AFC Divisional Playoff Preview: Ravens at Colts
by KingRichard on Jan 11, 2010 11:02 PM EST
in Colts Analysis
Email
PrintIt's the divisional round and the real playoffs are finally about to begin. It's been a long three weeks as the Colts are coming off of their much needed, and much welcomed bye week healthy, rested, and ready to go. Their opponent: The mighty Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens are coming into the divisional round riding high after their 592556-14 drubbing of the New England Patriots in Foxboro. That game was over before the Ravens even suited up. The Patriots looked completely lost during the opening moments of the game, and for the most part I felt bad for them. Ok, not really. The only reason I felt bad was because of the massive hit my ego took for picking those hacks to win the game. What the hell was I thinking? I knew better. The Patriots have played like utter crap against anything that resembles an NFL caliber team this season, but yet for some reason I fell into that trap of thinking, "Well it's the Patriots and they don't lose at home in the playoffs blah blah blah." Ugh. After coming to grips with what I had done, I began to thoroughly enjoy watching Tom Terrible jog off of the field after being strip-sacked, intercepted, and then intercepted again. Much to my amazement though, he didn't bust out his patented temper tantrum, screaming at anyone who would listen. Maybe he finally realized that he isn't the Superman everyone makes him out to be. It sucks not having a great defense huh Tommy boy?
To put things into perspective, the past 4 years of Tom Brady's career has been down right brutal.
In the 2006 AFC Championship game, a game that will forever live in infamy, the Patriots were victim to arguably the greatest comeback in playoff history. We're very familiar with this game, as the Colts fought tooth and nail to remove that constant thorn in their side that was the Patriots in the playoffs.
The following season, a few key free agent acquisitions proved to be the key in elevating that Patriots team to a level of greatness that no one had seen in 35 years. The 2007 Patriots broke the 1999 Vikings' record of most points scored in a season, Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning's single season passing touchdown record, Randy Moss broke Jerry Rice's single season receiving touchdown record, and they finished an astounding 16-0 in the regular season. They accomplished these feats and were seemingly poised to win their 4th Super Bowl of this decade, and be labeled as the greatest team in NFL history. That Patriots team had every necessary ingredient to go 19-0, but due to the constant pass rush by the Giants' defensive line in the Super Bowl, Tom Brady was unable to stay off of his knees and subsequently blew the game. The biggest choke job in sports history.
2008 wasn't any better. Tom Brady didn't even make it out of the first quarter of opening day before his season was done. He tore both his ACL and MCL in his left knee, ending his season. I will admit I felt bad for him when he injured his knee. Well ok, not really. I was just pissed that I wasted a draft pick on him in my fantasy team. Even though I happened to draft Matt Ryan that year and went on to win the championship that year, I was still miffed that Brady was done. Never, ever, draft a player coming off of a career high. Trust me, it won't end well.
And then of course there's the 2009 season. While recovering from his knee injury, the Patriots went through many ups and downs. Their defense was completely revamped and was exposed in many games. The offense however was a carbon copy of the 2007 season from a personnel standpoint. Many members of the media laughed at the notion that Tom Brady would return this season and be hindered by his knee injury. Many of us who are intune with reality were well aware of what Brady was going to experience after watching Peyton Manning struggle for weeks after two off season knee surgeries prior to the 2008 season. Even though the Colts finished the season on a 9 game winning streak and finished the season with a 12-4 record, the Patriots suffered the same fate as the Colts and were bounced from the wild card game.
Though I'm sure we all expected to see the Patriots' season end sometime before the Super Bowl, I don't think anyone saw this collapse coming even though we should have.
There is good news however. The 2009 Patriots accomplished a feat that no other team has ever done in NFL history. Over the past 6 seasons, the Patriots have ended their season in every way imaginable with regard to the playoffs. In 2004, they won the Super Bowl. In 2005 they lost in the divisional round to the Broncos. In 2006 they lost the AFC championship game to the Colts. In 2007 they lost the Super Bowl to the Giants. In 2008 they missed the playoffs. And finally, in 2009, the Ravens dominated them in the wild card game.
Congratulations New England Patriots! Even in moments of utter failure you are still able to set the bar for the rest of the league. Enjoy the rest of the postseason at home. (round of applause)
Alright, enough Patriots talk.
As I mentioned in my preview of the wild card games, the only way the Ravens were going to win that game against the Patriots was by pressuring Brady and force feeding the ball to Ray Rice. Mission accomplished. Sadly for the Ravens, they're going to need a completely different game plan to be able to beat the Colts.
Now, before I get too far into this breakdown, allow me a moment to dispel one of, if not the most annoying myth surrounding the Colts and the league in general.
From now on, if you hear anyone claim that the Colts are "soft," or any team for that matter, you can presume that this person is probably clueless about what they are talking about. Just because the Colts aren't the biggest team in the league does not mean they are soft. That also doesn't mean they don't play "physical" football. If you think otherwise then you're just grasping at straws. Football by its very nature is "physical," so I don't want to hear this crap about how the Ravens can out physical any team in the league, let alone the Colts. They've tried that stuff in the past and the only thing the Ravens have to show for it is 2-7 head-to-head record against the Colts. For the sake of strengthening my argument, both the Ravens' wins came in the two worst seasons in the Peyton Manning era. How's that for physical?
That's not to say that the Ravens can't be a scary team. As the Raiders proved earlier this season, if you overlook an opponent it will come back to bite you. Even if the Colts were to face the 0-16 Lions this Saturday, anything could happen, so you prepare accordingly.
The difference between the Patriots and the Colts is that the Colts have Peyton Manning and the Colts' defense is fast. Like, really really fast.
You won't see Peyton Manning being hassled all game long by this Ravens defense. Despite the woes of the offensive line in the running game, their ability to pass block is second to none. This is due to the type of personnel the Colts have filling those positions. Interestingly enough, the Colts' linemen in are direct contrast to the Baltimore Ravens' linemen. The Ravens possess bigger, more powerful bruising run blockers, while the Colts utilize more agile pass blockers to support their pass happy offense. Neither is at an advantage in this contest because they both do extremely well in their respective offenses.
Where the advantage starts to show it's head is in the ability to put up points.
The Ravens no doubt will try to grind out long drives and keep Peyton on the bench, working the clock like they did against the Patriots. As we've seen from many games this season, Peyton doesn't need that much time to stab you in the heart with a rusty spoon. The Ravens can play the clock game all they want, but they better make damn sure they finish their drives with touchdowns, otherwise you might as well save yourself the humiliation and anguish by not showing up.
The counter to the Ravens' attempts to pound the ball all game, the Colts should be sticking an extra defender in the box, using their speed to pursue to the ball and prevent any large gains from being made in the running game. By putting an extra defender in the box, the outside defensive backs will be forced to play more man coverage on the Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. Luckily for the Colts, the man himself Bill Polian, just so happened to draft a stud cover corner in the 3rd round this season. Not only that, he signed a rookie free agent as well who has proven to be no slouch himself in coverage.
Peyton aside, the key players this weekend for the Colts are the corners. If they can contain the Ravens' receivers on their own allowing the Colts to defend the run first, then I see no reason why the Colts couldn't keep the Ravens under 17 points in this game.
As far as the Colts offense, it's all about efficiency. Make every possession count. There cannot be any dumb mistakes because this Ravens team is a very opportunistic bunch, as I'm sure you witnessed during their week 11 matchup.
Looking back at the regular season, all of the comeback wins and clutch performances, you can see a story take shape. The moral of that story is that this team doesn't quit. No matter the point deficit, lack of time of possession, the number of turnovers, it seems like this team is just so resilient that they can over come anything and rise to the occasion when it calls for it.
Unlike the past two seasons, injuries will not play a major role in the outcome of this game. The key players for this Colts team are healthy and well rested. There are no excuses this year and I expect to see nothing less than a stellar performance all the way around.
However, in the unlikely and unfortunate event that the Colts don't win this game, the world is not over. Despite ridiculous claims that the Colts have to win this game, I'll be no more upset this season than I was last season, or even the season before that. As far as I'm concerned, it's Super Bowl or bust for the Colts every season.
The team needs our support, and we as fans should do the right thing and support them by screaming until our lungs burst. Whether you are watching the game from home or the front row, think positive thoughts and positive things will happen.
Go Colts!
148 comments
|
6 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
"ball control" doesn't work against the Colts
Teams think they are being clever by running the ball and subsequently the clock to keep Peyton Manning on the bench, but what I don’t understand is that you are limiting your own possession as well. Barring an onside kick recovery or a end of game scenario both teams generally end up with the same amount of possessions so it really has nothing to do with how many possessions you have but what you do with those possessions. What would you rather have a 7:40 second drive that ends up with a FG or a 2:15 drive that gets you a TD. Just a ridiculous argument.
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."
-Peyton Manning
by ZayJack on Jan 11, 2010 11:15 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This times a million
No matter how long you have the ball, each team gets (approximately) the same number of possessions. Trying to reduce that total number of possessions by dragging out the clock is basically admitting that your team winning the game requires luck.
by BlueToTheCore on Jan 12, 2010 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
One addendum to this
It’s a valid strategy if you are specifically keeping the ball offensively to tire out the opponent’s defense, hoping to increase your points per drive later in the game, to keep up with a prolific offense. But again, it wreaks of desperation.
by BlueToTheCore on Jan 12, 2010 1:01 AM EST up reply actions
Cass, will you take this one or shall I?
BTTC, just being a grammar nerd. while the Ravens D may wreak havoc, they reek of desperation.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
This makes sense...
except it tires out the offense too. I know Joe Theisman likes to say that being tired affects the defense more because they know where they are going, but I don’t buy it. First of all, these are professionals at their physical peak and should be able to overcome that obstacle. Second, the Colts play a read and react type of defense predicated on undertanding tendencies which of course isn’t affected by how tired you are, again these are professionals trained to maintain their wits despite their tired bodies.
Either way, all 22 players on the field are equally affected (although I could see how the DL would be more tired than an OL, but only fractionally so), which negaes any advantage.
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."
-Peyton Manning
i can see though how a team would start slow after a long rest though
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 12, 2010 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Couldn't agree more
Just trying to examine justifications for the “dominate time of possession” school of thought. Personally, I can’t imagine one that isn’t motivated by your team being outmatched in every way by your opponent. I’ve never seen pre-game analysis where an elite team’s game plan is to hold the ball as long as possible, to prevent their opponent from scoring in bunches.
Not that I fault the strategy, if that is the reason. If I was HC of a team playing a much better opponent, I could think of much worse ways to go about it.
by BlueToTheCore on Jan 12, 2010 11:02 PM EST up reply actions
don't forget
that during their 7:40 drive Peyton has about 15 minutes real time to study their defense and make adjustments. He isn’t just sitting their watching the game.
He even has instant pictures
of the last drive to aid him.
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
i just have
so much confidence in this team. i just feel like this team can overcome anything. its a special feeling. like a cold breeze on your nuts.
by coolyjohn on Jan 11, 2010 11:41 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
We're winning this game
Rice and Mcgahee will get their yards, but 18 is probably awake right now watching every defensive snap of the Ravens this season.
I’m pretty sure Hayden was hurt in the regular season game so Mason won’t be catching those outs and hitches this week.
Saturday night is gonna be alot of fun.
by torontocoltsfan on Jan 11, 2010 11:51 PM EST reply actions
I'm so hyped up right now, it's not even funny
This game may be even doubly important for my morale because I interview for a promotion last week and find out if I get it tomorrow. I may need the distraction come Saturday night.
"Pressure is something you feel when you don't know what the hell you're doing."
-Peyton Manning
Wow
That was the most immature, hate-filled, unprofessional pile of crap I have ever read on a supposedly legitimate website.
Colts fans are supposed to be better than that. You give the rest of us a bad name.
There’s no reason whatsoever to spend 10 paragraphs laughing at the Patriots and acting like a typical Patriot fan in a Colts-Ravens preview. That crap is embarrassing for the rest of the good writers here.
Once you get to the actual game it’s fine, I guess. I’d argue that the defensive tackle and LB play is far more important than anything the corners do, especially since Flacco isn’t likely to be throwing all that often. The Ravens don’t have any legitimate receiving threats outside of Rice, who’ll get mostly LB attention, so it’s mostly a matter of limiting their running game and passes to Rice. Kind of like last game. It’s not as if they were some great offensive success last time.
If the Colts win the turnover battle, they’ll win the game. If the front 7 plays at an average level against the run, they win the game. While the Ravens are certainly a team that can force mistakes, all the Colts have to do is avoid making them. If they don’t screw up, there’s no way the Ravens can keep up.
derrick mason?
who had like 130 yards on us in reg season game… is he not legitimate?
go mavs, go colts, go rangers, go baylor
Hayden was out
with Hayden and a more seasoned Powers/Lacey that’s be severely cut down.
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Jan 12, 2010 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
agree with that
but doesnt take away the fact that he is a legitimate nfl wr
go mavs, go colts, go rangers, go baylor
yep, though if Flacco plays like he did last week that won't matter at all
Luck is probability taken personally, clutch is probability attributed to individuals.
by shake n bake on Jan 12, 2010 12:23 AM EST up reply actions
It might actually help us that you have very little to look at with Flacco from last week.
You have to hate losing more than you love winning.
they will look at film from him the last game they played as well though, and that will be more beneficial than this last game
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 12, 2010 1:53 AM EST up reply actions
I like Mason a lot
But while he’s good, he can be covered by any halfway decent DB. Jennings did a perfectly decent job on him for a good part of that game (which is on NFLn right now, btw)
im watching
and i am not convinced that we actually kept them out of the endzone right here on the drive inthe 4th where they got to the 1… ill watch again
go mavs, go colts, go rangers, go baylor
still pissed
we didnt score a td on the drive that we kicked the fg
go mavs, go colts, go rangers, go baylor
Concentration & discipline
<If the Colts win the turnover battle, they’ll win the game. While the Ravens are certainly a team that can force mistakes, all the Colts have to do is avoid making them. If they don’t screw up, there’s no way the Ravens can keep up>
The Ravens actually “won the TO battle” 3 – 2 in their regular season meeting, but still lost the game.
For the year, the two teams were pretty close in this department. B’more forced 30 TO’s while giving up 22 for a plus 8 margin. Indy forced 26 while giving up 21, for a plus 5 margin.
The Penalty Differential always has the potential to make a big difference in any game involving the Ravens, although it did not in the first meeting between these two teams.
This year Baltimore was penalized 115 times for 1094 yards, that resulted in in 34 first downs for the other team. In comparison, The Ravens’ opponents were penalized 88 times for 741 yards that gave them 18 first downs.
On the other hand, Indy was penalized just 74 times for 546 yards, that resulted in 11 first downs for their opponents.
I didn’t say losing the turnover battle necessarily means losing the game.
The only reason the Ravens were even close in that game was because of the Colt turnovers. The offense was moving the ball well and left points on the board. The Ravens damn near turned the ball over twice more, including once early that probably would’ve led to a game similar to the Pats game this weekend, if not for those challenges.
The Colts can still win if they lose the turnover battle, but it will be hard. But if they WIN the turnover battle, and specifically don’t turn it over at all, I can’t see any possible way that they’ll lose.
Speaking of penalties, I’d say there’s probably a decent chance they’ll get Ron Winter for this game. I’m sure he’s one of the 7 remaining ref crews lined up for these playoffs. But against the Ravens at home, I actually think having him will be an advantage.
Carl Cheffers
According to this site, Carl Cheffers’ crew will be reffing the game. That’s a huge relief as I never want to see Winter man another Colts contest.
Here is Cheffers’ bio. He appears to be relatively inexperienced, but competent.
NICE
Glad they got that up so quickly. Cheffers did the Rams game earlier this year. He has never been the center of any big controversies that I can remember.
I feel bad for the Cardinals. They’re playing the Saints in the dome and got Ron Winter. That’s like playing 11 on 13 right there.
Agree...
I was actually sorry to see Brady go down last season…I don’t care who the player is…I don’t like anyone to get hurt like that!!
"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
That was a really interesting fact
about the Patriots experiencing every possible postseason ending
?
“Tom Brady was unable to stay off of his knees and subsequently blew the game. The biggest choke job in sports history.”
Was that a sexual innuendo just now?
------------------------------------------------------------
That was the most immature, hate-filled, unprofessional pile of crap I have ever read on a supposedly legitimate website.
Yet I found myself enjoying it immensely. Rec’d.
by peytonsurdaddy on Jan 12, 2010 12:30 AM EST reply actions
i didn't think the basically wishing injury, or being fine with it was cool. i mean i never WANT to see a player injured no matter who it is.
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 12, 2010 1:55 AM EST up reply actions
Tale of two posts
Have to agree with willyduer… should have focused solely on the playoff preview, KR.
Oh and I think the “possible exits” stuff was noted in a story on PFT this weekend.
How can you not love a team that does this?
Once more
I dont think the Ravens winning in the fashion they did against the Pats was an upset at all. I just didnt see it in the Pats. They have a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball if they want to return to prominence. Their defense is a far cry from what it used to be and without Welker, there offense was pedestrian (not that it wasnt great to begin with). The result of that game didnt surprise me one bit.
As for our game with the Ravens, you pretty much hit on alot of the points. I think one of the other key factors in this game is to get ahead and never look back. Force to Ravens to be in catch up mode all day, where they will have no choice but to throw every down. Unleash Freeney and Mathis and let them get after Flacco all game long. In other words, force the Ravens to play to our strengths
subliminal quote?
Tom Brady was unable to stay off of his knees and subsequently blew the game. The biggest choke job in sports history.
by bob-log sandtits on Jan 12, 2010 2:14 AM EST reply actions
Subliminal nuthin! I assume that was 100% intended and damn funny.
I recced it for that line alone. Then again, I have been called perverse. I’d call KR a pervert, but I’ve never seen him at one of the meetings.
And the Pats “hitting for the cycle” was pretty amusing as well.
But yeah, maybe making this two pieces would make more sense.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
I considered splitting them up, but I figured 2 birds, 1 stone = win. Besides, the transition isn’t that bad is it? lol
"Yea, verily, we shall overcome thy pathetic attempts at defense, thou jelly-livered knave! Talk not of thy smack to me, for I shall wedge mine booted foot nine furlongs up thy ass, bitch! Canst thou dig it??"
You make a good point.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
You should make sure the poster's a girl first before agreeing to going over there.
Unless you’re into that kind of thing.
tlenker meant to post this picture...
Now I must go where others are in need of help. For where a picture doesn’t load, I will be there. Where photobucket says overbandwidth, I will be there. Where a hotlink is changed to give a silly message, I will be there.
TO THE TINYPIC!
Go Colts!
by Marked Hoosier on Jan 12, 2010 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
How did you know that's what he meant to post?
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Open link in new window.
"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."
— Cormac McCarthy (All the Pretty Horses)
by Addai Another Aday on Jan 12, 2010 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
I can read minds.
I admit it, I have a gift.
That and I highlighted above and below the empty void, and right clicked.
There is an option called “view selection source”. This lets you see the raw code of the page… and I saw the picture address. He didn’t grab the right addy from Photobucket, so I just did my THANG and put it on Tinypic.
There is so much for you to learn, young Jedi.
Go Colts!
by Marked Hoosier on Jan 12, 2010 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
that is with Firefox as your browser...
wow, in IE you see a broken pic picture, and can get the addy by just right clicking and looking at properties.
Wow, things look so weird in IE, been forever since I used this. What are with all these ADs? WTF?
Adblock, I miss you already!
Go Colts!
by Marked Hoosier on Jan 12, 2010 6:02 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the tip.
I also use Firefox, so I saw nothing but an empty void. Didn’t know about the raw code trick. I wonder if you can use that same trick to rip off an embed code from a site that doesn’t give it.
And yeah, Adblock is pretty much the greatest thing to ever come to computers.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
You can by looking at the page source.
Page info also gives you some of the media codes.
And something like downloadhelper doesn’t hurt…
Heh.
I’ve actually got 3 browsers on my computer (IE, Firefox, and Safari). I use Firefox as my default and only use IE for specific browser problems or if I need to download something (much easier to do in IE).
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
I gots four...
I got IE, firefox, Safari for pc, and Chrome. I miss Netscape SOO MUCH.
there were a couple other lousey ones that I can’t even remember the names of, that were a combo of social sites + internet browser.
Go Colts!
by Marked Hoosier on Jan 12, 2010 7:13 PM EST up reply actions
didn't I just say...
“Wow, things look so weird in IE, been forever since I used this.”
I am a firefox ADDICT. I knew how to see hidden stuff in Firefox, so I went to the Internet Explorer to see if it was the same or not. Of course IE has to be totally different.
I almost fired up the Chrome to see how things looked through it. :)
Go Colts!
by Marked Hoosier on Jan 12, 2010 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Wait, that's not real?
Are you sure?
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
welcome to my world...
ya think IE could build in a spell checker but NO!
Go Colts!
by Marked Hoosier on Jan 12, 2010 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
OMG
I just noticed the boots…HIL.AR.I.OUS.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 7:48 PM EST up reply actions
In addition to what Willy said about the turnover battle, I'll say the field position battle as well
There were three keys to the Ravens win last week. I think we can all agree the Pats played uninspired ball and the Ravens were inspired. But that’s pretty subjective and touchy-feely.
The three concrete keys were (1) Rice’s giant run on play #1—take that out and his rushing was actually quite pedestrian. Big volume stats, low rate stats. (2) Turnovers, of course—how often do you expect a playoff team to throw three picks and lose a fumble? How about the Colts? How about a team benefitting from that two weeks in a row? and (3) insane field position. If they started each possession on their own 40, which is considered damn good FP, I suspect the Ravens would have scored about 14-17 less. But when you start FIVE possessions inside the opponent’s 27 yard line, well, you damn well better score points. (and even then, IIRC it was 2 TDs and 3 FGs. Face it, they have red zone problems.) They got this great field position through deep turnovers, and good INT and punt returns.
I am not trying to say this is all flukey, but it’s not very typical either. One of those three things, yeah, sure. Two? Come on, really? Okay, maybe. But ALL THREE? No way, Never.
So even if the Raven pass rush runs wild and our OTs regress a bit, maybe the Colts are held to 20 points in a worst case scenario. If the Ravens average starting field position is INSIDE their own 35, which is not too terribly bad at all for them, they won’t score more than last game’s 15.
What I am really looking for is a 2006-like close-out, however, where we’re up by 8+ pts when Joe and Donald get about 10 runs in a 12-play drive to seal the deal and the gassed Ravens are back on their heels. Maybe Joe can return that jock he juked Ray Lewis out of back in November on his TD run.
I hate Joe Namath. That's how long I've been a Colts fan.
by Bobman on Jan 12, 2010 3:49 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
thanks KR
Both insightful and enterraining. Excellent writeup.
God hates the New England Patriots
by Juri on Jan 12, 2010 5:00 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Injury report
When should we expect to see the injury report? Any insight on any players that we shouldn’t expect to see (other than the usual suspects)?
First Injury Report
comes out Wednesday. I expect it to be pretty clean.
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
Seems like Charlie Johnson's injur has been stubborn
And antonio Johnson’s shoulder(?)…. makes me wonder how hurt some of these guys have been all year.
by naptown_ninja on Jan 12, 2010 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
wouldn't it be Tuesday?
aren’t there typically 3 practices and one rest day prior to game day? hence, Tuesday, Wed, Thurs practice, Friday rest, Sat game day
How can you not love a team that does this?
yea they are practicing today
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 12, 2010 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
pratice?
we’re talkin about practice?
not a game, not a game, not a game, but practice?
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
Now Ive the autotuned version in my head.
Thanks. (And in general, I hope you feel better. Football sized things are generally not good for the body.)
i wanna kiss you, i wanna kiss you
(i cant understand the suzy kolber part of that)
the hilarious part about my injury is that my wife has been a stay at home mom for ~2 years (since the 2nd one was born), but recently decided that she wanted to go back to work (she actually had a career), and since I can work at any time, it doesnt really affect me, so I said sure, well her first day was yesterday, so I’m trying to chase a 2 and a 4 year old around the house on 1 leg. Takes me longer to stand up than it does for the 4yo to go from the basement to the 2nd floor 5 times. No more sugar.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
It's Suzy Kolber! It's the eyes, really.
No more sugar for you or the kids?
I can’t imagine running after a two year old AND a four year old. Especially if either one is like my niece. She’s smart and awesome, but requires constant attention. She comes back next Monday. I plan on kidnapping her for at least a week, maybe two.
yea, mine are like that
I had sort of broken the oldest one from the constant need for attention, until the 2nd one was born, then he needed attention again. He’s super smart and conceited, too.
My parents were in town last week for the 2yos bday party, so grandma was doing something with him [the 4 yo] (i dont remember what) and she said, ‘Do you need him with that?" and he said, "No, grandma, I’m an expert, that means im really really good at this."
Oh. Kay.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
Oh just wait...
it gets SOOOO much better.
/sarcasm
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 3:13 PM EST up reply actions
Heh.
Chip off the old block? :p
I keed. I was apparently a loner child. Very well behaved and very content at living in my own imaginary world. I wouldn’t want that from a child of mine. Too boring. Yours sound more fun. My niece is 17 months old, so she has a little while to go before she can have arguments with me, but I look forward to them.
what are you trying to say?
you’ve already been on my bad side once this week…
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
Here's the best I can find about the Injury Report
The NFL did not require the Colts to file an injury report Tuesday, but Colts president Bill Polian and coach Jim Caldwell have said they don’t expect any players to miss Saturday’s game because of injuries.
Via CBS Rapid Reports
Bob Sanders does not play Hide-and-Seek, He plays HIDE and PRAY-HE-DOES-NOT FIND-YOU!
I imagine they'll
just use the usual Wed/Thurs/Fri routine with Friday being a very light practice.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Expect the first one to be
posted on colts.com and here around 5 PM on Wednesday.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
id just be watching the rapid reports on CBS site and you will get it sooner
GO COLTS!!! 09 IS OURS!!!
previously known as (ANGELSFAITH)
by TheAngelsColts on Jan 12, 2010 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
great read KR
My favorite part was the part about tom brady and the blowjobs
I liked the write-up, KR.
Since when is it blasphamy to dump on the Pats? C’mon, everyone its fun – admit it.
Other than that, I will say that I would have preferred to have played the Jets this weekend. This is definitely going to be a tough, physical game. I still believe the Colts come out on top, I just hope they do so with little injury. I want to face the Chargers healthy and with no excuses this time around. I have me a little vendetta…lol
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 11:18 AM EST reply actions
we will still get to play the jets next weekend...
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing...
that would be great
the MSMs heads would explode if the Colts made it to super bowl and didnt play the chargers, patriots, or steelers..
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
True.
What a lovely thought.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Ya think?
There’s a part of me that wants vendication for handing the Jets the regular season game. But at the same time, I live in So Cal and am very tired of hearing that the Chargers have the Colts’ number.
I have read that the Jets/Chargers match up is a good one, and considering what I’ve seen of the Chargers this year (and their opponents) I would tend to lean towards the Jets winning it.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
Nice Column
As you can tell by my avatar, the Broncos are my favorite team but I also really like the Colts! Peyton Manning is all class, all-world and the G.O.A.T. at quarterback, even Dan Marino says so, or he will as soon as Peyton breaks all records that Marino set in less time than it took that hack Favre. I like both the Colts and Ravens and am disappointed that this isn’t the AFC Championship game. The Bolts are overrated trust me, they’re just hot. Watch the Jets pour cold water on them. I’m looking forward to Saturday evening’s game. May the best team win. It’s hard to visualize that team not being the Colts.
Brad James
by the new Bradfather on Jan 12, 2010 12:22 PM EST reply actions
hey guys, good news!
those of you that have been reading this site for a while might remember my super duper game out come predictor. it was used to correctly predict half of the NE-IND game in November, but since it failed to predict the 2nd half correctly, i mothballed it and have been busy rewriting it so that it would account for every variable, including going for it on 4th and 2, etc…
So without further adieu:
The Ravens will end up beating the Colts 118-108.
Thats redicules, you say. Perhaps, but its scientific. Here’s how:
The Ravens, on the back of a dominating running game and a suffocating defense, jump out to a huge 118-0 lead at half. Manning, as he has been known for this year, comes storming out in the 2nd half. That, combined with some good coaching by Jim Caldwell and bad challenges by John Harbaugh, allow the Colts to charge back.
With 10 minutes, 46 seconds left in the 4th quarter, the Colts have cut the lead to 10, and have just forced a 3 and out. The Ravens punt and the ball is downed at the Colts 7 yard line. Looking to cut the lead to one score, Polian and Caldwell shock the home crowd by sending Curtis Painter and the 2nd stringers on the field.
“We’re not really concerned with Divisional Round Records. The Ravens have a ferocious rush, and Im not sure anyone wants to see Peyton get hurt. we did what we went out to accomplish, we feel good about it, and we’re confident our fans feel good about it.”
His playing time in the regular season paid off, as Curtin Painter’s QB rating for this game was 42.5, more than 4 times greater than his regular season rating. His improvement, while marked, wasnt good enough to put any additional points on the board. He was able, however, to flip field position enough to prevent the Ravens from scoring any additional points.
In an unrelated story, my simulator also mentions an indystar article that will come out monday morning about some guy named Brad whose head assploded during the fourth quarter of the game. Not sure what thats all about…
Anyhow, I’ll be running 5.2 trillion simulations this week, so I’ll let you know when the outcome changes.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
LOL
Harsh and funny.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
lamer
always someone that has to be a kill joy
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
This post stinks of sarcasm and muscle relaxers...
by vintagephoenix on Jan 12, 2010 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
i need more of the latter
woke up with a football sized knot on my back. im considering traveling to vancouver for some stronger meds…
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
i am near toronto
i saidi was going to have to go to vancouver to get the good stuff
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
you gonna come visit me?
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
If you were near Toronto, sure, I would've. I visit the general area about once a year.
Going to Calgary for a baby shower in April and that’s the extend of my Canada related travel plans for next year. It’s going to be a busy year travel wise all in all.
i am near toronto!!!
are you being daft on purpose??
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
loser
let me know when you’re in the area, you can buy me a beer.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
okay no problem
i have like a $20 limit before i have to clear it with the wife, so if you want some rum or scoth or bourbon, or a cubic zirconium necklace, let me know…
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
That really sucks Hawking.
Couldn’t respond, friggin’ job…
Keep your chin up and get a tranq gun for the kids. Teach your kids fear early!
by vintagephoenix on Jan 12, 2010 8:16 PM EST up reply actions
Let’s be honest with ourselves: the game in Baltimore was only close because the Ravens got lucky on turnovers and Ray Rice is really good.
Somehow, I don’t think Peyton is going to be throwing a lot of balls that hit Dallas in the head, bounce straight up, and fall into a waiting defenders arms.
That being said, Ray Rice is really good.
We rise. They fall.
Proud to have my own tag on KSK
http://monkeybiziu.deviantart.com
by MonkeyBusiness on Jan 12, 2010 12:29 PM EST reply actions
Oh yeah, and bet the over on number of huge, Ravens drive killing/Colts drive sustaining penalties. BECAUSE THE REFS ARE OUT TO GET THE RAVENS, YOU SEE. THEY HATE THEM AND THEIR PURPLE CAMOUFLAGE PANTS.
We rise. They fall.
Proud to have my own tag on KSK
http://monkeybiziu.deviantart.com
by MonkeyBusiness on Jan 12, 2010 12:31 PM EST reply actions
Random Information:
Carl Cheffers is the ref for our game.
He’s alright. He did our game against St. Louis. That’s a good sign, right? The games I remember him from is the NO/Was game w/ the overturn in overtime. But the replay refs are different in the playoffs, so that might not be a problem. Ravens fans might remember him from their MNF game against Cleveland.
Divisional Playoffs
Arizona at New Orleans – Ron Winter
Baltimore at Indianapolis – Carl Cheffers
Dallas at Minnesota – Walt Anderson
NY Jets at San Diego – Jerome Boger
This also means no Ron Winter for the Championship game!
Now that is good news!
I was wondering which crew we’d end up with this weekend. Have fun, Cards and Saints…that’ll be a flag happy game.
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
NO
blows out ari, as their DBs are allowed to mug the ARI WRs…
DAL beats MIN and SD beats the Jets with 2 fairly evenly officiated games
I dont recognize Carl Cheffers, i looked him up, saw he used to work for the pac-10, we’re fucked.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
thats probably bad news for us
means less of the call we need, like illegal contact, or attempted murder.
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
here's what confuses me
ref crews are awarded playoff games based on their regular season grades, meaning you have to be pretty good (presumeably) to work the playoffs. We have Cheffers’ crew, who calls about 8 penalties less per game than Winters Crew. And also Walt Anderson’s crew, which was in the top 5 of penalties called. how can there be such a difference, on average, of the number of penalties in an average game, and still both be considered doing their job well. Yes, over a small sample, some refs might be doing more penalty-infested games, but Ron Winter is eleventy trillion years old and his average is 19, while Ed HotUBe is around 15. Obviously both cant be right…
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
No holding calls either
Against our DEs. Flacco will be the new Brady then!
But if SD plays Indy in the AFCCG (I think the Jets will though) then I want Hochuli.
Then Indy will become the new ref’s favorite, considering the Obit on the NE dynasty was written on Sunday.
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
"Lomu's the Brent Spar with attitude. A figure who inspires hero worship among even those who think a fly-half is a glass of beer consumed when 'er indoors is looking the other way." - Robert Philip Daily
by rangerover76 on Jan 12, 2010 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
The goes my pick of Arizona
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
by gizzardfanny on Jan 12, 2010 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Colts
The Colts do need our support, and we must not discourage with talk about previous resting and how that affected the play of the team. Life is just what it is ,and no matter what they did or didn’t do right was the end result of that season. Coach Caldwell is a pretty good Coach and I’m sure he’s prepared for what challenges that lye ahead. He has a great team that has played hard each game to make the fans happy and to set new records. I was concerned about Baltimore coming here , and doing what they did to New England to the Colts, but reality is that couldn’t happen , because we have the best all around team in the NFL . No other team can compare ever and no matter what stats show the heart is not part of that. Our Colts organization is a family with a leader who wants to see nothing more than to see our fans happy. We never back down no matter how many points we’re behind and find ways to keep on fighting. This is our year and no one will take this from us we should have had 4 rings already , but each given year we get better and defeat previous fears and records. Give them our support and I’m sure we will see something Saturday that we’ve not seen before. So If any Colts get a chance to see this , I’m all for you guys and I know I’’ll be watching you on T.V. while you kick tail in the Super Bowl.
if they wanted my support they should have thought of that sooner!!!!!!!!!!!1
Never doubt Peyton Manning, he’ll make you look silly
Joseph Addai is a good running back.
Im a douchebag, an asshole, and I'm rarely right.
Since when?
I thought organizational goals took priority over the sentiments of the fans, who fuel the finances of the owner by purchases of team accessories. I wonder how this model will work in a real corporation.
Anyway, I believe that this is a professional team and the players are paid money to just do two things: win and entertain. How they do it is their business as long they do it.
"Winning is not everything;the desire to win is" - Vince Lombardi
"Lomu's the Brent Spar with attitude. A figure who inspires hero worship among even those who think a fly-half is a glass of beer consumed when 'er indoors is looking the other way." - Robert Philip Daily
by rangerover76 on Jan 12, 2010 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Can't resist...
Coach Caldwell is a pretty good Coach and I’m sure he’s prepared for what challenges that lye ahead
If we use lye in the Rave’s jockstraps, that could really help….
/Cass’d
"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007
by peytonsthebest on Jan 12, 2010 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
Heh.
That comment was one of those giant blocks of text that I don’t read. Good catch.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Sooooo....
IS IT SATURDAY NIGHT YET?!?!?!?
This week is driving me crazy, and it’s only TUESDAY! Plus, I’ve had the luxury of working from home in my sweats so far this week because I’m sick. But no injury report today, and no real news – AAARRRRGGGHHHH – this is killing me!!!
How can you not love a team that does this?
soooooooo....
IS IT SATURDAY NIGHT YET?!?!?!?
This week is driving me crazy, and it’s only TUESDAY! Plus, I’ve had the luxury of working from home in my sweats so far this week because I’m sick. But no injury report today, and no real news – AAARRRRGGGHHHH – this is killing me!!!
whats up
Huh?
Why did you do that?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-c-combo breaker
"Yea, verily, we shall overcome thy pathetic attempts at defense, thou jelly-livered knave! Talk not of thy smack to me, for I shall wedge mine booted foot nine furlongs up thy ass, bitch! Canst thou dig it??"
by KingRichard on Jan 12, 2010 11:01 PM EST up reply actions
Would have been better with a pic.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Seems like everyone else
does on this site.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Fun fact
Peyton Manning is 3-0 in playoff matchups against teams he has already beaten in the playoffs beforehand.
"It's the greatest job in the world until Peyton comes off the field and you think his thumb might be broken and there's three minutes left in the AFC Championship Game and you're down by three to New England and you haven't taken a snap all year. Yeah, it's a great job until that point." - Jim Sorgi
Let's see if I can name them......
1. Broncos in 2004 (beat them in ’03)
2. Chiefs in 2006 (beat them in ’03)
3. ??
What’s the last one?
"I am in favor of censorship ‐ not against what is supposed to be sexy or dirty, but against what is idiotic." -Jean Renoir
Random fact of the week from the empty void that is my mind: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
"Despite ridiculous claims that the Colts have to win this game"
After resting starters, they absolutely HAVE to win this game. Otherwise its a duplicate of the 05 and 07 flameouts that gets more infuriating each time it happens.
Ever Grateful. Ever True.
No it's not.
Those situations were completely different.
"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: This is JD's best daydream. Cracks me up every time.
Predictions Shmedictions...
All this predicting can get annoying sometimes as a lot of surprise outcomes in games has shown. It basically boils down to:
“there’s a game on saturday night and someone will win and someone will lose”
anything can happen and i’ll be proud of my team either way.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Ahmad Bradshaw says Cowboys won’t win with Tony Romo at QB
- Cruz: Manningham’s Super catch wasn’t drawn up that way
- Whitney Houston performed the greatest national anthem in sports history (video)
- Justin Tuck visits New York City cop who survived gunshot wound to head
- The Giants won the ‘Brain Bowl,’ too
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
