loves to get pressure on the quarterback. The Colts may take the “wait and see” approach about this game, and Caldwell may play the starters as long as the game does not become a blowout either way or as long as he feels that Peyton is still receiving good protection. I expect the Jets to come out trying to punch the Colts in the face, and the Colts may struggle early, especially if Reggie Wayne is being locked down by elite level cornerback Darrelle Revis. Although this game is difficult to judge because no one can be certain of how long the starters will play, I believe that the Jets will pull the upset and end the Colts’ run at a perfect season.

Jets 24     Colts 17

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Brutal Opponent Coming to Town

This Sunday the Indianapolis Colts will face the New York Jets with the hopes of extended their unblemished record to an astonishing 15-0. However, unlike the Colts, the Jets are still fighting for their playoff lives, and will be coming to town hungry for a much needed win. The Colts have yet to rest some of their key starters, such as, Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne, but on Sunday the Colts may want to explore all of their options. Head coach of the Jets, Rex Ryan, is known for his defensive oriented team, and with studs that include Bart Scott, Darrelle Revis, and David Harris, this team can put pressure on quarterbacks. 

Ryan has an assortment of linebackers who are able to get pressure on the quarterback, and with cornerback Darrelle Revis lurking in the secondary, opposing quarterbacks must always be aware of where he is on the field. Throughout the season the Jets have been known for their ability to play smashmouth football, by running the ball and shutting down opponents the Jets have managed to keep themselves alive for a possible playoff berth. Come Sunday, I have very little doubt that the Jets will not tone down their electric defense and simply “take it easy” on Peyton Manning. Coach Caldwell must keep an eye on the momentum and flow of this game, and he must not put any of his key players in harm’s way. 

Whether or not the starters will play the whole game is uncertain, but what I do know is that this team cannot afford to lose a key player, let alone another one from the defensive side of the ball. Hopefully the Colts will be able to put this game away early, but I doubt the Jets will go away that easily. We must remember that the ultimate goal of this team is to win a Super Bowl. Although a perfect season would be a great mark to have, I cannot stress enough how important a Super Bowl is to the legacy of this franchise over the past decade.

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Manning Thrust Into First Place?

With Drew Brees and the Saints losing Saturday night to the Dallas Cowboys, Peyton Manning may have just taken over the drivers seat for a fourth MVP award. Although Manning has not had a record breaking statistical year, 15 interceptions, he has once again put up league elite numbers, 33 touchdowns, 4,213 passing yards, and a completion percentage of 69. However, more importantly than that he is leading the Colts towards a possible perfect season, and is arguably the biggest game-changer in the NFL.

This race was thought to be between three horses, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Brett Favre. However, if the Colts were to drop one of their two remaining games, several candidates could reenter the picture, and we could see a dark horse enter the mix. Chris Johnson is having a magnificent year for the Titans, and may be able to top the 2,000 yard rushing mark for the season, a feat rarely accomplished. There are several very deserving candidates for the MVP award this season, and although no player has broken away from the pack with their performance, Manning is clearly the front runner based upon his team’s record. 

It will be interesting to see how these last two games play out for the Colts, not only may a perfect season be on the line, but Manning’s record breaking 4th MVP award could be lost with a single loss on the Colts record. Not only that, but should Manning lose the award he may also lose his current tie for first place with Brett Favre for most MVP awards of all-time, three.

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Last One Standing

Saturday night the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New Orleans Saints 24-17, and left the Indianapolis Colts as the sole undefeated team in the NFL. The Saints almost managed to put the game into overtime with a Nick Folk missed field goal, but were stalled by a Dallas defense that rose to the occasion. However, on a more important note to Colts fans, Peyton Manning and crew are now the only perfect team left in the NFL, and with only two games left it looks as if the Colts will run the table. 

Granted, I do not want to jinx this team, but it has to feel good knowing that the Colts are finally getting the credit they deserve. For years people have associated the Colts as a lock to win 13 games a year, but when the playoffs roll around people write them off. Thus, the media never give them the credit they deserve, because they come to expect it year in and year out. However, this season the Colts have raised the bar even higher, and are on pace to join an elite group of teams who have run the regular season table. Not only that, but they could possibly be the only team to win 16 regular season games and all of their playoff games. The Dolphins only played 14 regular season games, and finished with a record of 17-0. The Patriots finished 16-0 in the regular season, but lost to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. 

If the Colts could run the table and win the Super Bowl, finishing at a perfect 19-0, Peyton Manning may be able to make one of the strongest cases for greatest quarterback of all time. Not only that, but the Colts may also be able to secure the title of greatest team of the entire decade. Although they have the wins to earn that title, they do not have the rings to match their substantial win total.

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AFC South Predictions: Week 15

AFC South Prediction Record: 38-14

Indianapolis Colts (13-0) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6)

The Indianapolis Colts have clinched home-field advantage through the playoffs, and have accomplished almost everything that a team can hope to accomplish during the regular season. However, they have two monumental goals that are still obtainable, an undefeated season and a Super Bowl victory. Whether or not Coach Jim Caldwell elects to rest key starters, such as, Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dwight Freeney is yet to be seen, but the ultimate goal of this team is clearly to win a Super Bowl. On the other hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in the midst of a heated playoff race, and must come out every Sunday ready to fight and claw in order to stay in the playoff hunt. Although Caldwell knows that an undefeated season is not the top priority of this Colts team, it appears that he will play his starters Thursday night against Jacksonville. However, in my opinion the Jaguars have much more to play for and will come out Thursday night firing on all cylinders. Maurice Jones-Drew is banged up and has been held under 100 rushing yards in four consecutive games, but Jacksonville will definitely need him to come up big against this Colts defense that is surrendering 110 rushing yards per game. Coming off a short week also appears to benefit the Jaguars, as the Colts will be without Jerraud Powers. The Jaguars control their own playoff destiny and should come out fired up as this game is one of the biggest of their entire season. I expect this to be a close game, fairly similar to Indianapolis’ week one victory 14-12, but in the end I expect the Colts to be a little to much for the Jaguars, narrowly escaping with a win. 

Colts 21     Jaguars 17

Miami Dolphins (7-6) @ Tennessee Titans (6-7)

The Miami Dolphins garnered a huge victory on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, allowing the Dolphins to not only jump above the .500 mark, but also hurdled them right back into playoff contention. The Titans also get a big win against the Rams, walloping the inept Rams 47-7. However, unlike the Dolphins, the Titans have very little hopes of making it to the postseason, but don’t tell that to Chris Johnson and company. Since their bye week the Titans are 6-1 and if they would have gotten off to a better start, they would undoubtedly be right in the thick of the wild card race. This game features two teams that rely heavily on rushing attacks, the Titans put their offensive weight upon the shoulders of Chris Johnson, who has 1,626 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, but the Dolphins have had to shift their focus of attack. After placing Ronnie Brown on the Injured Reserve the Dolphins have had to rely more heavily on running back Ricky Williams. Although the Dolphins are coming off of a big win against the Jaguars, I believe Chris Johnson and this hot Titans offense will be to much for Miami.

Titans 24     Dolphins 17

Houston Texans (6-7) @ St. Louis Rams (1-12)

On paper this game looks like it should be a blowout, maybe even after the first half. However, the Texans have had struggles this season occasionally moving the ball on offense, especially when they rely to heavily on the pass. The Rams have been able to put together a few solid performances, but have yet to put together many complete game performances. Last week Andre Johnson absolutely exploded, racking up 193 receiving yards to go along with two touchdowns, bring his season totals to 1,237 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Sunday’s game against the Rams should only pad the stats of this Texans team even more. However, if the Rams can manage to slow down this potent offense, and if they can posses the ball with Steven Jackson, they may be able to hang around in this game. I expect the Texans to simply overwhelm the Rams in this one, and after the Incognito incident it appears that most of the Rams players are just ready for this season to be over. 

Texans 28     Rams 13

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