The Grass is Always Greener...

by bicepbob on Oct 28, 2008 1:31 PM EDT Comment 31 comments

The Colts have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL during the 21st century. I have a hard time sitting through this season as much as anyone else, but give me a break! All this crap about Dungy's mentally aloof and his heart isn't in it, Peyton's not the same, Marvin's washed up and we should cut him at the end of the season, the defensive scheme is crap and we need 3-4... seriously people get a grip!

First, Coach Dungy deserves more credit than that; he wouldn't be coaching if it weren't where he wanted to be. He has integrity if nothing else and he's still the same coach who lead the Colts to a superbowl and those 7-0 seasons we've come to EXPECT! Secondly, football still is a team sport and just because Peyton and Marvin are having down years thus far, doesn't mean they're individually playing poorly. That's just an argument that doesn't hold water if you know anything about football. Finally, there's nothing wrong with Cover-2. ALL defenses have their weaknesses, even 3-4! If there was one invincible defense, the whole league would be playing it. The truth is there's not and its more about execution than scheme in the NFL. Look at the 06' Colts D in the Playoffs!!

If the Colts had Bill Cowher at the helm, Peyton throwing to DeSean Jackson, and a 3-4 scheme on D, they'd still have issues...guaranteed!

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.

7 recs | Comment 31 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Rec

Can we plz give this post a rec, folks?

SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account and post a diary, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.

by BigBlueShoe on Oct 28, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank You!!

by TouchdownMonkey on Oct 28, 2008 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like you bicepbob share your sentiments

From the darkness of losing I saw light at the end of the tunnel. The offensive line looked a lot better last night, the defense played the run alot better, and players are coming back. The schedule seems diffucult, but only in name. The Pats, Chargers, and Jags are not the powerhouses we expect them to be and our offense could hit its stride again.

I recall another adage coupled with the first I used. Its not how you start, but how you finish. 9 weeks is alot of football.

by metal_militia on Oct 28, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You are Right

Everything is just dandy.

by jharrispcs on Oct 28, 2008 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No everything isnt fine and dandy

but to simply give up on the season, is really stupid

by metal_militia on Oct 28, 2008 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m pretty sure he was being sarcastic.

The King of anti-fail.

by KingRichard on Oct 28, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

obvioudly

but his sarcasm sounded like a shot towards this post, as if to say “whats the point?”

by metal_militia on Oct 28, 2008 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tired

of irrational fans unwilling to admit that there is a BIG problem. Unfortunately, Dungy and the players have their head in the sand too. It is frustrating watching the unraveling here. I have seen it happen to so many other teams who, I am sure, reacted the same way by not admitting the problems. Now I know that no one individually, or probably collectively, can do one thing about it. However, it is frustrating to read post after post of people clearly in denial and then some even accuse those who don’t agree that everything is just dandy as being trolls or not good fans. I am sure there are overly optimistic Cincinnati fans who think that they will be in the Widcard hunt and a Superbowl is inevitable. This however does not jive with reality. That’s all I am saying.

by jharrispcs on Oct 29, 2008 4:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, well it is also frustrating to read post after post

of people who are dumping on the Colts, writing them off, and ripping their leadership over one mediocre season. And then some even accuse those who are trying to stay somewhat positive and supportive of having our heads in the sand or ignorant. Then we get to hear some compare our team with the Bengals.

So I know what you mean about frustration. Everyone don’t have to agree with you either, or be considered ignorant morons because they post something more optimistic than your funeral eulogy.

by coltsfanawalt on Oct 29, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Thanks for making my point. Who compared the Colts to the Bengals? I want to reply to them.Oh, and who called someone ignorant? I would like to address them too.

by jharrispcs on Oct 29, 2008 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funeral Eulogy?

I hit post too quickly. So saying that everything is just dandy is regarded as sarcasm because that is obviously not true but stating the OBVIOUS that we have BIG problems means I have written a funeral eulogy? Jeesh, talk about having to walk on egg shells around here. Also, when you have the level of talent that the Colts have on their team, there is no reason NOT to expect more than mediocre. If we had mediocre players, I would expect mediocre play. Maybe you should rip the players in the locker room that subscribe to many unhappy Colts fans that drastic improvement is needed and that the performance this far is unacceptable. I guess they are giving a eulogy too? Professional teams play for championships, period. That’s why they make the money they do.

by jharrispcs on Oct 29, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. All thirty-two teams make the money.

Not just the Colts. And I am disappointed in their play and this season. I was responding to your post of calling some “irrational fans” because they are posting something other than that there is a “BIG problem”. You can’t bash everyone whose tone you don’t like and then not take it when someone doesn’t agree with yours. Talk about having to walk on eggshells…

by coltsfanawalt on Oct 29, 2008 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playoffs?

I believe a previous Colts coach has bewildered look on his face saying, “Play-offs, are you kidding me, Playoffs?” When reading some “irrational fans” around here suggesting playoffs and bashing people like myself having stated that the team doesn’t seem to play like their heart is in it, then I come to my own defense and suddenly I am the jerk and sarcastic. I was termed practically not a fan when I think that any centered individuals could agree that the Colts don’t look like the Colts of previous years. You and others don’t have to agree with me, just don’t bash those who have a different viewpoint as being Colts haters. I can be a fan and voice my displeasure over poor play.

by jharrispcs on Oct 29, 2008 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fine.

This is circular and being seen from opposite sides of the same coin. I am trying to also say that you (and some others these past days) don’t have to agree with me that hope isn’t lost yet, just don’t bash those who have a different viewpoint as being an irrational fan or an uncentered individual.

Again, this is circular. We are both a bit frustrated over our team, everyone is. People express it differently. And people who take the approach that bicepbob did in this fanpost, which I happen to agree with, don’t enjoy being berated for our view by other angry and disappointed fans, or treated with such sarcasm. But all this shows that you don’t like being the receiver of such, either.

I will say that I laughed at your Jim Mora reference there. I had thought of bringing that up to lighten things on the site, but I thought I’d give it a couple more weeks. I’m sure that someone like Jake the Snake will post the video one of these days again. Meanwhile, let’s go Colts! Please.

by coltsfanawalt on Oct 29, 2008 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for a great write up, bicepbob.

by coltsfanawalt on Oct 28, 2008 7:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Good essay, but this doesn’t change my opinion about the Colts playing mediocre football this year and are in serious trouble.

The King of anti-fail.

by KingRichard on Oct 28, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, buck up.

You have Sanders and Addai back for this game, so the run game and the run defense should be better. Those 2 were huge last year, and if you can get them on track, the potential for making the playoffs is there. Funny thing, football. Some of the most insignificant things can turn a season around

"Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory...lasts forever."-Shane Falco, "The Replacements"

by Ironman63 on Oct 31, 2008 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good read.

Very positive. I won’t give up on the season. However, my expectations are considerably lower now.

Plus, I don’t know about everyone else, but I had to rant today. My husband is a Giants fan, so I can’t vent to him. Think about it…I get crap about Eli being “better” than Peyton. Sure, he’s just messing with me and I love Eli – BUT COME ON NOW! Some days I just want to punch him. Instead of that, I come here….and rant.and whine.and complain. And another marriage has been saved. heh heh heh

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Oct 28, 2008 7:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I could stand the Eli-Peyton comparison...

… but my husband is a Pats fan… I’m hearing Peyton v. Cassel!!!

by LovinBlue on Oct 29, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OUCH!

I can’t imagine…I am sooo sorry. I don’t think I could marry a Pats fan. Seriously. You’re a better woman than I am, that’s for sure.

The good thing is that I actually like the Giants as a team.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Oct 29, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

i like the sentiments and I know no one here is going to give up on this team. I also agree with metal militia, the improved run D was very encouraging, however, we seemed completely unable to stop really annoying 3rd down passes to their tight ends Monday night which allowed the titans to keep moving the chains and eventually get fat ass in the end zone. The offense, well i’m not going to start about that. My expectations are now lower, it’s only rational, but that doesn’t mean I or anyone else here will be cheering any less enthusiastically for this team. We have problems, but so does everyone else and Dungy is sure as hell not one of them.

by scottishcoltsfan on Oct 29, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+2

by coltsfanawalt on Oct 29, 2008 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Titans defense

I think the Colts coaching staff should study the Tennessee defense and then try to do what they did defensely. From my viewpoint, it looked like their pass defenders were on us like glue, but we didn’t show that same tenacity. We should be defending like that too, right? I mean, isn’t it common sense to make it as difficult as possible for a receiver to catch the ball? If that means giving their receivers less space from the line of scrimmage, shouldn’t we be doing that? I think if the Colts can fix that, it’ll be a huge step in the right direction defensively. On the other side of the coin, if I were coaching other teams these past 6 years, I would study the Colts offense and try to duplicate it. The Titans gave a very good example of how to frustrate a quarterback.

by Ayrshire on Oct 29, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not likely. The Colts don’t change anything for anyone. They’re too good to change. They just “do what they do” (lol) and that’s that.

The King of anti-fail.

by KingRichard on Oct 30, 2008 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep, everything is great in Colts land. Peyton is not playing poorly and is instead playing at the same elite level as he has for 5 seasons. His numbers clearly point this out and his numerous bad decisions and under throws. OR wait, his numbers are lies handed to us by the government. Or wait, his numbers and play is just an illusion. Or wait, his numbers do not matter right but when his numbers are great they do. Anything I guess to flip it to try and back your argument….

Are some people here this fragile that they can’t accept reality? Stating FACT does not mean you dislike something. Peyton is my favourite current athlete and second favourite EVER but he is flat out playing like crap right now. I can admit this yet still cheer for the guy and still say he is a GREAT QB who could turn things around and finish with a very good season. He is simply STRUGGLING and thus I will accept it and comment on it. Right now at this given moment in time, Peyton Manning has regressed in his decision making. That doesn’t mean he will never get back to where he was. I liken it to the stock markets. When things go down it doesn’t mean they will forever. Nope, things bounce back. MANNING WILL BOUNCE BACK but who knows when it will happen and until it does the FACT is he has regressed.

Same with the Colts. They are my favourite team, I think based on talent they have one of the best teams in the nfl but they are simply NOT PLAYING WELL RIGHT NOW and it has nothing to do with being spoiled or any other lame shit. Just look at the fuggin numbers and you’ll see how bad they are playing. If this was Dallas or any other top tier team playing this way EVERYONE here would comment on the issues but because it is Indy I am supposed to ignore this and rationalize it away each week? Bullshit.

Flat out, the 2008 Colts are struggling for WHATEVER REASONS and until I see them turn it around I will continue to say that THIS YEAR the team is not good. That does not mean they are washed up and will never do well. All it means is that RIGHT NOW IN THE REAL WORLD this team is not that good. Maybe the switch will be flipped and they will win the next 9 games and go on to win the SB but it is idiotic to act like it is a certainty that it will happen and to bust on people who are clearly accepting reality which AGAIN is that so far the 08 Colts are not that good.

It is amusing how some have childlike thought processes here and think if you criticize something/someone or are disappointed with something/someone that you magically dislike it/them.

Some of you people should get into politics with your spin.

by loregnum on Oct 29, 2008 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

rose colored glasses

I think most of us had admitted that the Colts are playing badly by their standards. They’re dropping passes they didn’t drop in previous seasons, Peyton is not on the mark as often, and a general slew of bad play calling is obvious. We’re used to greatness and we’re seeing a lot of mistakes. And, you’re right, some people are putting an unrealistic spin on it. Then again, others are ripping them a new one. I don’t think it’s all one-sided as you’re suggesting. I have blamed Dungy for some of the problems and have cited a lack of intensity and good judgement on his part, and I have had some people vigorously come to his defense. It certainly doesn’t mean I don’t like him as a person. One thing we all can agree on is that the team better sharpen up soon and kick some serious ass this Sunday!

by Ayrshire on Oct 29, 2008 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Right again.

And we do need to win Sunday. For so many reasons. One would be so we can stop the insanity towards each other. Everyone here is disappointed, and trying to express that in front of other fans who express it differently is a likely way to have debate and such. But I think everyone here (minus the true trolls) loves the Colts team. Just fustrated fans.

by coltsfanawalt on Oct 29, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Frustrated.

Most definitely. And I agree that everyone here (the Colts fans, not the trolls) really loves this team. If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be so frustrated. It’s an emotional investment. IMO.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Oct 29, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But try to stay positive with the frustration.

I tell you, we are spoiled by the success of our 2 teams. When they take the field, I expect a win, especially when it should be a lock. But now, there is that little tickle of doubt in the back of your mind because some of the good parts are missing and the replacements have us running out of tune. Our teams are not exactly mirror images the way we play, but the success of the two franchises are. We both started winning about the same time, and except for a blip here or there, it has been a great ride.

I personally believe that the two surgeries on Peyton’s knee has had more of an effect on his ability to move a little and may be why his passes are eradic at times. Maybe when he transfers his weight to the left knee, the pain pushes him off balance. It wouldn’t take much to cause a poor pass.

I wouldn’t say I love Indy, but I definitely respect what they have done and what they are capable of at any time.

"Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory...lasts forever."-Shane Falco, "The Replacements"

by Ironman63 on Oct 31, 2008 12:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the positive words.

I’m frustrated, but I have hope that every game we go into we will win. That possibilty always exists for this team, as it does for yours.

I agree with your assessment of Peyton’s knee, after watching him throw Monday nite, my observation was that he was himself in the first half. In the second half, however, he didn’t seem to plant his left leg as he normally would. His throws became wobbly (sp) and looked more like they had been lobbed. Like he was relying more on his arm than his usual mechanics.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Oct 31, 2008 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm the eternal optimist

But I don’t think we’ve played very well, or been very good, this year.

I don’t think that’s being a bad fan, it’s just facing reality. Right now, we’re an average team. The beauty of the NFL is that next week, we might be a good team again. Who knows?

by eltharion_doa on Nov 4, 2008 6:38 AM EST reply actions 0 recs