SB Nation User Blog: peytonsthebest

Power Rankings - Week 15

peytonsthebest — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:32:22 -0000

Average Ranking thus far: 2nd

Fox Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): Like with the Saints, Indy's perfect season could not have happened without an improved defense. But does anyone out there outside Indianapolis realize that the Colts have the second-ranked scoring defense in the entire league? And speaking of takeaways, the Colts have forced two or more takeaways in a league-best 10 straight games

Associated Content ranks us 1st (nc): No change at the top of the NFL power rankings this week as the Colts won by double digits while the Saints were pushed to the brink by the Falcons. Both teams should be challenged in week 15 of the NFL season.

Pete Prisco @ CBS Sports ranks us 1st (nc): Do they rest or play on? That is the question. If they're smart, they'll rest. The games don't mean anything. Health does. Let me be crystal clear: the Lombardi Trophy hoisted by one Peyton Manning this year is the ONLY thing that matters.

Walter Football ranks us 2nd (nc): Previously: #2 - Poor NFL Network. First, no one can watch their programs because some cable companies don't carry the channel. Second, they had the misfortune of hiring Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin as "analysists." Third, they can't get much advertising, so they have to continuously show their annoying NFL Play 60 PSAs to their 10-20 viewers. Seriously, if I have to see Mario Williams kidnapping that poor child one more time, I'm going to lose it.

And now, a great game that the NFL Network has been waiting for might not even happen. Scott Hanson (who does a great job on the NFL Red Zone) has been pimping this Jags-Colts matchup since Week 9. Unfortunately, Peter King speculates that Peyton Manning and the rest of the Indianapolis starters may sit after a series or two at Jacksonville.

So much for that awesome matchup. And now, back to Hines Ward and A.J. Hawk frolicking with 20 kids. I really dislike the NFL channel. Really alot.

Vic Carucci at NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc): After disposing of the last team that figured to have a chance to hand them their first loss, the Colts have set the table for perfection. But no one expects them to sit at it.

Michael Silver @ Yahoo Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): If Jim Caldwell doesn’t win Coach of the Year, what would he have had to do to capture the award? Um...Lombardi?

'WEEI in Boston ranks us 2nd (nc): 13-0 With the Colts’ 13th win of the season, they clinched home field advantage in the AFC and broke the Patriots’ regular-season consecutive win streak record, a record that seemed to be untouchable at the time. Twenty-two straight wins for the Colts and counting. It seems like they are on a collision course to face the Saints in the Super Bowl.

ESPN ranks us 2nd (nc): The Colts won't go down easily at Jacksonville, but this game still means more to the Jaguars. (Kuharsky) Kuharsky is a douchebag. Yes, I said it.

National Football Weekly ranks us NFL.com's collective "brain" trust ranks us 2nd (nc): Theismann is still an idiot. Just sayin'

Sporting News ranks us 2nd (nc): With home-field advantage clinched, coach Jim Caldwell must decide how much to play his starters down the stretch. I'm getting the impression that being the first team to clinch homefield advantage throughout the playoffs is a bad thing. But the road to the SB goes through Indy, my friends!

National Football Post ranks us 2nd (nc): With the lead shrinking on Sunday, Peyton Manning took the Colts on an 80-yard drive to seal another victory. Can you say league MVP and Superbowl MVP? I knew you could.

WhatIfSports ranks us 2nd

Peter King @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): Entering a short week, the Colts are going to disappoint fans who flip on the TV Thursday night. Around 8:50 p.m., it ought to be the Curtis Painter show at Jacksonville, when Manning and Jeff Saturday and the vets who need time off start to get it.

USA Today ranks us ( to be updated 12.16)

FanHouse ranks us (to be updated 12.16)

CHFF ranks us ( to be updated 12.16)

Don Banks @ SI ranks us ( to be updated 12.17)

Jason Cole sucks and I really don't care what he thinks - this power thing could become addicting.

Power Rankings - Week 13 - Final Update

peytonsthebest — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:45:19 -0000

via cdn2.sbnation.com

Graphic by The Fabulous Indy Lori

Average Ranking: 2nd

Disclaimer: If you are easily upset by MSM ignorance, you should probably skip this post this week. While I agree with our ranking, some of the comments could be considered inflammatory for Colts' fans.

Fox Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): If not for the Saints' brilliance, the world would be fawning over Peyton Manning big-time with the way he's gotten Indy to 11-0. He's certainly not following the New Orleans' dominating script.

Associated Content ranks us 2nd (-1)

Pete Prisco @ CBS ranks us 1st (nc): They make it interesting, but they still find a way. The amazing thing is that they are winning yet not healthy. That's what a good quarterback does for a team. I had faith ole Pete would find a way to keep us in the #1 position.

Walter Football ranks us 2nd (-1): The Colts are also 11-0. The money they used to hire those SEC officials to hand them a win over Houston apparently came in handy. There's a great Colts' related comment under the San Diego ranking - I was yelling at the TV myself during Cris Carters' ridiculous comment.

Vic Carucci @ NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc): Yes, the Colts also are 11-0, but it doesn't seem quite as dominant as the one they've got going in the Big Easy. Please read his article - this one line isn't really representative of his thoughts.

Michael Silver @ Yahoo ranks us 2nd (nc): Can we conclude that Peyton Manning (notes) feels the same way about premature celebration as a certain Bears middle linebacker? I actually laughed at this comment, not bad.

WEEI in Boston ranks us 2nd (nc): The Colts have come back in the fourth quarter in five straight games. They don’t get frazzled in crunch time, they get better. A true sign of a championship team. Congrats to the 2009 AFC South champs

ESPN ranks us 2nd (nc): It's been forever since the Colts lost a regular-season game. The Titans will be a big test. (Kuharsky)

ProFootball Weekly ranks us 2nd (nc): Getting the idea they don't mind trailing by double digits.

NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc)

Sporting News ranks us 2nd (nc): To extend their regular-season winning streak to 21, they have to beat Vince Young. Here's another quote (emphasis mine): The Colts (11-0) have won 20 consecutive regular-season games, a team that seems impossible to fluster. By beating the Texans, 35-27, the Colts won their fifth consecutive game when trailing in the fourth quarter. Peyton Manning gets much of the credit but this is a complete Colts team, with playmakers on both sides of the football. And what about the job that rookie head coach Jim Caldwell has done? Guess he was ready to succeed Tony Dungy.

National Football Post ranks us 2nd (nc): Peyton Manning and the Indy defense reminded the Texans that the Colts still own the AFC South. Hear that, Titans' fans?

WhatIfSports ranks us 2nd (nc)

Peter King @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): We're watching an amazing season. I don't know how it'll end, but when you win five games in a row that you've trailed in the fourth quarter, you're having one of the most compelling seasons a team's had in years.

USA Today ranks us 2nd (-1): One more win would tie for most consecutive (21).

FanHouse ranks us 2nd (nc): With just five games remaining, the talks can shift from speculation to legitimate talk of whether or not they'll go undefeated. The biggest thing working against them might be the fact that they don't seem to care much about finishing 16-0. In the meantime, they've clinched the division and their next victory will get Indy to 12 wins for the seventh consecutive season. -- Matt Snyder

CHFF ranks us 2nd (nc): Last week: 35-27 win at Houston. It’s hard to believe, but despite all of their success the Colts have led the league in scoring only once during Peyton Manning’s amazing run as QB (32.6 PPG in 2004).

Don Banks @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): I get the feeling Jim Caldwell is going to approach things a lot like Tony Dungy in terms of easing his foot off the gas as the front-running Colts prepare for the playoffs. But why? That tact largely hasn't worked for Indy, whose track record of first-round playoff defeats after huge regular seasons is painfully obvious. I say go for the undefeated season and all the hoopla that comes with it. The guys with the horseshoes on their helmets have tried it the other way and somehow the necessary intensity always escapes. This is always a popular debate around here this time of year, BUT I think with Caldwell resting our players will have great results. I mean, he has rested them more during the season than Dungy did, right? Just a thought.

Jason Cole @ Yahoo - I think we've heard just about enough from him this week.

Power Rankings - Week 12 - Final Update

peytonsthebest — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:47:11 -0000

via cdn3.sbnation.com Graphic by the Fabulous Indy Lori

Average Ranking: 2nd

Fox Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): Indy's cruising along at 19 wins in a row, second only all-time to Brady/Belichick's 21 game-streak from 2006-08. Need more proof that Peyton Manning is the man? The Colts have set an NFL record by becoming the first team to win four consecutive games that they trailed in the fourth quarter of each. So many records to keep track of...this was news to me.

Associated Content ranks us 1st (+1): At this point, I almost expect the Colts to go 16-0 before losing in the divisional playoffs to the San Diego Chargers. The Colts have a three game lead on the entire AFC. They don't win pretty, but they win. If the Colts can find a rushing attack, they would be nearly unstoppable. Gotta love the backhanded compliment. AND, btw, we are NOT losing to SD again in the playoffs this year, dammit!!!

Pete Prisco @ CBS Sports ranks us 1st (nc): They won four games in November by a total of 10 points. They're not dominating, but they are winning.

Walter Football ranks us 1st (nc): Sure, Peyton Manning is 10-0 and has just won two tough games, but I don't care! What's up with him ruining Dallas Clark's fantasy owners by passing the ball to Tom Santi all the time? Can't Manning just stick to the basics and pass the ball to his big fantasy guys? There's no reason to involve Santi at all. None, Peyton! Get your act together, you jerk! And yet another reason to not involve oneself in FF.

Vic Carucci @ NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc): They've ridden on the edge all the way to 10-0. But their luck just might run out at Houston. I'm going out on a limb and predicting that our offense finds its mojo this weekend while our defense remains awesome. I think we win by 10+ points. That's right, you heard it here first.

Yahoo's Michael Silver ranks us 2nd (nc): Does any NFL player do more with less measurable talent than inspirational middle linebacker Gary Brackett?

WEEI in Boston ranks us 2nd (nc): The Colts’ bend-but-don’t-break defense stepped up in the red zone and held the Ravens to field goals instead of touchdowns. Indianapolis leads the league allowing an average of 15.7 points per game.

ESPN ranks us 2nd (nc): Even when the Colts don't play particularly well, opponents haven't seized opportunities. (Kuharsky) Why does Kuharsky even bother with the rest of the AFC South? He lives in Nashville, he used to be the beat writer for the Titans, he refuses to even try to be objective. He's getting on my last nerve.

Pro Football Weekly ranks us 2nd (nc): Peyton Manning looked in postgame interview like he had lost. And THIS is why I say the offense torches Houston on Sunday.

NFL.com's Collective "Brain" Trust ranks us 2nd (nc)

Sporting News ranks us 2nd (nc): Don't judge them by how their wins look. Judge them by how frequently they win. Finally, someone who makes sense.

National Football Post ranks us 2nd (nc): Winning at Baltimore is just another example of how the Colts can play different styles of football—which is big come the postseason.

WhatIfSports ranks us 2nd (nc)

Peter King @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): Peyton Manning looked like his dog had just died during his postgame press conference, but that's because he seeks perfection, and the offensive performance was hardly perfect in the escapist 17-15 win over Baltimore. Interesting stat passed along by Scott Parsell of Indianapolis,: "In November, the Colts have outscored their opponents by just 10 points but are still 4-0."

USA Today ranks us 1st (+1): Last four victories have been by a combined 10 points.

FanHouse ranks us 2nd (nc): There shouldn't be a day that goes by without someone in Indianapolis giving thanks for what the union of Archie and Olivia Manning has provided, but this season there should also be some gratitude shown to defensive coordinator Larry Coyer. His more aggressive approach to defense has helped the Colts survive injuries in the secondary well enough to make an undefeated season a real possibility. I know there are more than a few people here who give thanks daily.

CHFF ranks us 2nd (nc): Last week: 17-15 win at Baltimore. The Colts are now an incredible 12-0 in games decided by a touchdown or less during their current 21-game regular-season winning streak. Unfortunately for them, in the middle of all this success is a loss by 6 at San Diego in the 2008 postseason.

Don Banks @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): A Colts win and a Jaguars loss this week clinches the division for Indy, even before November is done, and that's just too much time to idle and get ready for the playoffs. As one of the top two seeds in the AFC, Indy wouldn't open up in the divisional round until the weekend of Jan. 16-17. That's an eternity from now, and there's only so much rest a football team can make good use of. We've seen the Colts ease into the postseason in the past, and not always with good results. That's right, Don. If Indy clinches the division this weekend, they're taking the rest of the season off - dumbass.

Some idiot from Yahoo who goes by the name Jason Cole ranks us 3rd (And you are going to looovvve this!): That’s three straight weeks where the other team gave them a win. Tip to vintagephoenix

Power Rankings - Week 11

peytonsthebest — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:38:17 -0000

via cdn0.sbnation.com Graphic by Indy Lori

Average Ranking: 2nd

Fox Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): The guy gets so overshadowed by the massive attention deservedly thrust in his QB's direction, but seriously, what a catch by Reggie Wayne to beat the Patriots. And what a night by Wayne, a game-high 10 catches for 126 yards and 2 TDs.

Associated Content ranks us

Pete Prisco @ CBS ranks us 1st (nc): They should send Belichick a Christmas card. What a gift. They face a tough road game this week at Baltimore. Why does everyone doubt the Peyton could have gone the 70-80 yards in just under two minutes? Had he not just done that twice before? Plus a little love for Bullitt and our D is in order, I think.

Walter Football ranks us 1st (+1): What a comeback by Peyton Manning. I'm upset that he didn't cover, but I needed the Colts to win straight up in 610WIP.com's Survivor Pool (we had to pick the winner of the Colts-Patriots game on top of our survivor selection because there are 3,000 people remaining out of the 22,000 that started). So, when New England was up 31-14, I prepared the following Sunday night notes about Indianapolis: 1. Why is Peyton Manning throwing all of these interceptions and ugly incompletions? He must have snorted coke before the game. The NFL should suspend him for violating the substance policy or kick him out of the league entirely! 2. Pierre Garcon is the worst wide receiver of all time. By my estimation, he has dropped 84 passes in this game alone.
3. The refs are blind! New England defenders are carrying small, invisible knives and stabbing the Indianapolis running backs when no one is looking! That's why Joseph Addai and Chad Simpson had to leave early. How are the officials not seeing this!?

Vic Carucci @ NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc): Sure, the Colts benefitted greatly from Bill Belichick's off-the-wall call, and they've lived on the edge for much of the season, but they're legitimately one of the very best teams in the league.

Yahoo's Michael Silver ranks us 2nd (nc): Yo, football gods: If Jim Caldwell didn’t lose on Sunday, will he ever?

WEEI in Boston ranks us 2nd (nc): Peyton Manning can’t be stopped, but the Colts secondary was very much exposed Sunday night. The Colts will need their defensive backs to step up. I doubt they receive any more gifts like the one Bill Belichick gave them.

ESPN ranks us 2nd (nc): At an odd crossroads of being undefeated and having a lot of issues to work through at the same time. (Kuharsky)

Pro Football Weekly ranks us 2nd (nc): Patriots-Colts II, circa mid-January. You know it's coming.

NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc)

Sporting News ranks us 2nd (nc): After an assist from Patriots coach Bill Belichick, still unbeaten as they visit Baltimore.

National Football Post ranks us 2nd (nc): Would you give the ball to Peyton Manning at the 28-yard line? That was too easy for the league’s best QB.

WhatIfSports ranks us 2nd (nc)

Peter King @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): I am reminded of a Jack Buckism. I don't believe what I just saw. Amazing comeback win by the Colts.

FanHouse ranks us 2nd (nc): Witchcraft or not, Peyton Manning just finds a way to continue winning games. The Colts have now won 18 consecutive regular season games. Home field advantage throughout the playoffs is on the horizon and it could pave the path to their second Super Bowl championship. -- Matt Snyder

USA Today ranks us 2nd (nc)

CHFF ranks us 2nd (nc): Last week: 35-34 win vs. New England. Peyton Manning is 5-0 this year when asked to pass 40 or more times in a game. How good is that? Only one QB has gone 6-0 in a season passing 40 or more times and his name is John Elway (1985). Last we checked he was pretty good. Manning, with seven games still to play, is well on his way to smashing that record.

Don Banks @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): Buried amid the never-ending Bill Belichick debate was a rather disconcerting reality for the Colts: Young receivers Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie simply weren't ready for their big-game close-ups Sunday night against New England. Garcon especially struggled against the Patriots, dropping passes and putting even more pressure on Peyton Manning to rely on Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark. The Colts have been survivors this season in any number of ways, but it's hard to see them going as far as they want to go with only two reliable receiving options.

Some of Peyton's best commercials in one click.

peytonsthebest — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:17:54 -0000

Some of Peyton's best commercials in one click.

I swear, I could put these on a loop and watch them 24/7.

Enjoy!

Kravitz picks Pats and Brady

peytonsthebest — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:07:01 -0000

Kravitz picks Pats and Brady

I really didn't think it was possible to hate this douche any more that I already did. My disgust has increased this morning exponentially.

This dude needs to move out of Indy and cover another team - NE, perhaps?

Power Rankings - Week 10 - Updated

peytonsthebest — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:45:08 -0000

via cdn2.sbnation.com Graphic by Indy Lori (aka "The Awesome")

Average Ranking to date: 2nd

Fox Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): FIRST-HALF BLESSING: Even mostly without perennial All-Pro safety Bob Sanders, the Colts have been benefactors of the NFL's best scoring defense in the first half. And oh yeah, that Peyton Manning fellow ain't too bad, either. Yeah, I think he's a keeper.

Associated Content ranks us 2nd

Pete Prisco @ CBS Sports ranks us 1st (nc): They're finding ways to win, but they aren't playing great. The offense is moving the ball, but not scoring touchdowns. That can't happen this week against New England. Ya think?!

Walter Football ranks us 2nd (nc): Huge game between the Patriots and Colts coming up. To get an inside look, let's go to Keyshawn Johnson, who had this to say about Peyton Manning recently: "He's quarterback human like all the quarterbacks in the NFL." Apparently, when we weren't paying attention, some people evolved into something called a quarterback human. So kids, if you're reading this, just know that you have no chance of becoming a quarterback in the NFL unless you've evolved into a quarterback human. If you haven't, too bad. There's always baseball. Keyshawn, C'mon, man!!!

Vic Carucci @ NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc): Are injuries starting to catch up with the Colts? Sunday night vs. the Patriots should be very telling. Yes, my blood pressure is already high. btw, he gives both Dallas and Caldwell some love.

Michael Silver @ Yahoo Sports ranks us 2nd (nc): Don’t you get the distinct feeling that the next passer to throw for 40,000 yards in a decade will also be Peyton Manning? I like his thinking this week! That's some Kool Aid I could get used to. D-Free gets some love in this article!

WEEI in Boston ranks us 2nd (nc): Two straight weeks of mediocre play from the Colts. However, they still were able to pull out the win in each game. It will be interesting to see how the injuries on defense will affect them.

ESPN ranks us 2nd (nc): Let the hype begin for another giant Patriots-Colts game in November. (Kuharsky) Is it just me, or is Kuharsky a tad slow...like "short bus" slow?

PFW ranks us 2nd (nc): Have to wonder if defensive injuries will catch up with them. Notice a reoccurring theme, here?

NFL.com ranks us 2nd (nc)

Sporting News ranks us 2nd (nc): Next up, the Patriots: Another midseason duel between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

National Football Post ranks us 2nd (nc): The Colts may have survived at home, but that is what playoff teams do when they are on the ropes.

WhatIfSports ranks us 2nd ( nc)

Peter King @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): Dates of the last five Pats-Colts games as the November sweeps continue to dictate the scheduling of this big game: Nov. 7, 2005; Nov. 5, 2006; Nov. 4, 2007; Nov. 2, 2008; Nov. 15, 2009. And the hype has begun...

FanHouse ranks us 2nd: Only one team in the AFC has a higher point differential and it's by a single point. That teams? Their Week 10 opponent, of course. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The Colts already have a stronghold on the division and a win here would give them a similar grip -- at least temporarily -- on the AFC. -- Matt Snyder

CHFF ranks us 2nd (nc): Last week: 20-17 win vs. Houston. Amazing fact of the millennium: Of Indy's 11 current starters on defense, only rookie Jarraud Powers and DE Dwight Freeney were drafted higher than the fifth round.

USA Today ranks us 2nd: CBs will get big test vs. Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Patriots.

Don Banks @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): Though neither quarterback will probably ever admit it, I've always wondered if Peyton Manning and Tom Brady get a bit weary of having to face each other every year in such a Game of the Century hype-fest? It's always about the quarterbacks and who's better and who's more valuable and who would you rather have? Blah, blah, blah. It's like having the exact same argument with family members each and every Thanksgiving, right after dinner. My hunch is they enjoy it to a certain degree and endure it to a certain degree. Brady probably even missed it some last year when Matt Cassel took over, but I'll bet it didn't spoil Manning's day one bit to beat New England 18-15 without No. 12 in the New England lineup. Frankly I love how the MSM complain about the "hype fest" while they hype it up.

Covers.com ranks us (to be updated 11.12)

Power Rankings - Week 9 - Final Update

peytonsthebest — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:50:57 -0000

via cdn1.sbnation.com (graphic by Indy Lori)

Average Ranking to date: 2nd

Fox Sports ranks us 2nd: Speaking of perfect teams thus far, the Saints' mirror-images in Indy have silently won their last 16 regular-season games dating back to last season. Of course, this year's competition has been right up there with the Big 10's non-conference schedule — the 4-3 Cardinals are the only winning team to face Peyton Manning.

Associated Content ranks us 1st (?): They are sooo screwed up they did their rankings Sunday. There is an addendum here which includes some rant about Peyton not being a good choice for MVP and the Colts playing crappy teams. They are so contradictory, moving forward they will no longer be a part of these rankings. Remaining at #1, the Indianapolis Colts continue their undefeated season with an 18-14 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The Colts continue to have one of the better scoring offenses and defenses in the league. They have been winning games with offense and other games with defense. Peyton Manning is the NFL's best in the clutch. In addition, they did NOT have us ranked at the #1 spot last week.

Pete Prisco @ CBS Sports keeps us in 1st: They didn't look great against the 49ers, but they found a way. That's what good teams do. It has to be good having Bob Sanders back again.

Walter Football ranks us 2nd: Peyton Manning somehow threw for 347 yards amid a pretty poor performance. At one point Sunday afternoon, I posted the following in the Live In-Games Thread on the forums: "Manning playing like a drunk. No offense to drunks." Forum member Wraith immediately responded: "Manning playing like Kerry Collins. No offense to drunks." Very true, Wraith, except that Collins would have been dishing out racial slurs as well. And because I have a sick and twisted sense of humor, I found that funny.

Vic Carucci @ NFL.com keeps us in 2nd: For the third time this season, the Colts actually had to work for a victory. Once again, they proved they can handle the pressure.

Michael Silver @ Yahoo keeps us in 2nd: If Jim Caldwell quit today, would he go down as the Rocky Marciano of coaches? Grrreaat. A boxing metaphor.

WEEI in Bahston keeps us in 2nd: The Colts seem to be able to find a way to win whether it looks good or not. Despite Peyton Manning having zero TD passes against the 49ers, the Colts still managed to win the game. Great teams will struggle at times but always find a way to win.

ESPN drops us to 2nd (-1): Is the toughest month of the 2009 schedule about to begin with a visit from the Texans? (Kuharsky) Ya think, Paul?

Pro Football Weekly keeps us in 2nd: Caldwell's last loss as a head coach was in 2000 at N.C. State.

NFL.com's Collective Brain Trust keeps us in 2nd

Sporting News also keeps us in 2nd: If they beat the Texans in Week 9, the AFC South race will be over — if it's not already.

National Football Post keeps us in 2nd: The Colts found a way to win with the winning TD pass coming from someone other than Peyton Manning.

What If Sports keeps us in 2nd

Peter King @ SI keeps us in 2nd: I wouldn't be too alarmed about the so-called struggling Colts on the heels of their narrow win over San Francisco. Thirty other teams in the league wish they were struggling like this. Lots of teams are going to be up and down against the San Francisco defense. One other little clue about Indy's four three-and-outs against the Niners -- NBC compatriot Tony Dungy said he was fairly sure the 49ers offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, a Colts assistant in 2002 and 2003, shared a few clues about Peyton Manning's play-calls and fake-play-calls at the line during the San Fran practice week leading up to the game.

Fan House keeps us in 2nd: Squeaked out a home win over the Alex Smith-led 49ers. Still, a win's a win, and that's what the Colts do. That is now 16 straight in the regular season, giving them a 82-21 record since the beginning of 2003. -- Matt Snyder

[Updated 11.4.09]

CHFF keeps us in 2nd: Last week: 18-14 win vs. San Francisco. Peyton Manning threw for 347 yards but no scores against the Niners. Since the start of 2006, he’s thrown at least one TD pass in 50 of 55 games.

USA Today bumps us up to 1st (+1): They make a good point at the same time: Colts have started 7-0 despite not having a 100 yard rusher.

Don Banks @ SI keeps us in 2nd: It's all so crystal clear now, right? Two undefeated teams remaining, and nice and neatly, one from each conference. It's going to be the Colts-Saints in Miami in early February. Thanks for playing, but we have our winners. Please drive home safely. Then I remember that last year at this time, the Super Bowl matchup was equally clear: The 7-0 Titans were destined to play the 6-1 Giants. Case closed. Only thing is, neither one wound up actually winning a playoff game. Year before it was Patriots-Cowboys, and that turned out being only half right. Get my point? Things can change in the league known as (N)ot (F)or (L)ong. I'm not sure why our team was graced with that rambling.

Covers.com keeps us in 3rd: The Colts can pretty much lock up the division with a win against Houston, but their 30th ranked schedule has us wondering how good they really are.

"A lot of quarterbacks try to fool you. They'll use their hard count and try to get you to show...

peytonsthebest — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:04:19 -0000

"A lot of quarterbacks try to fool you. They'll use their hard count and try to get you to show your hand, show your blitz," Goldson said. "But when you've been in the game for a while, you can tell when a bluff is called."

49er's Safety with the green dot, Dashon Goldson

We shall see, Dahson. We shall see.
The writer of this article hearts Peyton Manning, btw.

Power Rankings - Week 8 - Final Update

peytonsthebest — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:41:16 -0000

via th00.deviantart.net

Average Ranking to date: 2nd

Fox Sports keeps us in 2nd: As cool as the Saints are these days, Peyton Manning has been frightening opposing defenses for a decade now. Despite their light schedule thus far, the Colts have been cruising on offense by averaging over 400 yards and nearly 30 points every Sunday.

Associated Content ranks us 3rd (+1): You can't move a team up in the rankings when they simply beat the Rams. They gave up 134 yards rushing to Steven Jackson. That could be a problem later. And yet they did.

Pete Prisco with CBS Sports ranks us 1st (+1): When will they be challenged? Maybe when the Patriots visit in November. Until then, they will keep this thing going forward with Peyton Manning leading the way.

Walter Football ranks us 2nd (nc): Did the Colts beat the St. Louis Rams or the St. Louis Billikens yesterday? Must be the Rams because the Billikens don't have a football team, but I still wouldn't be surprised if it was the Billikens.

Vic Carucci at NFL.com keeps us in 2nd (nc): After pounding on a bottom-feeder, the Colts could face a slightly tougher challenge vs. the 49ers -- but they're still going to be 7-0 when it's over. About Peyton (who's #1): He continues to be machine-like in his ability to keep his game in the stratosphere.

Michael Silver at Yahoo keeps us in 2nd: Of all the amazing things Dwight Freeney (notes) has accomplished in his eight-year career, is his current streak of seven consecutive games with at least one sack the most impressive?

WEEI in Boston keeps us in 2nd: 6-0-0 Peyton Manning is playing better than he ever has in his career. Since Manning has been playing so well, the Colts defense has fallen below the radar. Indy’s D is giving up just 12.8 points a game. That’s the second-best in the league. I suspect they are going for the reverse-jinx as well (as is Bill Simmons.)

ESPN keeps us in 1st: Can the 49ers and Frank Gore provide more of a challenge than recent opponents? (Kuharsky) I hope we don't end up missing Ed.

Pro Football Weekly bumps us up to 2nd (+1): Their next outdoor game is in Week 11 at Baltimore. YAY!

NFL.com Collective Brain Trust ranks us 2nd: I'm not doing the math on this one this week. I'm also thinking our buddy Joe got my message from LT.

Sporting News ranks us 2nd (nc): Ready to play every week, they have won their last four games by at least 17 points.

National Football Post keeps us in 2nd: The schedule is laid out for Indy to rest their starters in December. Should we or shouldn't we? /ducks

What If Sports bumps us up to 2nd (+1)

Peter King @ SI ranks us 2nd (+1): The only remotely alarming thing I saw out of their 15th consecutive regular season victory was safety Bob Sanders leaving the field with 14 minutes to go, presumably to ice up for the 10-game schedule ahead. When that's the worst thing to happen, you're a very good team.

FanHouse ranks us 2nd (+1): You get the feeling that the Colts like all of the attention being paid to the league's other remaining unbeaten teams as they stealthily fly under the radar all season. Attention will be paid at some point, if only because Peyton Manning might be having his best season ever. This was added only because I liked what they had to say. If I don't like it next week, they're out. I love having this power. heh heh heh

[Updated 10.28.09]

CHFF ranks us 2nd (nc): Last week: 42-6 win at St. Louis. What do you give the team that has everything? How about three straight home games (SF, HOU, NE). The Collts haven’t played any of the other current top 10 teams in the rankings, and has only Denver and New England to come. That’s a nice setup for a team that’s 6-0 for the fourth time in five years.

USA Today ranks us 2nd (nc): Jim Caldwell can be first rookie head coach to start 7-0.

Don Banks @ SI ranks us 2nd (nc): With six of Indy's next nine games at home, we're going to start hearing plenty of speculation about the Colts' latest run at a perfect season. So here goes: There's the annual showdown against New England on tap in Week 10 at Indy, a Week 11 trip to Baltimore that could be tricky if the Ravens defense rebounds, and a Week 14 visit from Denver. But those look like the only remaining challenges of the first order. I don't want to hear any talk of a perfect season, you hear me? It's bad mojo.

Covers.com ranks us 3rd (nc): The schedule starts getting tougher after three straight layups. The good news is that the next three games are at home.

GO COLTS!!!!

A very special thanks to Indy Lori for creating this awesome artwork! I can't even draw a stick figure. I asked for her help yesterday and I had so many awesome graphics to choose from this morning in my email! Thank you Lori!