Why not 16-0?

by DaGeneral on Dec 10, 2009 11:49 PM EST

First off, the Colts are going to rest their players once they've clinched home-field advantage. I'm fine with that. I feel that our management has earned our trust, and so I'm not going to argue. However, I would just like to revel in the idea of playing through the season.

We've all heard (or at least read) about the players saying that while they want to win games, they are only concerned about the Super Bowl, because at the end, that's all that matters. I understand keeping to the script, speaking as one voice and all of that, but seriously? You wouldn't absolutely LOVE to be only the second team in the history of the NFL to go undefeated all the way through the SB, Peyton? As much as he knows about the history of the game, he has to realize how special that would be. And it all starts by going 16-0. I suppose that saying as much would go against his fine-tuned image, "I'm just out here to help this team as best as I can." I'm sure that goes the same for everyone else on that team. And, true, that is part of what I love about the Colts. They aren't a bunch of guys out to "get theirs". They are a team in every sense of the word. But personally, I have to believe they all want 16-0.

Pop quiz time. Name the last 5 Super Bowl winners (no cheating). ..........Time's up. The answer is: Steelers, Giants, Colts, Steelers, Patriots. Now, name the last 5 teams to go undefeated over an entire season, playoffs included. I think you get my point. Winning the Super Bowl proves that you were the best (and/or luckiest) team of the year. Winning the Super Bowl after a perfect regular season proves that you are one of the best teams of all time. I'm not saying that we aren't already. I'm just saying that it leaves no room for doubt. We've seen the Colts play some amazing 4th quarters this year. I just think it would be even more amazing to play to that same level over the 4th quarter of the season, as well.

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.

Tweet Comment 30 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I have to confess

I didnt read the post, because Im working, but let me say: I’m sort of bothered by the ‘the colts are going undefeated if they want’ talk.

I dont think the Colts are the only thing between them and 16-0, they still have 2 (or 3?) playoff teams on the schedule left One of those games is on the road, and a team that always plays the colts tough.

Im not going to make anymore bets… but I dont think it should be a shock if they lose one of those legitimately.

I wish they would go undefeated, 19-0, tap dat ass, plant the flag, storm the castle, etc… but Mathis is hurt. Hayden is hurt. Reggie is hurt. Chuck is hurt. Peyton is hurt. Regardless of the injury report, Bethea and Bullitt have been hurt for weeks. Session is hurt. Garcon has had an ankle problem all year. Donald is hurt. I’m sure Addai is nicked up in some way. This isnt like years past when people were mostly healthy and they just got rested, everyone is hurt. Freeney and Mathis especially, but all the skill guys, they need that freshness for their burst. If everyone is 100%, go balls out. You do play to win the game. I would rather not see it played like a preseason game, but if someone isn’t 100%, then I’d like to see em rested.

I would also like to see them give it the college try vs the jets, since it’ll be a good last chance to get some work against a 3-4.

Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.

by SpazMo on Dec 11, 2009 12:28 AM EST reply actions

uh-oh, please retract my one "yes" vote

I answered yes that i would like to see them go for it, but then read the next sentence “but if you would like for them to go for it.”

I’d enjoy seeing it, but would not like them to “go for it.” (You see, they could still get 16-0 even without “going for it” by gunning all the starters at 100 MPH) Subtle difference—if they happen to do it, I’ll enjoy watching it (the “see” part) but would not like them to make a specific effort to achieve it.

Kind of like breaking a diet—you enjoy the ice cream but know it’s wrong. So do you really “want” want the ice cream? When you thnk about it, no, you don’t want to eat it. That’s why you’re on a diet. Would you “enjoy” it? Of course. That’s why I messed up my vote and took ten extra lines to explain it.

Sorry.

I want a healthy Freeney and Mathis and CJ in the playoffs.

My impression is that the players want the SB as objective 1 but would also like 19-0 as 1b. They’re saying the right things, but it certainly would be cool and everybody knows it. But is not practical and may not be possible, for us in 2009 at least. We’re hardly a dominant force like the 07 Pats, and they didn’t pull it off.

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Dec 11, 2009 2:06 AM EST reply actions

It's as simple as this:

16-0 but lose in the playoffs = wasted, epically embarrassing season

14-2 but win the Super Bowl = amazing fairytale season that we can all look back on with fondness

Assuming that you trade your shot at one for a shot at the other (a reasonable assumption to make statistically speaking), it’s pretty clear what the right call is.

by slash196 on Dec 11, 2009 5:23 AM EST reply actions

If they rest their players and then lose in the playoffs anyway I think would be even more embarrassing, regardless of the final record.
Losing or not losing a regular season game does not guarantee that they will make/win the Super Bowl, being sharp, and playing well for those 3 weeks in Jan/Feb does. As we have all seen, regular season records count for squat once you’re in the playoffs (other than for homefield, but that has not helped the Colts much the last few years (vs. Steelers, Chargers) so you have to do what’s best to keep the team sharp, and ready to play from the kickoff, which I believe is to have them play the healthy starters like they normally would right on through to Week 17. There is always a chance for a freak injury, but that could happen on the first snap in Sunday’s game or it could happen on the first snap in the first playoff game, you can’t be afraid of injuries if you are playing football.
The Patriots didn’t lose because they went 16-0 in the regular season, they lost because the Giants D-line outplayed their O-line and they wanted it more. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won 2 or 20 games, hopefully 18 for the Colts (counting games in a row not just Reg. season games), in a row leading up to the Super Bowl, only how you play for those 3 hours.

by Sign in with your Yahoo! ID on Dec 11, 2009 7:41 AM EST up reply actions

Now THAt is a great screen name

were “dear applicant,” “state your name,” and “your name here” taken?

Dang, now I am thinking about Animal House…

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Dec 11, 2009 8:23 PM EST up reply actions

Just ask how Pats fans feel about the Patriots going undefeated in the regular season and then getting creamed in the Super Bowl.

"Yea, verily, we shall overcome thy pathetic attempts at defense, thou jelly-livered knave! Talk not of thy smack to me, for I shall wedge mine booted foot nine furlongs up thy ass, bitch! Canst thou dig it??"

by KingRichard on Dec 11, 2009 7:49 AM EST reply actions

Did we feel any better when we went 12-4, or 13-3 and didn’t win the Super Bowl?

by Sign in with your Yahoo! ID on Dec 11, 2009 7:56 AM EST up reply actions

We didn’t even make it to the Super Bowl in those seasons. How is that even a comparison? Are you trying to equate losing in a playoff game to the Super Bowl? Certainly you aren’t because that would be a foolish comparison, especially if they were undefeated going into the Super Bowl.

by KingRichard on Dec 11, 2009 8:12 AM EST up reply actions

Of course losing a playoff game is different than a playoff game, maybe I should have said, had the Pats gone 15-1, have made it hurt any less? Or in our case if we go 12-4, make the Super Bowl, and lose, would that be better? Losing the Super Bowl sucks no matter what the records, it just happens that if you lose going 16-0 you get made fun of, and called chokers.

by Sign in with your Yahoo! ID on Dec 11, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions

Sorry meant to say: losing a Super Bowl game is different than a playoff game.

by Sign in with your Yahoo! ID on Dec 11, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

You have to get to the Super Bowl in order to win the Super Bowl

If they rest a substantial amount of players for multiple games, they better win that first playoff game. If they do, then I don’t see them losing the AFCG and I don’t think there is a team in the NFC that can beat Peyton in the Super Bowl after 2 weeks of preparation.

I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.

by AceOfSpades on Dec 12, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

c'mon man... it's my lunch break

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Dec 11, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

lol

by KingRichard on Dec 11, 2009 1:17 PM EST up reply actions

You should give it to me

now that you have surely lost your appetite.

by diagenesis on Dec 11, 2009 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

We’ve all seen this team win, 12, 13, 14 games for years. We’ve only got one ring to show. Once we get our seed locked up, it doesn’t matter if we win more. The rest vs play arguement is useless. Peyton Manning has to show up and tear it up in the postseason. That’s what I want. I’d rather have Peyton dominate all the way to another ring then finish 19-0. Limping through a superbowl would be ok, but shutting up the media about the myth that Peyton has a postseason curse would be sweeter. And there are no people more qualified to make that decision then the people that have brought us this far year after year.

18>12

by metallicolts on Dec 11, 2009 9:02 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I agree with you. I stated first thing that I trust whatever the Colts do as an organization because I feel they’ve earned our trust. What I was trying to get at was that I think the players would like to go for an undefeated year (I think all of the “We only care about the Super Bowl” talk is just sticking to the script). I was also daydreaming about how awesome that would be for them as a team and us as fans if they pulled off the 19-0.

by DaGeneral on Dec 11, 2009 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

What ever happens is all good.

We’re having a hell of a season. I really believe the other teams fear playing us. Opponents leads mean nothing in a game with the Colts. Petyon has gotten into their heads, and is the commander on the field. GO COLTS!

"You can't defend the perfect throw, what can I say?" Peyton quoting Marino
"As I grow older, the list of people who can kiss my ass grows longer"-Ancient Hoosier Proverb.

by Indy Lori on Dec 11, 2009 10:27 AM EST reply actions

I see. Of course as a player(and as a fan) you don’t want to lose a single game. The goal is to win. But, it only takes one play to lose a key player(s). For me, 16-0 is not worth the risk of an injury. If we can get a lead and send the backups out for mopup duty and get to 16-0 that would be awesome! 19-0 is a great goal to have but the last 3 games is where we need to be healthy and playing well. Its our time, again.

18>12

by metallicolts on Dec 11, 2009 10:31 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Injuries

If Dwight Freeney or Gary Brackett was hurt while we tried to go for 16-0, we would all instantly regret the decision. You don’t get an extra trophy for going 16-0.

My only concern is that our offense is based on a precision passing attack. If we’re rusty in the playoffs, we’re in trouble. But I think that will happen with a bi-week anyways. So, yeah. Rusty + healthy > rusty + injured.

by hoosierdore on Dec 11, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions

You can't play scared

Having a team play with the idea that they are just trying to avoid injuries is a disaster waiting to happen. I think they will rest some of these guys on defense, because that is most important to me as the playoffs approach.

Also, we aren’t talking about resting the entire team because there just aren’t enough roster spots to go around. It will probably be starters for a half game and backups to finish or massive subbing throughout the game to keep guys fresh but still maintain the competitive spirit.

I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.

by AceOfSpades on Dec 12, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions

Then rest weeks 15/16 and come out full-bore week 17 in Buff. At least for the offense

to tune up for the playoffs (although there is still a week off after that)

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Dec 11, 2009 8:26 PM EST reply actions

That would be a good plan,

except the Buffalo game would be in inclement weather. Not fun.

"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.

by Cassieper on Dec 11, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

oops

see my reply below, Cass

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Dec 11, 2009 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

What are the real risks?

Slip on ice and fall? Could happen in the shower. Or in mud.
Pull muscles due to absolute zero temps? Yeah, so stretch extra and warm up. Some teams play in bad weather all the time—are their injury rates higher?

Inclement (Nate Clements?) weather is unpleasant, but I am not sure there is a higher likelihood of injury.

Also, tho they may complain about the cold (Edge, I’m looking at you—he never saw snow before he went to Indy), I assume there is a bit of a macho swagger boost to be had from competing against mother nature as well another team. If you’re looking for a momentum boost for the playoffs, there’s the “Man, I couldn’t even feel my toes and still I out-hustled his fat ass” factor.

I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.

by Bobman on Dec 11, 2009 8:49 PM EST reply actions

It was more meant

that the players would not necessarily want to go out and play in the cold and snow. What they say to the media is sometime s different than how they really feel. I would think many of them would want to sit next to that nice big heater instead of being out there on the field.

But that’s just my thought. I have no way to prove that.

"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir

Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: In England, the Speaker of the House is not allowed to speak.

by Cassieper on Dec 11, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions

No players like playing in cold weather

Even players on the Patriots, Steelers, Giants, etc that are guaranteed to have cold weather games admit they don’t like it, but it does enhance the “physical” factor when they show that they can win even when the weather isn’t great.

I would like the starters to play the entire game this week (obviously), and if they win, I would still like the majority of starters to play in weeks 15/16 and start week 17 before giving way to the backups.

Last year, the Steelers rested most players in week 17 but still came out sharp in the divisional round. Staying healthy is most important, but I really hope they learned the lesson of 2005 that you can’t shut it down with 2-3 weeks left AND A BYE WEEK and expect the team to pick right up where it left off.

I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.

by AceOfSpades on Dec 12, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

I think we could do it anyways

19-0 is kind of like the Holy Grail. In Indiana Jones, everyone that desired it ended up dying. Only Indy was able to find it because he was humble and was doing it for himself. Maybe we’ll actually get it by not caring, meanwhile, Sean Payton’s face will continue to whither like the guy who drank from the wrong cup.

by hoosierdore on Dec 11, 2009 9:26 PM EST reply actions

I'd like to see us play the starters for at least a half every week

But sit anyone who’s got anything more than a minor knock. Guys like Freeney and Mathis have to be healthy for us to win in the playoffs, whilst Session and the rookie corners could probably use reduced snaps to stay the right side of health, but the more time our offensive line and guys like Hayden can get, the better as far as I’m concerned.

If we go unbeaten doing that, so be it. But whilst I don’t think we should take unnecessary risks chasing a perfect season, I don’t want to see the starters build up six weeks of rust heading into a game against the Chargers or something, either.

by eltharion_doa on Dec 12, 2009 9:46 AM EST reply actions

If Gonzo and Vinny return

I would like to see them both play offense AND defense to get extra reps and get back into football shape.

Gonzo can be a DT and Vinny can be MLB because we all know that AV has top notch tackling skills……(see AFCCG during every long kickoff return and SB XLI).

I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.

by AceOfSpades on Dec 12, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions