An unapologetic reprimand of Colts Nation
by Scoop_Denham on Dec 29, 2009 1:36 PM EST
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I had a friend from Philadelphia whom I worked with while at Purdue Sports Information, and whom went on to work for the College Football Hall of Fame. And this friend was very well spoken & passionate & sportsmanlike for Philly teams . . . but hated the stigma that the Philly fans had put on him, himself. He was in no way a brutish, Santa-booing, or---if you will---thuggish (and, no, that’s not how Philly fans are, yet thirty seconds of booing during Christmas can tarnish---or at the very least, cement you image---for quite some time) Anyway, one of the greatest things I take from his friendship is the fact that he always says how he disliked the reputation of his fans to precede him; and how he loved the Colts fans because they were “so kind”, and “so welcoming”.
I took solace in this.
He explained to me that he was envious that Colts fans had this reputation, while he had to fly his colors with pre-conceived notions, so to speak.
Nonetheless, I write this only to voice my concern in regards to our reputation. Having read through the vitriol in the Colts blogs, and having never posted before, I chastise you, Colts Nation, now.
Though not everyone, you (and I am a part of you) are sprinting toward a perilous reputation. A reputation of a bratty, spoiled nature.
You know how everyone outside of New York seemingly hates the Yankees because if they don’t win ‘em all then boo the bums? Do you guys really want to have the world think this of Indianapolis?
I’m not here to bootlick, but . . . but . . . goodgoddamn. We could’ve had a starting roster of Ryan Leaf, Ricky Williams and Keyshawn Johnson.
I digress.
So even if we were knocking at History’s door, we were still doing so with Bill Polian and Peyton Manning. Not to sound incredulous of Colts Nation IQ, but step back and know that we are not entitled to anything. And for our reputation’s sake, please, please stop announcing that we are, and doing so with these unbecoming, whiney posts.
Yes, whiney.
Did the loss hurt? Yes infinity. But did it hurt more than watching Ben Rothlesberger shoestring a guy who got stabbed in the knee 48 hours earlier? Never, no, no, never.
I’m as understanding and happy as the next Colts fan that we will eventually wrap up the Manning era with the greatest footballer ever, the second best receiver, the fourth-to-eighth best receiver, the best O coordinator, two of the greatest coaches in history, a running back (Edge) in the top 20 (15?), and the greatest GM to ever draft the game.
As well, I’m as understanding that 19-0 would have cemented Colt’s legacy . . . but . . . but . . . goodgoddamn, how spoiled are you that some of you act like you got a new car Christmas morning and it was the wrong color? Please, Colts Nation, this is an open report (from a person who lives in Texas and has to hear how entitled “America’s Team” is). Do not become this. Do not become holier-than-thou, even if we do have Football Jesus. Do not make Polian into Jerry Jones, because he is not.
Feel bad for a loss---a loss to the Jets, whom for Colts fans over 15 will remember used to be a rival. And feel bad that something that never has been done before in the history of professional football . . . still hasn’t been done. And feel bad for Mercury Morris, just because. But, Colts Nation, I plead to you, don’t feel bad for yourself. The rest of the world will just find a Peter-Brady-nobody-likes-me-pity-party laughable. And in the end, do we want to be known as the classiest fans in the game, or the biggest cry babies?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.
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Well said. We all should get a grip. Some folks just aren’t happy unless they can play the victim card. Happy New Year and Go Colts!
by oldecoltsfan on Dec 29, 2009 1:46 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
exept he doesn't inderstand that the loss isn't what has everyone in arms it is the quiting
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
by TheAngelsColts on Dec 29, 2009 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
So there was a city wide hoopla when they pulled everyone against the Titans last year? Gimme a break…
by summerstallion on Dec 29, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
exactly
we’ve pulled starters before without an uproar. “Quitting” is the absolute worst reason to complain
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
“I’m as understanding and happy as the next Colts fan that we will eventually wrap up the Manning era with the greatest footballer ever, the second best receiver, the fourth-to-eighth best receiver, the best O coordinator, two of the greatest coaches in history, a running back (Edge) in the top 20 (15?), and the greatest GM to ever draft the game.”
COLTS OF THE 2000s:
ONLY 2 AFC CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES!!!!!
ONLY 1 SUPERBOWL APPEARANCE!!!!
In 10 years, this is what we have managed????
….with Peyton Manning, Harrison, James, Addai, Wayne, Clark, Freeney, etc.,etc.
…Without Coltsthink, where could we be?
Only?
Greedy! I want them all, but we’ve had a great decade!
Oh, and you also forgot to mention “only” 9 playoff appearances in the decade.
by coltsfanawalt on Dec 31, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
We didn't exactly have a good defense for most of the decade.
From 200-2004, our defense was atrocious. It was terrible again in 2006, and in 2007 when we got injured.
The Patriots won 14 games in 03 and 04 because of their defense, their passing offense was pedestrian.
by agradecimiento a dios on Jan 1, 2010 1:25 AM EST up reply actions
painter
try telling curtis painter he quit. he might not have performed very well, be he was still trying. the players on the field were still trying. they didn’t pull a randy moss and just stop playing. the gentlemen in the blue and white on the field were, indeed, still trying to win.
It’s all window dressing without the final prize, I hope this leads to a SB victory if not we risk becoming the bills of this era. Great players just could not win enough when the big boys play rough.
"The Bills of this era"?
Ummmm…did you forget that our team actually did win a Super Bowl during this run? Big difference maker, don’t you think?
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing." - Peyton Manning
Great write-up
I’m on the verge of putting together a “let’s not do something stupid now” FanPost. I’ve seen a lot of comments suggesting nasty signs at games or buying tickets and not showing up. We need to collect ourselves and move on. We still have a shot at history, of being 18-1 or 17-2 with a 2nd Super Bowl ring in our treasure chest.
How can you not love a team that does this?
. . . . . . . .a 2nd super Bowl ring in our treasure chest.
Not to mention a 4th MVP award. Look forward to your “let’s not do something stupid now” post.
by oldecoltsfan on Dec 29, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
For Real.
Why isn’t being the undisputed record holders of the reg. game win streak (taken away from the Pats), the decade win total (from the 49’ers), the longest 12-game winning streak, longest 4,000-a-season passing streak, most comeback wins in a season, and who knows what daggone other milestones we, and we alone, have set THIS YEAR, while at the same going into the postseason with all starters healthy and accounted for, not good enough?
Let’s all calm down and appreciate what we have while looking eagerly toward knocking San Diego out of the playoffs.
by IN-to-VA on Dec 29, 2009 1:56 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
^^this^^
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Dec 29, 2009 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Nobody wants to think what could've been.
And that’s what they forced on us.
by HappyLittleTreez on Dec 29, 2009 4:23 PM EST up reply actions
don't forget
manning passed 50,000 yards shortly before he was taken out. coincidence? me thinks not. he is the youngest player (of 4! FOUR!!!!!!!) to accomplish this feat and he did so in less games than any of the other 3.
my theory is that manning wasn’t pulled in jacksonville because polian/irsay so wanted manning to have those records he deserves
Pats still hold the record of most consecutive wins
pretty convenient to leave out the playoffs when tallying your records.
Keep the faith!
I seem to remember
a loss or two in there somewhere, by your criteria. Some time in January a couple years back, if I recall. Oh, and then another one in February in another year. Pretty convenient to leave out games when you’re failing miserably at talking trash.
what are you talking about?
My reply was to the above comment that mentioned the Colts “being the undisputed record holders of the reg. game win streak (taken away from the Pats.)” The Patriots still hold the record for the most consecutive wins, including playoffs.
What the heck does that have to do with the Colts AFC Championship win in ’06 or the Patriots SB loss in ’07????
Keep the faith!
Because it breaks the streak.
The Pats’ undefeated streak was from 2006-2008 if you measure by regular season games, correct? If you include playoff games, the streak gets broken.
Or are you talking about winning 18 games in a row? If that’s the case, the ‘72-’73 Dolphins did that first. So did San Francisco from ‘89-’90.
21 consecutive wins
including playoffs and the Super Bowl, from October 5, 2003 to October 24, 2004.
Keep the faith!
yeah I thought it was from the 18 regular season win streak
and not the 21
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
Nice Job
I take comfort knowing there are fans out there with poise and class. I mean seriously, this is not a big deal. I’m ashamed of my home state for showing America that we are just as bratty and bitchy as other fans. I guess it was wishful thinking that perhaps the fanbase would have half as much class as our coach and former coach. Oh well.
In the end, none of this matters. If all we are about is “making history,” then we’re just fooling ourselves. Those ill-fated men and women who decided to build the Tower of Babel had the same motivation…“let’s make a name for ourselves.” Sad, sad fanbase.
But hopefully this post, along with other ones at 18to88 and elsewhere will help turn the tide from immaturity and pouty nonsense to simple, unabashed, positive excitement for our 14-1 team!
@lefpsyd
Who are you
To say my opinion is immature pouty nonsense? Ive got news for you, all sports is about is glory and making history. Thats all the lombardi trophy is, glory. So yes thats what the colts and every other professional sports team is about. What did you think the colts played for? Fun? Just to fill in some time on sundays?
the answer to that question is money
the Colts play for money. There are exceptions to every rule. But most teams are out to make money. It’s a business.
Or by the Colts do you mean the players? If thats the case then yeah, you’re right.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
Yes yes its out to make money
And what you think if we go 0-16 we dont make money? Ask the lions how that works. Glory leads to sales leads to money. If we went 19-0 we would get more glory then 17-2
but I would argue that
profit margins between 19-0 and 17-2 are pretty minimal. And therefore why not do your best to make sure you play 19 games instead of 17.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
I disagree
Id of thought profit margins are minimal between 14-2 15-1 but when you have a perfect season people are gonna buy all sorts of crap to remember it by
And yeah you do your best to play 19 games instead of 17, but I think if theyd of left peyton out there, ran it as much as they could, max protect as much as they could, then they could of won and not effected there chances at a superbowl
Who am I?
Who are you? I didn’t know your opinion was immature pouty nonsense when I wrote my comment…I didn’t even know who you were. But thank you for sharing your opinions, which as it turns out appear to be immature pouty nonsense.
I guess my opinion is that “all sports is about” many things: Fun, teamwork, leadership, determination, faith, preparation, productive use of time (both in terms of work ethic and money), etc. “Glory” is certainly a motivation for a lot of people, though it is difficult to imagine that any organization would make decisions based upon a vague concept.
Look, I’m no better than anyone. I would fail miserably if I were an NFL GM. As far as “glory” goes, I believe we have no ability to attain glory of ourselves. Glory is given, not earned. We can choose to give glory to things, people, organizations, nations, God, family, or whatever…but we can never earn glory for ourselves. Just my opinion.
@lefpsyd
I disagree
I dont care if we win 200 games straight if the coaches make a stupid decision, Im gonna get pissed and try to call them out on it. Thats what fans do. We dont accept decisions just to not appear to be spoilt.
Have fun on your pedastool though
"That's what fans do."
Well, yeah, that’s what SOME fans choose to do. Luckily, not all.
by oldecoltsfan on Dec 29, 2009 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
I dont understand
What do you do? Accept every decision your coach makes and just go out every week and cheer blindly? Its not for me to tell anyone what to do, but I dont understand, what would you do if polian traded manning for a 7th rounder?
I recall not understanding Bill Polian trading Marshall Faulk to the Rams in 1999 for a 2nd and 5th rounder (Mike Peterson & Brad Scioli) and thinking that was a really, really bad deal. He should’ve gotten much, much more in return, I felt.
But, I accepted that he surely had good reasons for that deal and I moved on. It’s worked out pretty darn well since, I think.
I’m not intimating that you should roll over and smile over every decision BP makes. But things have gotten kind of nuts with talk of refunds and the like.
by oldecoltsfan on Dec 29, 2009 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
this ^^
no one is saying don’t question him or be upset. Its the distance this has come. People on the radio are actually threatening to quit watching the team entirely and calling for Bill Polian’s job! Second guess him sure, but don’t be stupid and think he’s the reason this franchise “only” won 1 Super Bowl in the last 10 years.
Indianapolis Colts, taking focus away from my DBacks every Sunday.
That is your example?
That trade did nothing for the Colts….but it helped the Rams win a Super Bowl so if that is what you are proud of then I guess it was a good trade.
We lowly fans are allowed to be just as cynical as everyone else is.
I agree that the refunds issue is overblown, but the fans have a right to be upset about this issue given the history of this team.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Well the point of my example was
To ask what you would do if Polian did something really really stupid. Would you just accept it or question it. Youve made your point that youd question it to a sensible degree, I guess we agree then
Not blindly...but with perspective
I’m not saying we have to be happy with what transpired, or that we should automatically be excited that our favorite players didn’t play. I’m saying we need to be mature in our approach to disappointments because it reflects on our character and on the character of our culture…in this case Colts Nation culture.
@lefpsyd
thank you
this was the whole point of the post. well said
by Scoop_Denham on Dec 29, 2009 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately
Colts nation culture is about accepting failure and being trounced on by all other fan bases because we are all supposed to have the “holier than thou” mentality and “take the high ground” approach to everything.
I disagree that we should always take this approach and think it is appropriate that people stand up for what they believe in from time to time.
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Thats a very fair point
I agree, I suppose your talking about fans who are overreacting, and not people like myself who disagree with Polians choice but Im not going to stop supporting the colts or anything. I Agree that is insane
Nice Post...
Half way through I was already thinking of my rebuttle, I’m glad I kept reading. It’s a very thoughtful post. I think we are acting the way we are not because it was a lose, but because of how they lost. It’s only been a few days, people I think will start to wind down and get over it. The fans are angry, they want to get out some frustration and this is how they do it. I’ll be the first to admit that this is how I’m getting my frustrations out, posting here. I’m made at management for what they did, but would never want to get rid of Polian, he’s to important to this organization. He’s done more good than anything. Great post.
by bluecoltsfan on Dec 29, 2009 2:01 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Hell, the Bears have willfully sucked for years and we Bears fans still buy merchandise hand over fist
It’s like a domestic argument: At home, let it all out, vent, debate every last detail, persuade, compromise, and try to move on.
But in public, present a united front. Always present a united front.
Now, on blogs, nothing’s really behind closed doors, but at the games themselves, that’s as officially public as it gets, and there it’s definitely united front time.
Colts fans are gonna feel much better as soon as Manning is hoisting that silver football again in Feb.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
this isn't communist China though
people are allowed to have different opinions
I don't always drink beer....but when I do, I prefer Dos Equis.
Of course you
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
of course you're "allowed" to have different thoughts, and to express them freely
I’m making the analogy that it’s more dignified for the married couple to fight it out at home, then make up and support each other with affection and respect in public, even if they still don’t quite agree. Like fans letting it all hang out in blogs, but not carrying anti-team org signs at games.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
Thank you
I appreciate your sincerity and agree with your sentiments. Well done.
I love the Colts no matter WHAT.
Nice Post. No, great post.
"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 had been working...
on one as well. I’ve always thought the Colts fans better than whining about players being pulled. The ENTIRE team said from the beginning of the year that 19-0 was not the goal. If we want to be mad about something, lets be mad that the D couldn’t stop a simple running play in the 2nd half. I know my heart fell when Painter came in, but it was the right thing to do. That fumble hit was right at Painter’s elbow. What would we have thought if Tamme blows the block while Manning is in the game and his elbow gets hit?
I was a Colts fan when we were 1-15, 3-13, and 4-12. I will take 14-1 any day. Bleedin’ Blue my whole life!
It was our 2nd team in againt one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL
And you wont to get pissy they couldnt stop a simple running play?
No the goal from the start isnt 19-0. But If you can get in along the way without hindering your chances at a superbowl by very much then why not go for it?
right on, brother
don’t forget the monumental 0-9 season in 1982. sweet. Probably the reason I got all my college applications in on time sr year in HS—I had no “real” football to distract me.
I still find some karmic balance to our one win in the 1-15 season being the Jets, and potentially our sole loss in a 15-1 season being payback.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
Nicely Done and recced
But wasn’t Nick Harper stabbed the night before—like 18 hours before gametime?
(talk about a minor quibble)
We are all spoiled—as Mel Brooks once said, “It’s good to tbe the king.” But you have to have self awareness about it as well to appreciate it. Just mentioning Ryan Leaf, Keyshawn, and Ricky Williams (who HAS aged well after a wasted youth) should be enough to make most of us realize the wonderful things we have had so far and can expect in the future from this organization.
Well now, I am off to a Univ of Miami/Wisconsin bowl game party cohosted by grad school classmates who are a Hurricane and a Badger. My opening joke will be “I planned to wear my Jim Sorgi outfit, but couldn’t find the clipboard and headset.” I hope they get it.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
Thank you! We are one of the most if not the most spoiled franchise in the NFL.
Jerry Jones spends more money on talent than Scrooge McDuck and it gets him one of the most inconsistent teams in football. Dan Synder spent $100 million on a guy that is vocally trying to destroy his locker room and ruin his franchise. Al Davis, is well Al Davis. Bob Kraft went out and got himself probably the most durable offense in football, yet now has the most overrated defense in football.
Yet,
The Indianapolis Colts have at the helm the most prized possession in all of sports. The most consistent franchise in all of sports. The most steady and trustworthy leadership and all of sports. Yet me whine and moan about a loss that we knew was coming.
We have become so spoiled and so accustomed to winning that we do not know how to gracefully handle a loss, even if it were forced on us by way of our own knife.
Maybe this loss will do something to this team that it hasn’t done all season and that is bring the fan base and the franchise back to earth.
There is still more improvement to do for this franchise, but if you look at the overall health of this team we are the healthiest we have ever been going into the playoffs this year than in any year that I can personally remember. I’d like Blue or Shake to back me up on that if I’m right.
The fact is I’ll take a health Colts team vs. any team in the NFL any day of the week, especially the match ups that are possibly brewing in the 2009 AFC playoffs.
Yes,
I was pissed that I watched my teams head coach throw away a shot at perfection, but look at the bigger picture, we have 4 more weeks to possibly play. This loss or maybe one this coming week won’t mean a thing if Jim Caldwell, Jim Irsay, Bill Polian, and Peyton Manning are hoisting the Lombardi in February.
most overrated D?
true…this is the worst BB defense this year he has ever fielded…but it still is better than any colts D. any D that gives up 375 yards rushing is a joke.
i’ll take my D over the colts D
Non Sibi Sed Patriae.
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!
I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life
I couldn't care less
how many yards we give up. We’re 7th in points allowed right now, and that’s been skewed by garbage-time TD’s and, of course, the Jets game.
And besides, what was that, three years ago? How many of those people are still on our D? Who’s our coordinator now? And I seem to remember holding your team under 100 yards rushing in the conference championship game that year.
I agree
Sometimes we need a reality check on these things. We’re still 14-1, still a great football team, still having a great chance of a deep playoff run.
Getting so worked up over players getting pulled in a completely meaningless game? Man, sometimes we just need to stop taking ourselves so seriously.
Good post.
I don't have time to read the comments
But after avoiding this site yesterday(for the first time in years), I was about to write a post just like this. This is pathetic. This is a team that just broke so many records they might have set a new record for breaking records. This is a team full of Pro Bowlers that still has the #1 record in the ENTIRE LEAGUE. The Saints and Vikings played their starters and both lost to awful teams with little to play for. We played our starters for 3/4 of a game against a talented team that needed that win to make the playoffs.
Bill Polian can be as smug as he wants to be. And I hope now that we not only win in the playoffs, but convincingly. I hope we destroy our Super Bowl Opponent. And then we can see how everyone will be eager to fly back to the man’s jock and give him accolades for building arguably the greatest team in the Salary Cap era.
I lost a lot of faith in Colts Nation Sunday night. I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come.
I also wish I had time and motivation to blog at Speed Blue Nation
by Bullard47 on Dec 29, 2009 9:46 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Man, I missed you
It was horrible yesterday; there were like 20 fanposts dedicated to this topic from people who just joined the blog to discuss Poloian and Caldwell’s decision. Even some so-called long time Colts fans (one person claimed to have followed the team since 1967) dumped the team because they pulled guys out the game which led to a 14-1 record. Ten years ago, this franchise had 0-10 starts, but now the fans get pissed when management decides to not pursuit perfection and are dissatisfied with 14-1 including 13 straight home victories?! Many of these so-called Colts fans are a bunch of bandwagoners and fair-weather fans…smh
Peyton Manning makes it Wayne on them hoes!!!!
Yea, I made the mistake of trying to say this, along with a couple of other level heads and all we got was attacked.
I finally just had to leave the site alone for a day. I’m just making a list of the what people were saying during the time, and then posting what they said (as BBS had so much fun doing earlier this season) if we win the SB.
by vintagephoenix on Dec 30, 2009 2:54 AM EST up reply actions
I didn't even bother reading the site until I hoped the fuss had died down
I knew I’d just get annoyed at the supposed “fans” ripping the team. So I avoided it for as long as I thought necessary.
Should have waited a bit longer I guess.
by eltharion_doa on Dec 30, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
There has been way too much complaining about this, too many repetitive threads in particular.
I don’t think fans are helping the team at all right now. If you want to go on some crusade to kick out the management, fine.
Do it in the off-season, first enjoy the Superbowl run.
by agradecimiento a dios on Dec 30, 2009 7:57 AM EST reply actions
Right on, man.
"If you don't pick me, I'm gonna kick your a## for 15 years." Peyton Manning to Polian, prior to 1998 draft.
You don't get it
It’s not US the fans who should be reprimanded for “becoming” like all the other spoiled and bratty fans of less accomplished teams. What’s upsetting to US, the fans, the good people, is that our trust in an organization that used to set us apart has been crushed, our management has “become” just as gross and dirty as the other organizations in the league with “bratty” fans.
We used to stand out bc we never had ownership that failed us and made us look bad.
Don’t hate on us dude, we wear blue with pride, we are good fans…Polian doesn’t deserve us anymore. Dirty management makes dirty fans.
It is all a big guess.
We’re assuming we wouldn’t have gotten more injured, or tired like New England. There really is no wrong answer.
by agradecimiento a dios on Dec 30, 2009 6:22 PM EST up reply actions
but this move...
Wasn’t any different than they’ve ever made. Why the uproar now? It seems like because the Patriots tried it in 07, all of the sudden everyone’s philosophy about a perfect season has to change. The management did what they’ve always done and what they said they would do. I can understand everyone’s feeling on this but to say this one thing has cancelled out all the good things the management has done seems like a gross over reaction to me.
Respectfully Disagree...
I think the ownership’s decision did more to impune the reputation of this organization than anything the fans could ever do. The Colts had a unique opportunity to do something very special that had been done only twice in NFL history. To every other NFL fan, player and team; that means something. The Colts willfully casting this opportunity aside is disgraceful. The act may be perceived as belittling the accomplishment of the great teams past who acheived it and that is what has raised our ire. The fans are right to be angry. Fans of other teams understand this as well. As such I will not hold my tongue for the sake of keeping the peace. This is not about entitlement, THIS WAS WRONG GODDAMMIT and I have no problem saying so.
by invisibulman on Dec 30, 2009 3:16 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Glad you're respecful about this though.
It has only been done once, and not in a 16 game regular season. The Fins record is arbitrary to me, and in a less impressive era. We already went 14-0 like them, now we need to get that Superbowl. Peyton has been taking a lot of passes this year, like any great thrower he could use at least a little rest.
by agradecimiento a dios on Dec 30, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Just a little note
We actually did have Ricky Williams in our roster. but not the one you’re talking of i suppose
by believeinblue41 on Dec 30, 2009 4:02 PM EST reply actions
I REC-commend 1000 rec's!
Well said and right on the money!
Pressure is somethig you feel when you don't know what you're doing!
-Chuck Knoll, as quoted by Peyton Manning
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
FINALLY, after endless days of reading whiny posts and ‘expert opinion’ on The Decision, I am so glad to read an article that reprimands the whiners and adds the proper perspective to this silliness. Better yet, it’s GREAT to read POSITIVE posts by fans…I was losing faith in Indy’s 12th man. Glad I checked in. GO COLTS!!! STILL the top of the power rankings and the most disciplined team in the NFL.
Grow the hell up
Come back and try again once you figure out that the only children in this conversation are the infants like you who can’t tell the difference between losing and quiting.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Jan 2, 2010 1:08 AM EST reply actions
good luck on tues...need more wins for the big ten
Non Sibi Sed Patriae.
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum!
I bleed Scarlet and Grey...A Buckeye for Life
Thank you
The Big Ten has done well for the most part. Now it is time for Iowa (who carried last year’s lone win for the conference) to step up and take care of business as well.
by the_iowa_hawkeye on Jan 2, 2010 1:12 AM EST up reply actions
Yet another condescending post that misses the point
Look, I have no trouble with your opinion, everybody is entitled to their own. But when you imply that I’m “whiny” for believing the Colts should have gone for it, you cross the line. I don’t believe that the Colts “deserve” or have some inherent right to win every game. I’d venture to say that I’ve been a Colts fan for longer than most people on this site, and I have never booed or spoken ill of my team as long as they’ve given their best effort. I’ve sat through 1-15 and 3-13 teams. I’ve sat through Gary Hogeboom and George Wonseley. How dare you question my dedication?
The bottom line is this: there are a number of people, myself included, who believe that an undefeated season is special. While there is a Super Bowl winner every year (over 40 of them now) there has only been one undefeated team in history, and zero 19-0 teams. There are no guarantees in football. The Colts purposely blew a shot at one of the all time great historical seasons in the sporting world, and could very well end up with nothing to show for their gamble. I disagree with this strategy.
And then there’s the issue of the competitive integrity of the league. The game might not have meant anything to us, but it had huge implications for the Jets and numerous other teams. What’s to stop a future unscrupulous team from deliberately throwing a game in order to affect playoff seeding or teams to their benefit? They could simply pull their starters and let the other team win with the excuse “hey the Colts did it, why can’t we?” I certainly hope that I don’t have to explain to anybody why purposely tanking games is detrimental to the integrity of the league. I’m not saying the Colts purposely tanked the game (I’m sure the reserves tried to win), but they sure made it easier for others to do so in the future. And it’s really a very fine line anyway: anybody who knows anything about football understands that a raw, inexperienced 6th-round rookie playing his first meaningful snaps ever has very little chance against the highly-motivated, number one defense in the league. Could Painter have pulled out the win? Sure. And I might win the lottery tomorrow. But the odds of either happening are extremely low, and informed people understand this.
In another post, I made this point: if a 2-12 team purposely tanked a game (or at least did not put forward a sincere effort to win) in order to improve their draft positioning, they would be excoriated in the court of public opinion — and rightfully so. Hell, the NBA went to a lottery system for draft positioning specifically to prevent teams from affecting the league’s integrity and competitive balance by throwing games. But this 2-12 team could easily make the argument, “but this game had no postseason implications for us, and we’re doing what is best for the long-term prospects of the team, i.e. getting a better draft choice.” How are these not the exact same arguments the Colts are making, albeit for a different reason? Is it OK when we do it because we’re good guys? I don’t buy it.
These are just a few arguments; there are others (I won’t even get into what the people who buy the expensive tickets/parking/concessions deserve). But I hope I’ve made my point, whether you agree with it or not. I am neither a whiner nor do I have unrealistic expectations. I don’t expect my team to win every game, but I do expect my team to try to win every game. Your condescending assertion that people who hold my opinion are basically whiny, spoiled jackasses is unbelievably insulting.
So here’s an “unapologetic reprimand” for you: until you understand a person’s point of view and are able to do a much better job explaining why your point of view is superior, maybe it would be best for you to keep your condescension to yourself.
by ctnyc on Jan 2, 2010 11:56 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Point on!
The intergrity of the league is more important, then what transpired on that Sunday. It’s like looking to buy a car and seeing it was made on a Friday or Monday. Buyer beware! Same thing will happen (to an extent), if a team wants to try and manipulate both their roster and/or their competition.
30 player’s on the injury report for Sunday’s game against the Bills!!?? Way to cover your bases!
Somehwere I saw a recommendation
that the league schedule the last 2 or 3 games as division games… that actually sounded like a good idea to prevent what you’re talking about. I know in seasons past I’ve only watched games with meaningful outcomes… recently those haven’t been Colts games ;-)
How can you not love a team that does this?
another idea
I saw this week (and liked) -
Select playoff teams the way they do now based on full season record, but have the seeding and byes for the playoffs determined by the teams’ records in the last 4 games.
Ugh.
That doesn’t sound like a good idea.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: The Colts lost. The world moved on (I think).
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