9-0 (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

8-0 on the season.

Wins against 3 playoff bound teams on the road I might add. @NYG 6-2, @Denver 6-2, @NE 6-2...and they won @NYJ 4-4, and beat JAX 5-3...thye are beating playoff teams and a lot of their schedule has been against .500 or better teams.

Yes they have a problem stopping the run...but honestly, what team will march into Indy and win in January? Pretend Pittsburgh was an anomoly as they are out of the race...last year Dungy's son committed suicide right b4 the playoffs and you kind of had that pit in your stomach that things were not going to be right.

I am not thinking they go 16-0...but 14-2 seems like almost a lock. That should lock up the playoffs for them. Yes they need to play better, and I can think of 1 team should they play them that could/would beat them or at least have a very good shot and that's San Diego...the Bolts realy put the blueprint out for how to beat Indy. San Diego will not make the mistake that others have. They will run, run, and run some more on Indy. One of the problems last night and madden eluded to it was that NE didn't need to get fancy on offense to win last night's game. I think he was right. If you run the ball consistently and put up 30 points, you can take the Colts.

So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

 

[nerangers]

The Colts looked good last night no doubt...but they are not blowing teams away.

Visions of the Colts vs. Titans still have to make you wonder about this team. And this was a home game.

Even with all the mistakes the Pats made last night, they still only won by 7 pts. I would have thought they would have capitalized on that more.

Denver was another close game as well...

Giants as well...

Even the Jets was a close one...

The Colts are definitely winning on the road, and getting it done.

The Colts are definitely the best team right now...Will this be the year? There is not a team left on their schedule that I don't think they can't handle...

1 9/10 @ New York Giants 26 - 21 W (+5)

2 9/17 HOUSTON TEXANS 43 - 24 W

3 9/24 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 21 - 14 W

4 10/1 @ New York Jets 31 - 28 W (+3)

5 10/8 TENNESSEE TITANS 14 - 13 W (+1)

6 10/15 BYE -

7 10/22 WASHINGTON REDSKINS 36 - 22 W

8 10/29 @ Denver Broncos 34 - 31 W (+3)

9 11/5 @ New England Patriots 27 - 20 W (+7) - five turnovers for the Pats

10 11/12 BUFFALO BILLS

11 11/19 @ Dallas Cowboys

12 11/26 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

13 12/3 @ Tennessee Titans

14 12/10 @ Jacksonville Jaguars

15 12/18 CINCINNATI BENGALS

16 12/24 @ Houston Texans

17 12/31 MIAMI DOLPHINS

 

[dickey moe]

I continue to think that San Diego is going to give someone a lot of trouble in the playoffs -- that somebody could be the Colts.

 

[Avery]

To play devil's advocate, the Colts had to come from behind to barely beat the Jets and the mighty, mighty Titans and had to rally to beat the Broncos as well. Last night, they beat New England when the Patroits QB played more like Kyle Brady than Tom Brady with 4 picks and no TDs.

8-0 is 8-0 (and that's damn impressive) and a win is a win but it's not like they are blowing teams out of the water. They are making plays when it counts but when a team is just scraping by the likes of the Jets and the Titans the word "unbeatable" doesn't come to mind.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Colts looked good last night no doubt...but they are not blowing teams away.Visions of the Colts vs. Titans still have to make you wonder about this team. And this was a home game.Even with all the mistakes the Pats made last night, they still only won by 7 pts. I would have thought they would have capitalized on that more.Denver was another close game as well...Giants as well...The Colts are definitely winning on the road, and getting it done.The Colts are definitely the best team right now...Will this be the year?

Hey Nerangers, glad you posted.1. If you go back and look at almost any Super Bowl team they have questionable wins against marginally talented teams. They the '72 Miami Dolphins ever won a game by the skin of their teeth in 1972...plenty. In fact they won a lot of those games with their back up QB Earl Morrel. I really hate when people say they only beat this team by X amount of points. They ahve beaten 3 very good teams on the road this season. If this were the NCAA you all would be doing cartwheels.2. You are saying they are not capitalizing enough and you may be right. But they seem to have some balance on offense and Peyton seems to find the open guy and is not forcing the ball into places.

 

[David Yudkin]

I still think this year more than ever that the Colts are a great regular season team that will not cut it in the playoffs. While their record is perfect, they have not shown signs of being a dominant team.

As as been harped on over and over, the last time a team won the SB that did not ranke Top 10 in fewest points allowed was in the early 80s (the Raiders IIRC). They currently rank 21st in that category.

I give credit to Indy for coming out of N.E. with the "W," but everything that could have gone right went the Colts way (except for the missed FGs) and everything that could have gone wrong went against the Pats. IND got every deflection for INT on defense and they also had tipped passes and juggling completions on offense.

If nothing else, I saw two teams that are pretty evenly matched last night, and the Colts got out with the victory. I did not get the feeling that by default they will win a rematch (should one present itself).

This year in particular, I don't see any team that I would say is absolutely money to win each week. Even the top teams have shown that they have weaknesses that can be exploited.

We';; see how it goes, but the Colts will have to play better than they have been if they expect to win the league title.

 

[Cajun Heat]

So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

No one (well, most people) will deny that the Colts are playing the best football in the league right now. What I, and many others, don't believe is that the Colts will be the best team in the league come January. They've let us down too many times already with the same (or better) team.If you need additional reasons, read Peter King's latest MMQB. Not only is the Colts Run Def bad, it is historically bad. That won't cut it in January.

 

[radballs]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I continue to think that San Diego is going to give someone a lot of trouble in the playoffs -- that somebody could be the Colts.

That has to be the team Indy might fear the most in the playoffs. NE is no treat for them but they are showing they can beat the Pats...can they beat them when it counts?San Diego can win in Indy, no doubt about it...not saying the Colts would definitely lose the game but they would have their hands full.

 

[billyjoe]

Once SD D gets healthy, they'd destroy them in Indy (like last year).

Colts were 8-0 last year. How did that work out?

Colts beat the Pats last year? I thought they were over the "hump"?

Peyton comes up small in big games. No point in arguing it.

He's the A-ROD of the NFL. Lots of money. Lots of stats. No rings. Horrible in the clutch.

But don't worry, he'll get a HOF ring to show for all the meaningless TDs he's thrown.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

No one (well, most people) will deny that the Colts are playing the best football in the league right now. What I, and many others, don't believe is that the Colts will be the best team in the league come January. They've let us down too many times already with the same (or better) team.If you need additional reasons, read Peter King's latest MMQB. Not only is the Colts Run Def bad, it is historically bad. That won't cut it in January.

In total agreement with the rush defense/January arguement.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

 

[billyjoe]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

What's changed?Colts had an awesome air attack for the last 7 years. QB records. TD records. 30-35-40 point games. How come he hasn't even BEEN to a SB? Defense? Oh so that's better in 2006? Err wait...It's the same old Colts. Deadly offense. Disappears in the playoffs. I'm not sure what has changed.

 

[David Yudkin]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

Ranking #1 in points scored and fewest points allowed never hurt.

 

[radballs]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

The Pack had a great D that year. They led the league in points allowed and the chart below shows their rankings in team defense. They were 4th in the league in rushing yardage allowed.1996 Packers

Team Defense

|---------- PASSING -----------||----- RUSHING -----| TOTAL

CMP ATT YD YPA TD INT ATT YD YPA TD YD

283 544 2941 5.41 12 26 400 1460 3.65 7 4401

NFL rank ---> 5 20 1 1 4 3 5 4 10 7 1

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Once SD D gets healthy, they'd destroy them in Indy (like last year).

Opinion...one I think is fair, however it is not certain the Martyball Lead Bolts would destroy anything in the playoffs...if it were the AFC title game I would like San Diego even less...just because of Marty.

Colts were 8-0 last year. How did that work out?

Got to 12-0...13-0...coach's son committed suicide...I let some of it slide

Colts beat the Pats last year? I thought they were over the "hump"?

2 seasons in a row, shows the Colts can beat the Pats.

Peyton comes up small in big games. No point in arguing it.

Has won 3 big games on the road this season

He's the A-ROD of the NFL. Lots of money. Lots of stats. No rings. Horrible in the clutch.

But don't worry, he'll get a HOF ring to show for all the meaningless TDs he's thrown.

So you simply measure a QB by rings? So you think Aikman was a better QB throwing the football than Manning...Marino...Fouts? 2 of them are in the HoF, the other will be in 1st ballot. The fact Aikman also had the best defense at the time in the league...that had nothing to do with it did it? Also had the best OL of all time...had nothing to do with it, did it? Can't have it both ways.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

Ranking #1 in points scored and fewest points allowed never hurt.

No doubt Yudkin, no doubt. Just pointing out that sometimes teams win for other reasons. I am sure the 2001 NE Patriots team did not rank #1 in a lot of statistical categories...I could be wrong but I am going to check.

 

[David Yudkin]

Hey MOP (or snyone else for that matter) . . .

If Brady had Harrison and Wayne and Manning had Gabriel and Caldwell, wouldn't the Pats be 8-0 and the Colts would be lucky to be 6-2?

I'm not saying Manning is simply riding the coat tails of his WRs, but Brady certainly has to work harder to win.

 

[Assani Fisher]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

Do you have any statistical evidence to show that this is more important than passing the ball and stopping the pass? It seems like a cliche to me that isn't necessarily true.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

The Pack had a great D that year. They led the league in points allowed and the chart below shows their rankings in team defense. They were 4th in the league in rushing yardage allowed.1996 Packers

Team Defense

|---------- PASSING -----------||----- RUSHING -----| TOTAL

CMP ATT YD YPA TD INT ATT YD YPA TD YD

283 544 2941 5.41 12 26 400 1460 3.65 7 4401

NFL rank ---> 5 20 1 1 4 3 5 4 10 7 1

Cool.2001 NE Patriots were on offense 21st/pass, and 13th/rush...not that strong. On defense they were 22nd/pass, and 19th/rush...how the (bleep) did they ever win that Super Bowl?

 

[David Yudkin]

I like the Colts because they are fun to watch, but come playoff time you need to do two things. Run the ball and stop the run, and they need to improve in both areas.

'96 Packers...not exactly a running team with Edgar Bennett as their RB1 IIRC...also were pretty good on defense but not perfect by any stretch. had the best QB in the game at the time and awesome air attack.

Ranking #1 in points scored and fewest points allowed never hurt.

No doubt Yudkin, no doubt. Just pointing out that sometimes teams win for other reasons. I am sure the 2001 NE Patriots team did not rank #1 in a lot of statistical categories...I could be wrong but I am going to check.

The 01 Pats did not have great regular season stats although they probably led the league in coaching. The staff did a masterful job game planning and Brady and the rest of the team did well executing.The Pats did ran 6th in both points scored and points allowed, so they were still at least near the top in both categories. And they only gave up more than 17 points once in their last 12 games that year.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Hey MOP (or snyone else for that matter) . . .If Brady had Harrison and Wayne and Manning had Gabriel and Caldwell, wouldn't the Pats be 8-0 and the Colts would be lucky to be 6-2?I'm not saying Manning is simply riding the coat tails of his WRs, but Brady certainly has to work harder to win.

It's a fair question. But the Colts deemed the WR position important. Last night the Pats did not lose because of their WR...Gabriel was open. Brady had a bad night and thye strayed from the gameplan and got away from running the ball.

 

[nerangers]

MOP, I know this is going to sound like sour grapes, but it isn't meant to be. The score shows that the Colts beat the Pats, but I really felt the Pats helped with that a lot (turnovers and penalties). I have always felt the best way to beat Manning is to keep him off the field. I thought the Pats would keep running the ball more. I thought the Pats defense did well in the Red Zone when it counted. The turnovers were big last night. I really only think two of the five of them were actually caused by the Colts. The Pats defense showed they could also get to Manning, which usually does not happen much, and an interception to boot.This was from the Brady interview, and I agree with it:

Maybe you weren’t surprised by it, but what exactly did they do on defense to force those turnovers?"They got their hands on the ball. I think Corey [Dillon’s] fumble was very close. We all thought Corey was on the ground. The one interception I forced down there—the first interception. The second one the ball was batted up. The third one the ball was batted up. The fourth one the ball was batted up. So, they were around the ball. They have good speed and aggressiveness on defense. They got their hands on it. They didn’t drop any."

The Pats almost seemed desperate last night...Hopefully if there is a rematch this year, the Patriots will matchup better.I think all teams will struggle with shutting down Manning/Wayne/Harrison. I think the running game, and defense needs work...both of which I think were better for them last year. If the Colts do win it all, I won't be too upset, for they are a deserving team (and a much better choice than the Broncos )...except for maybe Edgerrin.

 

[Despyzer]

Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

Right now? There's no doubt in my mind they are the best team. I don't think this year's Colts are as good as last year's Colts though, so I'm not sure how much "right now" really matters.

 

[Zaphod]

MOP, I know this is going to sound like sour grapes, but it isn't meant to be. The score shows that the Colts beat the Pats, but I really felt the Pats helped with that a lot (turnovers and penalties). I have always felt the best way to beat Manning is to keep him off the field. I thought the Pats would keep running the ball more. I thought the Pats defense did well in the Red Zone when it counted. The turnovers were big last night. I really only think two of the five of them were actually caused by the Colts. The Pats defense showed they could also get to Manning, which usually does not happen much, and an interception to boot.

This was from the Brady interview, and I agree with it:

Maybe you weren’t surprised by it, but what exactly did they do on defense to force those turnovers?

"They got their hands on the ball. I think Corey [Dillon’s] fumble was very close. We all thought Corey was on the ground. The one interception I forced down there—the first interception. The second one the ball was batted up. The third one the ball was batted up. The fourth one the ball was batted up. So, they were around the ball. They have good speed and aggressiveness on defense. They got their hands on it. They didn’t drop any."

The Pats almost seemed desperate last night...Hopefully if there is a rematch this year, the Patriots will matchup better.I think all teams will struggle with shutting down Manning/Wayne/Harrison. I think the running game, and defense needs work...both of which I think were better for them last year. If the Colts do win it all, I won't be too upset, for they are a deserving team (and a much better choice than the Broncos )...except for maybe Edgerrin.

I would think that there are a lot of Colts fans that have felt this very same thing over the past few years in reverse. Fans have a tendency to say their team caused the poor play of other teams when they win, but their team 'helped' the opponent with mistakes when they lose. Bottom line is that a lot of credit deserves to go to the Colts for their performance this week (and the 7 previous to that). Just as a lot of credit deserves to go to a team that has won 3 recent SBs, no matter the margin or the way they got there.They are far from perfect, but if they improve in a few areas, they could be a handful for any team in the playoffs.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I fail to see what the Colts have improved on since last year enough that I think they'll win in the playoffs. Just like last year, they look like the best team in the NFL at the mid-point, and we see what that meant in the playoffs.

What the Steelers did to them last year in the playoffs wasn't a fluke, and there are several teams in the AFC that have a defense that's more than capable of doing the same thing this year. Stop the run, pressure Manning, and play physical with the WRs... if Baltimore, San Diego, Denver, Jacksonville, and New England all make the playoffs, the Colts are going to have quite a challenge to get to the Super Bowl whether they're at home or not.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

For peytons sake I hope he wins it this year.

Last year there D looked way better than this years version.

I love the talk that SD could beat the Colts, but let's hope SD makes it. The LB core looks very shaky right now without roid man.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

Right now? There's no doubt in my mind they are the best team. I don't think this year's Colts are as good as last year's Colts though, so I'm not sure how much "right now" really matters.

In a season of mediocrity, the Colts are far and away the best. Now that my Steelers are out of it, I really do hope the Colts win it all to end any controversy of who the best qb in the NFL is.

 

[B-Scott]

8-0 on the season.Wins against 3 playoff bound teams on the road I might add. @NYG 6-2, @Denver 6-2, @NE 6-2...and they won @NYJ 4-4, and beat JAX 5-3...thye are beating playoff teams and a lot of their schedule has been against .500 or better teams. Yes they have a problem stopping the run...but honestly, what team will march into Indy and win in January? Pretend Pittsburgh was an anomoly as they are out of the race...last year Dungy's son committed suicide right b4 the playoffs and you kind of had that pit in your stomach that things were not going to be right. I am not thinking they go 16-0...but 14-2 seems like almost a lock. That should lock up the playoffs for them. Yes they need to play better, and I can think of 1 team should they play them that could/would beat them or at least have a very good shot and that's San Diego...the Bolts realy put the blueprint out for how to beat Indy. San Diego will not make the mistake that others have. They will run, run, and run some more on Indy. One of the problems last night and madden eluded to it was that NE didn't need to get fancy on offense to win last night's game. I think he was right. If you run the ball consistently and put up 30 points, you can take the Colts.So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

I wouldnt exactly say the steelers were pretend. Remember they were 15-1 2 years ago also.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

8-0 on the season.Wins against 3 playoff bound teams on the road I might add. @NYG 6-2, @Denver 6-2, @NE 6-2...and they won @NYJ 4-4, and beat JAX 5-3...thye are beating playoff teams and a lot of their schedule has been against .500 or better teams. Yes they have a problem stopping the run...but honestly, what team will march into Indy and win in January? Pretend Pittsburgh was an anomoly as they are out of the race...last year Dungy's son committed suicide right b4 the playoffs and you kind of had that pit in your stomach that things were not going to be right. I am not thinking they go 16-0...but 14-2 seems like almost a lock. That should lock up the playoffs for them. Yes they need to play better, and I can think of 1 team should they play them that could/would beat them or at least have a very good shot and that's San Diego...the Bolts realy put the blueprint out for how to beat Indy. San Diego will not make the mistake that others have. They will run, run, and run some more on Indy. One of the problems last night and madden eluded to it was that NE didn't need to get fancy on offense to win last night's game. I think he was right. If you run the ball consistently and put up 30 points, you can take the Colts.So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

I wouldnt exactly say the steelers were pretend. Remember they were 15-1 2 years ago also.

They were 7-5 before they ran the table last season...add in 2-6 this season and that's 9-11 over the last 2 seasons during stretches...I thought they were a joke SB team last season, and my opinion has not changed.

 

[Pnishthm]

I think the Colts are actually bored. They turn it up a notch when they have to but other than that, I think they are bored and ready to get the playoffs started. We see this from the Yankess all the time in baseball.

Now as in baseball where they say pitching and defense wins championships (thus the Yanks not winning in a while), the Colts have not gotten it done in the playoffs in the same way (no defense). However, every now and then a team with enough offense can pull one out. The Colts will get it done sooner rather than later.

 

[Despyzer]

They were 7-5 before they ran the table last season...add in 2-6 this season and that's 9-11 over the last 2 seasons during stretches...I thought they were a joke SB team last season, and my opinion has not changed.

Yikes... so what does this say about the NFC and the Seahawks then?

 

[PsychoMan]

8-0 on the season.Wins against 3 playoff bound teams on the road I might add. @NYG 6-2, @Denver 6-2, @NE 6-2...and they won @NYJ 4-4, and beat JAX 5-3...thye are beating playoff teams and a lot of their schedule has been against .500 or better teams. Yes they have a problem stopping the run...but honestly, what team will march into Indy and win in January? Pretend Pittsburgh was an anomoly as they are out of the race...last year Dungy's son committed suicide right b4 the playoffs and you kind of had that pit in your stomach that things were not going to be right. I am not thinking they go 16-0...but 14-2 seems like almost a lock. That should lock up the playoffs for them. Yes they need to play better, and I can think of 1 team should they play them that could/would beat them or at least have a very good shot and that's San Diego...the Bolts realy put the blueprint out for how to beat Indy. San Diego will not make the mistake that others have. They will run, run, and run some more on Indy. One of the problems last night and madden eluded to it was that NE didn't need to get fancy on offense to win last night's game. I think he was right. If you run the ball consistently and put up 30 points, you can take the Colts.So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

I wouldnt exactly say the steelers were pretend. Remember they were 15-1 2 years ago also.

They were 7-5 before they ran the table last season...add in 2-6 this season and that's 9-11 over the last 2 seasons during stretches...I thought they were a joke SB team last season, and my opinion has not changed.

I tend to agree, although, they played best when it counted (in the playoffs) and snuck away with a SB win somehow

 

[Ministry of Pain]

8-0 on the season.Wins against 3 playoff bound teams on the road I might add. @NYG 6-2, @Denver 6-2, @NE 6-2...and they won @NYJ 4-4, and beat JAX 5-3...thye are beating playoff teams and a lot of their schedule has been against .500 or better teams. Yes they have a problem stopping the run...but honestly, what team will march into Indy and win in January? Pretend Pittsburgh was an anomoly as they are out of the race...last year Dungy's son committed suicide right b4 the playoffs and you kind of had that pit in your stomach that things were not going to be right. I am not thinking they go 16-0...but 14-2 seems like almost a lock. That should lock up the playoffs for them. Yes they need to play better, and I can think of 1 team should they play them that could/would beat them or at least have a very good shot and that's San Diego...the Bolts realy put the blueprint out for how to beat Indy. San Diego will not make the mistake that others have. They will run, run, and run some more on Indy. One of the problems last night and madden eluded to it was that NE didn't need to get fancy on offense to win last night's game. I think he was right. If you run the ball consistently and put up 30 points, you can take the Colts.So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

I wouldnt exactly say the steelers were pretend. Remember they were 15-1 2 years ago also.

They were 7-5 before they ran the table last season...add in 2-6 this season and that's 9-11 over the last 2 seasons during stretches...I thought they were a joke SB team last season, and my opinion has not changed.

I tend to agree, although, they played best when it counted (in the playoffs) and snuck away with a SB win somehow

Agree and I understand the Steelers and the their fans for wanting to defend the SB ring...hey Steelersfans, no apologies needed as you have 4 other rings you can choke down our throats. The reality is the '05 Steelers got very lucky and had a solid ground game, could stop the run, but compared to any of the 70's Steelers that won titles...it's not even comparable. Hats off for winning it, but this year only furthers the idea that they were sort of an anomoly.

 

[pizzatyme]

Hey MOP (or snyone else for that matter) . . .If Brady had Harrison and Wayne and Manning had Gabriel and Caldwell, wouldn't the Pats be 8-0 and the Colts would be lucky to be 6-2?I'm not saying Manning is simply riding the coat tails of his WRs, but Brady certainly has to work harder to win.

DY, what if Manning had Belichick or the Pats defense behind him? Gimme a break with that argument!

 

[Sopranos]

IMO they are better than last year. They have better focus and Manning seems hungry this season.. They are playing tougher and with more fight...Here around town the fans are tough on them.

 

[djcolts]

The Colts didn't get every break in that game. Wilkins lost a fumble which cost an offensive possession. The 4th and 1 non-call was a break for the Pats. The Reggie Wayne fumble, while not recovered by the Pats, led to no points because he got stripped which cost a 1st down.

How many possessions did the Pats make a defensive stop that didn't lead to points or a reasonable FG opportunity? Two (not including kneel downs). One was a punt - one was an INT. How many yards did the Pats get in the 2nd half? 122 - that's dominance.

From my perspective - it seems like the East Coast media (ESPN...cough...cough) is saying that the Colts didn't win, but the Pats lost. Of course, Colts fans knew this was coming - "if the Colts win, it isn't a big game, if they lose, it is a big game." Well, I hope they keep doing that, because the Colts play better when they have lots of doubters - and play like crap when the media kisses their butts.

Rant done.

 

[brobe4]

The Colts are very good football team FYI. They have been in the top 5 in the afc for awhile now.

Only thing the last two weeks has show us is the playoffs are wide open in the afc at this point.

It could be possible for a wildcard team to repeat what pitt did last year.

2006 colts just seem to find away to win..

 

[Sopranos]

The Colts didn't get every break in that game. Wilkins lost a fumble which cost an offensive possession. The 4th and 1 non-call was a break for the Pats. The Reggie Wayne fumble, while not recovered by the Pats, led to no points because he got stripped which cost a 1st down. How many possessions did the Pats make a defensive stop that didn't lead to points or a reasonable FG opportunity? Two (not including kneel downs). One was a punt - one was an INT. How many yards did the Pats get in the 2nd half? 122 - that's dominance. From my perspective - it seems like the East Coast media (ESPN...cough...cough) is saying that the Colts didn't win, but the Pats lost. Of course, Colts fans knew this was coming - "if the Colts win, it isn't a big game, if they lose, it is a big game." Well, I hope they keep doing that, because the Colts play better when they have lots of doubters - and play like crap when the media kisses their butts. Rant done.

IMO there isnt a big game untill the playoffs.

 

[Sopranos]

2006 colts just seem to find away to win..

Manning is having his best season..That doesnt show in his stat sheet

 

[cstu]

IMO they are better than last year. They have better focus and Manning seems hungry this season.. They are playing tougher and with more fight...Here around town the fans are tough on them.

I said this to some people after watching the first 4 or 5 games and think this will probably be the year for them to win the SB. They don't look as good on paper, but the team is playing with heart that I haven't seen before. The addition of Vinitieri was a key move and filled a glaring weakness in the clutch kicking department. I also think Addai is the power running back they've needed for a long time. As good as Edge was, he wasn't the type of RB you need to close out games - at least not with Indy's OL.

 

[Despyzer]

and play like crap when the media kisses their butts.

It seems to me like the media is always slurping Peyton and the Colts.

 

[pizzatyme]

What a thread! I know it is because the Colts are 8-0, but come on. EVERY team in the league could be torn apart at this point!

Pats, 2 losses at home?!

Broncos, lose at home to the team being torn apart?

Chargers, close game at home against Cleveland? Frye? Rivers? Their WR corps?

Ravens, rushing attack? Their WR corps?

Bengals, not even a consideration!

Chiefs, their defense? Their WR corps?

The Colts are 8-0 and have played 5 games without their starting run-stopping safety, Bob Sanders. How would the Pats be playing 5 games this season without Rodney Harrison? How were they last night for instance?

Yes, the Colts need to improve their defense. Their schemes, I believe, will continue to shift towards stopping the run. Make the opponents pass to beat you with the pass.

I think it really comes down to 1 team to fear for the Colts. Their arch rival, the New England Patriots. If the Colts can take care of business at home, then off to the Super Bowl.

If not, then another long off-season.

 

[djcolts]

and play like crap when the media kisses their butts.

It seems to me like the media is always slurping Peyton and the Colts.

They did last year, and in 2003 and 2004. This year, there's a big backlash.

 

[Despyzer]

The Colts are 8-0 and have played 5 games without their starting run-stopping safety, Bob Sanders.

Oh, Bob Sanders? The Chargers have lost three starting LBs (Foley, Phillips, and now Merriman), and have just recovered a starting DE (Olshansky) and a starting CB (Kiel) who were out for multiple games.Sorry to hear about one safety.

 

[Despyzer]

and play like crap when the media kisses their butts.

It seems to me like the media is always slurping Peyton and the Colts.

They did last year, and in 2003 and 2004. This year, there's a big backlash.

I'll take your word for it, but I haven't been hearing it.... not nationally anyway.

 

[brobe4]

Who cares what the media thinks!!

 

[djcolts]

and play like crap when the media kisses their butts.

It seems to me like the media is always slurping Peyton and the Colts.

They did last year, and in 2003 and 2004. This year, there's a big backlash.

I'll take your word for it, but I haven't been hearing it.... not nationally anyway.

Cris Collinsworth picking Tom Brady as player of the week - BEFORE THE GAME STARTED (I mean - seriously)? Colin Cowherd was completely bashing the Colts today - over and over and over again - almost irrationally (bring up Manning's losses to Florida - comparing him to A-Rod). And, I don't need to talk about ESPN's Bill Simmons - ugh.

 

[djcolts]

Who cares what the media thinks!!

I think the Colts play better when the media is skeptical of the Colts rather than kissing their butts (just like most teams do) - so in that sense I care.

 

[Steelers4Life]

8-0 on the season.Wins against 3 playoff bound teams on the road I might add. @NYG 6-2, @Denver 6-2, @NE 6-2...and they won @NYJ 4-4, and beat JAX 5-3...thye are beating playoff teams and a lot of their schedule has been against .500 or better teams. Yes they have a problem stopping the run...but honestly, what team will march into Indy and win in January? Pretend Pittsburgh was an anomoly as they are out of the race...last year Dungy's son committed suicide right b4 the playoffs and you kind of had that pit in your stomach that things were not going to be right. I am not thinking they go 16-0...but 14-2 seems like almost a lock. That should lock up the playoffs for them. Yes they need to play better, and I can think of 1 team should they play them that could/would beat them or at least have a very good shot and that's San Diego...the Bolts realy put the blueprint out for how to beat Indy. San Diego will not make the mistake that others have. They will run, run, and run some more on Indy. One of the problems last night and madden eluded to it was that NE didn't need to get fancy on offense to win last night's game. I think he was right. If you run the ball consistently and put up 30 points, you can take the Colts.So most of you watched last night. Is there any question the Colts are the #1 team in the NFL right now? No other team has as many impressive wins as the Colts.

I wouldnt exactly say the steelers were pretend. Remember they were 15-1 2 years ago also.

They were 7-5 before they ran the table last season...add in 2-6 this season and that's 9-11 over the last 2 seasons during stretches...I thought they were a joke SB team last season, and my opinion has not changed.

I tend to agree, although, they played best when it counted (in the playoffs) and snuck away with a SB win somehow

Agree and I understand the Steelers and the their fans for wanting to defend the SB ring...hey Steelersfans, no apologies needed as you have 4 other rings you can choke down our throats. The reality is the '05 Steelers got very lucky and had a solid ground game, could stop the run, but compared to any of the 70's Steelers that won titles...it's not even comparable. Hats off for winning it, but this year only furthers the idea that they were sort of an anomoly.

To be fair, the 2005 Steelers were playing as good as anyone in the NFL at the end of the year, and they played 3 excellent games on the road to get to the Super Bowl. Judge the Super Bowl however you want, doesn't really matter. That fact is lost on the fact that Palmer's knee was injured and Vanderjagt missed the kick (even though if Polamalu's INT had been called correctly it never would've come to that), but the Steelers played very good football to get to the Super Bowl. They lost a few games early in the year without Roethlisberger playing, but in reality, the team was far better than a #6 seed. No, they weren't as good as the 70's teams, but few teams in the history of the game were.This year, the team isn't playing well in any facet of the game, but last year's team was a very good team by the end of the year. And most importantly, they didn't beat themselves or make mistakes like the 2006 version does with regularity.How this relates to the Colts, I don't know. If a team lines up and plays the Colts in the playoffs the way the Steelers did last year, I'd expect the outcome to be the same.