Credit the fans

by beester on Jan 16, 2007 8:25 PM EST

I am not sure to to credit for our defensive domination this post season. Wait, yes I am.

We all remember the home game vs. Titans, when our "INDIANAPOLIS" Colts defense was getting booed by our home crowd. If you don't remember, I DO. I was hurt, and saw a little bit of the crowd who was booing Jeff George, back in the 90s. But they were right to let our team know their frustration in the run defense.

To the crowd's retaliation to bad run defense, I believe that our defensive players made up their minds to put it all on the line for them, in the post season. Even, the coverage guys(Harper, Jackson, and David) have stepped up to help the stop the run. A good run stopping defense has 11 guys involved in the play.

We know that we have the best pass coverage unit in the NFL. If you guys don't, I DO! Our Nickel package has the best 3 CBs on the field at one time. That isn't even a quesion. But, these guys have been "LIGHTS OUT" on stopping the run as well.

As far as LBs go, BBS, I agreed with you about giving Freddie K a shot before Morris, since Rob already had his. But, man were we ever wrong. ROB "THE MORMON" MORRIS has been the lone guy who just is too much of a mismatch for any OL. He's been great. I'd say, for this post season alone, he's been worthy of the 1st round pick.

If I had a chance, I'd thank all of the guys on defense for making us proud. You guys have two games to go, and we have absolutely no doubt in our defense.

I've said this before, "we have the most potential, as a defense, in the entire NFL." But, they proved me wrong, now, "WE HAVE THE BEST DEFENSE IN THE NFL!"

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.

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Another factor

There is another reason that the Colts are playing possessed. Sure you can point to the return of Bob Sanders or the changes made by Tony Dungy and Ron Meeks. That is only half the reason for the sudden improvement. The players have improved tremendously at staying in their gaps and making tackles. The fundamentals have been worked on. Something had to happen for these players to come together as they are now and work as a unit. It could be a speech by Dungy or possibly Manning saying that he couldn't play both sides of the ball. Whatever it is, they deserve credit and I am happy to see them carry the team.

by Playoff Pride on Jan 16, 2007 8:51 PM EST reply actions

PP

I never mentioned Mr. Sanders coming back.
Nor, any defensive adjustments.

Rob "THE MORMON" Morris, is the only change, that I mentioned.

"GO HORSE!"

by beester on Jan 17, 2007 1:17 AM EST up reply actions

Beester

I meant the media. They have all pointed to the return of Bob Sanders as the reason the defense has improved. I was just saying that the credit belongs to all of the players and coaches.

by Playoff Pride on Jan 17, 2007 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

Couldn't be more true.

I hate it to hear the team booed. Trust me, they knew they were having problems. I think they tried to overcompensate which made things worse. They over-pursued, dove for tackles instead of wrapping up, etc. Great job by the coaching staff of refocusing these guys, and the guys have rebuilt their confidence. Although I know it will be hard to hold the Pats like we've done the Chiefs and Ravens, there is no doubt in my mind the defense will rise up to the occasion on Sunday.

Great post...

by the21eraser on Jan 16, 2007 10:25 PM EST reply actions

Come on

If we come out and play the same way againts the pats, as we played against the 1st 2 teams, then there is no doubt in my mind that we will win the game.

We don't have to step it up from what we did last week. We will do the same thing to their RBs.

Our CBs, will be facing the worst WRs in the NFL. THE WORST. A BUNCH OF "WE DON'T WANT THEMS." Against the best 3 CBs in the NFL. There will be no passing game for the pats. It's run or die.

And, DIE is what is going to happen for them.

"GO HORSE!"

by beester on Jan 17, 2007 1:26 AM EST up reply actions

asdf

while I agree with you overall, I can't say we have the best 3 CBs in the NFL. They've been playing GREAT foodball, no doubt. But the word "best" describes an overall level of skill and play that I don't think really applies to them and falls into the realm of hyperbole. We haven't had to face a team in the playoffs yet with a true downfield burner of a WR. I think that has helped them focus on the run and still play the pass well.

I might be wrong about the lack of a speed WR in the opposition, but that's the way I've seen it.

Charlie Weis Ate My Baby

by jdb on Jan 17, 2007 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

I don't think...

it's as much as they're the best 3 in the league, its that our defensive scheme protects them well. We've got a great pass rush with the front 4 which doesn't force us to blitz often. The more people who can drop back in coverage, the better the pass defense is going to be.

That being said, I can't remember the last time where a whole season went by where we weren't giving up at least one long TD pass per game. Excellent job by Harper, David, Jackson, and Hayden. They've played marvelously against not only the deep pass, but coming up and making plays on WRs and TEs who get the ball on the underneath stuff.

by the21eraser on Jan 17, 2007 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

I would argue ...

that you could talk about Harper as one of the best in the league right now. He's been absolutely lights out this season.

by PaytonMenning on Jan 17, 2007 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

3 Years ago, I wasn't impressed.

2 Years ago, I couldn't wait until Jackson cracked the starting lineup and replaced him or David

Now... I agree with your assessment. Overall, we do have an amazing trio, and I can't think of 3 I'd rather trade straight up for. I was thinking individually, but you're right... as a group they're "Lights Out" :)

by the21eraser on Jan 17, 2007 3:56 PM EST up reply actions