I now officially feel dirty: Mike Florio and PFT link to us on Polian story
by Brad Wells on Dec 29, 2009 7:42 AM EST
in Colts Analysis
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In the last 48 hours or so, the situation involving the Colts quitting on the Jets this past Sunday went from divisive to bad to just plain bizarre. Prior to Sunday's game, I wrote this:
The hope that the Colts will attack this game as they have done the previous fourteen. If they don't, if they rest starters early in the contest, then the home crowd will indeed boo the Colts, and boo them mercilessly.
Some of you were a little surprised that I wrote that, including longtime reader Cassieper, who said that the crowd would likely not boo a 14-0 team. True, Colts fans would likely not boo a 14-0 team.
However, Colts fans, and other general NFL fans, will most certainly boo a 14-0 team that quits.
And judging by the actions and comments from Bill Polian and Jim Caldwell these last two days, both men seem legitimately surprised that fans have reacted so negatively to their decision. To this, I simply say this is another example of top NFL people being completely out of touch with their customers. How could they not expect booing? That they did not think these kind of jeers and rancor from fans were possible after willfully and deliberately quitting on an undefeated regular season tells me both Polian and Caldwell simply were ignorant of the hornet's nest they urinated on.
Now, the situation has gotten so bizarre that Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com is linking to me on breaking stories!
Florio has long had a beef with Polian, mainly because Polian seemingly cannot stand the "new media" people like Florio represent. Polian also has a legendary temper, with many league and media people sometimes receiving the blunt end of that temper. So, when we "broke" that Bill Polian seemed to cut short his weekly radio show because Colts fans simply did not swallow the cow dung he was feeding them, Florio could not resist the temptation to link to it.
So, yeah, thank you Bill. Me reporting on your immaturity now has me in league with Mike Florio. I need a shower.
At this point in the circus, I am less about feeding hot coals into my anger furnace and more about moving on. There is no point in piling it on with Polian. His on shoe is shoved so far into his mouth that the heel is sticking out of his butt. He's seems an out-of-touch, angry, self-centered guy who is a very poor listener and does not truly value his customers. He doesn't consider, or does he seemingly care about, the concerns of fans. On his radio show, he belittles them, essentially calls them liars, and storms out on them when they point out his BS. And while all fans respect and honor the magnificent job he has done building great teams in Indy, the fact of the matter is fans do not care what you have accomplished when you treat them like ignorant children. If you have been labeled a quitter (which Polian has at this point) and as someone who treats respectful disagreement with mindless anger and illogical babble (which, again, Polian has) then fans are not going to tolerate you not matter your professional achievements.
Mind you, I write all this as a fan of Bill Polian's accomplishments. I've written many an article on Bill's genius as a personnel man. As a man in general, Bill leaves a lot to be desired.
Going back to Polian's radio show, and to his statements the day before (which also belittled fans), the reason the Colts quit against the Jets was because the organization wanted them healthy for the playoffs. Winning 23 straight regular season games meant something to Polian. Winning the most games in a decade meant something to Polian. Going 16-0 didn't.
Obviously, that makes absolutely no logical sense.
After attaining homefield, 23 straight, and most wins in a decade, Polian felt the final two games of the season should be treated as pre-season games. Fans disagreed. Media disagreed. Most likely, players disagreed. Polian ignored all this.
Now, he and the Colts are paying the price.
So, to recap, Bill Polian said the reason he instructed the Colts to quit against the Jets was because he wants the Colts healthy for the playoffs. The goal is to win the Super Bowl. A 16-0 regular season is meaningless. Forget the stupidity of assuming both are mutually exclusive. I mean, how silly for anyone to expect both when both are very much attainable. 16-0 is meaningless to Polian. Fine. His opinion, shared by few. This now means the Colts absolutely, positively must win the Super Bowl just to save face. If they don't, if they lose at any point in the playoffs, Polian and Caldwell will immediately become laughing stocks. Fans will then run both of them out of Indy.
Yes, it's true. If I know anything, I know fans. When you ignore them and embarrass them for the sake of winning something bigger down the road, you better friggin deliver that "something" down the road. If you don't, pack your bags. Caldwell's decision in the third quarter very well could be the defining moment of his entire coaching tenure, unless he wins a Super Bowl. A Super Bowl validates everything Polian preaches about rest, momentum, and "meaningless games" at the end of the season. Winning validates all in sports, and true "winning" in the NFL is winning the Super Bowl. If the Colts do that, Polian is validated and fans will back off.
If the Colts do not win, pitch forks and torches for Polian and Caldwell.
I understand Polian just had his contract extended, and his son was just promoted to GM. Doesn't matter. Fans will boo and jeer him wherever he goes. They'll insult, berate, and treat him with the same attitude he has treated them with. They'll boo him at training camp, boo him during games, and they will certainly boo him on his radio show if he continues doing it.
This is the last I will write on this subject, unless something else pops up that is newsworthy. We've had some wonderful articles from folks like shake n bake and KingRichard, offering outstanding reasons why benching players in the third quarter was best for the team. I disagree, and likely the majority of Colts fans disagree. But, the issue is now beyond that. Now, Polian has painted himself in a corner. If he thought the pressure and distraction of an undefeated regular season was something the Colts did not need, he doesn't know his fans. If the Colts struggle at any time during the playoffs, fans will boo the team at home. They'll boo Caldwell, wear paper bags on their heads, and hold up signs saying "FIRE POLIAN!"
By acting the way he has acted, and saying the things he has said these last two days, Bill Polian has guaranteed a Super Bowl win for his fans. If he doesn't deliver, fans will indeed demand his (proverbial) head on a silver platter. You don't treat people like children, say "I KNOW BEST!", and then not deliver without there being some kind of accountability. Polian better deliver, or else.
I hope he understands the situation he has placed himself, the Colts, and their fans in.
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I don't understand.
Why do the Colts HAVE to win the Super Bowl now? Sure, everyone would be disappointed if they lost in the playoffs again this year, but I don’t get it. If anything, I think it would be worse if the Colts went 16-0 and lost in the playoffs, like the Pats, than to go 14-2 or 15-1 and lose in the playoffs.
I think you’re being too sensitive about Polian, but then again, I disagree with you on the issue of benching the starters for health reasons. Polian and Co. had a double edged sword to face here and they were damned if they did, and damned if they didn’t. If they did play and lose a key player, what good would 16-0 be then if we lost in the playoffs because Freeney got hurt? I’d rather have the Super Bowl. And yes, I understand you can have both, but playing in a football game can bring on a rash of injuries fast. Look at the game last night. The entire argument that people get hurt during practice and while walking around in their normal lives is ridiculous. Players get hurt probably 10x more playing in the games, comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges.
All that being said, I wish they would have gone for it. It would have been pretty neat. But I feel like the Colts just lost the cherry on top, and not the grand prize. The grand prize is still within reach. Getting the cherry could have certainly put the grand prize at risk. I understand the move.
by yellowsnow on Dec 29, 2009 7:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Fans
Fans wanted a 16-0 season AND a Super Bowl. Polian told fans that a 16-0 season is meaningless, which is his justification for quitting on an undefeated season. If other justification is quitting will help Indy win it all.
Thus, Indy better win it all, because no one truly believes quitting accomplishes anything.
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.
As opposed to
going 16-0 in the regular season, then choking away the big game and getting mocked for it the next I don’t know how many years? Sounds like Indy has to win the Super Bowl no matter what. Or else… we’ll cry.
I don’t like seeing the Colts completely dog it in any game, ever. I would love to see them win every game. Then again, I watched three or four Jets leave the field due to injury and every time I let out a long breath and thanked anyone who was listening that it wasn’t one of our starters. The last thing we need right now is to piss away a golden chance at a Super Bowl because we were too busy trying to one-up the Pats.
I respect the team for having a plan and sticking to it unambiguously. They said all along that their primary concern was getting healthy and staying healthy for the postseason, not going undefeated. They wanted to rest starters in the Jets game, so they rested. They stuck to their plan and didn’t allow the Jets to dictate what they would do.
And by the by, Polian absolutely fucking does know best. That’s what he was hired for. That’s why he’s the team president and we’re all stuck bitching on the Internet. If you don’t want to be treated like a child, don’t throw a tantrum like a child.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
You do realize..
That BBS was in favor of resting the players and against going for an undefeated season if it meant a negative impact on the team correct? His problem was how they went about it.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Uh huh
You mean “in favor of…” with the small print unless I second-guess the team coach and president and decide that their concerns aren’t really valid.
If this president and this team were habitual under-achievers I might understand, but just a few weeks ago we were celebrating the Colts as the most successful team of the decade. To go from gooshing all over Polian to hating his guts in less than a month is just a little unhinged.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
Clarification...
not the most successful team of the decade…the winningest regular season team of the decade…I would rather have a couple more Lombardi trophies.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
Definitions are slippery, aren't they?
Because I thought all this fuss was about losing a regular season game. So which one is important again?
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
You sound like the sheep you are...
blindly stating that Polian does know fucking best??? What is he your god or something? The team did not stick to the plan..the plan was to rest injured players…not pull healthy players from the game…INJURED PLAYERS.
I can’t stand all the Polian gobb slobbing that some fans do…the Colts have a single super bowl in a decade where the won the most games…that is unacceptable. If the Super Bowl is not won this season…Polian better be gone!!
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
Since before you were
an itch in your daddys pants son…so what is your point?
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
Let me clairfy...
My favorite player is Bert Jones…if you are insinuating that I am a spoiled fan…oh well, you are wrong. I have followed this team through more shit and shinola than I care to remember. I have never liked Polian…he has been riding Peyton’s coat tails for a decade now…he is nothing more than a punk, and he does make mistakes…otherwise the Colts would have more superbowls!
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
Winning what regular season games???
Thats not the goal…the goal is the super bowl…which polian is woefully inept at winning.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
The Super Bowl *is* a game
It’s played exactly the same as the other games, just with higher stakes. If you lose the Super Bowl, it might have something to do with the fact that beating another Super Bowl caliber team is HARD.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
That's because he can't handle success.
Every year at the end of a season, he is the master at destroying player’s psyches, taking them out of sync, alienating the locker room, and pissing off the fanbase. He’s made about every mistake you can possibly make in the last couple of days, yet some people cheerily say ’let’s move on’. I’m holding him accountable for this. And, yes, I believe he has been riding Peyton’s coat tails for all these years.
Polian did not find Austin Collie - Peyton did
I’ve always held the “In Polian we Trust” mantra with some a dubious eye. I think this year Manning has shown that he can make just about any WR draft pick look outstanding. So was it really Polian’s genious or Manning’s work that has made this team?
And when I found out that Austin Collie worked at the Manning Passing Acadamy while in college I realized even further that Polian really didn’t do all that much in this year’s draft. I’d say the only real success story this year would be Lacey and Powers. Brown really hasn’t done much this year, Ugoh is a bust. His first pick last year is a bust. His “shinning” record is getting seriously tarnished.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
I don't want to go off on a tangent..
But Laurinaitis would not only have been a great pickup, he could have contributed this season at SAM and been the eventual replacement for Brackett. Loadholt would’ve been nice too.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
I'd think we'll look for another MIKE this coming draft
There are a couple out there that fit a Tampa-2 MIKE roll and Brakett’s contract is up. Polian has a bad habit for letting LBs go and picking up cheap new guys in the draft.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
I think it's a combination
of the two somewhat, but I believe it’s more Manning than anything. Polian, as BBS said, does have some valuable things to offer in personnel acquisition, etc. But, he’s far from perfect. And, now, after Sunday, it’s clear this team will never really be allowed ‘to let the big dog eat!’ He’s messing with the throttle too much. Put the pedal down already and go 19-0. It was so ‘in-reach’. This is what has 90% of the membership so irate. Quitting is disgusting, there’s no other way to put it.
Quitting is disgusting
Well said and well summed. Losing is one thing QUITING is something else and yes, it is disgusting – which is why the fans are so disgusted.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
yes i agree
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 29, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
You sound like the fair-weather fan you are
Winning one Super Bowl is “unacceptable”? Seriously?
While I’m at it let me do some “gobb slobbing” on Irsay for having the good sense not to freak out and fire good people just because everything didn’t go his way. If you want to flip out every time the team doesn’t live up to your expectations, maybe you should be an Al Smith fan. I hear that’s working out well for him.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
You are the one..
saying that Polian knows fucking best…and you can stick the fair weather fan insult up your ass…Yes one superbowl with the talen we have had is unacceptable. Win the most games ever in a decade and not be the clear cut team of the decade? If you like that good for you…I don’t.
And if Irsay is the “classy” guy everyone thinks he is…he should do something about the way Polian behaves toward fans.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
So who's better?
You? BBS? Who do you want running the Colts?
You feel mistreated? Gosh, that’s a shame. By all means, go ahead and insult the guy who built the team you cheer so hard for. Call him a bum, run him out of town. Please lead us by your example of how to treat another human being with respect.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
"If you want to flip out every time the team doesn’t live up to your expectations"
The team HAS lived up to expectations – THAT is the point. Polian and Caldwell QUIT. That is what has everyone so riled up. They quit on the team, on the fans, on football history. There is no excuse for quiting. Polians attempt at an excuse is that he HAD to quit in order to win a Super Bowl. Ergo, if he doesn’t win that Super Bowl his excuse is meaningless.
Why this is so difficult for some to understand is beyond me.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
Really. It's like you just want to knock on their heads
and ask ‘anybody home?’
we need to move on please...
This has been the philosophy of this organization for years , the same organization that brought Peyton to Indy and gave us this awesome decade.
He made a mistake? Maybe, but we are bringing the heat on to ourselves and the Colts.
Im a Colts fan above everything and i hate to see a clown like Florio pointing out to our community as we witch hunt our Colts Organization over a regular season game , he and all the Colts haters around the world are the ones winning out of this, we are Colts fans and we need to be there for our team, please stop this now and look around ,we are better than this.
You cant be let down if you dont expect the world.
I’ll take the team we have, the management, and coaching staff over any in the league. Although I would have liked to see the team go 16-0 in the regular season, I try to keep in mind that I dont have a say in these things. If anyone feels so strongly about it, just give up your tickets and stop watching. I need a seat at the stadium to open up next year.
Not so sure about Caldwell...
anymore…he is a little spineless.
"If me and King Kong went into an alley, only one of us would come out. And it wouldn't be the monkey."
"I don't really trust a sane person."
"I never met a man I didn't want to fight." The one and only Lyle Alzado
He wants to keep his job.
He may have wanted to go for it, but Polian is the issue.
I think he did
That’s the feeling I got from him anyway. That’s why I’m irked by this. I think Caldwell had rank pulled on him and he seemed to be doing just fine on his own. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen Polian doing the “My way or the highway” theme. I respect everything he’s done and what this team has become under him, but a coach needs to know when to coach and a president needs to know when to let his guy coach.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
SB Nation needs the ability to let me block writers
It has become obvious that BBS is out of control. Not just on this Jets thing but for the last few weeks. Can someone on the SB Nation tech staff figure out a way that I can just not see the stuff he writes? Otherwise I’m going to have to stop coming here and it will be a real shame to miss Shake and MGrex’s posts.
You don’t have enough self control to scroll past it? Your eyes lock in and your heels start clicking together, you start drooling and go catatonic and for some reason in your vegetative state you’re forced into reading what he writes? Sounds like you need a self-help book.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Dec 29, 2009 8:32 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I tried to scroll past
But it broke the wheel on my mouse. Somebody should tell BBS that it’s not necessary to post the full text of every rant to the front page.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
I believe this will be his last post concerning this
However, the central theme of this post is a response to how Polian’s radio program played out. I don’t see the problem posting a rant against the actual call to pull players and the face of the Colts that isn’t a player belittling the fanbase. Those are two completely different situations even if the source is the same. If I bitched about getting a speeding ticket and went to court to argue it and the judge slammed his gavel down shouting “SHUT THE F*** UP YOU DUMB DUMMY!”, I’d probably bitch about both of the situations. Even though without one you couldn’t have the other.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Even so
Post a lead paragraph and put the rest of it after the break. We already know he’s butthurt about Polian. He doesn’t have hold two screens of front page space hostage over it.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
No - he was spot on with this article
BBS is venting the same exact frustrations as most Colts fans. Only a few are still slobing over Polian with the “Polian can do no wrong” mantra.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:17 AM EST up reply actions
Then file it under "Bad Journalism"
Because I come here for actual articles. I can get fan rage with a side of typos anywhere I look. Fans have plenty of opportunity to express their own frustrations, they’re not waiting on BBS to do it for them.
But hey, why go for analysis when you can pander to everyone’s hurt feelings. You know what? My feelings hurt too. I’m just trying to say that the team president just might have some idea of what the team needs. If you want to read that as “Polian can do no wrong” then I guess we’re not speaking the same language.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
You're on the wrong site then
This site makes no attempts at masquerading as a news site. It clearly takes pride in being a blog. Filing a blog under “Bad Journalism” is the same thing as someone expressing their opinion about something and filing it away as “Bad Facts”. It’s not even an issue of semantics, that’s the definition of a blog and why they exist in the first place.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
If you want "journalism" go read the Indy Star
This is a blog. Learn the difference. BBS is not a jouranlist, nor has he ever claimed to be one. Grow the hell up.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
Exactly
There seems to be more well thought out arguments with varying degrees of backlash against the move. The ones that support this move are citing Polian’s tenure or having the “Yessir Sir!” attitude or simply putting it down to another rant by BBS. While I agree that all of BBS’ rants aren’t always coming from the field of the sane, this is not one of them.
Look, people make mistakes, nobody is free from that certainty in life. BBS ranted about the mistake, but that’s not his issue right now. His issue is that Polian’s not only saying he is free and clear from blame, he is saying that the fans are nincompoops (sp? guess it’s right since the spellcheck didn’t catch it which is simply awesome) in questioning his authority. And I personally have a problem with someone in charge of the front office invoking his authority on a decision that should be in the hands of the coaches. Otherwise you run into the Jerry Jones, Dan Snyder, or Al Davis spectrum of managing a football team. Obviously when the coaches have been free to make football decisions concerning the 60 minutes of playing time, we’ve been one of the best teams in history. However, when it’s apparent that the front office starts getting involved, it doesn’t seem to turn out so well.
If it aint broke, don’t fix it. Why does that hold true in every facet of life unless it comes to Polian and the Colts? Granted, we still may win the Super Bowl, but fans have every right to question a move that has seemed to be a detriment to our playoff success in the past.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Dec 29, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
wow well put
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 29, 2009 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
of course I could scroll past it
But then, I’d see another article by him, and then another, and then another. Just to see the occassional post that I actually want to read.
I have no problem with BBS writing the way he does. He clearly has an audience that wants to see what he writes, and good for him.
But the glory of the modern internet is that it can be customized for me, or you, or whoever. They can continue to get the page hits BBS’ crazy talk generates, and I can get the stuff that I want (injury updates, team news, shake’s analysis, and mgrex’s numbers) without having to deal with the nonsense.
This is a feature that lots of communities have had for years and BBS seems to take pride in the tech. platform they have here, I’d just like one more feature, that’s all.
Spot on
And this is one of the core points of my opinion that benching the starters WHEN they did was a terrible move. If Peyton and the rest of the starters were benched after the first series, or even the first quarter, a loss would be acceptable. However, leaving them in until the last part of the third quarter and benching them not only received a backlash, it deserved a backlash.
There’s already been rumblings and grumblings for years from the fanbase in terms of regular season success not being translated into Championships. Most of this has been explained away, and I’ve been an advocate of “You’re not looking at the entire picture, this is the reason why…”. The problem now is that everyone is the majority certain (including myself) that we should have won that game and be 15-0. Even as BBS stated that all Peyton had to do was hand the ball off. The major problem people have with this, is that the players were TRYING to win the game, but like good little soldiers they and Caldwell saluted and obeyed while obviously being agitated.
And since I don’t feel like deleting this and replying to yellowsnow, I’ll reply here. The reason they HAVE to win the Super Bowl is because they SHOULD have won more than one Super Bowl this decade. This move, according to Polian, INCREASES their chances to win the Super Bowl. Enough to LOSE a game. To quote a fantazing personality, “YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME.” Pulling the starters and essentially throwing the game, not only impacts the Colts, it alters the entire playoff picture. Now I don’t much care about the other teams, but there are wide ranging ramifications from basically forfeiting a game.
Prior to Sunday, the Colts were undefeated. So a move to increase their chances to win a Super Bowl is a move that mars a perfect record. The undefeated record was seemingly intact through almost 70% of the 15th game. Peyton had not been sacked by this point, and health was not an issue. Health is THE reason given IF starters were to be pulled from a game. Well, it seems to me that the health of the players was put in more jeopardy by putting Painter into the game. At the very least, Painter’s health was. So the question comes into play, “Well, now what happens if Peyton gets hurt for a series?” Well, looks like it’d be Mr. Addai’s left handed passes.
So, I’ll say again, Polian is defending this move by saying it increases our post-season chances. Increasing the chances of a 14-0 team that SHOULD be 15-0…well, what other than a Championship could that mean? He’s telling all the fans to ignore the loss, to ignore obviously frustrating the players, ignore obviously micromanaging a team and making a call that Caldwell should have been responsible for, he’s saying that he knows we were probably going to win that game because…so on and so forth. Playing a competitive sport is about winning, period.
You don’t go into a boxing match 30-0 and decide not to come out the 6th round, even if you’re up on the cards 6 rounds to 0, because your title’s not on the line. You don’t pull into the pits and get out of your car with 100 laps to go in NASCAR because you have the Indianapolis 500 the next race. You can go down the list of almost every sport and cite examples, some of which (including the two I just mentioned) are FAR more likely to produce a catastrophic injury that can either kill or debilitate an athlete. Does anyone here honestly think that leaving Peyton in the game for another 10 minutes is going to just have him collapse into a pile of ooze? I don’t, and like I said, the players health was put in more jeopardy by putting replacements in at that juncture of the game.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
I wouldn't be mad if we legitimately lost the game..
But the fact is, like you said, we quit. That doesn’t sit well with me.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 8:41 AM EST reply actions
Look, we're only two days removed
from the most embarrassing decision by Colts management in their history. I think it’s totally fair to vent a bit about it. Personally, I’m about done. But, that’s exactly what forums like this are for. And, yes, I believe we all still think the players are great. This has nothing to do with them. This is one of the best group of players I can remember. I feel sorry for them that they weren’t allowed to accomplish an important milestone and I feel sorry for the fans who had to witness what happened. I’m still going to support the team though. Watching Peyton direct the offense has been a real treat this past decade and I look forward to what he’ll accomplish the rest of his career. And, it’s also been nice watching the defense improve this past year, so I give Caldwell credit for that. But, it’s certainly going to take a while to get rid of this feeling of disgust, that’s for sure.
It’s funny cos even if we win the SB, you can bet there’ll be a lot of people cursing Polian for what could have been
by manningtoharrison on Dec 29, 2009 8:46 AM EST reply actions
I doubt that
There may be a few, but most people know the title’s way more important. Besides, if we win this one we probably still go down as one of the best teams in history with all the shennanigans going on with the Pats. In my opinion, and this is just mine, I honestly didn’t care about 16-0 but I did care about only 1 title on a Peyton Manning team in a decade. I think this is a step back when it was looking like we weren’t the same team that would go 14-2 and go one and done. Caldwell seemed like he was enforcing his will where Dungy had not. The future was looking like there was a possibility of Peyton winning 2 or three more. At least the hope was there. With this, it just seems more of the same to me.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
Of course people will.
The issue is that Polian thinks the only prize to shoot for is a superbowl. Winning a superbowl with a 19-0 record is of no importance to him because he apparently doesn’t understand the significance of it and the decades of adulation that would come from that……far and above simply winning a superbowl. That’s the issue in a nutshell.
I mean every year we go through this resting or no resting stuff.
I wouldn’t take as much issue with it if we had dropped a game or two along the way. But, my issue is that when you’ve managed to fight your way to 14-0, and then management just pulls the plug and simply ‘quits’ for no good reason, it really messes with several intangible things….things that are difficult to measure. These players are human beings. I guarantee you that ‘THEY’ see the significance of going undefeated, even when Polian doesn’t. And, I guarantee you that they wanted to take the risk and play the game out. How this will affect them from this point forward remains to be seen.
BBS is out of control
At the beginning of the season, we looked at the schedule and circled the Buffalo game as a game that we hoped that we would not have to play because we would have our playoff position determined. Hello. That’s where we are at. But, now, we are advocating that we go up there in what would have been a Sunday night game, on a cold and icy field, against a team whose season was over and suddenly gets a national TV game, a chance to win a game that could make their season, and we play all of our healthy and semi-healthy players to go for something that has no bearing on a Super Bowl win, which IS our goal. On Sunday, the train wreck was avoided, for better or for worse. Now, we may not agree with it, but its not a reason to tear down what we have accomplished the last 10 years and what we can accomplish the next 10 years. Bill Polian is one of the main reasons why we are here in the first place. Yea, I know he can grate on people. But if we don’t like that, then we should have got rid of him years ago. We have feasted on his shrewd decision making, and now we are going to trash him for one bad(?) decision. Really!! I bet he can find another job with a down NFL franchise in a heartbeat.
The radio show last night was bad. The “talking points” comment was read off of a script. Then people started piling on, and it got ugly. Not how we should do business, but that is the norm today. If Manning or somebody else got hurt playing for the perfect season, I guarantee you there would be backlash the other way about why we are playing players in meaningless games when we haven’t done that in the past. The Colts are in a no win situation. Polian has been saying for weeks that a perfect season was not one of their priorities. Has anyone been listening?
And by the way, by playing the starters 2 1/2 quarters, they were trying to reach a middle groun between rust and rest. Seems that nobody caught that. That’s what happens when you become to narrowly focused.
by Blueisgood on Dec 29, 2009 9:10 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
by playing the starters 2 1/2 quarters, they were trying to reach a middle groun between rust and rest.
I think that’s exactly right. If you must criticize Caldwell, it should be for trying to have it both ways, not for pulling Manning and then sticking to the decision. Next time around, announce what’s going to happen during the week adn this won’t be such an issue.
And lots of angry fans doesn’t prove this move was wrong. I remember a lot of angry fans when Tony Ugoh was benched for Charlie Johnson. I remember a lot of angry fans when Ed Johnson was released. I’ve written it elsewhere, but I’ll write it again.
Players lost for the season in Week 16 action:
Steve Smith, Panthers WR, broken arm
Jamaal Jackson, Eagles C, torn ACL
Rey Maualuga, Bengals LB, ankle
If Reggie Wayne, Jeff Saturday, or Gary Brackett were on this list, wouldn’t we all be calling for Polian’s and Caldwell’s heads?
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
"by playing the starters 2 1/2 quarters, they were trying to reach a middle groun between rust and rest"
No they weren’t. They let Manning play until he hit the career 50,000 yards passing mark and then they sat him. Apparently “meaningless” statistics are more important than football history and an undefeated season.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:12 AM EST reply actions
Another very good point
Exactly the same reason they left Marvin in the last game of the season last year to get his receptions record. You should expand on this, VERY poignant point. Individual records are more important than team records. That’s interesting considering that the NFL is definitely considered the most team oriented sport.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
I essentially agree with the point
That we basically have to win the Super Bowl now. Anything less than that will seem an indictment of Polian’s methods.
Having said that, I think the fans will put up with a lot more than you suggest, providing the team keeps winning. If we’re 12-4 going into the playoffs in January 2011, few people are going to be overly concerned about Polian and Caldwell pulling the starters in an essentially meaningless game in Decemeber 2009.
I think this will, in the end, go down as a mark on his legacy if we don’t win the Super Bowl, but unless we get dumped in the first round of the playoffs again, I think another good season will provide enough good news in the what have you done for lately world of NFL for Polian not to have to worry.
Interesting to see how Irsay handles this, though.
Thank You BBS for the article
Thank you for your article, insight, and ability to deal with fallout from everywhere concerning the Polian decision. The writers at Blue Stampede provide a forum for fans to debate, get irrate, and calm down. I live in Maryland but grew up in Indy. I listen to junk all the time but I don’t care.I agree that it is time to move on. We are going to win the Super Bowl this year because this team has lived through adversity ( losing players to injury, making 4th quarter comebacks, and media smack talk) and they have overcome it all by being winners. They will overcome this, get re-focused, and kick butt in the playoffs and it will be because of them not Polian.
I can't wait for the time when we stop venting, when we stop arguing with each other,
and when we realize the bickering needs to ease off. We have the playoffs to look forward to, which is more than some teams have.
"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 29, 2009 9:51 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Why stop arguing valid points?
That’s what fans do. And there have been few more valid points to have a serious discussion about than this. If the Colts don’t win the Super Bowl Polian will have a LOT of explaining to do. And of course, he will have none of it.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
I know what fans do, I'm one of the most die hard Colts fan you'll ever come across,
I’m ready to stop arguing.
"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.
Agreed. Again, this only happened a couple days ago.
The decision to quit has embarrassed the Colts franchise beyond belief, so I think it’s o.k. to beat the horse for a while. Everyone is not always going to agree with everything that every other commenter says. If that’s bickering, so be it. I think we can all handle it. And, besides they’re will be other threads to discuss other topics. But, I can appreciate the sentiment of Indy Lori’s comment. She’s trying to focus on more positive stuff and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Because we're not arguing points
We’re fighting a holy war. Everyone is being shoehorned into two boxes, “Polian is a bum” and “Polian can do no wrong”, regardless of what anyone is actually saying. And the lead blogger on the site is happy to keep on fueling the fire.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
We're fighting a holy war, now THAT's funny. I'm not being sarcastic,
it really is funny. Finally someone made me smile today.
"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.
Then perhaps you should read a little closer
He said this was his last post on the subject. And what he’s written thus far is not only valid but are all points that need to be expressed. He expressed them and most of the fanbase is agreeing.
If you have a problem with that then go read ESPN.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
I disagree
just wanted to make sure I’m counted in the “Polian’s right” column. I don’t tend to call in to radio talk shows and write melodramatic emails, so I’m worried my side of the fanbase may be going a little underrepresented in the coverage…
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
I dont think he's fueling the fire.
I think he’s stating what happened with no bullshit added, which is the way he usually calls it, direct and to the point. He simply wrote about the whole ‘quitting’ issue and then he also wrote how Polian handled himself after the fact on his radio show. BBS didn’t create this debacle, Polian did.
Is that why the front page got filled with Polian articles?
No bullshit? Injecting more anti-Polian commentary into the next five straight articles is no bullshit? If he was “simply” writing about it he could have done it once and stopped. BBS is letting his hurt fan feelings run wild, but unlike the rest of us he gets to make his feelings the focus of everyone else’s conversation for as long as he wants.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
No, it isn't bullshit - it is the complete and honest truth
Polian is acting an ass and BBS called him on it. And not just in the game but in the next couple of days after the fact including storming out of his radio show once the fans started calling him on his own version of BS.
And yes, that is certainly blog-worthy front page material.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
it is bullshit
Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne dropped passes. The kick coverage allowed a return for a touchdown. Starting defensive linemen and linebackers let Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene run roughshod over the secondary. And yet the only person getting blame is the front office. That’s bullshit.
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
All of those mistakes happen in nearly every game
You don’t address them by quiting and pulling the guys who can actually put points on the board. And it might interest you to know that Brackett was also pulled from the game – something that likely affected not only tackling but defensive assignments on the field. As the MIKE he is responsible for gap assignments.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
You're right, it is the truth.
Obviously, some people can’t handle the truth. Reggie Hayes of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinal summed everything pretty well in an article ‘Colts leave fans feeling cheated’. To paraphrase a bit, he says that Polian has stressed and said over and over that 16-0 has never been a priority. Our goal is later on. So Reggie say: Here’s my problem with that viewpoint: Even if they go on to win the Super Bowl, this season will have a “what if” aspect to it that can’t be erased. The fans won’t be the only ones looking back and wondering if the Colts could have posted the greatest season in NFL history. Can the Colts still win the superbowl? It’s possible. Could they have finished this season 19-0 with a Super Bowl win? We’ll never know. As former coach Herm Edwards said, " You play to win the game." Unless your the 14-0 Colts. Make that the 14-1 Colts.
I think you've made up your mind what we're saying
Because I never said that. I can disagree with someone’s decision without thinking he’s a bum. I can say it’s a poor decision, and it’s not he first time. I can objectively look at the decisions made with a team I’m obsessed with and realize that 1 SB appearance on a team with the most prolific passer in history doesn’t make a GM immune to criticism. Combine that with 4 SB appearances in a row and Jim Kelly is in the HoF without a ring is more of a trend than a coincidence. When the defense of your argument makes no logical sense and you’re belittling fans and cutting off a weekly radio station it’s more than just people’s wacky imagination’s running wild.
Somewhere someone posted would we rather be the Colts or the Saints losing to the Bucs. Well, I’d rather be the Colts of course, but I would have rather had some form of “Dang..” when we lost. Not the “I told you we weren’t going for 16-0 and I lost a game on purpose to prove my point so shut up.” Seems every season or every playoff loss there’s some excuse. Well, this loss can solely be placed upon Polian. Every time a team loses somebody either points to why they thought they lost. And at NO point in time should someone be responsible for a loss on the field of play. That is not in his job description. There’s a saying everyone in the military has probably heard, “Stay in your lane.” and we follow it. If he wanted to coach, he should have made himself the coach. Since I think he realizes that he’s not equipped to be a coach, he’s made a living being a GM.
Having a method to your madness implies “method”, otherwise it’s just madness.
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Dec 29, 2009 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn't be the only one
I never said “Polian can do no wrong” but that’s being aimed at me. Polian never said “I lost a game on purpose” but you just put that one in his mouth. Everyone is hearing what they want to hear and nothing more.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
No, Polian never said he lost a game on purpose
But that is exactly what he did – which is what has people so angry at him.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
if the Colts don't win a Super Bowl...
all the Chargers and Eagles and Cowboys and Giants and Jets and Titans and Bears and Packers and Vikings fans are gonna wonder why we put up with such losers at the helm…
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Polian will never allow the Colts to go undefeated
If nothing else has been resolved that should be painfully clear. Likewise, the Colts will lose this week against the Bills. Of that there should be zero doubt. Painter is not up to directing this team – a team that is so built around Manning’s arm and so lacking in any kind of a running game that any hope of winning goes out the window without Manning under Center.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 9:58 AM EST reply actions
ye gods
How do you know so much about what the Colts will do this weekend against the Bills when you’ve seen Curtis Painter play in exactly one game behind Tom Santi failing to block members of one of the more respected defenses in the league?
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
I once heard Dungy say
That no team’s #2s can beat any team’s #1s. He was right and the Jets just proved it Sunday. The Colts are built around Peyton’s arm, the Colts behind Painter don’t stand a chane of winning against the Bills.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder what Irsay thinks of all this?
Like it or not the image of the Colts has been tainted. I grew up with the Colts and have been through it all. Even in the midsts of losing seasons (Harbough, early Peyton) I have never felt as bad as I do now about the team.
Poor Painter. I felt so bad for the guy. I’m sure he didn’t want to be out there just as much as we didn’t want him in.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions
Throwing Painter to the wolves of the #1 defense in the NFL
was painful to watch. Especially knowing it meant the end to a winnable game and football history.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
Which was just plain mean
“Hey kid, our entire undefeated season is in your hands. Only YOU can fuck it up. Go out there and get ’em!”
Jim Sorgi runs a 4.6 40. That's all I've got to say about that.
by monstersbox on Dec 29, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Agree about Painter if nothing else
I wanted to see how the kid would do in a real game situation. Here we had a golden opportunity to find out and instead they sent in the JV squad to back him up. It was a joke and a complete vote of no-confidence in our backup QB.
"The best defensive player is the sideline." - Trevor Pryce, on how to stop Peyton Manning
I imagine Irsay thinks...
…I’m glad my GM and coach are on the same page about protecting the guy to whom I’m paying tens of millions of dollars every year, and on whom the success of the team and the franchise rest, for a run at the only goal anyone had at the beginning of the season. Besides Colts fans turning out to be a much more spoiled bunch than I would have expected after 15 years of mediocrity, everything has gone according to plan. Now I’m going to watch the sunlight glint off the Super Bowl ring my dad never had and proofread the draft of the Hall of Fame speech I’ll one day have to deliver for the current President of a team that is, at the worst, one of the three most successful teams in the NFL this decade. Note to self: stay away from early-morning crowd at Dunkin’ Donuts until mid-January…
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
If you don't think he's got this on his mind your must be crazy.
We aren’t talking about his past accomplishments. We are talking about his teams present image now and moving forward. Do you think he wants his organization to be known as the team who turned down a shot at making history? The general feeling out there among NFL fans is that they did just that…laid down and quit. That is not how I want my team to be viewed..and I’m not even the owner!!
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Were the fans booing Painter?
Or the decission maker that put Painter out there in the first place.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 10:10 AM EST reply actions
I think it was mostly the decision they were booing..
I hope Painter comes out and has a great game against the Bills. He doesn’t deserve to be remembered like that.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
agree and at least caldwell was able to go to painter specifically and let him know that it wasn't them they were booing but it was him
i think for that caldwell deserves some sort of credit
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 29, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
This is a little over the top
Bill Polian has done a heck of a job building this franchise, and we’re lucky to have him. Unfortunately, he suffers from two main problems here.
--
1. He cannot admit the truth. They played all the starters in Jacksonville to cement Peyton’s 4th MVP. When fans saw them play all the starters in JAX, they assumed they’d do so in Indy. Polian just won’t come out and say it, as it makes Peyton look like he’s going after personal accolades.
Now, Polian must spin a web of BS, while the Colts fans feel like they got jipped, and JAX got their money’s worth by seeing a real sporting contest. The fact of the matter is, Polian had to keep his main asset happy, and now he’s taking the heat for it.
2. Bob Lamey – this guy did more to incite the fans than anything else. I don’t think I would have been half as steamed if I hadn’t listen to that guy tell me how dumb I was for being upset while driving through a snow storm. Can’t the Colts borrow Don Fisher?
-—
So, the Colts can easily can Lamey, and I hope they do; but Polian has to protect Peyton no matter what. He’s stuck in a precarious position. It’s time to lay off of him.
by LaHoosier on Dec 29, 2009 10:29 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I’m giving this a rec based on point #1. On #2, I’m a Lamey fan, and I was just as disgusted as he was that the fans turned into such entitled malcontents when they realized we might actually lose a game this year…
by Louisville Soul Train on Dec 29, 2009 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Lamey
I know a lot of people are Lamey fans, because they watch the TV on mute and listen to him. To that extent, he’s good.
I think he suffers as a pure radio play-by-play guy, as he typically just reacts to what he says without describing it in real time. If you are watching it, you appreciate his guttural reactions. If you’re just listening, you have no idea what just happened until he calms down and describes what occurred.
Outside of that, the guy is almost bi-polar in regard to the Colts. I doubt that many home team voicecasters are objective, but he certainly gets too emotional for my tastes. You never hear Vin Scully conducting himself in such a manner.
Fans aren't pissed because of losing a game
They are pissed because Polian QUIT on the game. If the Colts had lost honestly then you would be seeing disapointed fans but no one calling for Polian’s head. The fact that he just quit, however, is what has the fan base so incensed. The fact that he told them all to go f themselves only compounded those feelings.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Dec 29, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
This is as clear as gin to most people. Sadly, other's can't see it
and never will. Really makes ya wonder……
They abandoned their balanced approach
There was a balance that could be struck between going for 16-0 and resting up for the playoffs. Guys who are banged up can sit out or play sparingly, and younger players can be given a shot to show what they can do, but you still keep most of your team out on any given play to give yourself a chance to be successful, and put the top guys in for key situations. Up until the fourth quarter Sunday the Colts did a good job striking that balance – using Freeney & Mathis sparingly vs. Jacksonville until the “must stop” drives at the end, resting guys with minor injuries who probably could have played, etc. Even when Manning came out, I didn’t see it as giving up on the game – a backup QB should be able to come in and hold a lead. But after the fumble and a couple other drives of going nowhere, it became obvious that Painter & the subs weren’t going to get it done in a situation where the stars have succeeded numerous times. Was there really that big a risk to keeping them out for the drive or two that could have preserved the perfect season?
Why'd they play the starters so long if they didn't care about the game?
And giving up when they did rendered the whole game plan very strange. It was too risky to play the stars for a couple drives with the game on the line, but okay to risk injury playing them for the first two-thirds of the same game?
I think Caldwell was kicking himself after that sack/fumble for TD.
He pulled Manning way to early. He should have let him have one more drive to take it down, kill some time, and add a few more points on the board.
But your definitely right. Hell, Gonzalez went down in the first game with nobody around him…anything can happen. If they were so afraid of injuries why even play them at all.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
To people who feel sorry for the teams knocked out of the playoffs
Feeling sorry for anyone in the NFL is dumb. If you win all of your games, you don’t have to worry about the other teams winning or losing. Am I pissed the colts through away a chance at a perfect season? Yes. Do I feel bad for the Steelers and anyone else that will now miss the playoffs? No, next time maybe the Steelers will beat the Browns. The Colts won all of their games that "mattered", and the other teams did not. So that is kind of a moot point.
Well we could potentially be playing the Jets in the playoffs now..
Wouldn’t that just be wonderful if they knocked us out of the playoffs too?!
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Here's how it's done...a news headline that just posted on google news/sports
With bye clinched, streaking Chargers to treat finale vs. Skins as anything but meaningless
BBS-Keep them coming
One more vote in support of BBS for saying it like it is. And to those fans calling for the others to stop venting ….Nonsense , People vent not because they want to sit on a couch and whine for hours. If hell is not raised this time , Polian will continue to do the same mistakes over and over again.
Is a decade of patience enough for you guys ? Does manning deserve to be stuck with one superbowl in a decade ? Does his legacy always have to be saddled with someone else’s mistake. Does not the concept of being able to look other team fans in the eyes mean something ? Now we have to be apologetic always even when National media heads spew nonsense about the colts.
" Once again if the superbowl is won Polian will be forgiven by the fans …if not since according to his great theory resting the starters should have given us the best possible position to win it …He deserves to take the blame for the colts failure in the post season repeatedly …No excuses period …all great SB teams have injuries and play through them .
by Horseshoe_Tsunami on Dec 29, 2009 11:51 AM EST reply actions
Last Post
Since BBS has said this would the last post . Most of us will move on …except this one leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth.
The number of posts on this topic will come down in a few days .Just give people time to deal with it , dont expect everything to be sunshine and flowers in two days when your team was on the verge of history ….on the verge of separating itself from the pack permanently …and a chance to regain national respect…
Anywaz people will move on…just give them time.
by Horseshoe_Tsunami on Dec 29, 2009 11:56 AM EST reply actions
That's what stings the most to me..
The loss of respect.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
There's always going to be disgust associated with Sunday,
but, now, if the Colts don’t at least win the superbowl, they’ll always be known as an extremely efficient regular season team, whose management sees to it that they’re derailed at the end of every season…..in other words, they’ll be known as ‘soft’…..lacking the killer instinct. And, it’s all because of Polian’s philosophy. The players have got to be just as disgusted as the fans.
Truly. I really don't want
this team to be known by the masses as ‘quitters’. But, it might be irreversable at this point.
Loss of Respect--Near Permanent
HappyLittle
I agree bro…it is Near Permanent with this bone headed decision. We deserve the title of Wussies and Quitters and Peyton’s hard work is now down the gutter….
National media and fans will now remember us as the Quitters…It is not the question of winning a SB.
The colts used to be on the higher ground , Other fans used to call this a classy organization.
Even if we went 16-0 and bust in the playoffs we would have retained the respect ….people would still have called us one and done fine …
But now we carry the stench of Polian’s decision …..And Poor Peyton’s former achievements will not be visible in crater left by this one.
All the previous losses will be linked to a Quitter mentality ……… Sigh that is why this one is so tough….
by Horseshoe_Tsunami on Dec 29, 2009 12:06 PM EST reply actions
It sucks.
I think Polian needs to admit he was wrong here and apologize to the fans. How can you justify playing the starters the whole game against the Jags (another ‘meaningless’ game) and then go on to rest the starters against a team you could potentially face in the playoffs?
I don’t think Peyton’s legacy will be as effected by this as you say though. He obviously wanted to play…and I don’t blame him. He was staring at football immortality and it was from the sidelines. How frustrating is that? But the truth is he’s already cemented himself as probably the greatest QB ever. I think even announcers were discussing this while going over his records.
The Colts organization as a whole took the biggest hit IMO.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Move on, for those that haven't yet.
We got plenty of game action, and Manning isn’t going to blow out his arm. Not many Superbowl Champions throw 600 times in a season. I would assume that kind of blows your arm out, right? Some of our most important players could use a game off, this is legitimate.
What happened in Week 16 has nothing to do with the playoffs. We even got benched in a different manner this time, it was in the third quarter. We’ll be fresh, and focused on the truly important goal.
by agradecimiento a dios on Dec 29, 2009 3:29 PM EST reply actions
I hadn't read many of the main page articles.
I was following the fanposts more the last couple of days. Now I see this junk is being stirred up from the top. I’m disappointed that I’ve wasted so much time this week on this cause. It was useless. Internet arguing and such..
I will now shamefacedly get back to some things that I should’ve been doing instead. I’ll check back in later, but I need to cool down from this hoopla. Goodness. We have a great team. I am excited going forward. My Bears fan friends were over last night going crazy to just win a game in a lousy year. I cheered with them. I am grateful that we have so much more. And like to hear it or not, we are spoiled. Rotten.
Catch y’all soon. Go Colts!
18-1
At least when the Patriots choked in the SB, they went after it all like they should have. If the Colts win it all, the coulda shoulda woulda talk will ruin them. The players psyche has to be factored into the equation.
What happens if they are down 13 points @ the end of the 3rd 1/4, do the players quit on their own, cause the management doesn’t give a shit about them?
Polians an egomaniac, and an asshole, but he knows his football shit. I think he was WRONG to do this, and very well could have tainted with sportsmanship rules, allowing some teams into the playoffs, that dont merit it.
If the Jets do get into the playoffs, they will be a FRADULANT entry IMO
sure it wiil. Will they win it all to spite Polian? Will Tom Jackson say the Colts hate Polian?
They will be known as the king of all quitters, even though it was no fault of the players. I believe it will rip apart the orginization IMO
Right, you just joined today too.
Can’t take you that seriously.
First, I don’t watch for Bill Polian. I don’t care if he gets run out of town. I do think he made the right move, and by the time they win the Superbowl, everyone will be in a much less emotional state.
by agradecimiento a dios on Dec 29, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
reallly?
Do you know how many people read PFT? You should be thrilled…
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