The Colts Are Now the Model Franchise
By: Alex Reimer
I apologize for what may seem to be an obvious point to those outside of New England. But here, there is still this belief that the Colts blow it in big games. There is still this belief that the Colts are a team that puts up big numbers, garners a lot of national praise, but ultimately folds in the end. That was true five years ago. It is far from the truth now.
A lot has happened in the NFL to help facilitate this change. In fact, this year’s Super Bowl is a perfect symbol for the “new” NFL. Both the Colts and Saints play inside of a dome, both feature quarterbacks who put up record numbers, both have a litany of dangerous wide receivers, and both defenses, though not stellar, have a lot of speed and can cover ground quickly.
Bill Polian, the president of the Colts, has masterfully architected teams wherever he has gone. Whether it be Buffalo, Carolina, or Indianapolis.
The Colts have played virtually the entire season without safety Bob Sanders, one of the most impactful defensive players in the game. But yet, they’ve replaced him. This is because they have drafted well, adding depth to the defense. In a league where a pass-rush is most important, with the advent of turf fields and spread offenses, the Colts have two of the best, in Dwight Freeney (who will play Sunday) and Robert Mathis. The linebacker core, led by Gary Brackett and others, can move all over the field.
The rules have changed, the league has changed and the Colts have been ahead of the curve. They may not be “thrashers,” they may not play their best when it’s 30 degrees and snowing. But honestly, how many games take place in those kinds of conditions anymore? For the Colts, since they have home field throughout the playoffs, the answer is zero.
Anthony Gonzalez went down with an injury. It didn’t affect Reggie Wayne, it didn’t affect Dallas Clark. In comes Pierre Garcon; in comes Austin Collie, ready to contribute.
But of course, the spoon that stirs it all is Peyton Manning. Something has changed with Peyton. He always put up the gaudy statistics, but come 2006, he fully developed into a “winner.” Meaning, he made the right decisions come crunch time. He didn’t make a reckless pass or throw the game away by trying to do too much. Now, if the Colts are within a few possessions on Sunday against the Saints, the game is still very much within their reach.
The “Brady vs. Manning” debate continues to rage on here in Boston, the “Colts vs. Patriots” debate does too. But for some reason, folks here only go up until 2005. Anything past that, has failed to register.
The Colts have taken 5 of the last 6 meetings against the Patriots. Peyton has taken 4 of the last 5 meetings head-to-head against Brady.
The last time these times met in the playoffs (2006), the Colts overcame a significant second half deficit to win the AFC Championship.
Since then, the Colts have played football deeper into January than the Patriots have in 2 of the last 3 seasons.
They’ve won the more recent Super Bowl (2006 vs. 2004) and come Sunday, that may now be read as 2009 vs. 2004.
Again, the point should be fairly obvious. It’s no knock against Tom Brady, no real knock against the Patriots. It’s a statement of the facts. If you want to call the Colts chokers, then you have to call the Red Sox chokers. The point is, saying Peyton Manning and the Colts always blow it is “so 2003.”
A lot has changed, just look at this year’s Super Bowl. The Saints have had a remarkable rise and will ride the coattails of a great story into Sunday’s match-up. But they’re going to run into a team riding the coattails of dominance. The Colts shied away from the perfect season in week 16, but won’t shy away this weekend. This game will result in a Colts victory. If you have any doubts, look back at recent history. All signs point to it.
Alex Reimer is the host of the Red Sox podcast, “Without a Curse.” “Without a Curse” is available on both www.thesportsstuff.com and for download in the iTunes store. Alex is also the host of the “Alex Reimer Show,” which airs every Saturday from 4-6 PM EST on 1120 AM WBNW Boston and www.moneymattersradio.net. Alex can be reached at, Alexredsox076@aol.com.
