SB Nation - Peyton Manning

Great Colts of the Decade: Assistant Coach

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:21:17 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

about 1 month ago: FILE - In this Nov. 1, 2009, file photo, Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell, second from left, and quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talk with the officials during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Indianapolis. The Colts are 7-0 for the fourth time in five years, extending their franchise-record winning streak to 16. Caldwell is the first rookie coach since the 1970 merger to open his career with seven straight wins. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

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Obviously, if we did a poll of best coach of the decade, Tony Dungy would (and should) will it unanimously. I say this not to slight or disrespect Jim Mora, who coached the Colts from 1998-2001. While we oftentimes laugh and chuckle at Jim Mora's now famous "PLAYOFFS!" line from 2001, the fact of the matter is he was one of the most important coaches this franchise has ever had.

Prior to Mora, under both the Lindy Infante and Ted Marchabroda coaching tenures, it was evident that effort and dedication to the team were not high priorities of all the players on the roster. We would see players dog it Randy Moss-style on a consistent basis, but not see any accountability.

That changed with Jim Mora.

The tone and attitude of the team changed dramatically from 1998-2001. Gone were lazy players who only worked for their paycheck. Gone was inconsistent effort and a lack of accountability. There was no better example of Mora's emphasis on accountability than the benching of Marshall Faulk in 1998.

Mired in a terrible season featuring a then-rookie Peyton Manning, Jim Mora had serious discipline issues occurring within a very fractured Colts team that year. No one player optimized this than Marshall Faulk, a guy who would routinely call out players to the media without having seemingly any accountability for himself. One day, Faulk showed up 5 minutes late to a meeting. He was pulled aside by Mora, who informed him he was going to be fined for being late and would be benched to start the game that week. Faulk was livid, but the message was loud and clear.

No one is above the team. Players made sure to show up on time to meetings in the future. Team focus and accountability stopped being internal issues with the Colts organization.

While Tony Dungy is very much a first ballot Hall of Famer, and arguably the greatest overall NFL coach of this decade (aka, he won games without needing to cheat), Dungy is always quick to point out that (unlike his tenure with the Buccaneers) the Colts team he inherited in 2002 did not lack focus or desire to win. And Dungy attributed that to the coaching of Jim Mora.

We do indeed love ya, Jim. Thanks for helping make our team a winner.

So, while we will not vote on coach of the decade (because it is so obviously Tony Dungy), we give a shout out to Jim Mora, who is also responsible for many of the assistant coaches were are voting on in this category: Best Assistant Coach of the Decade.

The Colts have had remarkable consistency in their assistant coaches this decade. Coaches like Howard Mudd and Tom Moore have been assistants with this team since 1998, brought in by then-head coach Jim Mora. Other assistants, like John Teerlick and Mike Murphy, have been coaching in Indy since 2002, helping to turn a porous defense into a contender. There are also assistants like Ron Meeks, who was partly responsible for Indy's defensive turn around. Players like Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne thrived under Clyde Christenson's coaching. Peyton Manning won three MVPs with now-current Colts head coach Jim Caldwell as his QB coach. The best running backs coach this league has ever seen might be Gene Huey. He has turned Marshall Faulk and Edgerrin James into stars, and took players like Dominic Rhodes and turned them into 1,000 yard rushers.

Bottom line is this voting will be tough. Indy has a stable of great assistant coaches.

Peyton vying for record 4th MVP

ZombieMonta — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:21:06 -0000

There are several reasons why NFL records just don't carry the same weight and significance as baseball records. One reason is that unlike MLB records, which tend to last for generations, football records have a very short lifespan. In fact, the only single-game NFL record that really matters is the one for most rushing yards in a single game, which Walter Payton had held for two decades. But in this decade alone, that record has been re-broke three different times, and was nearly broken a fourth time when Jerome Harrison ran for 286 yards last week.

The same is true for quarterbacks. There was a time when Sammy Baugh held every NFL record under the sun. Later that distinction was held by Fran Tarkenton -- then there was Dan Marino, and then there was Brett Favre, who currently holds every record imaginable. The QB to surpass Favre's records (health permitting) will no doubt be Peyton Manning, who also happens to be working on a lengthy consecutive games streak.

Not only does Manning have as many championships as Favre (one), he is in prime condition to do something no player has ever done. Currently Manning's Colts are 14-0, and Manning is the leading contender for the MVP award. Should the prize go to Manning -- and considering all the facelifts the team has done, there's no reason why it shouldn't -- Peyton would have four career MVP's, moving him past Brett Favre, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown for the most ever.

Lately, many people have been talking about Manning being, maybe, the best quarterback of all time. Unlike most other sports -- which usually have a clear-cut player who is generally considered the greatest ever -- the NFL does not have a "Pele" or "Wayne Gretzky" of quarterbacks. Some people consider John Elway the greatest ever; some give it to Joe Montana or even Steve Young, while Brett Favre, Dan Marino, Johhny Unitas, Roger Staubach and Terry Bradshaw get nods as well. And when Tom Brady eventually wraps up his career, his healthy ring collection will bring him some consideration too.

If we assume that Manning will continue to stay healthy, there's no reason why he won't finish with the best statistics of any quarterback in history. However, he'll have several hurdles to leap if he's ever to be considered the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). For one, Montana's and Bradshaw's four championships are mighty formidable, and while Manning has forever shed his reputation as a choker, he's never been as renowned for his late-game heroics as Montana, Elway or even Brady. Plus, loyalists will note that Manning (and Brady) is playing in an era where quarterbacks get more protection than ever before; Johnny Unitas could only wish he had the same roughing-the-passer restrictions that current quarterbacks have.

There's no question that Manning is a unanimous first-ballot Hall of Famer, and the player he'll most often be compared to will likely be Tom Brady, who has the upper-hand in total championships. Peyton is easily one of the six or seven best quarterbacks ever -- but in order to win the hearts of sports writers and ascend to No. 1, another title will go a long, long way. Oh, and a 19-0 season wouldn't hurt either.

Great Colts of the Decade: 2000-2009

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:53:32 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

about 1 month ago: Indianapolis Colts' Matt Stover celebrates his go-ahead fourth-quarter field goal during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Baltimore. The Colts won 17-15. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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This week, we will be writing a ton of articles on the possibility to playing starters for four quarters against the Jets, Peyton Manning's seemingly inevitable fourth MVP award, Jim Caldwell possibly winning Coach of the Year, and other goodies as they pop up in the news (like Anthony Gonzalez possibly returning this week).

But, I also wanted to take the time to offer up some opportunities to vote on some all-decade Colts players, coaches, and moments. As the 2000s come to a close, it is important to take stock of just how wonderful this decade has been to Colts fans. We have been fortunate to watch teams that we were proud to follow and cheer for. Equally important is to recognize the people and the moments that have made this decade so special for us.

Now, since some categories really don't require voting (Best Colts QB of the decade seems pretty silly to me, unless someone is misty-eyed about the one snap Mark Rypien took in 2001 after Peyton Manning broke his jaw against the Dolphins), I think we can narrow down the fields to the following:

Best Colts running back of the decade
Best Colts wide receiver of the decade
Best Colts linebacker of the decade
Best Colts assistant coach of the decade
Best Colts moment of the decade (The comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on MNF, the Super Bowl again the Chicago Bears, AFC Championship against the New Engalnd Patriots, etc.)
Best "Manning Moment" of the decade
Best play of the decade
Best individual performance of the decade by a Colts player

If you can think of other categories, toss them into the comments. We'll vote on them just prior to New Year's.

Peter King weighs in on MVP: It's Peyton Manning

BigBlueShoe — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:20:29 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

4 days ago: Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a second-quarter pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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As I posted yesterday, the MVP race is over. Peyton Manning will win his 4th MVP award. With Drew Brees playing poorly against the Cowboys, Brett Favre nearly getting yanked against the Panthers, and Chris Johnson's team likely not to make the playoffs, the award is Manning's. Also, when you add up all the endorsements from award voters, updated beautifully by thebossuzzi, it was becoming clear that Manning will make NFL history by winning his 4th MVP award.

Now, with the czar of football media weighing in on the matter, the award is most definitely going to Peyton Manning, like it or not:

MVP Watch
1. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis. Played another classic Thursday night, four touchdowns and a pick (through the hands of Dallas Clark), and, barring an upset in the last two weeks, should win his fourth MVP. That's how I see it, anyway.

How Peter King sees it is usually how it goes when it comes to MVP voting. Though we make fun of King for his often ignorant analysis of the game of football (which he has covered for almost three decades), the fact is ole "PK" has a lot of power in media circles due to his personal connections to players, coaches, management, and various media entities like HBO, NBC, and SI. Basically, when PK says "Player X" is the MVP, Player X is indeed the MVP. I personally think King wanted to give the MVP to Favre, but with the Vikings losing two of three so far in December, while Manning and the Colts are currently undefeated, voting Favre would expose King even more as a Favre waterboy.

King plays his favorites, and is a "homer" about certain teams and players as any "unprofessional blogger" or fan out there, but he isn't dumb.

So, as we said yesterday, ~~much to the annoyance of some people who cannot seem to accept reality~~, despite some who have their own personal favorites to win, Peyton Manning is indeed going to win his fourth NFL MVP award; an award that is much deserved. Peyton has played better, and accomplished more, during the regular season than any other candidates.

Here are thebossuzzi's excellent updates (all contained in the FanPost link below) on the MVP discussion:

Update 3:Peyton is MVP ,now Dion Sanders is promoting Rivers for MVP

Welcome to Week Fifteen, the week Peyton Manning locked up his 4th NFL MVP

BigBlueShoe — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:14:41 -0000

More photos » by Darron Cummings - AP

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

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The race for the 2009 NFL MVP is over. Finished. Done.

Heading into Week Fifteen, only two people were considered legit candidates for the award, and their names were not Chris Johnson or Brett Favre. While both those players are having stellar years (Johnson is the Offensive Player of the Year, for me), they are not vital cogs on teams that were undefeated heading into the week. Players who fit that bill were Peyton Manning of the Colts and Drew Brees of the Saints.

And wouldn't you know it! Both Manning and Brees were slated to play in primetime games on Thursday and Saturday night (respectively) against teams who were desperate to make the playoffs.

For the Colts, the game against the Jaguars Thursday night "meant nothing." The #1 seed in the AFC playoffs belongs to the Colts, having clinched it the week before in a tough, brutal game against the Broncos. For the Saints, homefield is still up for grabs, making their contest with the Cowboys a vital match-up even if the Saints weren't undefeated going into the game.

Because of the stakes, and because both players had essentially the same stats going in, how both men performed on Thursday and Saturday night was going to go a long way to determining who would win the NFL MVP. Here's how it all went down:

On Thursday night, playing on the road against a tough division opponent with little defensive help until the 4th quarter, Peyton Manning racked up a 134.4 QB rating for the game, throwing for 308 yards, 4 TDs, and completing 76% of his passes, including a 65 yard TD to win the game with 5:05 left. Once again, the game was "meaningless." The Jaguars absolutely had to win, at home no less, to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Colts already had their playoff seeding set, and were simply playing for pride. Under these circumstances, Manning was still dominant. The win gave Indy their 23rd straight regular season victory, and pushed their record to 14-0. Only two other team in NFL history have reached 14-0: The 1972 Dolphins and the 2007 Patriots.

How did Drew Brees and the Saints respond?

On Saturday night, at home against a Cowboys team that has been positively dreadful in the month of December pretty much since Troy Aikman retired from playing football, Drew Brees accounted for more Saints turnovers than touchdowns. He threw for 298 yards, completed 64% of his passes, but he was unable to get the Saints into the endzone until the 4th quarter. By then, the Cowboys were up 24-3, spending much of the game grinding the Saints on the ground (145 yards rushing, 2 TDs) and blasting them through the air (294 yards for Tony Romo, no turnovers). Brees threw for one TD but also tossed one INT and had two very key fumbles; the last of which on the Saints final drive. The result was a Cowboys victory, knocking the Saints from the ranks of the unbeaten.

So, with both QBs dealing with similar circumstances (lack of defense, playoff caliber opponent, primetime game) Manning shined while Brees wilted somewhat. Factor in that Manning had to play brilliantly on the road while Brees had three turnovers and only one TD at home, and yeah... this MVP race is over.

With Brees' fumble with 6 seconds left, Peyton Manning has locked up his 4th MVP, which is an NFL record I might add. Anyone who suggests a different candidate is an idiot and should be dismissed.

Seriously. The argument against Manning now falls into the land of the absurd, otherwise known as Skip Bayless.

Manning has met every possible measure one uses to evaluate an NFL. In fact, not only has he met the measurements, he has exceeded them. He also happens to be the QB for a 14-0 team riding a 23 game winning streak. So, when you hear morons at ESPN plea for Chris Johnson, or idiots at NFL Network trumpet Philip Rivers (um, WHAT?), simply dismiss said pundits as idiots and change the channel.

#18 has locked up his 4th MVP, and any suggestion or argument to the contrary is just the wasted breath of a clueless blowhard who like to hear himself talk. This may come off as harsh from me, but if there is one thing I absolutely cannot stand is when people move the goal posts in order to short change someone who has exceeded expectations. And the silly counter-argument that "They could give it to Peyton every year" also has no merit. Peyton Manning teams are not 14-0 "every year," and if someone has played better than Peyton, and has their team primed for the playoffs, SHOW HIM TO ME!

Since I know no one has outplayed Peyton in the 2009 regular season, kindly allow me to enjoy Peyton winning another award while, at the same time, making NFL history. I grew up watching schmucks like Jeff George and Jack Trudeau play QB for my team. So, when I see greatness, especially Colts greatness, I want it appreciated to its full and complete extent.

The Saints lose to Cowboys; Colts lone unbeaten team in 2009

BigBlueShoe — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:44:41 -0000

More photos » by Dave Martin - AP

2 days ago: New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas is stopped by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Victor Butler (57), defensive end Marcus Spears (96), linebacker Keith Brooking (51) and defensive end Igor Olshansky (99) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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With snow pelting the east coast, the New Orleans Saints hosted the Dallas Cowboys in their temperate dome in a key match-up of two talented NFC teams. The difference between both teams is the Saints were openly talking about winning 16 regular season games while the Cowboys were smack dab in the the middle of another December swoon. Well, when the game was over, snow continued to bash the east coast, but the Saints are no longer undefeated after getting dominated by the Cowboys most of the game.

This means the Colts, our Colts, are the lone unbeaten team left in the NFL.

While the Colts were able to overcome a very pesky and inspired Jaguars team Thursday night, the Saints were unable to do the same against a Cowboys team that, quite frankly, beat the Saints up. Did the Saints look ahead a bit? Did they talk a bit to much about 16-0, possibly overlooking a team like the Cowboys? Maybe. Talking about 16-0, and just talking but openly talking about it, was probably not the best thing to do. The press loved it. Big media loved it.

In the end, all the talk was meaningless.

The loss, and the way the Saints lost, all but hands the 2009 MVP award to Peyton Manning. In a primetime game against a tough opponent at home, Manning's only real competition for the award, Drew Brees, was 29-45 for 298 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, and a QB rating of 81.5. Brees also lost two fumbles. That's 1 TD and 3 turnovers for Brees in a primetime game against a top tier NFC opponent. The Saints were unable to score a touchdown until the fourth quarter, and on the final drive to potentially tie the game, Brees fumbled with 6 seconds left on the Cowboys 42 yard line.

This is not the play of an MVP.

In a vital game at home to keep homefield advantage in the NFC playoffs secure for the Saints, Drew Brees laid an egg. On the road in a game that was "meaningless" because the Colts had locked up homefield the week before, Peyton Manning was brilliant. Manning has the award. Anyone who says otherwise is a schmuck who either 1) does not watch games, or 2) is shifting the goal posts because they just don't want to give it AGAIN to Manning even though he clearly has earned it.

Now the Saints are in real danger of losing homefield advantage to the Vikings. They pretty much have to play it out, with little time to rest starters. Their secondary (like ours) is very beat up, and was made even worse after the pounding the Cowboys gave them.

For me, it's disappointing. While I did not agree with how Sean Payton, Drew Brees, and the Saints in general handled all the 16-0 crap, I was still rooting for them. Most people were, including big media (a practice which is, you know, kind of unethical to do, but that's big media). Now, all the vultures and parasites will circle and latch onto the Colts, pushing and pressuring them to "go for glory!" The Colts must do the opposite of the Saints and block out all the distractions and "undefeated" talk. One game at a time. Rest players who are hurt.

Let things play out.

Five questions with the San Francisco 49ers

JasonB — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 11:00:26 -0000

by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

7 days ago: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, left, greets Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, right, at the end of their NFL football game in San Francisco, Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. San Francisco won the game 24-9. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

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This week the San Francisco 49ers travel across the country into the apparently soon to be frozen tundra of Lincoln Financial Field. In anticipation of that game, I traded some questions with Fooch of the great niners blog Niners Nation.

Check out over there for my answers to his questions.

Since we don't have a Cardinal on our helmet, can we expect the Niners not to be super motivated this weekend? I kid sort of... But seriously, is it me or have their two best efforts by this year been against the Cards?

I think part of the reason (a big part) for the strong performances against Arizona is the fact that they're a divisional foe. They see them twice a year, every year, and I think that makes it easier to figure them out, and not get caught off guard each year. However, they've actually put together some other impressive efforts. They gave up a lot of yards to Peyton Manning but sacked him 3 times (a season high at that point for Manning) and gave up no passing touchdowns to Manning. They put up a strong effort against Brett Favre and the Packers. The 49ers problem has been inconsistency at times. They blew a very winnable game against Seattle that would have made this game an even bigger wildcard battle. Instead, the 49ers are on the wrong side of the playoff bubble, looking to just stay alive.

More after the jump.

The 49ers haven't been a very good road team this year, with just one win and that coming against the aforementioned Cards in week one. Is that on the coaching? The youth? Bad luck? I'd imagine traveling across the country on a short week won't help.

The biggest concern I have, aside from facing DeSean Jackson, is having to deal with him and the rest of the Eagles in a 10am pacific time start. The 49ers, and other west coast teams struggle with the early starts. While the NFL has helped teams like the Patriots in packaging west coast trips into one long road trip, the 49ers, Seahawks and others, get screwed with early games and the NFL doesn't really give a crap. The 49ers road woes overall have come in games that the team could have won. The problem has been a mix of everything from coaching issues to execution, to some pretty hideous luck.

Is the QB who is going to eventually lead the 49ers back to the postseason on the roster right now?

I think so. Alex Smith will likely be the starting QB in 2010, and with the addition of some offensive line help, it might be enough to get this team back to the playoffs. Nate Davis may or may not be the long term answer for the 49ers, but for now, I think Alex Smith can help guide this team to the playoffs. Maybe he's not a franchise QB, but he's definitely a solid option. The 49ers are long shots to make the playoffs, this year, but I expect a playoff appearance next season behind Alex Smith.

What are the big holes on the roster right now?

Offensive line is far and away the biggest issue to be addressed this coming offseason. Whatever offense the team settles on, they need to improve the line to keep Alex Smith on his feet and Frank Gore finding holes. That has been the biggest issue this season.

Beyond that, the team could use some help in the secondary. Other than that, we've seen an improvement in the pass rush with the trio of Parys Haralson, Manny Lawson and Ahmad Brooks. An extra body could be helpful, but much of the defense seems to be settling in.

Give us one guy who we probably don't know but will surprise us this Sunday. Bear in mind that we know Patrick Willis & Frank Gore...

CB Shawntae Spencer isn't really a "young guy" anymore, but expect to see him covering DeSean Jackson for much of the day. Alongside him, we might see CB Tarell Brown get some coverage on Jackson. Given Jackson's performance in special teams, expect to be impressed by the leg of punter Andy Lee. He's got impressive distance and hang time. Finally, keep an eye out for nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin. He doesn't put up the crazy stats, but he is an a big-time impact player against the run.

All We Want for Christmas Is...

ericj69 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:58:40 -0000

She's been very naughty, but the Vikings have been nothing but nice this year.

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Dear Santa,

Sunday is Minnesota's last game before Christmas. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to write you this year; I have my holiday party for work tonight and a family Christmas tomorrow. I would have written to you last night, but I was too busy watching my fantasy playoff dreams getting crushed by Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark. So rather than give you a full analysis of the upcoming Vikings/Panthers game (I know you're an avid reader of the Daily Norseman now that the North Pole has Wi-Fi), I'll give you my wish list for the game and the rest of the Vikings' season:

I really wish that you could send some good medicine to Percy Harvin for those migraines he's been having. He really wants that Rookie of the Year trophy as a belated Christmas present, and he deserves it. It'd be a shame for him to miss out on his gift just because he missed games at the end of the year. And of course we need him down the stretch and in the playoffs!
I wish that Matt Moore plays just like Jake Delhomme and sends lots of gifts to our secondary on Sunday night.
I wish that the Vikings will capture the #1 spot in rushing defense yet again. It's becoming a holiday tradition! And if we can stop DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, it will go a long way towards getting the top rushing defense and winning the game on Sunday.
I wish that we don't have a game like the last time we were in Carolina in 2005. You remember that game, don't you Santa? Steve Smith went wild on us, Daunte Culpepper played his last game as a Viking thanks to blowing out approximately 17 ligaments in his knee, and Minnesota lost 38-13. Can we make some positive memories this time around?
I wish that I could see some good ol' fashioned calf roping on Sunday from Jared Allen. He's been a little quiet lately, and I'd like to see him make a late-season push for Defensive MVP. (Otherwise, Charles Woodson is probably going to win, and you know we don't want that to happen.) I just hope that Allen can outperform Julius Peppers and establish his dominance again.
I wish for a healthy Brett Favre down the stretch and throughout the playoffs. I know, I know--I spent 16 years wishing for the exact opposite thing to happen. You got me there. But you never came through on any of those wishes, so maybe this year you could take my wish into account. Just this once? I vividly remember watching Tarvaris Jackson in the Metrodome during the playoff game against the Eagles last year. There's a very real possibility of that matchup happening again this season, and I'd much prefer to have #4 behind center.
I wish that Chris Gamble will learn from covering Randy Moss and take most of the plays off this week. He should just let Sidney Rice and Bernard Berrian roam free all day. Could you teach Chris that giving space is better than receiving any interceptions?

(More wishes and my Week 15 picks after the jump)

I wish I didn't have to think about the threat of a nude Pat Williams if we win the Super Bowl this year. Did he really say he'll "retire if the Vikings win the Super Bowl this season and will walk off the field wearing nothing but tights and socks"? Don't get me wrong, if seeing too much of Phat Pat ensures us victory I'm OK with it...but yeesh.
Speaking of the Super Bowl, I wish that this team wasn't compared to the 1998 Vikings so much. I see the similarities, but I still remember the t-shirt I had when I was a senior in high school. It read "All I Want For Christmas Is A Super Bowl". It pictured Randall Cunningham as you with our offensive line as the reindeer. Obviously that kind of blasphemy upset you. So I don't even want you to think that the two versions of the Vikings are the same, OK?
I wish that the Vikings will cruise to an easy win on Sunday to secure the 2009 NFC North title and all but lock up a first-round bye for the playoffs.

Thanks Santa! Merry Christmas everyone!

Prediction: Vikings 34, Panthers 13

Oh and one last thing: I wish that all of my Week 15 NFL picks will be right (home team in CAPS):

SAINTS over Cowboys: I wish the Saints would just go ahead and lose a couple games to give us a shot at the #1 seed. But the Cowboys winning in December is going to take much more than a Christmas miracle.

RAVENS over Bears: I wish that Jay Cutler will keep playing like this for years and years to come in Chicago. I never thought Favre's interception record would ever be in jeopardy, but maybe I was wrong...

Patriots over BILLS: I wish that I could turn on ESPN or sports radio and not have to listen to "what's wrong with the Patriots." It's a little drastic for a division-leading 8-5 team.

Cardinals over LIONS: I wish Arizona played like they did in San Francisco when we played them a couple weeks ago. I'd also wish that the Lions weren't such a train wreck, but I enjoy the two victories over Detroit each year.

CHIEFS over Browns: I wish that this game never even existed.

JETS over Falcons: I wish I knew for sure whether Matt Ryan and Michael Turner were playing at 100% this week, because that may sway my pick here.

EAGLES over 49ers: I wish there wasn't a real possibility of Eagles fans flooding Minneapolis for the third straight season. Hearing that "E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!" chant makes me want to repeatedly headbutt a pile of railroad ties.

Texans over RAMS: I wish the Texans wouldn't beat up on awful teams at the end of each season to finish 8-8 and be everyone's "sleeper team" the following year. I also wish Steven Jackson didn't have to waste the prime of an incredible career on a string of the aforementioned awful teams.

TITANS over Dolphins: I wish that both of these teams could make the playoffs, because they're a lot more fun to watch than the other AFC Wild Card options.

BRONCOS over Raiders: I wish the Broncos would win this game, because this is my Eliminator pick and I'm 14-0 so far this year. I also wish I could stop laughing at JaMarcus Russell because he can't even get the start over Charlie Frye this week.

CHARGERS over Bengals: I wish that Chris Henry was still with us, because the Bengals have already had enough to deal with this year after Mike Zimmer's wife passed away. I also wish that if I get one pick wrong this week it's this one. Cincinnati deserves some good news.

SEAHAWKS over Buccaneers: I wish this game took place two years ago when both teams were actually decent.

Packers over STEELERS: I wish the defending champions hadn't completely folded down the stretch so they would actually beat the Packers here.

Giants over REDSKINS: I wish the Giants would just make up their mind about whether they're actually good or not. I never know how to pick their games.

Last week: 11-5

Season so far: 144-65 (including correctly picking Indianapolis last night)

Recap Week Fifteen: Colts 35 - Jaguars 31

BigBlueShoe — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:36:49 -0000

More photos » by Phil Coale - AP

4 days ago: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne catches the go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Coale)

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After a while, the numbers start getting scary.

When you see them placed before you, in black and white with pretty charts to bracket their authenticity, you cannot help but stare at them as if they were an alien language unearthed somewhere in the Gobi desert by wandering nomads. They seem too fantastical, too unrealistic. Yet, they are reality. They are happening.

When the dust settled on the Indianapolis Colts 35-31 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the numbers from the game, and the accomplishments for certain individuals and the team, began to crystallize.

Only three team in NFL history have started a regular season 14-0: The 1972 Miami Dolphins (undefeated, won Super Bowl), the 2007 New England Patriots (undefeated regular season, lost Super Bowl), and now our Indianapolis Colts.
The win was Indy's 23rd straight win in the regular season.
It was the 7th fourth quarter comeback win of the year, also an NFL record.

And when you start looking at how the game, and the individual accomplishments in that game (Dallas Clark having the best season of any TE in NFL history, Reggie Wayne passing Raymond Berry for #2 all-time in Colts receiving, etc.), the numbers truly ring home just how special and talented this group of Colts really are.

But more impressive than the numbers and the stats was the drive, the passion, and the determination to win a game which, quite frankly, "meant nothing." All week long, we had wondered who was going to play, and for how long. Would Peyton Manning sit after a few series, or a quarter? By halftime, Manning was 12-12 with two TDs and the Colts up 21-17 on the road against the desperate and determined Jaguars team.

Though "meaningless," the Colts certainly did not play and coach this game as if they were simply looking to rest. The fought to win; truly win. And win they did. And after Jacob Lacey put the finishing touches on another brilliant come-from-behind victory, the win provided yet another bold claim for Peyton Manning to win his NFL record 4th MVP award.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Before we start jumping into all the wonderful positives that came out of this game, let's get some of the concerns out of the way. First off, concern-trolling, or hand wringing, about the defense at this point is silly. For fourteen friggin weeks, we've seen them play like a top 5 group. One game should not offer cause for concern, especially when you consider that this game was played only four days after the defense had one of it most physical challenges in ages against the Denver Broncos. The D was hurt, tired, and playing against a tough, physical opponent whose game plan was to take advantage of the Colts fatigue. Factor in that Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis only played on passing downs, and that Indy was without Jerraud Powers, and the performance through the first three quarters was not all that surprising.

Also, consider that in quarter four, the Jaguars were shut down and shut out by this fatigued defense, and that Maurice Jones-Drew was virtually a non-factor in the final quarter when his team needed big plays to win the game.

Then, there were the field conditions. Last night, they were in piss poor shape. Colts announcers Bob Lamey and Will Wolford commented on the conditions all evening, saying how how patches of field were getting ripped up all over the place. Players slipped and fell all game long. The field contributed to Pat McAfee's "meh" punts and kick-offs, and likely contributed to both teams doing a sub par job covering on special teams (with the Jaguars looking much worse than the Colts).

So, while some might moan and complain that the 31 points will hurt Indy's defensive scoring average, or others might fret that this game "exposed" the Colts defense, my response is to calm down, stop being such a stats loser, and look at the game with the proper perspective. This was a game of attrition. The opponent wanted to wear the Colts down, and beat them senseless in the fourth quarter. They failed, and a big reason why they failed is the Colts defense.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Last night's game saw several players step up and deliver in the clutch, something the Colts have seemingly re-written the history books doing this year. Much maligned by Colts fans this season, the game was a bit of a coming out party for Colts strongside linebacker Philip Wheeler. Wheeler was handed the starting job during OTAs, but after pre-season he was benched due to ineffective play in favor of Tyjuan Hagler. Several weeks ago, Hagler was placed on IR with a torn biceps muscle and Wheeler, one again, was the starter. While we have definitely seen flashes of improved play (like the forced fumble on the goal line again Laurence Maroney and the Patriots) overall Wheeler's play has been sub-standard.

That was, until his 11 tackle effort last night, with several of those tackles key plays to stop human-wrecking-ball-Jones-Drew.

There was also Eric Foster, who played at both DE and DT last night. Foster notched two absolutely HUGE sacks in the game, with one causing a Garrard fumble on the Jaguars opening drive that should have been recovered by Gary Brackett. It wasn't, and the Jags kicked a 50-yard FG. Foster earned his second sack with 3:03 left in the 4th quarter, ending a Jaguars drive as they tried to reclaim the lead following Peyton Manning's 65 yard TD bomb to Reggie Wayne, which ended up being the game-winner.

(AP Photo/Phil Coale)

Speaking of Manning, this game, just like last year's contest in late December (almost to the day) against the Jaguars, might have locked up another MVP award for the best QB in the NFL. Other than Dallas Clark bobbling a sure first down that hit him square in the hands (with the deflection getting picked off by Daryl Smith), Manning was virtually flawless. For the second game in a row, he threw 4 TDs. His 134.4 QB rating in the game, against a playoff-caliber team on the road, is the kind of performance that locks up MVP awards. All the voters watched that game, and if they did not come away impressed they should have their voting rights stripped from them while a midget kicks them repeatedly in the nuts.

Unless Drew Brees looks equally impressive this Saturday (at home, not on the road like Manning) against the Cowboys, Manning likely has gained enough support to win his NFL record 4th MVP award.

Overall, I cannot shower enough praise on Colts coach Jim Caldwell, who managed this game exceedingly well. Freeney and Mathis are nursing injuries, and you have to think that if Tony Dungy were still coaching that both players would not have played. Caldwell placed the two stud pass rushers on a "pitch count," using them only on passing downs and in the fourth quarter. The result was David Garrard playing rather poorly.

Yes folks. He played poorly overall.

When you average 5.6 yard a completion, and 4.9 yard per passing attempt (as Garrard did), that is indeed playing poorly. 40 attempts and only 223 yards is pretty "ugh." Garrard also had a near disastrous fumble and he threw three INTs. The game was close because the fumble was not recovered by the Colts and two of Garrard's three INTs were dropped by Antoine Bethea and Kelvin Hayden. As many of you know, I'm not a Garrard hater or anything. I personally think he is a fine QB. But last night, he got lucky on several key plays. His luck ran out in the fourth quarter, where Garrard was simply pitiful. He had three chances to help his team score and possibly retake the lead, but instead was forced to punt once, took a key sack on the next drive, and on the final drive threw an INT to Lacey at the Colts 33 yard line.

To Garrard's credit, he is indeed a tough guy. He took a vicious hit from Eric Foster late in the game, and it seemed that for a couple of series, Garrard might have thought his name was "Batman." However, he didn't leave the game and didn't call a timeout to deal with the injury. Again, serious tough guy. Major props.

When all is said and done, you have to tip your hat to the Jags. We joked this year that they were "dumpster fires," but last night they played all out, guns blazing. They had fire, sans dumpster. They played the way a team desperate for a playoff spot should play. Special thanks to the Jaguars fan community at Big Cat Country for a fine week of blogging.

With the Colts 14-0 for the first time in franchise history, the discussion now will shift to "going for perfection." Myself and several of our writers here will pontificate on this subject for the next few days, and I'm sure many of you readers out there have your own strong opinions one way or the other. But, for me, after watching last night's contest, and seeing how this team has played all season long, my opinion now has changed somewhat.

The games "mean something" now, and I think the Colts should not rest any starters for Weeks Sixteen and Seventeen. This is a special group, and the deserve have the best players out there for four quarters these next two games.

Go Colts!

Ravens Now Control Their Own Fate

Bruce Raffel — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:53:55 -0000

Thanks to the pretty thrilling 35-31 victory by the Indianapolis Colts over the Jacksonville Jaguars last night, the Baltimore Ravens are now in the second Wild Card slot in the AFC. I cannot recall rooting so hard for the Colts to win since perhaps 1983 when they were still here in Baltimore! If you watched the game last night, it was non-stop offensive lead changing and not decided until the final minute before Peyton Manning had just earlier performed his magic on a game winning 65 yard TD pass to Reggie Wayne. That TD helped the Ravens as much as any they scored on their own this year.

Now the Ravens only need to win their last three games to ensure a post season berth and a solid chance for revenge in the first round with a matchup with either the Cincinnati Bengals or possibly even the New England Patriots, depending on what those two teams do in the final weeks of the regular season.

At the same time, if you look at all the contenders remaining schedule, it might even be a pretty decent possibility that Baltimore will still make the playoffs with a 9-7 record. With the Chicago Bears this week, followed by two road games at Pittsburgh and Oakland, the Ravens could finish 3-0 and almost definitely 2-1. A 10-6 record would definitely get us in at this point, but surprisingly, a 9-7 record may just be enough as well.

Look at the remaining schedule of the contenders:

Ravens (vs. Chicago, @ Pittsburgh, @ Oakland): Baltimore should go at least 2-1 or possibly 3-0, to finish either 10-6 or 9-7.

Dolphins (@ Tennessee, vs. Houston, vs. Pittsburgh): Miami will lose at the Titans this week and could win the last two or even split to finish at either 9-7 or 8-8).

Jets (vs. Atlanta, @ Indy, vs. Cincinnati): NY can go either 2-1 or 1-2, as I expect the Colts to play to win after a ten day rest, so they will finish either 9-7 or 8-8)

Steelers (vs. GB, vs. Baltimore, @ Miami): Pittsburgh can go anywhere from 3-0 to 0-3, although easily the toughest remaining schedule would make it more likely that 2-1 would be the most to expect, which leaves them at 8-8.

Jauguars (@ NE, @ Cleveland): Jacksonville should split these two to finish at 8-8.

Broncos (vs. Oakland, @ Philly, vs. KC): Expect the Broncos to lose at the Eagles, so they would finish 10-6 and if they tie the Ravens, we own the tie-breaker by virtue of our win over them.

The 8-8 teams will not have a chance to make the playoffs with so many teams still in the hunt. If none of the teams win out, then it would look like the Denver Broncos would make it as the first Wild card and the #5 seed in the AFC playoffs. Of course, if Baltimore wins out, we will either be the #5 or #6 seed. The Dolphins and Jets have a poorer conference record than the Ravens and if Baltimore wins at either Pittsburgh or Oakland, we will have the better conference record than either of them if we all finish 9-7. That would leave the Jaguars as our biggest competition but they play the New England Patriots in Foxboro in week 16, so hopefully that will knock them out of the picture.

Therefore,as you can now see, while we certainly can do away with all the tie breakers by just winning the remaining games, we would have the best shot of the contenders of still making the post season even if we finish 9-7. However, let's just start of the stretch by taking care of business this Sunday by beating the Bears at home and let the other teams continue to look up at us in the playoff race.

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