Go Colts 2003!
Monday, December 29, 2003
Congratulations to the Indianapolis Colts, 2003 AFC South Champions!
No it wasnít a thing of beauty, but it wasnít lunchmeat either! The final was Colts 20, Texans 17. The difference, a 43 yard Vandy FG on the last play of the game. Well, that was the scoring difference. The real difference was the Colts D from the 35 minute mark on! They buckled down and just took the Texans to school! BTW, the O showed up too about the same time.
The good: Where to start. At a time that Tom and me said someone needed to make a play, several did. Peytonís throws were crisp and the crafty veteran rambled for a crucial 9 yards with just over a minute to go. Donald Strickland coming up with an INT of David Carr with just over 4 minutes to go. Vandy nailing 2 big FGís including the game winner. This team got up off the mat, refused to die and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Bad: Peyton had a crappy start and the play calling didnít seem to help things. Why we keep running the Edge to the outside early in games is beyond me. It seems to me that the opposition has plenty of energy to track him down early. But if you wait until the second half they have had just about all they can handle of 32. Run him in the middle early coach!
The Ugly: Not too much of that yesterday. The run D really let down on a couple of drives. Most notably the first drive of the second half and a nice 5 minute drive in the middle of the second quarter. For the second time this season the Colts allowed Domanick Davis look like an All Pro with 99 yards on a mere 20 carries. This is a glaring weakness and one that needs to be fixed. Now!
All-in-all it was a good game. The Colts dominated all of the stat categories. But still struggled with parts of the game. But letís not nit pick today. Today we are the division champs. Sunday we face the Broncos again, at the Dome at 4:30. The place will be rockiní, you know that. Letís see what the Colts can do with it!!
Final Top Teams
Well the playoffs are set and it looks like the best teams made it. So here is the final Top Team list of the season. And if you are wondering, yes, this means I think the Patriots will win the Super Bowl even if the cup says St. Louis!
1. New England
2. Indianapolis
3. Philadelphia
4. Tennessee
5. Green Bay
6. St. Louis
7. Baltimore
8. Denver
9. Kansas City
10. Dallas
11. Carolina
12. Seattle
More playoff fun coming soon!
Friday, December 26, 2003
I hope everyone had a wonderful Merry Christmas. I also hope we all took time to be thankful for all we have and for all of the friends and relatives we have and love. I have a couple of cousins who have been fighting with each other for nearly a year now. I know it really hurts my Aunt and Uncle. They are wonderful people, and frankly so are my cousins. But they are adults and they need to act like it. I don't profess to know the whole story, but suffice it to say they don't even speak to each other. It's time they kissed and made up. Life's too short folks!
Sunday the Colts play their last regular season game of 2003 at Houston's Reliant Stadium. By all indications the Colts should be able to beat the Texans. Houston admitted that last week was their playoff game. They desperately wanted to beat the Titans at home, but came up just short when Gimpy McNair threw a TD pass with just 10 seconds left.
Since that time, and especially after the turd hunt the Colts put on later that night, McNair has been reannointed MVP by most of the pundits. Now individual honors don't mean much to me and if asked I am sure Peyton would say the same thing. The only real thing that matters is the playoffs and the Super Bowl championship. But for Peytons sake and all the bashing he has absorbed the past few years (and yes I bashed too!), it would be nice to see him get the MVP nod. He has had a helluva season. The best of his career. But alas, it looks like McNair or Jamaal Lewis will take the honor. Don't get me wrong, they are players who have had great seasons, I just think Peyton is better.
So Sunday at 1:00, we finish the regular season. The following week we will probably play Denver here in Indy. I totally expect the Colts to win those games. No way Denver comes in here and beats us again. They are not that good.
Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Here are the NFC Top teams and the overall Top 10:
1. Rams - Now in drivers seat for home field which means a lot to them.
2. Eagles - Tough loss at home to lowly Niners.
3. Packers - Just killed the Raiders on Monday night.
4. Cowboys - In playoffs in Parcells first season.
5. Panthers - They're in the door, let's see what they do with it!
6. Vikings - Played a whale of a game against Chiefs Saturday night.
7. Bears - They have played well enough for Jauron to keep his job.
Top 10
1. New England
2. St. Louis
3. Indianapolis
4. Tennessee
5. Denver
6. Philadelphia
7. Green Bay
8. Baltimore
9. Cowboys
10. Panthers
This will be the last Top Teams post of the season as the playoff seeding will pretty much take care of that issue. Not that the seeds are necessarily indicative of the actual strengths of the teams. But I am sure there will be more on the playoffs and such. Stay tuned for more quality blogging. GO COLTS!
Monday, December 22, 2003
Here are this weeks playoff update and AFC Top Teams.
Congrats to the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs for clinching first round byes in the playoffs. Congrats to the Titans for clinching a playoff spot. The only thing left to be determined is seeding and the winner of the AFC North.
At this point it appears as though Baltimore would have the inside track in the North. They have a 1 game lead in the standings at 9-6. But all hope is not lost for the Bengals. If they win and the Ravens lose, the Bengals will be in as the division champ. Doubtful, but possible.
So here are the way things shake out right now.
1. New England
2. Kansas City
3. Indianapolis
4. Baltimore
5. Tennessee
6. Denver
The Bengals are the only team that has a chance left. All other AFC teams have been eliminated, and that is exactly as I see it playing out.
TOP TEAMS
1. New England - 11 in a row, should make it 12. The road to the Super Bowl looks like it will pass through Foxboro.
2. Indianapolis - I am just going to throw that one out from last night. The Colts are a better team than that.
3. Tennessee - Another comeback for Air McHurt.
4. Denver - What an offensive line!
5. Baltimore - Jamaal Lewis could rush for a million yards if he played the Browns every week.
6. Miami - Win at Buffalo in December? It happened, but it didn't mean a thing.
7. Kansas City - Got their bye, but Vermeil will most likely have something to really cry about in 3 weeks.
8. Cincinnati - Not quite ready for the big time.
9. Jets - *
* = How about that Broadway Joe Willie Namath? Saturday the Jets honored their players from throughout their history. Apparently Joe hit the bar several times, and then he hit on Suzy Kolber. Nothing wrong with his eyesight as Suzy is a cutie. Here's what happened: Namath was on the sidelines being interviewed by Suzy. She asked him a deep and meaningful question about the Jets and QB Chad Pennington. Namath leaned back, checked out Suzy's ass, leaned in and told Suzy he wanted to kiss her. Kolber, nonplussed, acknowledged Broadway's comment and pressed on. After a nonsensical answer to her next question the camera cut back to the field. Meanwhile Joe kept mumbling and blurted out once again that he wanted to kiss Suzy. What a classic moment in television. You know, Joe did the same thing millions of men did in bars all across America that night. Thankfully, Joe did it on national TV!!
Holy Crap that was ugly. Broncos 31 Colts 17. Trust me, it was not that close. The Dolts took it in the ass last night on ESPNís Sunday Night Football. We looked bad. We couldnít tackle, we couldnít cover their receivers and we couldnít put any pressure on them on either side of the ball.
In a game that had huge ramifications the Colts were as flat as a pancake. All they needed to do was to win these last two games to secure a first round bye in the playoffs. Kansas City did their part by getting thumped by the Vikings on Saturday. But nooooo! The Colts came out and played their worst game of the season.
The good: Vandy continued his streak of FGís by hitting his 39th consecutive. A 40 yarder in the second quarter sailed deftly through the uprights. The only other thing that was remotely positive was the Gary Brackett interception and TD return on the Broncos first series. It was all downhill from there.
The bad: I suppose this would have to be the offense. Granted they only had 37 plays to try and do something, but still they lacked sharpness and seemed to be completely unable to get untracked. Peyton Manning looked like anything but an MVP last night. Edge was okay, but only ran 10 times. Marvin, Marcus and Reggie Wayne dropped balls. It was not pretty folks.
The Ugly: The Defense. We simply could not stop the run and Jake Plummer just killed us with little 10 and 15 yard passes. This was one of the most pitiful efforts any Colts D has put up. Just too depressing to really think about.
I will go ahead and do the playoff picture and AFC Top Teams later today. The NFC tomorrow since the Pack play tonight. Condolences to Brett Favre and his family on the loss of his father.
Friday, December 19, 2003
A topic was raised this week on whether or not people would be fans of the Colts if they left Indianapolis. This topic was on the Indystar.com message boards so posters from all over the world chimed in.
Well folks, my answer to the question "Would you still be a Colts fan if they left Indy?" is a "NO WAY IN HELL".
Here's the deal kids. Prior to 1984 I was not a Colts fan. In fact I can honestly say I downright hated the Colts. Oh sure when I was a little kid I knew about Johnny Unitas and Alan Ameche. Mike Curtis, Ted Hendricks, Lydell Mitchell, Norm Bulaich and Don Nottingham and Bert Jones. But I just didn't care about them.
So the team moves here and overnight I am a fan. I completely dropped my allegiance to the Bengals and went all in for the Colts. I am still all in. While I don't live and breathe Colts football, they are by far my favorite team in any sport or level.
But if Irsay decides to move the team I will jump off the bandwagon so fast it'll make your head spin. I mean it would suck. Suck very much. I feel like these guys are OUR team. I don't want them playing elsewhere.
And I kind of gather that some think that makes me a bad fan. Maybe so. But a lot of those posters are from neither Indy or Baltimore. I truly appreciate their support, but it's easy to criticize when you don't have to buy season tickets or playoff tickets and have to play this stupid waiting game to see if they will get a deal done or not.
Sorry, but if they leave Indy they will no longer be OUR team. They will be the Wherever Colts. Having said that I vow right here that I will not go to their message boards and piss and moan about them being elsewhere like so many from Baltimore have done here. I feel your pain Baltimore, but get over it!
Thursday, December 18, 2003
Dawn Bootsie strikes again.
Her:
not thinking
you are not think about what I said, ! Does the colts team put food on your family table everyday if you have a family, Do they shop for you, pay your health bills or insurance, or pay edcation that is the point I was tring to make ! A person can not colts to every day living. it is just a past time. a pastime does not help a person life. it is just for fun on one afternoon ! if we did not have a football team what you and the hoosier do ! aw let me see spens time with family members. reading a good book opening up your mind to better things. listen to your grandparents and how fun it was ! my family got a long with out a football team and better for it and we stiill do ! spending time with family is more important. more a person spends time with family and children better the children are off and raised. instead of seeing a bunch of men throwing a football
Me (Like no one could tell the difference):
Wrong as usual. Pastimes most certainly help people's lives. Pastimes help escape the everyday life we lead. Going to work, go to school, go home, do homework, go to bed, get up adn do it all again. If that is ALL I had to look forward to I would choose not to live. I need pastimes, be it the Colts, Pacers, music, reading, hobbies, whatever. These are ALL pastimes and not one of them is paying my bills or shopping for me. But why would I expect them to. They are pastimes.
I work to support myself, my family and pay for school, rent, food and any other necessity.
Judging from what you write I can guarantee you I have read more good books than you, so don't tell me about how to "better" spend my time. I can have more than one pastime. Do you think I am letting the Colts interfere with my family? You have a lot of nerve making assumptions like that, but then that has been your M.O. since I first read your drivel. You assume one thing means you can't have another.
Your talk of "better times" is just bullcrap. Yeah, let's relive the times of WW1 and WW2 and Korea and Vietnam when not hundreds, but tens of thousands of our soldiers were killed in action. Sounds like better times to me. You know, it is 2003, if you can't come to grips with that, then fine. But stop trying to tell everyone how much better it used to be, just because you hate the Colts. Your like Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. You are living in the past and just won't realize it. Maybe at one time you were famous or a star at something you did, but those days are gone, Those "Glory Days". And they aren't coming back, but you won't accept that.
I get it, you hate football. Now go read your book and stay out of the way of the new stadium.
PS. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Her:
your wrong I did not say I did not like football ! but I know what is more important in life. Get a grip ! the money for a football staduim could go better for other uses ! than for a football team. Helping the homeless and more important the homeless children. helping the children get a better edcaution in life. getting more jobs here keeping property taxes down. pastimes does not help people if they are straving, or out of work. or need health care. until you see and live in someone else shoes than maybe you would feel different. I see it and read about it it in other papers ! How sad to think that people care about football and a new staduim then helping people and making indianapolis a better place to live. then you must have a sad live if that is is football. at least you can do that ! there is a lot of people that can not. I voulnteer at a hosiptal and saw people who can not do those things. they would propaly love to work and go to school. I used to work in arizona at a daycare center, were people could not afford to go to a sports event and those were the parents they were worried about thier children. you can not say that you read more books than me ! When I was in a a bad car accident I read because I could not walk for three years and had operations. I'm still going thruogh operaations, and other treatment. from a possible cancer scare ! I know what it is like. I put what I see is more important to me. than football being able to see the blue ahy and sun , seeing my familyhelping other is better. I know people can have more than one past time. I did not say you that the colts interfere with your family ! but What really should come first ! you are putting words into your mouth and head ! I said people ! let me tell you my grandpa grew up on a farm he loved it. he love spending time with his family and grandchildren. he was a solder in ww I he was mustard gas . I had family in world war 2 in germany and some of them had survied. they had there houses blown up and destoryed. but they sure made live better. my mother had great times in the 40 and 50s growing up in indiana when there was no colts. So did my father. My family went camping togerther and parties. I lost by boy friend during the first golf war he died ! So live went on . it is you that Said I hate the colts I do not. Want I do not like is why they think they need a newstaduim ? When there is other uses for that money just think about it. ! with the money for the new staduim it could go a long way. let the colts and the owner pay for it ! they have the money ! why make the fans and property taxes payers pay for it. it is you that needs a grip and cool down it was just a opnion and reponse to something that was said ! you are taking this very hard until you know why someone feels this way chill out! you are the first one who has taken my response in a hateful rude way ! the paper ask people opnion! not to have one be totaly rude to someone remarks !
Me:
Yada, yada, yada. Same tired argument, different day. Can't get off the whole property tax thing can you? A month ago you were claiming they were going to raise property taxes for, as you put it, the Colts. I asked you for examples of where anyone said that, you just said politicians lie. Now you say any money should be used to lower property taxes. I guarantee you that will not happen. Stadium or no stadium.
A football team and a new stadium will create jobs and increase revenue for the team AND the city. WHy can't you see that? It will make the city a better place to live.
And again with the living in someone elses shoes. What does that mean? I am me, I can't be someone else.
I pay taxes now to get children educated. What do I get? Stupid kids who get to high school and read at a 2nd grade level. I suppose if I pay another grand or 2 these kids will figure out how to read. Get real. I also donate to homeless shelters and if I had time I would volunteer my time. Sorry but right now school, family and work are my priorities. And whether you think I deserve it or not, I allow myself a few hours each week to enjoy the Colts. If you think your position is going to make me feel bad and go help the homeless or whoever instead of wasting a little time each week then you are talking to the wrong person. You better find some other bleeding heart to pluck. How sad that you spend all this time trying to tell me about the past and how much you hate the Colts and how evil they are. I am assuming you feel that way about all big business because they all get tax breaks and land.
You'll never get it, so once again I will quit trying. I am sorry if you think I am being rude, but your assumptions and insensitive remarks are offensive to me. This is an issue that is about more than the Colts to me. This is an issue that is about my city. The city I grew up in. The city with a downtown that in 1983 was rundown and unless there was a Pacer game, deserted at night. The city where me and my family live. I see this as not only a way for my favorite team to get the stadium they deserve, but a way for the city to partner with the team and to have a share in the increased revenues a new stadium WILL generate.
I am also for the Colts paying for the stadium. I never said I wanted the city to build it. But the city should help with financing and then let the team pay the city back. But all of those points are lost on you. All you hear is Colts and your mind closes to any possibilities. You think I am supposed to look at it through someone elses eyes. I can't no one can. I don't expect you to look at it from my point of view because you can't.
In the end, Indianapolis will build a new stadium. The Colts will play in it and the city will reap more benefits than they do now from the dome. Sorry to see that you can't get on board for the good of the city. It is becoming painfully obvious you do not like Indianapolis.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
As we head into the Christmas season, we also are facing the end of the NFL's regular season. In the past few years I have penned my opinions about the Colts. Most have been bad. But let's face it, we haven't been too good.
Sure we had a nice regular season in 1999, going 13-3, but taking a loss at home in our first ever home playoff game. We had a 10-6 season the following year, but laid an egg at Miami in the first round. The next year we lost Edge and straggled home with a 6-10 record, which was probably very indicative of where we really were. And finally last years 10-6 wildcard team that was clobbered by the Jets.
But this year has just felt different. We have won games we always lost in the past. We have played hard, phyiscal ball. They have been fun to watch and seem to care.
These reasons have made this blog so much fun. Honestly, if we had really stunk the whole year (which there was every reason to think we might) I don't think I would have been able to do it.
So Colts, thanks for the season you have given us so far. And here is to what is left to do. Frankly, the way the team has played this year I think most fans are thinking Super Bowl. I know I am. And I don't say that just because the Colts are my favorite team. I think the potential is there and anything short of it will be disappointing.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Well it looks like the Dolphins WILL go gently into that good night. Last night they dropped a home game to Philadelphia 34-27. It was a good taut battle, but eventually the Birds offense led by Donovan ìSoupyî McNabb were just too much for them. So we bid farewell to the Phins and what remained of their playoff hopes.
With that, here is this weeks updated playoff scenario as I see it.
Starting in the East, the Patriots, who clinched the division crown last week continued to win. Albeit a crappy Jacksonville team was the only thing standing in their way. It looks more and more like they will finish 14-2.
In the AFC North, things got a little more jumbled Sunday. The Bengals who I had wrote off got a win against the Niners and the Ravens somehow dropped a game to the lowly Raiders. This left the Ravens and Bengals at 8-6. Now I still see the Bengals losing this week to the Rams and the Ravens winning out. This would give the Ravens the division title.
In the South the Colts are showing their dominance. Who would have ever thought we could say that? At 11-3 the Colts have a big, but winnable game against the Broncos Sunday night and travel to Houston the following week. Houston after looking solid a couple of weeks ago seem to have packed it in. The Colts should finish with a very nice 13-3 record.
Finally in the West, the Chiefs rolled the Lions Sunday, but the Denver game still is in my memory. Now the Chiefs go to Minnesota on Saturday to face a desperate Viking squad. Desperation doesnít make teams play any better, but maybe a little harder. Typically they make more mistakes. As much as I liked this game as a loss for the Chiefs a week ago I now see it as a win. This would give them a 14-2 mark and if they can get to that record they would get that first round bye.
So to recap so far.
AFC East Champ New England 14-2
AFC North Champ Baltimore 10-6
AFC South Champ Indianapolis 13-3
AFC West Champ Kansas City 14-2
How ëbout them wildcards?
At this point only Tennessee looks like a lock. They should finish with an 11-5 mark. Past that however, things get a little murky. Potentially 3 teams will finish at 9-7. Denver, Miami and Cincinnati. But by virtue of the tiebreaker, Denver would get the nod due to a better conference record.
Here are the teams in seeded position
1. New England
2. Kansas City
3. Indianapolis
4. Baltimore
5. Tennessee
6. Denver
I think by now you can see how the playoff matchups would work.
Seed 6 @ Seed 3 and Seed 5 @ Seed 4. Should Seed 3 defeat Seed 6, Seed 3 would play at Seed 2 in week 2 and the winner of the Seeds 4 and 5 game would play Seed 1. If Seed 6 should beat Seed 3 then Seed 6 would travel to Seed 1 and the winner of the 4 and 5 game would travel to Seed 2.
Confusing? Just wait a week.
Top Teams
Well it has come down to the last 2 weeks of the season. The Colts, Pats and Chiefs are in on the AFC side. The Panthers, Eagles and Rams are in on the NFC side. This week may be a week that means little in the overall scheme of things, in that nothing may be decided. So here are this weeks Top Teams.
AFC
1. Pats ñ Still rolling along. Big game in NJ this week against spoiler Jets.
2. Colts ñ Dominating performance against lowly Falcons. Big game v. Broncos Sunday night.
3. Titans ñ Sluggish without McNair in win over Bills. Cakewalk @ Houston this week.
4. Chiefs ñ Big win over Lions, but I still question their toughness.
5. Broncos ñ Gritty win over Browns Sunday, but it still was the Browns. Portis?
6. Dolphins ñ Probably finish out of the money.
7. Ravens ñ Loss to Raiders puts them in a tough spot.
8. Bengals ñ Excellent season, but the end is nigh!
9. Jets ñ Still playing tough ball.
10. Bills ñ Too little to save coaches job but hats off to a good try at Nashville.
NFC
1. Eagles ñ Win at Miami last night may have sealed home field.
2. Rams ñ May have lost home field last night by not playing.
3. Packers ñ Favre and Co. just keep after it.
4. Bucs ñ Cancer gone and they are back in the hunt.
5. Panthers ñ Congrats on first division title since 1996.
6. Seahawks- Road woes continued at St. Louis. If they make it, it wonít last long.
7. Cowboys ñ Good win in crappy conditions at Washington.
8. Saints ñ Just killed the Giants, but coming on a little too late.
9. Vikings ñ Crushing defeat at Chicago for once mighty Purple.
OVERALL
1. Pats
2. Eagles
3. Colts
4. Rams
5. Titans
6. Packers
7. Chiefs
8. Bucs
9. Broncos
10. Panthers
Monday, December 15, 2003
Colts 38 Falcons 7. Michael Vick had a whopping 18.9 QB Rating and the Colts just destroyed the lowly Falcons.
Of course I had to watch it from home and didn't have any cold ones since I had to take a test at 4. By the time the test was done at 5 all of my wussy friends were already home and probably in bed. Old timers!!!
What a game though. The Colts just dominated. Michael Vick looked like a high school kid out there. For the record Vick was 6-19 passing for 47 yards, no TD's, one pick and was sacked 4 times. He also managed 30 yards rushing on 4 carries.
Peyton, on the other hand posted a 146+ QB Rating on 20 for 25 passing and 290 yards and 5 TD's. He hit 5 receivers including 7 each to Martian, Van Camp and Stately Wayne Manner. Edge ran for 126 yards and caught 2 more balls. Rhodes rambled for another 45. Even Marcus Washington showed up yesterday. He had 2 sacks and 6 tackles. He really needed a big game.
The only downer is the loss of Adam Meadows. Meadows was subbing for the injured Brad Sciullo. AN MRI is expected today. Hopefully Meadows is okay, but he looked pretty disgusted on the sidelines. In the meantime, Tupe Pekoe came in and played well.
What a day for the Colts. Unfortunately both New England and Kansas City won, so we aren't any closer to that first round bye yet.
This week....Saturday NFL!
Stay tuned for this weeks playoff outlook and the Top Teams.
Sunday, December 14, 2003
In these times, when teh next tragedy seems to be just around the corner, or the last one was just days or weeks ago, people like to harken back to where they were when some earth shattering event took place.
I am sure we all remember where we were when we heard the news of the 9-11 attacks. I was at work as most of us in the eastern half of the US were. Last month there was talk about where people were when Kennedy was shot. I was only 2 and don't remember. I assume I was at home. I was at home in front of the TV when Neil Armstrong first took step on the moon and I was at the track the day Reggie Miller single handedly brought the Pacers back from an 8 point deficit with 18 seconds left to beat the New York Knicks in a playoff game at Madison Square Garden.
I am sure there are many more, and many that are near and dear to all of you. Right now I am sitting in front of my computer typing this. And this is where I was when I heard the news that Saddam Hussein had been captured. Those of you who know me, know that I have been critical of our handling of the Iraq situation. Not that Hussien didn't need taken out of power, just that more and more soldiers were getting killed and still no Saddam. Well as of this writing he is caught.
It was on a Sunday morning. The day of the Colts Falcons game. The day I have an accounting final and can't go to the game.
Congrats to the US led raid that got that bastard, now...GO COLTS!!
Thursday, December 11, 2003
A streak comes to an end Sunday. Yes, thanks to an idiot professor at school I will be forced to miss Sunday's game against the Falcons. A streak that dates all the way back to 1999. 34 consecutive regular season games. 35 if you count the 1999 playoff tilt against the Titans and 43 total games if you count preseason. A final on a Sunday afternoon. What a fucking idiot!! BTW this will mark only the 10th regular season game I have missed since the Colts got here.
A couple of quick notes.
Falcons head coach Dan Reeves left the team yesterday. Team owner Arthur Blank told Reeves he would not be retained for next season and Reeves asked to be relieved of command immediately. Reeves leaves as the coach with the 6th most wins in NFL history as well as the Falcons all time winningest coach. Not much of a feat there, but Reeves did take the Falcons to their only Super Bowl appearance in 1998. They lost, ironically, to the team that had let Reeves go, the Denver Broncos.
Reeves is an old school guy. He played for the Cowboys and seemed to be kind of hard edged. Sometimes that works in today's world, sometimes it doesn't. Generally though, after a while, players will start tuning you out. A fear I have for Rick Carlisle for the Pacers. But it was generally thought that Reeves had a pretty good relationship with his offensive players. But it seems he lost the D.
In my opinion, Reeves coached with one had tied behind his back this year. When QB Michael Vick went down with a broken leg in the preseason the team was screwed. They posted a 2-10 mark before Vick eventually returned to the starting lineup last week, which BTW was a win over Carolina in OT. Frankly I think Reeves got jobbed and should have been given the consideration of the last year of his contract and a chance to prove what he could do with a season and a healthy Vick. After all, the last time we saw Vick before two weeks ago was in the Divisional round of the NFC Playoffs. They lost, but the week before they embarrassed the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
As a coach I don't like Dan Reeves. He has coached one team I truly despise in the Broncos and one I really don't like in Atlanta. But I respect him and I feel he wasn't really given a chance this year. If Reeves wants to coach again, a big if considering he has had heart problems and has been around a long time, then teams looking to rebuild and win could certainly do worse.
Finally today, with the season winding down it's not too early to start thinking about the 2004 Draft. Hopefully the Colts will be picking last! But the more interesting story is always who will get that number one pick. Right now there are 4 teams with a league worst 3-10 record: Oakland, San Diego, Arizona and Atlanta. Here are their schedules and how I see (hopefully) this thing shaking out.
Oakland Baltimore L, Green Bay L, @San Diego L (3-13)
San Diego Green Bay L, @Pittsburgh L, Oakland W (4-12)
Atlanta @Indianapolis L, @Tampa Bay L, Jacksonville W (4-12)
Arizona Carolina L, @Seattle L, Minnesota L (3-13)
This leaves only Oakland and Arizona to decide who would win the coveted first pick. Why is it important you ask? Two words, Eli Manning. Teams have to be salivating over the thought of picking Peytons little brother. Let's face it, he is going to be the real deal. The only thing that will stop him is injury.
By virtue of a stronger schedule, the Raiders look like they will pick second and Arizona will get first crack at Eli, and they will take him. They need a QB. The Raiders do as well. Gannon has a year maybe two left and really the second should just be basically as a coach. If they do get that number 2 pick they should give serious consideration to Phillip Rivers out of NC State. Excellent QB and will someday be a star, but he is no Eli Manning.
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
The MVP, media bias, Indianapolis and the Colts
For most of the season, the media has seemed to be anointing Steve McNair the NFLís Most Valuable Player. This is not about tearing down McNair, as he is a great QB who just keeps getting it done. He creates plays, he plays hurt and he is obviously the heart and soul of the Tennessee Titans football team. But is Steve McNair the MVP? At what point in the season can we legitimately start talking about who the MVP is?
To be fair, a few other names have been mentioned as MVP candidates. Peyton Manning, Jamaal Lewis, Ray Lewis, Priest Holmes and even though he has dropped off considerably, earlier in the year Dante Hall was mentioned.
We are now through week 14 with very team having played 13 games. I realize that sports media outlets have to talk about something, but their slobbering over McNair is just out of control. So why McNair over Manning, or any of the other guys mentioned above? Peyton Manning has had an excellent season, but his QB rating is still behind McNairs. Manning has thrown more TDís and more yards though. (For this writing, I will leave the Lewi, Holmes and Hall out of the mix, just note that I think they are all potential MVP candidates.)
Many here in Indianapolis have an inferiority complex. They refer to a media bias of Indy. They say Peyton is clearly better than McNair, and in their defense, the Colts have beaten the Titans twice this year. Is there a media bias against Indy? Could be. I doubt if anyone is just dying to move from New York, Chicago, LA, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, San Francisco or Seattle to Indianapolis. On the other hand I have never really heard anything that would tell me that the folks over at ESPN or CBS or Fox have anything against Indy. I do, on the other hand get the feeling there is some animosity towards the Colts.
Letís face the facts folks, for the better part of 20 years the Colts have stunk. We have 6 playoff appearances in 19 seasons and have won a grand total of 2 playoff games. We have lost our last 4 playoff games, including one at home in 1999. We have had several 3-13 seasons. 7-9 is much more likely than 9-7 or better. So why would the media heap praise on us?
Sure, since Peytonísí first season in Indy the Colts have a 49-28 record for a 63% winning percentage. But then again, the three seasons that resulted in playoff appearances produced three losses.
So I say the media is not biased, just wary that the Colts are as good as their record. Having said that I think this year they are. And I see the media finally recognizing that. In fact, Colt haters like Joe Theisman and Sean Salsbury have even said so and Theisman has gone so far as to say that right now Peyton should be MVP. (See 12/09/03 PTI)
So who will win the MVP? Honestly I donít know. If Peyton and the Colts win the next three games he has to be a legitimate contender. If Ray Lewis keeps playing at his normal high level he is as well. I think it is okay to start talking about it now, but a month ago was too soon.
Feeling a little ìwriteyî this week! Sunday Michael Vick comes to town. A lot of discussion of whether or not Vick is the real deal, a pretender or the man who will ruin football. Discussion of whether or not he is entertaining have also abounded.
For all of you idiots out there who have completely lost your minds, this is for you! First of all, Michael Vick is a wonderfully talented NFL QB. He can drop back and throw or he can take it down and run it like no other QB in history. For that matter he is heads and shoulders above most RBís. To claim Vick is not entertaining is ludicrous. Some have even said he is not as entertaining as Peyton Manning. I love Manning, but letís face it, Peyton does not entertain like Vick. What he does is get the job done. Something Vick is still struggling with.
Has Vick ruined football? Someone compared him to Michael Jordan. They claim that since Jordan did all his high flying, aerial dunks and all that now, no one knows how to shoot. Hence the NBA is ruined. This just in, the NBA sucked before Michael, during Michael and after Michael. Vick is uniquely talented. Just because he does what he does it doesnít mean no kids will emulate Peyton or any other drop back QB.
All of these arguments are stupid. Vick is an exciting young player that unfortunately I will miss seeing Sunday. He is good for football, but so is Manning. One does not detract from the other.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Playoff picture after week 14.
Things change. And yes, for your authors' favorite team, things took a turn for the better! Let's have a look and see how things stack up after a big week in the NFL.
The Colts took a huge step forward by beating the Titans on Sunday and now look to finish the season at 13-3. I still think Tennessee will lose their last game against Tampa Bay, but both teams will make the playoffs.
Colts (Div. winner) 13-3
Titans (Wildcard) 11-5
In the East, New England as expected beat the Phins. New England right now is the best team in the NFL. I see them running the table. I also still see the Dolphins sneaking in.
Colts (Div. winner) 13-3
Titans (Wildcard) 11-5
Pats (Div. winner) 14-2
Dolphins (Wildcard) 10-6
The Ravens looked good in beating their main competition Sunday. The Bengals played about a half and then threw up the white flag. The Ravens are a dangerous team. One I don't want to have to play. But they look like they will get in with a 11-5 record and the number 4 seed.
Colts (Div. winner) 13-3
Titans (Wildcard) 11-5
Pats (Div. winner) 14-2
Dolphins (Wildcard) 10-6
Ravens (Div. winner) 11-5
Finally in the West. The Chiefs looked like shit on Sunday. Denver exposed them. I don't think the Broncos are that tough, but the Chiefs D was pitiful. Clinton Portis looked like the second coming of Jim Brown with some Barry Sanders sprinkled in. Unfortunately for Denver, they have to play at Indy and Green Bay. Both should be losses. Meanwhile, KC plays at home to Chicago and Detroit and on the road at Minnesota. I think they will lose to Minny, but that gives them a 13-3 record and the division title. Denver stays home.
Colts (Div. winner) 13-3
Titans (Wildcard) 11-5
Pats (Div. winner) 14-2
Dolphins (Wildcard) 10-6
Ravens (Div. winner) 11-5
Chiefs (Div. winner) 13-3
The seeding would go as such:
Pats
Colts
Chiefs
Ravens
Titans
Dolphins
We would have the tiebreak over KC by virtue of a better record over common AFC opponents. For the actual games, the Chiefs would host the Dolphins and the Ravens would host the Titans on Wild Card Weekend. If the Dolphins beat the Chiefs they would travel to New England for round two. In that case the winner of Ravens/Titans would travel to Indy.
If however the Chiefs win, they would travel to Indy and the Ravens/Titans winner would go to New England.
With all of that behind us let's take a look at my top teams after 14 weeks.
AFC
1. New England-Again, so solid. They just keep finding ways to win. They are as racked up as anyone, but just keep winning. Pitched a shutout against Phins Sunday in the snow.
2. Indianapolis-Huge win at Tennessee. Tough and physical, the Colts look to be for real.
3. Baltimore-Solid win against Bengals. This team is getting better each week. You knew the D was there, now there is an O too.
4. Titans-Comeback against Colts almost happened. Turnovers killing them right now.
5. Denver-Made Chiefs look bad on Sunday. Exposed their crappy D.
6. Kansas City-Only one tough game left, but look vulnerable in a playoff environment.
7. Miami-Will probably hold on to that last playoff spot. December 1, Miami 0.
NFC
1. St. Louis-Until they lose they stay on top. Gritty win on road against Browns.
2. Philadelphia-Good teams beat their main competition this time of year. Philly smacked the Cowboys around Sunday.
3. Minnesota-Quality win against NFC competition.
4. Tampa Bay-Still battling, but win over Saints sends a message.
5. Carolina-D just not getting it done. Michael Vick killed them.
6. Green Bay-As long as Favre is there they have a chance.
7. Seattle-Have to find a way to win on the road if they are to have any chance of even making playoffs.
8. Dallas-Two losses in a row. Big losses. Is it over in Big D?
NFL
1. New England
2. St. Louis
3. Philadelphia
4. Indianapolis
5. Baltimore
6. Tennessee
7. Denver
8. Kansas City
9. Minnesota
10. Tampa Bay
Monday, December 08, 2003
WOW!!! Colts 29 Titans 27. And that score is pretty accurate as far as how close this one was. The Colts now have what amounts to a 2 game lead in the AFC South. The Colts came to play in this one. Fake or not, there were Titans littering the field all day long. Just like in September, the Colts were simply more physical than what many consider the most physical team in the AFC or event the NFL.
The Colts settled for field goals early, but finally got the Edge in the end zone for a couple of scores. Peyton was superb. Marvin marvelous and Edge ran hard all day and caught everything thrown at him.
The Titans on the other hand just seemed out of synch or something. McNair almost got his team back in it, but just came up short.
The Good. Hats off to the special teams. Vandy hit 5 FG's, but the big plays were on kick coverage. The cover units caused three Titan fumbles which were all turned into points. After a couple of real bad weeks, they really stepped up yesterday.
The Bad. Not much here. If anything the play calling when we get the lead just continues to be too conservative. The Colts were leading 29-13 at one point and while we held on for the win, there were some anxious moments down the stretch.
The Ugly. Nothing really rankled except for a really stupid personal foul on Macklin in the first half.
This was as big of a game the Colts have played since coming to Indianapolis. With all of the new stadium talk this kind of games really make the city feel good about the team.
Great game Colts. Next up is Atlanta and Michael Vick. Vick had a whale of a day yesterday so the Colts will have to be ready. They now have to prove they can stand prosperity. I think they will.
In NFL news, New England shutout the Dolphins in snoy Foxboro. Philly crushed the Cowboys. Minnesota beat visiting Seattle. Denver whipped up on Kansas City, who looked very vulnerable yesterday and Cincinnati lost to Baltimore in what may ultimately decide the AFC North.
In other notes, the BCS final standings came out yesterday. A lot of people are pissing and moaning. USC made number 1 in the polls, but were only number 3 in the BCS. So LSU will play Oklahoma in the National Championship. Frankly, Oklahoma played so well during the season that their loss on Saturday (which gave all three teams 1 loss) should not have knocked them out of the top spot in the BCS or in the polls. It is my thought the writers and coaches and ESPN put in SC just to create the controversy. Now there is an outcry for a playoff of the winner of LSU/Oklahoma and USC/Michigan. That works for me, but I don't have a problem if they don't do it.
Saturday, December 06, 2003
One more quickie item. I know ESPN.com and NFL.com have been running team rankings all season. Frankly I think it's a little stupid to do so early in the season. But with 4 weeks left here are my rankings for both AFC, NFC and both. Keep in mind I watch a lot more AFC ball because of the Colts, but I feel I have seen enough of the teams to know who is good and who is bad. These will be Top lists only (not really a set number of teams) and will be reposted after this weeks games.
AFC
1. New England-So solid. O, D, coaching. Top to bottom the best team in the league right now.
2. Kansas City-Their record says it all(11-1). Dick Vermeil seems to be working that magic he had in St. Louis across the state in KC.
3. Tennessee-Yes, I realize we beat them badly here, but they reeled off 6 straight wins before dropping to Jets last Monday.
4. Indianapolis-Need to play physical and the whole 60 minutes. No team can stop this offense all day.
5. Baltimore-Never has been a question about their D, but back to back 44 point games tells me something.
6. Miami-Should be better than they are and now it's December. You all know what that means.
7. Cincinnati-Unbelievable turnaround. Let's see how they finish. Big game this week at Baltimore.
8. NY Jets-With Pennington back they are a different team.
9. Denver-Can still play good ball, but it sounds like the Shanahan regime is crumbling. Loss to Bears at home 2 weeks ago still has to hurt.
10. Houston-Dangerous and scary. No one wants to play them and all they want to do is spoil.
NFC
1. St. Louis-Win after win after...Despite Marc Bulger they just keep getting it done. One wonders what happens if they end up on a slow track outside in January.
2. Philadelphia-Hosting the Cowboys this week. Since week 5 they have been playing great ball. Thanks a lot Limbaugh!
3. Dallas- Bill Parcells. What else can you say.
4. Carolina- Had a great start. Good physical D, but offense is definitely suspect.
5. Seattle-Big game at Minnesota this week. Should determine if they can stay with the pack for the long haul.
6. Minnesota- Dropping fast after a great start. Lead team in a dog division.
7. Green Bay- They always beat the Bears. Pretty much this simple, lose and you are out. Had a huge chance last week and blew it.
NFL
1. New England
2. Kansas City
3. St. Louis
4. Tennessee
5. Philadelphia
6. Indianapolis
7. Baltimore
8. Dallas
9. Carolina
10. Miami
For most of the season I have had this weeks game at Tennessee penciled in as a loss. Unfortunately I have not seen enough to make me change my mind on that mindset. However, I never thought we would be 9-3 at this time either.
Tomorrow marks what could be the biggest game to date for the franchise. Not only does it mean first place in the AFC South, but more importantly it represents how this team and franchise will be viewed by the public. If we get blown out, the "Same old Colts" theme will abound, and rightfully so. All the talk and support for a new stadium will go right out the window. However, if we win or battle and lose a heartbreaker the team will retain its luster and its esteem.
So how do the Colts win tomorrow? Simple. Just go back and look at the game film from week 2. On that day the Colts played with great energy and were as physical as I have ever seen them. If they go out and slap the Titans around and don't back down, they can win. The Titans are known as a physical team. Conventional wisdom is that the Colts are more of a finesse team. Earlier in the season that notion seemed to be changing, but once again that seems to be the prevailing thought.
Some people refer to this as the Bully Syndrome. He will keep beating you up and taking your lunch money until you stand up to him. Once you do, he will probably back down. So Colts, tomorrow you face the bully. If you let him, he will eat you up. But if you play with the energy and physicality you did in week 2 the bully will back down.
Go Colts!
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Well it's been a couple of weeks and obviously my playoff scenarios have taken some hits. The only change I see is that it is looking more and more like Miami just may sneak in and knock Denver out. This week should be very revealing where it comes to the playoffs.
First and foremost the Colts take on the Titans at Nashville. Unfortunately I still see this as a loss for the Horse, but I expect them to recover and win out and finish at 12-4. Tennessee will probably win this week, and with Tampa Bays loss last week meaning they won't give the Titans any trouble on the last day of the season, should run the table to finish 13-3 and win the AFC South.
So far:
Titans (Div. winner) 13-3
Colts (Wildcard) 12-4
Sunday the East leading Patriots host the Miami Dolphins. The Pats are playing so well. I see then winning ALL of their remaining games to post a 14-2 mark. The Dolphins will lose this Sunday to NE and the following Sunday to Philly, but regroup to win their last two to post a 10-6 mark.
Titans (Div. winner) 13-3
Colts (Wildcard) 12-4
Pats (Div. winner) 14-2
Dolphins (Wildcard) 10-6
Well I did change my prediction for the way the Bengals will finish the season. Regardless, they have had a great season and their fans should look forward to the future. However, Baltimore will beat them this week and in fact will win the rest of their games. They seem to be gelling at just the right time. I see them being the only playoff team from this division with a 12-4 record.
So far:
Titans (Div. winner) 13-3
Colts (Wildcard) 12-4
Pats (Div. winner) 14-2
Dolphins (Wildcard) 10-6
Ravens(Div. winner) 12-4
Finally the AFC West. Kansas City is having a stellar year. Sure their schedule has been suspect, but they don't get to make up their own schedule. That said, I look for them to lose at Denver this Sunday. Denver is still trying to make the playoffs, but that loss at home to the Bears a couple of weeks ago may be their nail. Looks for KC to finish the season with wins while Denver will lose on the road at Indy and Green Bay the last two weeks of the season.
Titans (Div. winner) 13-3
Colts (Wildcard) 12-4
Pats (Div. winner) 14-2
Dolphins (Wildcard) 10-6
Ravens(Div. winner) 12-4
Chiefs (Div. winner) 14-2
In order that is:
Pats 14-2
Chiefs 14-2
Titans 13-3
Ravens 12-4
Colts 12-4
Dolphins 10-6
By virtue of the best records the Pats and the Chiefs would get first round byes. With only 1 AFC loss the Pats would be the overall number 1 seed, the Chiefs number 2. By record, the third seed would be the Titans, the fourth would be the Ravens, fifth the Colts and sixth the Dolphins.
Based on this seeding, the Titans would host the Dolphins on Wildcard weekend and the Ravens would host the Colts. If the Titans were to win, they would then travel to KC to face the Chiefs in the divisional round and the winner if the Ravens/Colts would go to NE. However if the Dolphins were to win they would travel to NE for the divisional round and the winner of the Ravens/Colts would go to Kansas City.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Well it is a Blue Monday to be sure. The Colts lose to the Pats at the dome 38-34. Where to start?
Let's start at the beginning, not that the Colts did. Once again the Colts dug themselves a hole. This season is starting to look a lot like last season. It was 17-0 before the Colts showed up. Finally they got on the board with a Vandy FG to make it 17-3. They held on D and eventually got the score to 17-10 just before the half. Then, instead of onside kicking or a squib kick, they kicked off deep and the Pats ran it all the way back. Halftime score 24-10.
The Colts got the ball to start the third quarter and promply went three and out. The fans booed and rightfully so. With 7 and a half minutes to play the Pats made it 31-10 and it looked like it was all over. Miraculously the Colts forged ahead and eventually tied the game at 31. The Pats scored again, the Colts got a FG to make it 38-34 which would be the final score. The Colts had a chance with first down at the 2 with 40 seconds to play but New England was just too tough to beat. My hat is off to them.
The Good: A nice comeback to tie the score at 31. The Colts D really stepped up and harassed Tom Brady and the O got the ball in the end zone.
The Bad: More injuries. Tarik didn't play and I think it showed yesterday. Makeo Freitas played okay, but we miss the pro bowler. James Mungro was hurt and Dallas Clark was lost for the season with a broken leg. Where we were the more physical team at the beginning of the season, we are now getting outmuscled.
The Ugly: Digging ourselves a 17 point halftime deficit. Especially galling was the kickoff return for a TD at the end of the half. We simply can not keep digging out of holes like that and expect to get very far. We have to show up early and play the whole 60 minutes. Right now it's not happening.
It was a nice day though and me, Paw and Tom were still basking in the glow of the Rebels State Championship Saturday. Tom thought he was bad luck and banished himself to the hall for the fourth quarter. That led to trouble and he apparently beat up a margarita stand, got into a shouting match with another patron and was eventually escorted down to Capital Ave. by the police. When I got back to the car and didn't see him I figured he was in jail, but thankfully he was in Johnny B's watching the game.
Fun day, and I have no voice left today, but the loss hurt and really hurts our chances for a division title and a first week bye in the playoffs.
