A Chapter Closed

Today, February 7, 2010, the Indianapolis Colts will play for the opportunity to propel themselves into first place for greatest franchise of the decade. The regular season success of the Colts has been nothing less than historic, but even with all of their wins they have very little to show for it. When I say little I am not referring to division titles, first round byes, or individual awards, I am talking about Super Bowl trophies. Along with the New England Patriots, the Indianapolis Colts have been one of the most steadfast franchises in a league that allows for teams to go from worst to playoff bound in a single season. However, unlike the Patriots the Colts only have one Super Bowl to show for their years of excellence, but on Sunday they will have a chance to add another. 

Granted it will only be two for the Colts against the Patriots three, but the Colts gain the edge in regards to regular season dominance. This decade has been headlined by two teams led by two of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, Manning and Brady. It has truly been a unique rivalry, not onlybecause of Manning and Brady, but the subplots that surround the two teams are also unique. Belichick vs Dungy, Bruschi vs Manning, Freeney vs Brady, Sanders vs Moss, the list of elite football talents matching up against one another goes on and on. 

This Super Bowl will mark the end of the decade, and as history has shown as a new rivalry will emerge. By the time the new decade rolls around Peyton Manning will no longer be the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, and Colts fans will have to face the harsh reality that the other teams around the NFL must face when trying to find a new quarterback. So this is more than just a Super Bowl for the Colts, this is their opportunity to place themselves as a team of a decade, something only four other teams have been able to do in the history of the NFL.