Another reason why Jim Caldwell and Bill Polian's decision to bench starters was cowardly
by Brad Wells on Dec 28, 2009 1:38 PM EST
in Colts Analysis
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PrintApparently calling the decision to bench starters when the Colts were up 15-10 "cowardly" is damning myself with my own words. Whatever. I'll simply post a great quote from one of our readers, Reds_Colts1975:
The Big Picture is that we had a chance to make history, but we chickened out. Fear of Success masquerading as Fear of Failure.
When you make a decision based on fear rather than strength or courage, that is cowardice defined. Pulling starters because of the fear that they would be injured in a game management deemed "meaningless" is a decision based out of fear, especially when the fanbase, media, and likely the players all thought the game meant something.
Thus, the decision is cowardly.
I don't know any other way of making that sound more logical than it already does, and if I'm damned for sounding logical, then it's better to rule in Hell than serve the blind, deaf, and dumb.
Another point I'd like to make about the cowardly decision to sit starters and throw the game against the Jets: If the threat of injury was such a concern, why not just have Manning hand the football off from the third quarter onward? At least his presence on the field would have provided the threat of a pass. With Curtis Painter in there, the Jets loaded up the box and torpedoed the Colts putrid attempts to run.
With Curtis Painter in the game with other back-ups against the Jets #1 ranked defense in football, the Colts went three-and-out on four of their final five drives.
The one drive where they didn't go three-and-out was because of Painter getting sacked and fumbling on the Indy 20 yard line with 1:29 left in the third quarter. The Jets recovered the fumble in the endzone to score a TD and take the lead for good. Caldwell tried to challenge the obvious fumble in a hopeless attempt not to look foolish, but ended up looking even more stupid by challenging the call and wasting a timeout.
So again we go back to benching Manning.
If the issue was avoiding injury, why not bench Manning at halftime, or two series in, or possibly just let him hand the football off from the 5:36 point in the third quarter onward? The offensive production would have been about as affective as Painter's, likely sans turnover. And without that turnover, the Jets likely lose and the Colts stay undefeated while also avoiding injury.
Best of all words, right?
Or, did the Colts simply want to lose this game to avoid the "circus" of an undefeated regular season. If that is indeed one of the reasons, it doesn't get more cowardly than that.
The more I examine this decision, and the more arrogant Bill Polian gets when confronted with its obvious stupidity, the more I feel these two gentlement will rue the day they ever made it. It was a cowardly call based out of irrational fear, and like all decisions made with this justification, the result breeds anger, frustration, and confusion.
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the sad thing is then should have handed the ball off to waist clock but didn't.
from the moment painter came in they handed the ball of a GRAND TOTAL OF THREE yes (3) times. that is not going to get you anything in a game especially with a rookie 3rd string QB. there is no logical excuse to be made for this, if they would have done it we would have at least had a better chance at winning. plus your supose to waist clock when your ahead and when you have a rookie you normally run the ball to take pressure off him.
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
Well said BBS... Scared to be great....
Kinda surprising that Irsay didnt want to go for it either…..
DID SOMEONE SAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Bronco Fan..Colts admirer
As a football fan I gotta’ chime in. Staring immortality in the face and NOT choosing the road less traveled (or in this case NEVER traveled) is complete failure on so many levels. If it were my team i would be nothing less than disgusted. Caldwell just shit on history and YES that does count for something even though trophies aren’t handed out for it. Colt’s won’t be stopped this year. But a quarter and 1/3 of football snatched immortality from your guy’s hands.
Anyway, beat the snot our of the Dolts when you get the chance!
Are you NOT entertained!?!? -Maximus
Hey, why drag the Chargers into this
We are also entitled to perfection-envy, just the same as Broncos fans.
Agree again....
The “bench your starters” policy is one of the most asinine, illfounded, and moronic theories in sports history. Don’t even give me the “rest” argument….as far as I am concerned, shaking off the rust is a lot bigger concern to me than worrying about the fact that (GASP), my team’s players played an ENTIRE GAME two weeks ago……OMG! And as far as injuries are concerned….what are a few extra quarters in the course of an entire season?
Like the Patriots or not (I sure don’t), at least they had the balls to go for perfection.
This team management always plays scared at the end of a season.
And, what is the typical result? That’s why I posted a month ago saying I wish for once the Colts would take an aggressive, go-for-it all, rip of their heads attitude all the way through to the superbowl. Wishful thinking I know. But, why not try it at least one year? We’ve seen time and time again what happens when you play it the other way. ‘Scared to Be Great’ is shameful! Shameful! Shameful! Shameful! Shameful!
I mean
the odds of Peyton Manning getting injured were about as good as Curtis Painter actually being able to protect a 5 point lead against the No. 1 Defense in Football. As in: NOT VERY GOOD.
"Pressure is something you feel if you don't know what the hell you're doing."-Peyton Manning
by P0RKINS2 on Dec 28, 2009 2:02 PM EST via mobile reply actions
y'all need to relax
this game meant nothing and undefeated means nothing. The ’72 Dolphins are remembered for being undefeated, great. The ’85 Bears are remembered for being a great team (possibly the greatest).
It has always been in Polian we trust, in Caldwell we trust, in Manning we trust. Now with one swift wave of the hand and an evaporation of special teams in the 2nd half they are phonies and cowards? If this loss influences your opinion of this Colts team and its abilities then you need to take a step back and re-tool your grip on reality.
90% of you having been saying undefeated, meh, it’d be nice but being healthy for the playoffs and a SB that’d be great! Now that the undefeated is out the window for the sake of health (mind you it was the #1 defense with something to play for. One person takes one play off and someone’s season is likely done) everyone is screaming the sky is falling. Chill. Understand that the A squad will be back for a half next week with some additions in Session and Garcon…etc… and they’ll maintain their rhythm against the Bills and some like Donald Brown will get their’s back, before taking a week off at home and tooling up for the first playoff game. Everyone on the field that got them there all of them as healthy as an ox.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
by JustAJ on Dec 28, 2009 2:02 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Manning wanted 19-0 as much as we did. (if not more)
"Pressure is something you feel if you don't know what the hell you're doing."-Peyton Manning
by P0RKINS2 on Dec 28, 2009 2:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
so.......
he doesn’t make the final decision. Ask Brad Childress or Brett Favre.
(If it would make you feel better take away ‘in Manning we trust’ I was just kinda ranting there.)
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
can we please stop focusing on undefeated
they quit. Quit. QUIT.
They quit.
Btw, as happened yesterday with a few people, we arent telling you to get all upseyt and frantic, please stop telling us how to think. We’re entitled to our own opinion. I don’t think anyone is questioning or doubting the players, just management.
Thats everyones right, if you don’t like it, tough titty said the kitty when the milk went dry.
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.
not telling you what to think
I’m just telling you what most of you ‘claimed’ to think 2 weeks ago when this was a possibility and what you ‘think’ now.
Then I’m trying to put it all into perspective, and the big picture says relax and enjoy the ride.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
I cant speak for anyone else
but I don’t need you to put anything into perspective for me, thanks, though.
I, personally, am not concerned about the undefeated season. Im concerned about being a fan of a team of quitters.
The big picture which has gotten the Colts more super bowls than any other team this decade, right? Oh, wait.
I promise you, no one needs to ‘relax’. No one is losing sleep over this. No one is sick over it. People are discussing it the same they discuss anything else Colts related. But you and shake and king richard sound awesome on your pious high horses, though.
afk to beat my wife and kids because the colts lost yesterday.
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.
so you can express an opinion
but when we tell you ours and give you some advice to ease your mind we’re on our high horses? You’re such a victim.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
Im not telling anyone how to feel
You can share your opinion. Your pious when you tell others they are wrong for theirs.
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.
oh gosh, just rereading it
‘when we tell you ours and give you somd avice to ease your mind’
Seriously, who the hell do you think you are? Lol. Yes, BBS, myself, and 89% of the others posting on this board are so out of whack in our real lives that we need guidance from you. Thank you, oh wise and great one.
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.
OT: I love your new profile pic
It’s very appropriate after yesterday’s game. lol
Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!
he's going to need a prozac
after they lose to the bills
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.
I see your point
I’m disappointed at the way the Colts’ management did it. I felt that the starters should’ve least played 3 whole quarters and during the fourth, they should’ve started pulling guys out. Not when there’s only a 5 point lead and both sides of the ball is playing rather well.
Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!
Enjoy what ride? The ride of
‘a loser mentality’ who packs it in at a franchise’s most shining moment? I don’t care to get on that ride.
Um, what?
The 1972 Dolphins are considered by EVERYONE to be the greatest team in NFL history. The 1985 Bears are just the same as the 2007 Giants: A Super Bowl winner.
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.
Not true at all. They are not considered at all to be the greatest team.
But, they’re always in conversation which is more than what this Colts team can hope for now even if they win the Super Bowl. Even if we had gone undefeated, not many would say we were the greatest because of how close so many of our wins were. There was no domination on offense or defense. The only chance we had was to go undefeated.
Not that any of that matters in the grand scheme of things. 20 more minutes and a supremely winnable game at Buffalo should have mattered a little more to the management than proving some point about how they don’t care about going undefeated. They probably chose to lose yesterday so they wouldn’t have to risk playing in Buffalo. That’s just crap.
That was the one confusing thing
These guys (the core) already have their one ring. There’s no guarantee that winning/losing yesterday will help them win/lose in the playoffs. It makes no sense to not try to immortalize yourselves (although, again, thats not the issue for me)
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.
Schefter
mentioned on Mike and MIke this morning that the 1972 Dolphins record seems completely irrelevant now. With the Pats getting a perfect regular season and the Colts repeatedly emphasizing that they weren’t going for it (and pissing off their fan base when they actually did what they said would do), the enshrined greatness of the Dolphins record seems to matter less and less.
Not agreeing or disagreeing really, but this is what they were riffing about. That said, I think Schefter wanted them to go for it. Of course he did: what the hell will ESPN do now without its “Pursuit of Perfection” story to roll every five damn minutes?
by tenyardfight on Dec 28, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions
Rec'd.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 28, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
An interesting read on Boston.com
The title is ‘A Loser’s Mentality’. Unfortunately, every last fucking word of it is absolutely true.
That article
Also references a story I wrote, which makes me feel dirty.
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.
Those are harsh words BBS.
I don’t like the use ot the word cowardly.
"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.
Harsh, yes
I don’t like using them either. But, the truth is rarely anything but harsh.
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.
You haven't convinced me it was cowardly.
You may be correct. I just don’t know, time will tell.
"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.
I thought it looked that way
was at the game and noticed that Addai suddenly disappeared.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
It happened in the first quarter
Brown played the rest of the game.
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.
yeah he got one run after the TD and was done
didn’t see what happened. Just assumed he hit his pitch count.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
yea i dont think he was hurt i thik he was just playing some and it was planned that he would come out
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
well cant be that bad wise we would have seen something on the field
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
you said he was hurt this week? that would make no sense as he didn't play
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
He was hurt during Jags
and he said had it happened this week at Jets he would not have made back for playoff game.
ok this is better. so sounds like he will be back for the playoff game and that he indeed needed this game off
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
F.....POLIAN and CALDWELL
I hope when contract time comes up, Peyton,franchised or not, tells them both to go F them self.
Polian
His contract was just recently extended.
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.
and you're an idiot for saying that
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
of course I mean that in the nicest way possible
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
Look I’ve been on this blog a long time and I certainly have a right to express what I think without the juvenile comments
With Addai getting hurt
my opinion has changed. No reason to risk anyone else. He said specifically that Garcon had been hurt this week instead of last he would not be back for playoff game.
that makes no sense he couldn't be hurt this week he didn't play
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:22 PM EST up reply actions
He was hurt last week during Jags
He said had the injury happened at Jeys he would not have made back for playoff game.
because they're arguably the best at what they do
No one can give Peyton what he deserves. What out there is arguably better?
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
i'm sure they did
and then looked at Garcon and Addai and decided screw what Peyton feels. We need to pull rank and retreat from this fight before something else happens.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
Making decisions out of fear wont win much for a team.
So with that train of thought are they going to pull the starters in the second half of a playoff game in fear of what might happen.
thats retarded logic
they do this to be prepared for a playoff game. Don’t patronize me.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
you're patronizing everyone.
Ron Artest fell down stairs. Montae Reagors career got ended by a car accident. Brandon Marshall slipped on a McDonald’s bag and punched a TV (ok ok)… next step in our “Fear Controls our Lives” campaign: Players have to sleep in the locker room between July and February!
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.
who's arguably the best at what they do?
Regular Season wins don’t even guarantee pretty media awards.
There are 2 franchises better this decade at winning what matters (not getting in to a cheating debate) and I’m sure there are a ton of coaches/gms with more wins than Polian.
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.
Before the 2007 Patriots' "pursuit of perfection"
the 1972 Dolphins team wasn’t really discussed. When watching NFL Films specials about teams of past decades, I can’t remember hearing about 1972 Dolphins. I remember the Steelers and the Cowboys along with the Raiders back in the 1970s. The perfect season isn’t overrated or underrated, it’s just rated.
Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!
by KMR24 on Dec 28, 2009 2:18 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Awesome Point!
Agreed.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 28, 2009 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
With Joe Addai being injured
after Garcon was seriously injured the prior game, I might have pulled starters too. I have officially changed sides.
Addai hurt??
is water still wet?
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.
i dont think by listening to the press conference that addai is hurt bad or anything.
sounds like he was banged up a little and that allong with wanting to rest guys they just took him out. he wasn’t taken out cause he couldn’t play but cause he didn’t need to
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
I just went back
I don’t think it was season ending but it seemed to draw a physical response to his body language. They are always cryptic anyway. With the hit he took may have been a concussion.
idk i personally didn't see that. and i think we all would rather i am right :). i just didnt see anything in the game
to make us think anything serious even a concussion.
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
he only mentioned it cause someone asked about it. we will see
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions
yeah I'm going to take the wait and see stance on Addai
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
the key is going to be how the rookies handle this cause i think they really need to keep up the work and will worry me the most
when we talk about rust. the rookies need the work in game speed with manning, they cant afford to have a layoff of 3 weeks even more so than the vets
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
the rookies played the full game
Collie was the only viable revceiver out there at the end of the game.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
i dont think it is really his fault he wasn't given much of a chance (painter that is)
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
well Peyton would have thrown it over his head
and out of bounds. Or at his feet
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
in that sense yes however
the gameplan when painter came in gave him no other choice. he had to throw the ball as no run plays were called basically the whole time which allowed the jets to just sit back and wait for the pass
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
You have to be smart though
Garcon is sidelined until next month with hand injury. While Painter didn’t call the play, you have to know when to ditch the ball versus offering up a receiver for an injury.
i dont have a problem with having those recievers out there including baskett
but that we didn’t even run the ball to make passing it possible (easier) for painter. i mean really he threw the ball into triple and double coverage almost every throw cause the jets just sat back and waited
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
i agree with deon sanders
something must be wrong
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d8154fdf4/Why-not-go-for-it
Pardon my french, but F*** Deion!
That asshat has been rooting against our team the entire season, hanging his head in complete hatred every time we pulled out a win, and NOW he comes out and says we should have gone for it?!?! I don’t think so. He can say that now from the perspective of knowing that we didn’t. I feel CERTAIN that Deion would not have had this perspective had he been asked about it before the game started, or even at halftime.
Mooch, on the other hand, was much more even-tempered in his analysis (and I still have hard feelings toward him for abandoning my Cal team, but that’s for another day).
How can you not love a team that does this?
how can we go for it
when we’re 0-15 in deion’s minds.
boggle
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.
Wow!
I love french, my favorite language. lol
I figure, hey its done. There is absolutely nothing we can do about it now. I’d rather Peyton have one more Lombardi (its the least he deserves) than take even the slightest chance he get hurt.
Personally, I’m surprised by my own emotional response to this. I thought I didn’t care about the 16-0 – I mean, that’s what I said last week. Hm. Interesting.
Also, the picture attached with this article shows Painter on the sidelines as well. My guess Peyton was watching that kick return or something. ‘Cause he had his helmet on during Painter’s demolition. I feel horrible for that kid. Welcome the NFL, buddy.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 28, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Deion schmeion
Neon Deion needs to go away. The same guy who wouldn’t deliver a hit worthy of a third grade Mighty Mite player his entire career, and whose team management nearly ended Aikman and Emmitt Smith’s careers early by doing the exact thing he’s advocating wants to talk about how the Colts should play?
My thoughts are it’s way easy to be an armchair quarterback in retrospect. I bet I can guess what he would be saying had Manning stayed in the game and gotten a broken finger or concussion or something.
I really hate the trend of letting every ex-player or coach with an opinion be a broadcast “analyst”… just because somebody was a great (arguably) player in no way whatesoever qualifies them to ever open their mouth at any time on tv.
One more comment on yesterday's game
I’m choosing to move on. I have mixed emotions about the decision, but what’s done is done. Now more than ever we need to look forward. Spew obscenities at the management and coaches, but the players don’t deserve it. Our team needs us.
How can you not love a team that does this?
by LovinBlue on Dec 28, 2009 2:55 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
well id agree but can we really move on and talk about facing the bills?? lol
what are we to talk about? give us an article or post on another subject and mabye people will start moving on or away from this :)
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Eagles center tears ACL after Eagles have playoff berth secured
no one from this blog telling the eagles they should have rested.
news at february 29th.
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.
The arguments break down as such:
Pro-Benching:
- Against the league’s #1 defense, the chances for a significant injury are greater than they might be against a less defensively stout opponent.
- A single injury to a key player (Manning, Wayne, Clark, Freeney, Saturday, etc.), and the Colts’ playoff hopes take a significant beating, compromising their ability to reach and win the Super Bowl.
- You need to give your backups real game time to show what they can do.
Pro-Playing:
- The Colts were 2 wins from an undefeated regular season, which as we’ve seen guarantees nothing in the post-season.
- The offense has at times looked out of sync, even playing in regular games.
- Giving Curtis Painter the keys to the Colts offense is like giving a 16 year old kid the keys to a Porsche. Too much, too fast.
Ultimately, the argument is glory vs. reality: do you reach for glory with all the pressures and pitfalls along the way, or do you play the odds in the hopes it pays off down the line?
Here’s what last night’s game showed me: the only two teams that scare me in the AFC can’t come to Indy before the AFC Championship. We get our pick of scrubs (Jets, Broncos, Ravens, Texans, etc.) for our first game. None of those teams makes me anything less than supremely confident that we’ll be in the AFC Championship.
My feeling is that the Colts watched the Pats go 18-1 and that turned them off of the idea that 19-0 is important. Without a Super Bowl win, your season is a failure. Every season, 31 teams fail. This time, I don’t think the Colts do. I think history will prove Polian and Caldwell right.
We rise. They fall.
Proud to have my own tag on KSK
http://monkeybiziu.deviantart.com
Hey Stampede Blue Faithful...
I’m new to this blog (made my first post yesterday), and I’m in exile out here in California. Just wanted to say that I share all of your frustration about the way things shaped up in our first loss of the season. I had a lump in my throat watching it all go down the drain. As someone who loves the Colts and recognizes just how amazing Peyton is, I want him to get all the accolades (perfect season included) that he can. Please consider one thing though, don’t let your anger go too far. I have seen first hand the damage that can be done to a team (UCLA men’s bball) when the local community becomes hostile. I understand that these men are pros, not college kids. However, the more outrage from the public, the more interviews and distractions the team will have to face, while preparing to bring home another wonderful championship. It’s only been one day, so I understand, but let’s quickly get this out of our systems and rally around our Colts. They already have to deal with the national media picking on them for dumping a chance at history. I just want them to not have to worry about taking it on the chin from their own fans. We’ll have plenty of time to do that later, after the season is over. Right now they need to focus on the playoffs and we can help them by holding our true thoughts and feelings for a few more weeks. Just an opinion, that’s all….
Bruin-4-Life!!!
Of course I realize this is a blog site....
so say what has to be said. Our Colts are going to need our support though, with assholes like Deon out there calling them out.
Bruin-4-Life!!!
yes true. im sure or i hope at least we will get some more positive articles soon
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Welcome!
There are a few of us on the west coast. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 28, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
Playing it safe
Well, as a fan, I think the decision was a crock, and robbed their fans (and them) of possibly having an undefeated season….
On the other hand… I remember a few years back when a certain coach played Emmitt Smith in a similarly “meaningless” game, and caused their star running back to be needlessly injured, and probably ended his career much earlier than it should have ended.
So as a fan, I would have rather seen them go undefeated… but, as a fan, I’d rather have them around for more years in the long run too… so…. it is what it is I guess, like it or not.
i've been against the timing and to some extend the place selected
On the other side of the scale:
1 .But what has to be taken into consideration is that even if we have won yesterday and be 15-0 there is no way our starters were going to play a full game in buffalo icy turf. So 15-1 at best is not a thing to risk injury for.
2. We will be facing the Chargers or the Patriots or both. The games we lost to the chargers were close games and were that close due to injuries on our roster. I want to face the Chargers with a healthy group of players Freeney,Mathis,Bullit, Brakett, Session and of course our offense and healthy and sharp as possible, for this we need a healthy OL to give peyton time to brew his magic. This situation is a double edge sword , and now im on the other side of it.
3. Give me a healthy pass rush and defense and a healthy Offense with those we can beat the Chargers a 17-0 record can’t sack or int Rivers.
There are no guarantee that our team as healthy as possible will beat anyone but hell is going to feel really fine when all of our starters fresh and healthy take the field to give our nemesis a fight this time with all our weapons in their place. I cant wait.. GO COLTS!!!!
by thebossuzzi on Dec 28, 2009 3:24 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
true for those that are made cause we arnt going 16-0 we already
knew the starters would not play in the bills game so that was probably going to be a loss anyway
i dont see us facing both teams though, pats probably lose before chargers though.
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
I just don’t agree on resting starters, would we be saying rest them with the game still in ? if we were playing for a wild card position.
2.5 quarters is far better than just a series or 2.
there is a reason why every team would like to end 1st seed , homefield and the privilege for players to come back from nagging injuries ,prevent new injuries and be as healthy as possible to give this team the best chance of winning.
that is just stupid question as the resting wouldn't have even been mentioned
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
is addai really hurt?
seems like this is colts speak for ‘see, good decision’. There was no mention during the game. He was never taken to the locker room (that i saw). I saw him on the bench for much of the game (in so much as I only watched 3 quarters).
Further, benching the starters if Addai was really hurt doesn’t bring Addai back… And Addai being hurt doesn’t increase or decrease the chance of another person being hurt.
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.
but his injury WAS announced.
it was reported ad nauseum. I knew during the game (which was on NFLN and has piss-poor reporting) that he was hurt and wouldnt come back, AND i knew the injury.
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.
ill believe he was injured but not believe it is a concern till it is proven as i saw nothing about it to indicate it being a concern
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
Went back on the DVR
if it is a concussion they would NOT announce that with the new league policy. He got whacked pretty hard in the end zone.
ok yea i dont have DVR to go back and look so ill take your word for that. i wasn't aware that the policy
prevented them from announcing it but if it is a concussion he will not get close to the field next week it will be only brown, and simpson, mabye some hart
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
NFL Concussion Policy
NFL teams now have new, stricter instructions for when players should be allowed to return to games or practices after head injuries — guidelines that go into effect this week.
In the latest step by the league to address a hot-button issue, Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 teams Wednesday saying a player who sustains a concussion shouldn’t return to action on the same day if he shows certain signs or symptoms. Those include an inability to remember assignments or plays, a gap in memory and persistent dizziness and headaches.
ok not sure where in that it says they CAN NOT tell us it is a cuncussion. yes i said that he wouldn't return but they could announce it later to us what happened
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
If they announce it is a concussion
then it kicks in the next part.
The new policy states, in part: “Once removed for the duration of a practice or game, the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptotic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant.”
So Addai may or may not want to declare it a concussion. Some people feared the players and coaches would start hiding concussions to avoid the new policy.
i see well if your thinking there hiding it ok but all i was saying
is that it isn’t that they can not announce it as much as they might not want to.
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
With medical malpractice
those neurosurgeons are going to be erring on the side of extreme caution. Just look at Brian Westbrook.
Peyton was injured at some point this regular season didn’t see the coaches pulling him until he recovered.
I know Peyton is Peyton but Addai has been injured before and there is backup for him.
Come on man
Addai is a seasoned player. You can’t replace him with Brown, Hart, or Simpson. That is nieve.
Regular Season
not playoffs. He has been a very good producer this year and Brown has not been reliable. I want full complement of our stars in post-season.
Rec'd
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 28, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
I have a new title for the Star after this Loss
“HORSE SH*T!”
They weren't afraid
They just didn’t care.
There’s a huge difference.
18to88.com
Who's 'they'
because based on actions/words of players, ‘they’ clearly did. As didt he fans (I’m pretty sure they should count at some point in time, since they clearly don’t count all that much in the post season)
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.
They...
is Polian and Caldwell…the subjects of this article.
They consider 16-0 to be a pointless media creation of zero value.
That’s not cowardly. They treated this game as if they were 13-1. The win was just as meaningless to them as a preseason win would be. They didn’t get scared; they just didn’t care.
Fear had nothing to do with this. If this team had one loss already, no one would even be discussing it.
It’s nonsense.
I didn’t like the decision.
I hate the execution.
But calling it cowardly is unproductive and untrue.
18to88.com
by deshawn zombie on Dec 28, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
I believe that Polians philosohy is cowardly.
I cannot really limp Caldwell into this, because its Polians decision, but I think playing in fear of injuries at the end of each year with no clear benefit is cowardly.
If you want to rest all of the injured players, Im 100% on board with Bullitt, Session, Freeney, Johnson, Mathis, Powers, etc… being INACTIVE. but if you’re good to go, you play to win the game. None of this pulling at some random point in the 3rd quarter.
I also believe this was a unique situation, and since this is the only organization that would ever do what they did at 14-0, I think that it would have been fair for the organization to give the fans a heads up prior to the game. Would have been fair to the fans AND to Painter.
Their way of handling it was worse than the actual decision, imo. And Polians comments afterwards are even worse than that.
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.
limp = lump
was studying… seriously.
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.
yea i think it gets confused and we end up lumping caldwell in cause we don't understand
the part he played but know that polian was the key person in this choice.
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
I'm done
There have been 43 Super Bowl winners with only one perfect season. There is no excuse for the Colts disrepsect to its players and fans to deny rare opprotunity to make history, to claim title greatest ever. I challenge all of you complaing to also vacate the Colts and the NFL as I am. As long as you keep supporting them why should they change behavior?
And that perfect season...
was not the greatest team ever.
Their behavior is 12+ wins every season.
Their behavior is a Super Bowl title.
Why would I want them to change?
18to88.com
by deshawn zombie on Dec 28, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
Colts' cowardice
I’ve been a Colts fan since 1958. I’ve been through all the good with the bad years. I have never lived close enough to spend big bucks to attend a game. However, if I was an Indy fan, who had tickets, and spent hard earned money to watch Manning and company win games from the stands, I would really be upset. This was a once in a life time event…a 16-0 season. You don’t spend your bucks to see such a spectacle that happened on Sunday! The logic of not playing to win is crazy. All the players wanted it! The odds that injuries to key players are not enough to give up on a perfect season. Hell, just the adrenaline rush to go 16-0 and then continue it into the playoffs should be plenty for the players and, especially, the fans. Any thing can happen in the playoffs. Resting key players doesn’t give any team that big of edge. Colt fans have been cheated. The players make the big bucks, the coaches do alright. I would have been satisfied with 16-0 and the team loses in the playoffs. Those are the breaks of the game. Of course, I hate to say it but the Chargers are putting it all together. If the Colts are jilted again, and the odds are that they will be, the people responsible for giving up on that Jets game will have their career respect really put in jeopardy. And they should! Of course, that is just my opinion and I could be wrong! I hope the Colts make all the fans forget their frustrations with the Jets game blunder by going all the way to the championship.
why this REALLY matters
forget 16-0. i don’t care about it…never did. neither did the players or the coaches or polian or anybody else except some short-sighted fans. going 16-0 was cheapened by the fact that the patriots did it just 2 years ago. the real reason yesterday was so stupid was because we know from experience what happens when we go on cruise control going into the playoffs: we fall apart. we’re one and done with losses to inferior teams. the only time in the last 6 years that we’ve had to fight all the way through week 17 was during the 2006 season, and that one worked out pretty well, if you remember. we’re going to have a bye week anyway…we’ll be rested up. if we do this again next week, we’ll be rusty instead of rested, and our first playoff game will be our last, just like usual…and it’ll be polian and caldwell’s fault for not understanding the lessons they should’ve already learned.
We can all talk until we're blue in the face.........
However, Polian and Caldwell didn’t need anyone’s opinion to get our team to 14-0, I’m sure they don’t need them now. Could’ve been worse……..we could’ve played all of our starters and gotten beat at home like the Saints, or watched one of our top player break a leg like the Bengals. I’ll reserve the right to judge once the season is over. Until that time, I will CHEER for my team (since THEY didn’t make the call to pull themselves) be grateful that our team provides us with a winning season each year, and ride the BLUE wave right into the Super Bowl (Miami is a good place to return to!!!). Whining really just makes the fandom look like a bunch of spoiled brats. We are better fans than that!!!
GO HORSE!!!!
Colts
Dear Colts Fans,
Sorry your perfect season is over. The San Diego Chargers will see you in four weeks to crush you and your tiny DB’s even more. Only then will you realize that your coach was right and getting to the Super Bowl IS the point.
Sincerely,
The San Diego Chargers
http://chargercrackback.blogspot.com/
Yeah much like you crushed the Bengals by a fg.
by Ufanforreal on Dec 28, 2009 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
hahaha hilarious well good luck with that cause you will need it
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
bad choice
ok heres the way i see it the colts so called brain trust really blew it all they had to do was beat the jets keep the starters in. then you go to buffalo to play us ( bills) a bad team where you had a better chance of winning with your backups in,sorry colts fan and players you could have had your undefeated season,just out smarted yourselves
i was there last night and felt like the air got sucked out of the big oil can….and trust me i wasn’t happy, after all i live in the west and almost never have a chance to see the colts play, probably won’t for another year…..BUT, i think if you sit back and look at the effect on the players, there could be a huge motivational push here, something unsuspected…i’m hopeful that these colts are indeed tenacious, despite their management….and that this loss stings as bad for them as for the fans…something tells me that these players never give up (unless they are forced too), we’ve seen it all year….they didn’t fold in miami, against the pats, nor at jax…..i’m giving caldwell his lone rookie mistake, and just ignoring polian…..these players are gritty, back ‘em up folks….i still think we’ve got something great going…
We want to protect all the starters we can
not just Peyton. Even if the Colts had just handed the ball off on every play, Regie or Dallas could have been injured. Marvin’s injury in 2007 occurred while he was blocking, I don’t want to see Reggie Wayne suffer a freak injury like that in a game that holds no playoff implications. If Clark or Reggie got injured the Colts wouldn’t stand a chance in the playoffs.
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.
the issue
is playing the game the right way now yes u have every right to do what u want to do u have earned that right but i have 2 ploub with what the colis did 1 if u are going to rest peyton do it at haiftime or dont start him 2 fovigh me here but i am a denver fan as u know and u ruined all the 8-7 chaned of make the playoffs not just DEN yes and some of u will say u shouild won more games and u are right but is what it is and not just DEN but PITT too i understand wanted to beat jack to keep them out but what happherd that is just a what if if the jets get in and beat the colts wouild u coach and gm have egg on thier face for trying to pick who they play in the 2 round again its u team and they can do what they want to do but it wouild have been better to do that against buff
okay i have cereal palsy arhrtis and chronic fatiue as well i have a grea life loveing folks some days are better that other days i got a make a wish in 2001 saw my favorive team the broncos was the trip of the lifetime i wish everyone couild gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that ok but i bleed organ and bule reseident broncos fan for ap lol
yes your right j-man
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 28, 2009 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
I officially do not like jim caldwel
Even Dungee, who is as conservative as they come, tried to win those games back in 05’, and lost while actually trying tow in a game. After seeing this game and this kind of decision, i dont see the colts winning the SB with such a bitch of a coach.
agree with you re officially do not like caldwell
he sucked as a coach at wake forrest
hope peyton decides to go elsewhere….maybe to a team with some backbone and brains
hahaha thats funny, this wasn't on him though he had part in it it is on polian
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 29, 2009 1:18 AM EST up reply actions
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