Great Colts of the Decade: 2000-2009
by Brad Wells on Dec 21, 2009 12:53 PM EST
in Great Colts of the Decade
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PrintThis 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.
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lol
Well, it CAN’T be Vandershank, that’s for sure!! lol
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 21, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
It's got to be Vinatieri
Super Bowl champ with us, kicked 5 times against Baltimore in the Playoffs…game winners vs San Diego, Denver, etc.
GO COLTS!
Agreed.
I have a special commemorative Topps football card of Vinny and the Ravens game.
He may have had the bulk of his miracle clutch kicks with the Team That Shall Not Be Named, but he had plenty of great moments with the Colts too, including that SB run.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
best "no name" player
Ex………Dan klecko………Luke Lawton………….Bryan Fletcher………..Aaron Moorehead………..Terrance Wilkins………Monte Reagor
Tim Jennings
Hands down.
"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."
— Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses)
by Addai Another Aday on Dec 21, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
Corey Simon
wins that one.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
the united way with the kids one was pretty funnny
"You only get intercepted when you don't know what your doing, I knew what I was Doing".
Johnny Unitas
by 805 on Dec 21, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions
The SNL sketch?
"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."
— Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses)
by Addai Another Aday on Dec 21, 2009 6:30 PM EST up reply actions
yes i think
"You only get intercepted when you don't know what your doing, I knew what I was Doing".
Johnny Unitas
by 805 on Dec 21, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
That's not an actual commercial, though.
Disqualified.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
My Votes
Best RB- Is Edgerine James. Addai has been great, Rhodes was great, but neither have impacted the team like Edge.
Best WR- I think we can all agree that this goes to Marvin. It’s a shame he had to go out with the image of a money hungry bastard, but he was a hell of a receiver and I hope the Colts will sign him again to retire a Colt.
Best LB- Ill get back to you on this one. I’m leaning towards Brackett cause of his story and how well the guy has played over the years.
Best Asst. Coach- Have to go with Jim Caldwell. The guy made the transistion to Head Coach pretty seamlessly and has led this team to 14-0 with 7 come from behind wins in the 4th quarter. That’s pretty damn good if I must say so myself.
Best Manning moment-Im torn between breaking Marino’s single season TD record with a pass to Stokely in 2004 against the Chargers, and the Wild Card game against the Broncos in 2004 when he threw for 458 yards. There is just so many…the comeback win against the Bucs in 2001. Geez…this one one is tough
Best Play of the Decade-Gonna wait till after the Jets game for this…it could come then.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
Best Manning moment for me at least
was seeing his expression when he finally got to the Superbowl in 2006. (Let’s face it, everyone knew that whoever won the AFC that year was going to be able to beat the Bears) Either that or when he finally won a Superbowl.
"Pressure is something you feel if you don't know what the hell you're doing."-Peyton Manning
by P0RKINS2 on Dec 21, 2009 1:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
That's not hard to answer..
Jeff Saturday…runner up to Gary Brackett..
by DevilsReject on Dec 21, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
This^^^
Anyone who has a problem with Joseph should stop watching Colts football. It's unfair to expect a back to replace Edge, and Addai has been excellent in all areas when he is healthy.
by DontHateAddai on Dec 21, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
Personally, I'm torn between Rhodes and Brackett
Bethea’s turning into an absolute gem, but it’s too recent a development for me to classify him as a “best” of player. Soon, yes, but it’ll cross decades. Anyway:
Rhodes: Dom and James Mungro stood in for an injured Edgerrin James way back when (‘03? ’04? ’02?), and Rhodes was a whisker away from being the Super Bowl MVP. I think he’s actually a strong candidate for a “Best Free Agent” category.
Brackett: He anchored a position that was filled with disappointment from the Rob Morris days (for the record, I loved the hell out of ole Morris – his attitude was always terrific, and he always did anything the Colts asked of him – but he never did live up to the hype of his draft position). He’s been able to cover on the pass, and lately he’s proven the ability to blitz. He’s been captain of the defensive unit for how many years now, and has the respect of everyone on that unit. The only problem I see with him as a candidate is that he’s rather unsung; you have to be a Colts junkie to realize and understand what he’s done. That’s not his fault – Freeney and Sanders got almost all of the defensive press over the decade – but they’re drafted, and I’d say Gary’s play is at least the 4th most important contribution on that unit, after Freeney’s pass rush, the cornerback-of-the-season’s coverage, and Sanders everything else (remember, we’re talking the decade, not this season).
------
"How can a pickup truck contain enough mass to unfold into a towering machine? I say if Ringling Brothers can get 15 clowns into a Volkswagen, anything is possible."
We should make an all-decade Colts team
QB: Manning
HB: James, Addai
TE: Dallas Clark, Marcus Pollard
LT: Tarik Glenn
LG: Lilja
C: Saturday
RG: Scott
RT: Diem (I don’t know a lot about our early 2000s o-line, I was around 8 years old)
WRs: Harrison, Wayne, Stokely
GO COLTS!
"I don’t know a lot about our early 2000s o-line, I was around 8 years old"
OMG. I just threw up. What are you? 15?
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue. Please make an account so you can post a FanPost, make a FanShot, add some comments, and make some noise. Accounts are free, and only require an email address.
Haha
Think about how those of us over the age of 40 feel. ugh.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 21, 2009 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
Fine wine and all that jazz
You won! I only give out one “chin up there buddy!” per month! WOOOO!
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Happily I have only one chin.
lol – I crack me up.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 21, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
Ken Dilger needs to be in there instead of Pollard
by summerstallion on Dec 21, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That's a penalty
for 12 men on the field. Take out Addai from 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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
Defense:
DE: Freeney, Mathis
DT: (Tough one): Booger, Raheem Brock
LBs: Brackett. Rob Morris? Marcus Washington? Mike Peterson?
CBs: Nick Harper, Kelvin Hayden, Special mention to: Marlin Jackson (Brady pick)
SS: Bob Sanders
FS: Antoine Bethea
K: Adam Vinatieri
P: Hunter Smith
H: Hunter Smith
LS: Justin Snow
ST: Rob Morris, Melvin Bullit.
GO COLTS!
Thats arguable..
But in my opinion, he contributed more to our team this decade than Marlin.
GO COLTS!
Darrell Reid
needs to be our special teams ace.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
Best contributor to a rushing performance
Addai/Rhodes in the SB.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Most Reliable Off-Sider: Tarik Glenn
Glenn’s my favorite olinemen of the decade. But he loved those false starts…
Glenn was a beast
I miss him. Even with his false starts. Early retirements make me sad. But at least he’ll be healthier for it.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
^^this^^
He frustrated the crap out of me at times, but I always loved him!
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 21, 2009 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
* Best Colts running back of the decade Edge
* Best Colts wide receiver of the decade Marv
* Best Colts linebacker of the decade Brackett
* Best Colts assistant coach of the decade Moore
* Best Colts moment of the decade AFCCG comeback
* Best “Manning Moment” of the decade Deep ball TD in the pouring rain with a defender hanging off him in the SB
* Best play of the decade Sanders flying up to deflect (and nearly pick6)the Brady pass to Troy Brown that would have let them run out the clock in the 06 AFCCG
* Best individual performance of the decade by a Colts player Peyton against the Phins this year. 14min TOP, scored 27 points and averaged 13 yards per dropback.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
Nice.
I had forgotten about the Bobzilla play.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
That's a perfect
picture of him.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
Another category
Least Favorite opposing player.
An easy one for me, former Colt Mike Peterson. Played like a complete punk once in Jax. Late hits, personal fouls, cheap shots whenever he played his former teammates. Ironically was a favorite when he was a Colt.
Least favorite opposing player
Ty Law by far.
"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."
Who thankfully
didnt have a good game when we played the Broncos 2 weeks ago
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
Bob's right
Ty Law was a skillful and wily opponent. Rodney Harrison was just a complete douche who knocked himself out of weeks of playing time dislocating his finger trying to rip Marvin’s helmet backwards when he was on the ground. I may dislike players for their ability to show up big against us (SPROLES!!!!!), but I dislike Rodney Harrison as a human being. At least what he’s shown on the field. Another Romanowski if you ask me.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Yep.
Completely agree.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
a few category suggestions
So every one has a voice and a minimum amount of greatness is left on the cutting room floor, I suggest
Best 88 catch (diving/rolling one-hander vs Tenn I n2003? Tap it back to myself in the EZ vs the pats in 2005?)
Best 87 catch
Best other catch
Best ST play
Best former Colt (still playing elsewhere)
Best short pass… medium pass… long pass….
Best UDFA signing
Best FA signing
Best play call (yikes! There have only been a million)
Current Colt—not a pro bowler—most likely to make the pro bowl and/or ring of honor
Best former unlucky-numbered Canadian kicker who is easy to ridicule
Oh, and bar-none, the best Goddamn football player in any football league, at any position, and it’s not even close.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
I've been coming up with a list of Best Plays
For the whole afternoon now. I’ll write them all down once I get some time.
Some love needs to be given to the early decade Colt plays too…
Creator and developer of the Winning Stats.
This one's too tough
I’d say getting Corey Simon, but it was only for a season. I could also say getting Booger because that was pretty key to winning the SB. I’d say the best Polian move was making no moves and drafting his own players really.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
+63
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
This one's not too tough
Best RB – Edge
Best WR – Marv (If the decade were a year longer, Reggie would probably take this)
Best LB – Has to be Brackett, although the best LB on the team this decade is Washington
Best AC – Tom Moore for understanding and letting Peyton do his thing
Best moment – 
Best comeback – AFCCG. The TB/Houston one were more impressive out of context, but knocking off your arch rivals to get to the promised land can’t be explained in words alone.
Best defensive play – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3_hi7gOjE0
Best offensive play – Go to 2:50 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1q3ubEX1jk&feature=fvw
Best O-lineman – Tarik Glenn
Best D-lineman – Freeney
Best TE – Dallas
Best DB – Jury’s still out
Best “Manning Moment” – Winning the Super Bowl MVP
Best Play of the Decade – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTv0PTiQbZo
Best Individual Performance – I’m going to go with someone other than Peyton, but Peyton’s Thursday night Jacksonville game last year stands out. Kind of a tossup between Dallas’ Dolphin game this season and Marvin’s 2003 TB comeback game. Or Vinatieri’s 2006 Ravens playoff game.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Best Manning Moment.
There’s 2: Peyton getting picked by the Colts as their francise QB in the draft.
Peyton picking apart the Bears Defense in SuperBowl 41.
"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.
That first one
isn’t this decade though.
"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: Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.
One of the best Manning Moments.........
"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.
Love the topic!
- Best Colts running back of the decade- Edge
- Best Colts wide receiver of the decade-Marvin
- Best Colts linebacker of the decade-Gary B
- Best Colts assistant coach of the decade-Moore
- Best Colts moment of the decade- Got to be the AFC championship
- Best “Manning Moment” of the decade-49 touchdowns
- Best play of the decade-Marlins Int. to go to the Superbowl
- Best individual performance of the decade by a Colts player-Whole Colts team comeback against TB.
Best assistant coach?
Peyton.
"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."
— Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses)
by Addai Another Aday on Dec 21, 2009 6:36 PM EST reply actions
The Best Manning Moment Was
If you guys remember this or not. It was the fake “spike” against New Orleans right before the half. I cant remember what year it was exactly. But I know it was before replay. If people dont remember…..Manning faked the spike, started walking off the field in disgust and ran in for a touchdown. But the play was blown dead by the ref. Too me it was the best play ALONE I have seen Peyton have.
by TimJennings4MVP on Dec 21, 2009 7:05 PM EST reply actions
Hurray for Google
From http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/112501/jag_7912443.html
Published Sunday, November 25, 2001
NFL CONFIDENTIAL: Manning fake fooled even the ref
By Vito Stellino
Times-Union sports writer,
Former Miami quarterback Dan Marino set the gold standard for the fake spike when he threw a touchdown off one against the New York Jets a few years ago.
But he couldn’t match the theatrics Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning came up with against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday.
Manning’s fake was so good that he faked out the referee.
“I’ve been saving that one for a while,” he said.
After throwing a 14-yard pass with 14 seconds left, the Colts rushed to the line and Manning took the snap just as the clock ticked to 0:00.
He turned to referee Jeff Triplette with the football in his hand and his head shaking.
“I unbuckled my chin strap and kind of whined and pleaded for one more second,” he said.
Manning turned away in disgust and began jogging around right end. He appeared to be heading toward the locker room in disgust, even though the locker room was on the other side of the field
When he got to the end zone, the Colts wanted a touchdown. But Triplette said he had gone for the fake and blown the whistle and the play was dead. After huddling, the officials put a second back on the clock and the Colts kicked a field goal.
The Saints weren’t amused. Coach Jim Haslett was furious.
“He snapped the ball with no time on the clock. It was clear. I talked to the league office and they said the same thing. They had a receiver getting set and, to add insult to injury, the whistle went off and our players stopped. There’s no doubt he wouldn’t have scored a touchdown. He ran right by two of our players who didn’t even move,” he said.
Whether it was legal or not, it was a savvy move by Manning even though the Colts lost, 34-20.
I Just Googled Peyton Manning Fake Spike
by sandtiger812 on Dec 21, 2009 8:44 PM EST up reply actions
Best Colts running back of the decade: Edgerrin James
Best Colts wide receiver of the decade: Marvin Harrison
Best Colts offensive lineman of the decade: Jeff Saturday
Best Colts defensive lineman of the decade: Dwight Freeney
Best Colts linebacker of the decade: Gary Brackett
Best Colts defensive back of the decade: Very tough, but I am leaning towards Bob Sanders.
Best Colts assistant coach of the decade: Tom Moore
Best Colts moment of the decade: The second half of the 2007 AFC Championship Game.
Best “Manning Moment” of the decade: 6 TD passes on Thanksgiving in 2004 against Detroit.
Best offensive play of the decade: In the 2004 Broncos-Colts playoffs game when Marvin fell down after making the catch and the Broncos players were arguing over who blew the coverage and Marvin ran into the endzone untouched.
Best defensive play of the decade: Kelvin Hayden’s INT return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI.
Best individual performance of the decade by a Colts player (besides Peyton Manning): Reggie Wayne in the 2005 Broncos-Colts playoff game.
Best Marvin catch: The one-handed diving catch against Tennessee.
Best Reggie catch: The one that won the game against Houston in 2008.
Best other catch: Stokley for number 49.
Best ST play: When Reid lit up the Titans’ Chris Henry.
Best former Colt still active: Brandon Stokley
Best UDFA signing: Gary Brackett
Best free agent signing: Brandon Stokley
Best playcall: Letting the Patriots get a 21-3 lead in the AFCCG just to have their hearts ripped out. I love it when the Colts give other teams false hope. They like it to since they have done it 7 times this year.
Current Colt—not a Pro Bowler—most likely to become one: Jerraud Powers
Best late-round steal: Antoine Bethea
Best Manning commercial: That old NFL game trash-talk one.
Best unheralded player: Dan Klecko
bar-none, the best Goddamn football player in any football league, at any position, and it’s not even close: Brandon Stokley
"Brett Favre was a man who thought he was retired, but he knew it wouldn't last."
defensive back
what about mike doss??
by morganalexanderthefly on Dec 22, 2009 9:33 AM EST reply actions
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