Bill Polian Blames Special Teams For Colts Loss, Praises Defense
by Brad Wells on Jan 8, 2011 11:55 PM EST
in 2010 Colts News
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I've long since stop being surprised by post-game comments made by Colts president Bill Polian. While one must respect his impressive resume as a team builder, the fact is the man often some puzzling and, in many instances, downright STUPID things after Colts loses.
Tonight was no exception.
On 1070 The Fan, a local Indianapolis radio station, Bill Polian blamed the Colts special teams for, as Coltzilla's Laura Callaway states:
Polian blames special teams for giving up 3 or 4 plays that made the difference
But, when asked about the play of the Colts defense, which surrendered 169 yard rushing to the Jets along with a 53-second drive in the final minute that was capped by Nick Folk's game-winning field goal, Polian had this to say:
'I can't find nary a thing to complain about on defense.'
This is the same Bill Polian who needlessly threw his team's offensive line under the bus after the loss in Super Bowl 44.
While I'm sure some will scream and shout that I am a 'Polian hater' for calling attention to the idiocy of Polian's own words, the reality is that if Polian seriously believes his team's defense played well tonight, Jim Irsay needs to consider retiring the old man.
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At least he figured out special team problem....
So why don’t you try to fix it, Bill? Colts’ special team sucks for every single year. It’s nothing new.
Polian's way to address bad special teams is
to first, call them out in the media, and then trade the very best special teams player to another team. Yeah, that ought to do it.
That Means
@Ayrshire
He’ll trade Bullitt away or cut him.
Colts fan since Tony Dungy's 48th Birthday.
Polian
He is such a retard. THe defense could do nothing the second half.
Polian's senile.
When have special teams been good? They are always a threat to lose games for us. Unfortunately, in recent years, they’ve been direct contributors to losing some of our biggest ones. It’s always a matter of time before the special teams play bites us in the ass.
Well,
Knew this was coming. Was Polian right?
Yes he was. Special Teams lost this game for us.
Quit bashing him every chance you get, it’s fucking tiresome.
he was only half right
the special teams sucked… for the 100th year in the row
but the defense was downright crap as well. You don’t give up 160+ yards on the ground and a game winning drive with a good defense or even a decent defense
The defense played well
Held a talented Jets team to 16 points. That should have won the game for us.
What lost it was some stupid offensive play calling throughout the game, as well as the ST giving up 40 yards on that last kickoff return.
How many times this year has the D stepped up big when it really counted? They just couldn’t do it this game.
I can’t blame the players…Most of our old ST standouts had to move up to fill in for injured starters/role players.
I don’t like to make excuses…Still, a great year by the Colts when you consider everything that happened.
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 9, 2011 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
Hard for the offense to score when the Jets have the ball the entire half because the defense can’t stop them from ramming it down our throats.
Colts had 3 possessions and only scored 3 FGs.
Jets were more efficient. That’s not the Colts D’s fault – they still only gave up 17 points overall. That’s not a bad day at the office for a bend-but-don’t-break D.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 9, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
Colts D won their battle
We have a Colts D built to pass rush. The Jets ran fast and hard to AVOID having to pass. If the offenses got a couple TDs and forced them into passing, this game would have been ugly for the Jets. But with Clyde Christensen at the helm using his Etch-A-Sketch to come up with play calls, we’re all doomed.
Points allowed is not everything...
In football, if you want to score, you need to get the ball back. That’s defense’s job, and tonight Colts D couldn’t do the job. No surprise, since they did exact same things before.
Last time I checked
The team with more points wins. If your defense gives up less points than the rest of your team scores, you will win the game most of the time.
Time of possession is not important. We seen that in the Miami game a couple years back.
You could say that the defense was not clutch when it mattered…I would give you that point. But then I could say that the Offense could have been up by 14 at the end of the game if it wasn’t for conservative playcalling.
We did not get beat by a better team today.
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 9, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Colts had three scoring opportunities in the second half and only came up with 3 FGs. The Jets only had three scoring opportunities in the second half, too. Giving up 17 points in a playoff game isn’t a bad defensive performance.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 9, 2011 12:16 AM EST up reply actions
Here's a novel idea.
Hire a coach who can finally, once and for all, get a grip on the nightmare that is the Colts’ special teams.
if the D was so bad. Why did we only lose by 2 points?
The D played well in the first half. They had their moments in the second. I will admit, they were unable to pressure Sanchez enough in the second half. But, they played good enough to win. A 45 yard kickoff return with 53 seconds in the game or the failed 3rd and 6 pass to Blair White both sealed our fate. Had we been able to convert that 3rd down, we are talking about the Steelers. If we could have covered the kickoff, and pinned then down at the 20-30 yard line. It would have been much harder for them to move down the field. It would have helped our D. It would have allowed us a chance to rush the passer every down. Polian isn’t perfect, but he was right. The ST lost us this game. The ST nearly lost 3-4 othergames this year. It’s better late then never.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
How?
How did special teams lose this game? Special teams didn’t give up 169 yards rushing. Special teams didn’t allow the constant passes downfield. Bad special teams contributed to a loss, but didn’t cost us the game. For Polian to say he couldn’t find a thing to complain about on D was just stupid. Did you watch the game? Nothing to complain about on D?
I get called a bandwagon fan alot because I like the Colts and Yankees. Well, I like the Pacers and the IU Hoosiers Basketball and Football teams too, so I guess it all even out.
by IsThisNameTaken on Jan 9, 2011 12:03 AM EST up reply actions
Then stop reading the blog
Seriously, if this is all you have to contribute, there’s the door. You totally ignore one whole part of the post, and then make a blanket statement about how ‘tiresome’ it is that I highlight Polian’s own words. To quote Joseph below:
The special teams were terrible, but nary a thing to complain about on defense? Please.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
I only come here
to see what idiotic post you write next. It’s entertaining, as well as frustrating.
I’m just extremely surprised you didn’t mention week 16. Well hell, you could have, I stopped reading about halfway down. Wouldn’t surprise me.
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 9, 2011 12:06 AM EST up reply actions
So
You stopped reading halfway through the article, and then posted a comment?
Again, if this is what you plan to offer, leave my friend. Calling something idiotic when he didn’t even READ IT in its entirety is in itself idiocy defined.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
there was no reason
I’ve heard this song a few times. It’s played out.
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 9, 2011 1:32 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'll mention it.
Week 16 last year was a complete debacle. Anyone, with even a shot glass worth of testosterone and common sense, would have not denied this team a historic opportunity to do something no other team has ever done. Just because we’re in the next year doesn’t make it any less ridiculous. Happy?
It will never be let go.
It’s tattooed in my brain. And, your bringing it up again first in your comment above, is reinforcing my decision to not let it go. lol
Happy to
I thought this blog might have moved past temper tantrums and grudges. I was wrong. Bye now.
Never approach a vast undertaking with a half-vast plan.
a little while ago
BBS gave everyone their chance to take a shot at him so we all could get passed this ridiculous petty pissing match. Everyone has different writing styles and opinions. If we all just agree and write the same articles, then what the hell is the point for anyone to write anything? I too at one time used to get upset over things like this but then I realized that having differing opinions and being able to discuss that in a mature way was fun. I wish some of you all would see the light and get on with your lives. either come here to discuss with the rest of us or leave.
18>12
by metallicolts on Jan 9, 2011 1:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i am discussing
I’m sharing my opinions. The ones that disagree with every article the bum writes bashing Polian because he has a personal vendetta against him. Polian was not that far off with the quote, yet this tyrant blabbering ‘writer’ is calling for him to get fired.
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 9, 2011 7:38 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
BBS, Our DE's didnt generate nearly enough pass rush in the second half.
The coverage from Lachey and Trion was lacking in the second half as well. The commentators called the play before the Jets even did it. That pass to Braylon Edwards was uncontested. If we have our full compliment of CB’s, maybe we have a better chance to defend that play. The D played good enough to win. But the Coverage units of the special teams had a terrible night. Polian is partially right in his statement.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
Special teams did lose the game, Polian got that right.
But the fact is, the defense (again) forgot how to tackle for the second half. This seems to be a problem that has popped up repeatedly over the last few years. They keep saying it can be fixed, so when the hell is it gonna be fixed. Pittsburgh doesn’t seem to have that problem.
He's either senile or simply a pathological liar.
The special teams were terrible, but nary a thing to complain about on defense? Please.
I don't think he's too far off...
I mean, don’t get me wrong, I really don’t like Larry Coyer. I want Coyer gone infinitely moreso than any of the other coaches. I hate his scheme.
But the Colts were without their best run-stuffing DT and were featuring Lacey, Tryon and Francisco/Hamlin in the secondary. As I’ve said all season, Lacey is really bad. Really, really bad. You don’t want him starting. They could only hide that for so long.
Yes, the defense played soft and yes, Polian is insane for finding “nary” a thing wrong with them. But special teams was the biggest culprit imo, and they’ve been burning the Colts for too many years now for Polian not to have done anything about it. My biggest complaint about the defense is the coaching staff, not the players. They run a dumb scheme, plain and simple. It was a bad scheme when they had healthy players (see also: @HOU, @JAX.) It wastes $90mill worth of DEs.
I also have a problem with coaches keeping Angerer in the game over Hagler, despite the fact Angerer played awful all game long.
Writer for Stampede Blue.
by Collin McCollough on Jan 9, 2011 12:04 AM EST reply actions
Agree 100%
Lack of adjstment on D is a major problem. I love Angerer and think he will develop into a good player, but he was in way over his head today. I don’t understand their problem with Hagler, he has been good.
Throwing the ST under the bus is the easy way out for Polian. He is a great GM, though he’s going through a rough stretch, but he is also an asshole. He is the one who has ignored STs for years. But hey, he’ll probably ignore it the way he did the line last year.
by strandedincarolina on Jan 9, 2011 12:42 AM EST up reply actions
Special Teams DID NOT lose the game.
The inability to stop the run in the second half lost the game.
Special teams did stink. How much of goes on missing Mookie for the game?
Bleedin' Blue for as long as I can remember. Can you believe we get to be fans while our team has the greatest QB of all time?!?!?!
So, you don't think
That if the Jets start from the 20 yard line as opposed to mid field, that the Colts win the game? I gotta disagree.
I disagree.
If we stop that return at the end, we with the game. I’m not defending the D, but it is the lesser of two evils. Thank god Smith wasn’t healthy or it would have been really ugly.
by strandedincarolina on Jan 9, 2011 12:40 AM EST up reply actions
Special teams certainly DID
directly contribute to our loss, as they usually do.
Directly contribute vs. Cause
Two very different statements there, contribute I agree with, but not cause. They didn’t cause this loss. Truth be told, the offense caused it. You have an entire team built around their offense, but when there offense does crap I don’t blame the ST or Def. This is the playoffs, 21+ pts should be an automatic for any team. The Def and ST held them down to 17. I am happy therefore. The Colts should easily get 24+ pts. against the Jets D. If I want to blame one team, it’s the offense. Our team is not built to rely on its defense, otherwise we would be the Ravens and we left Baltimore many years ago.
There were many causes,....
bad offense, inept coaching, poor special teams, horrible defense….to name a few. And, injuries directly caused some of these problems.
This statement is dead on,
But I still believe that the proverbial straw that broke the Colts’ back was allowing a 47 yard return after the field goal that put us ahead. If the Jets start deeper in their own territory, (like the 20), they face more pressure to get in range as well as significantly less momentum provided by the boost of a long return.
47 yard return
Should not have mattered, we should have been 17 pts ahead by then.
I agree with Polian
I mean, he’s wrong in that there was something wrong with the defense. He is right in that the special teams are the most ENDURING problem with the Colts.
Dallas Clark: Some tight ends catch. Some block. Clark just owns.
So when is Polian going to be held accountable for only producing 1 SB and a less than .500 record in the playoffs with the greatest QB of all time?
To be fair...
Manning had three possessions in the second half where he could have sealed it. Instead at one point or another the O spluttered and had to settle for a FG. It’s not like Manning is entirely without responsibility for the game when he had three possessions and scored only 9 points.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 9, 2011 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
Caldwell conservative play calling
43 seconds, 2 timeout and #18 as your QB. I am sick of Coach Conservative not going for the score. Last years SB and tonight….go for the kill, go for the win.
by jegcelticfc on Jan 9, 2011 12:10 AM EST via mobile reply actions 3 recs
+100000000
But then he’ll call timeout when we DON’T have the ball. Can someone tell him this isn’t Wake Forest?!?
Win
I am sick of this coaching style of “let them lose” when Dungy was so “take it away from them”
I honestly didn't see much difference with Dungy.
Wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-y too conservative.
Dungy-Caldwell
The main difference was in the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter, which is why under Caldwell we keep losing.
I followed the Bucs for many years,
along with the Colts, because I live in Tampa. Dungy did a great job of whipping the defense into shape and leading the Bucs out of embarrassment to a play-off team. But, that’s where it stopped. Dungy had absolutely no offensive mind, whatsoever, and Clyde Christensen’s offense, under him, was constantly attacked in the Tampa newspapers, and by the fans alike. He was eventually fired and hired by the Colts. When Dungy went to Indy, my main hope was that Dungy stayed away from the offense. Unfortunately though, he got involved with it in time, and the Colts slowly became more conservative and point totals declined. In fact, he often stepped in and conservatively counteracted what Peyton wanted to do. This is why I never thought Dungy was a good coach. He would have made a good team chaplain, but not coach. Now, we have Caldwell and Christensen, and well…….I think you can see where I’m going with this……
If I were Peyton
I would start making some personnel calls while negotiating my new contract. The mad scientist and his silver spoon are getting goofy.
by SmallMarketBigPlays on Jan 9, 2011 12:11 AM EST reply actions
by that
I mean on the o line so 2nd and 8 doesnt have its own playbook
by SmallMarketBigPlays on Jan 9, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
Well then I'm glad Irsay's the owner
Because Irsay knows enough not to fire the architect of 10 consecutive playoff appearances. I would have thought that was a pretty obvious protip but apparently not.
The defense held a playoff team to 17 points. With Peyton Manning on the field that’s usually enough. Kept them scoreless throughout the first half. What the hell more do you want? Held the Jets to 3-and-out when they had to in the 4th quarter. Then when Taj Smith fucked up the punt by trying to be a hero, the defense went out and got it done AGAIN.
You want to crucify the defense for not stopping a desperation drive that started with a free 20 yards from the kick coverage unit? Give me a giant break. Maybe if half the goddamn team wasn’t on IR, okay, but with backups of backups of backups out there I wouldn’t have much to complain about either. Our backups played better than most team’s starters.
But sure, throw them all under the bus. Hey let’s fire Polian and let him go GM in Houston for a while, see how you like that.
Never approach a vast undertaking with a half-vast plan.
by szquirrel on Jan 9, 2011 12:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Thank you
SOME of the writers here are emotional tyrants who get an idea in their head, then refuse to let it go for years at a time. I went to go grab something to eat when this game was over…on my walk back in to the building I was thinking “I know BBS has a post on the front page bashing Polian.”
Sure enough, here it is.
by AbroadColtsFan on Jan 9, 2011 12:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
One Super Bowl
One Super Bowl in 13 years with Peyton Manning as QB.
Just sayin.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
by Brad Wells on Jan 9, 2011 12:22 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
And?
If you measure success by Super Bowls then Terry Bradshaw must be the GOAT.
DO YOU SEE WHAT YOUR MADNESS HAS WROUGHT???
Never approach a vast undertaking with a half-vast plan.
Just saying
Just saying that despite the team having success, one SB in 13 years is not something to feel good about. The ‘Polian Way’ is known to get teams close to championships, but not win them. Remember, Polian is 1-5 in SBs. Greatness is not measured SOLELY by rings, but with a sooner-to-be 35 year old Manning, if the team isn’t playing for rings, changes need to be made.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
SB
Yup, it’s all Polian’s fault. Not the 5 years that Peyton has thrown 3+ picks in a playoff loss, or when his pass defense can’t find it’s own ass. Yup it’s Polian’s fault. /sarcasm
Your Pres can only take you so far, after that it’s on your coaches/players to perform. If they got to the SB it wasn’t because he fielded an incompetent staff….
I barely know where to begin
I know his poster looks keen on your wall but Peyton didn’t draft himself, didn’t draft the rest of the team, and, oh, didn’t turn two other moribund franchises into championship contenders before coming to Indy. That was Polian who did all that. Would you prefer he go do that for Houston or Tennessee?
I’m sorry, your football license is revoked.
Never approach a vast undertaking with a half-vast plan.
by szquirrel on Jan 9, 2011 12:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm so hurt that you're revoking my license
for being one of the few people here who apparently sees the real reason the Colts have done well. It’s Manning. I don’t need a poster of him. He’s been surrounded with some good receivers, but the rest of the team has been marginal, nothing special, just undersized and mediocre. How, do you think Polian would have done if he hadn’t been lucky enough to be in position to win the Peyton Manning sweetpstakes in 1998? And, your so-called architect, Polian, is the one responsible for the annual rest-players-and-lose-in-the playoffs philosophy. It’s almost an annual right of passage for this team. Now, will you please reinstate my license? lol
I will! And my comments after last week are re-ininstated also.This team is Manning and that’s it! Polian after last year blames the O-Line ,this year special teams,maybe he will eventually get to blaming the real culprit — the G.M..
Although I bitch and complain this is still my team and look forward to next year.
Kudos to Tamme,White and all the other fill ins, .they did the best they could it’snot there fault!
Thanks.
Even with the injuries, numb-nut coaching, and other distractions, I enjoyed this season. Football season is always fun. Now, I have several long months with no Colts football. At least the Colts and their hodge-podge of a line-up kept Del Rio and the Jaguars from winning the division. The season, to me, was a success, just for this fact alone!
Bravo, szquirrel
Couldn’t agree with you more. Can’t believe people here are ignoring the fact that the D got Peyton the ball back even after the Taj Smith botch; that Peyton and Adam V put us in the lead; and that were it not for horrible special teams play that put the Jets on what, the 45?, this would have been an entirely different game with a different outcome.
I for one applaud the Colts for doing as well as they did despite such an injury filled season. I maintain that a New Orleans voodoo doctor cursed this team back before the Super Bowl, and went a bit overboard. :)
Go Blue in 2011!!!
by RDReynolds on Jan 9, 2011 12:50 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The defense
held them to 17 points. In the second half. And one drive ate up more than 9 minutes on the clock in said second half. Let’s not act like the D stepped up after halftime. Yeah, they made a stop after the messed up punt by Taj, but if they would have made a stop at any time in the second half, maybe we’re all happy and talking about a game plan for next week.
I get called a bandwagon fan alot because I like the Colts and Yankees. Well, I like the Pacers and the IU Hoosiers Basketball and Football teams too, so I guess it all even out.
by IsThisNameTaken on Jan 9, 2011 8:25 AM EST up reply actions
ST Strategy
I was praying before that final KO that we didn’t kick the ball deep. Guess my pray went unanswered. That was the dumbest strategy we had all night. We had given up almost 30 yards per KO to them and we knew we couldn’t make stop them so why not kick it high and make them fair catch
Ok Let me waste a post on the obvious
What are you going to do about your problem Mr. Polian? First you blamed the O-Line for the SB loss and now you blame the ST. We need championships while the GOAT is still able to play.
"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
Polian's Right
About the special teams
Maybe if we had a coach who could squib kick we wouldn’t have to worry about a big return
Or if we had a GM who could actually draft Lineman on either side of the ball we wouldn’t have to leave it up to special teams.
Caldwell and Polian don’t let the door hit you on the ass on the way out!!!
by Memphis Red Dogs on Jan 9, 2011 12:37 AM EST reply actions
The thing is, I think he tries to recreate the past too much.
Lets draft the next Dwight Freeney. The next Joseph Addai. Hire the next Tony Dungy. These players are one of a kind. Find talented hardworking kids that fit your scheme. I seriously think he lets his ego get in the way of his talent. And for gods sake, if you know you suck at drafting lineman, hire somebody that is good at it to help you.
by strandedincarolina on Jan 9, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
More than just special teams
Everyone seems to have forgotten Mannings pass to Blair White, just before the 50 yd field goal. It was a brilliant call, a rollout, Jets caught off guard. It was a very catchable ball,,had White caught the ball, Colts would have done 3 runs, make jets burn last 2 timeouts and kicked winning field goal with about 20 or less seconds on clock.
Also, no one has mentioned the terrible play of Lacey,,, he looked pathetic covering that last pass to Edwards. What killed Colts more than anything tho, was loss of Johnson.
Living in nyc area, I see the jets all year,,,they love to run off tackle. Also Sanchez is a completely different QB when Jets are running well vs when run is stopped. I think with Johnson,,,would be a very different game.
However, in this case, I must agree with BBS,,Polian blaming this loss only on special teams is ludicrous. I blame the loss more on Polian himself. When Colts lost Bullit and Clark for season,, Polian should have aquired suitable replacements even if he had to give up draft choices,,,they were both IR’d before trading deadline. Also roster mismanaged by IR’ing Gonzo too soon,,and wasting spots on Sessions and Hayden
plus Sanders. Remember it was Polians job to fill roster with best players possible,,,this year money was no object,, he had the time and opportunity to do much better.
Thank you
Lots of people make excuses for Bill. In the end, the team is a reflection of him, and in 3 of the past four years, this team has been one and done, with two of those at home.
SB Nation's Indianapolis Colts blogger at Stampede Blue and editor of SB Nation Indiana.
What's the solution then?
It is time to change the team philosophy? Has Polian seen better days and needs to go (absolutely no chance of this if it was true)? Can you even make these broad changes without tearing down more than you fix?
I think a couple of things need to be done. Cordinators need to go. I can’t think of one who really deserves to stay. They are not going to get rid of Caldwell, but this will help. ST needs to be concentrated on, obviously. Third, if we would start getting more picks ala the Pats, it would help. We depend too much on the draft to miss like we have been. I also wouldn’t mind abandoning the defensive philosophy and just get tougher.
by strandedincarolina on Jan 9, 2011 1:06 AM EST up reply actions
Let's just make a bold assumption and say that
we’re somehow able to upgrade the o line in the offseason. You know what we’ll get? A team that’s the favorite (well, probably co-favorite with new england) to win the superbowl. Our returning secondary will be stacked with the exception of SS, Mookie and Fili are badasses, Mathis and Freeney are Mathis and Freeney, the linebackers are solid with Angerer, Brackett, Session, Conner, and Hagler. And the offense will likely be back to the best offense in the league. The special teams will likely remain to be sub-par but I’m ok with that if we can find a way to make them not a detriment.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Jan 9, 2011 1:11 AM EST up reply actions
changing team philosphy is long overdue
Polians manner of team building is outdated. No team can successfully compete every year by draft or undrafted FA’s only. 31 other teams aquire established FA’s or make trades to cover team deficiences. Jets are example,,,they needed another speed receiver,,,they get Holmes,,,they needed another CB and get Cromartie they needed a rb who can catch passes,,,they get Tomlinson,,,, Who did Colts acquire,,,,,Fransisco.
To all you polian lovers who ask if Polian so bad,,why is Colts record so great,,,,answer is Manning,,, if he was on Carolina,,,they would be a contender.
Remember this: Football is entertainment and business,,,in all one is only as good as his last year. If Colts want to get back in SB within Mannings career,,the Polian show must be concluded.
by oldnjcoltsfan on Jan 9, 2011 1:46 AM EST up reply actions
I'll agree with this
if next year was going to be Peyton’s last. If a team wants to structure salaries in a way that they can get maximum talent for a 1-2 year stint then free agents are a real possibility. However, if you want to contend year in and year out for a decade then Polian’s way is the right way. We’ll keep doing it his way for another year. Then we’ll go into all or nothing mode and you’ll get your free agents.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Jan 9, 2011 1:53 AM EST up reply actions
This Hurts
Hey oldnjcoltsfan I also live in NJ and get to see the Giants and Jets every week, Polian did screw up some moves with IR, that being said the team ended the season with TWENTY players on IR most of any team in the NFL….. I think the Colts did a great job just by getting to the postseason this year….
Pass was too low
Tough pass on the rollout into tight coverage, but if Peyton could have gotten it just one foot higher, I think White makes the catch. But it was too low & not a “catchable ball”.
Wowzers...
The D stunk it up the whole second half and the special teams let Cromartie (Yup. Cromartie.) take it to the 47 on that final punt. Not to mention, the dumbass known as Taj Smith almost losing the game for us.
The O wasn’t stellar, but Manning didn’t make any mistakes and drove down the field letting Vinateri got the job done, once again. Then the D choked again. They let Mark Sanchez (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?) win the game while letting LT and Greene walk all over them. This wasn’t an easy game to watch in the second half. Especially Caldwell’s decision to call a timeout (WTF was he thinking?) and give Sanchez even more time. The look on Manning’s face after that said it all. Wowzers…
Go COLTS!!!
I'm kind of tired of the Taj Smith talk.
He fucked up. But I’d rather the kid fuck up playing his ass off than give less than 100% as a lot of players did in the second half. He has been the best ST player for awhile. I know that is not saying a lot given the quality of the unit, but I’d have no problem bringing him back next year.
by strandedincarolina on Jan 9, 2011 1:17 AM EST up reply actions
That running into the kicker bullshit was just that. Bullshit.
Did you see that pussy mother fuck MAKE himself fall down even while Taj was trying to hold him up? Absolutely disgraceful call. I’ll forgive the PI no calls because most of them were borderline but the running into the kicker crap was just rewarding terrible acting with penalty yards.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Jan 9, 2011 1:21 AM EST up reply actions
The "T'was a great season!" nonsense needs to stop.
Moral victories cease to exist when you’ve made the playoffs nine years in a row and have won a Super Bowl. It’s win a title or mark the season down as a failure.
It sure as hell isn’t get bounced out of the playoffs after one game. Again.
Injures
Hard to win a title with twenty guys on IR…… just think of how many teams that don’t even have a trophy….. (Chargers)…
Nope
The injuries mean dick now. Yeah, everyone knows that with Collie, Clark, Gonzo, Session, Hayden etc… we would probably be in for another Super Bowl trip. That’s for next year. This was the year we could have done it when everyone thought we were out. Injuries didn’t lose this game.
Go COLTS!!!
Let's get drunk.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Jan 9, 2011 1:06 AM EST reply actions
Blair White and Jacob Tamme*
Those 2 were the key to success to our win tonight. Let me preface this by also adding I live in Jersey and a bunch of bandwagon Jets fans are ridiculing me through Facebook after this loss. Moving on….. We couldn’t run against a rested Jets team. They have a solid rushing defense. Garcon (besides that crazy play where he beat everyone and had the TD) would be sbit down by Cromartie, and Wayne would be shut down by Revis. That leave Jacob Tamme and Blair White. If those two piled up a good amount of receptions we could have bad a nice night offensively. Unfortunately, relying on fill ins, such as those two, killed us. If Blair White catches that third down, who knows what happens afterwards. We needed White and Tamme (both backups due to injuries) to have big games, since Garcon and Wayne would be shut down to have big games. They didn’t. We lost. Our D also couldn’t stop the two headed running monster with LT and Greene. Our secondary is a joke with scrubs back there. We were lucky to make it this far, and we gave them a hell of a fight. Being from Jersey, Jets fans.are killing me now, but, we did better than expected. To next year…..
by BriBoy1121 on Jan 9, 2011 1:40 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Don't worry,
you’ll get to laugh at them next week. Because that’s when their ride stops.
True dat.
Hello 6 1/2 point underdog.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Jan 9, 2011 1:44 AM EST up reply actions
No doubt.....
My apologies in advance since Im a little drunk lol, but thanks for the help regarding this loss. It hurts. 6.5 point dogs eh? Thought it might be a few point more, but forget it. Either way, witb Pittsburghs d, they should take it. Rough loss guys. Especially me in tbis NJ area. Ouch….. We need the be healthy. When Collie was in there, our offense clicked like crazy. Without him, we struggled. Blah…depressing
by BriBoy1121 on Jan 9, 2011 1:55 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Jets are playing NE next week regardless of what happens tomorrow.
The spread might be higher but they generally keep it close for playoff games.
"It's an easy game, man. Easy game."
~Edgerrin James
by 87 Rides A Surfboard on Jan 9, 2011 1:56 AM EST up reply actions
Ok, so BBS is right...
Polian needs new glasses, but this really isn’t the worst thing. I feel like I’ve been typing the same thing on different threads trying to get everyone to calm down, but it sucked. You are all right. It was a terrible game plan and just because Taj and the TO happened in the 4th quarter doesn’t mean it cost us the game. I hate the injury excuse as much as the next guy, but when you have more DBs on IR than Imelda Marcos has shoes (obscure reference I used during the game, see wikipedia) you are going to have problems stopping playoff caliber offenses. It is what it is. Get over it, we have a much better draft position than we have had in a long time and not too long ago (maybe a few days) everyone was praising this teams resiliency. Enough is enough, jump off the ship or get on board to right it (I’m in the Navy). Sleep on your drunken posts (although that is uber hypocritical of me) and come back tomorrow. This team did very well to even be here. After this result, a lot of me wishes they had lost to Tennessee just for the draft position, but you either bleed blue or you don’t. If you need more excuses to rant, just follow me into the Kop and become a Liverpool fan as well. You think it is tough to stick through adversity with the Colts, become a Liverpool fan and join us at www.anfieldasylum.com and start really understanding what it means to be a fan. We have taken way too much for granted and this is very evident on the blog tonight. We have a long off season with very little sports. Come on, join the Kop too! You don’t know passion until you start to support futbol. COME ON YOU REDS! GO COLTS!
"The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they don't know the game" -Bill Shankly
by Bromantic on Jan 9, 2011 2:18 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
As I drown my sorrows in Yoo-hoo I have but one last thought....
this sucks. It sucks today, it’ll suck tomorrow, next week, next month etc. right up until the start of the next season. Whenever the hell that is.
Until then I will root for every NFC team, The Chiefs and even the Ravens if necessary. Anybody, but the Patriots, Steelers, and Jets.
Amen -
As crazy as it sounds, I think I like the Ravens best in the AFC. And in the NFC, Atlanta or the Seahawks sound great!
Colts fans are 200% ridiculous.
Seriously, you’re calling for Polian’s head after your 9th playoff season in a row, one year removed from the Super Bowl.
by dudebro on Jan 9, 2011 2:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
In some cases
It’s warranted. You can’t go on live TV and rip your O-Line and then do virtually NOTHING to fix the issue during the offseason. Every move he made was bringing in either injured or inadequate O-Line guys. He also cut our best guard during that time too.
He’s responsible for making trades and/or player moves to help bolster the team. Instead, he’s pulling in has beens and never was players off the street. Yes, Polian has had a lot of luck in spotting talent, but he’s also had a lot of misses too.
Lastly, had Polian addressed the O-Line issue, perhaps the season unfolds a different way and the Colts have different results. Being able to run the ball means the Colts aren’t chucking the ball for an average of 42 times a game….
by DevilsReject on Jan 9, 2011 3:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It might just be because I'm an outsider
But I thought Polian at that point was basically trying to appease his QB (who was nearing the end of his contract) rather than offer a legit critique of his O-line. When the Pats lost SB 42, Brady was being monstered all day and sacked 5 times; Belichick didn’t publicly blame the O-line and didn’t immediately bring in any more O-line talent in 2008. It was just put down to being a bad day at the office.
Polian ‘blamed’ his O-line and created an expectation of change amongst people who tend to overread or misread statements. What I heard was frustration more than genuine attribution; Manning hadn’t been sacked all day and the Colts RBs had run for an extremely healthy 5.2 yards per carry (Addai personally ran for 5.92 ypc). That doesn’t happen without decent O-line work, so I suspect it was more about offering a scapegoat that wasn’t wanting $100m contract extension.
Just my 2c.
Token southern hemisphere guy - 14,688km from Foxboro. That's 9128 miles, for you heathens.
Contributing Writer at PatsPulpit
by Comedic.Sans on Jan 12, 2011 11:37 PM EST up reply actions
It's just a tribute to Peyton Manning,
and the ineptitude he’s able to mask. So, ya see, you’re the one who’s ridiculous.
Polian is right.
The D didn’t have Antonio Johnson, a decent SS and the #1 and #2 CBs. I don’t mention Session, because he wasn’t really missed. Those TD drives suck, but without AJ, with Muir just back from injury, that’s was all they could do. They were gassed, just like the LBers, who had to play ST.
One thing there though. When the ball is on the ground, pick it up. I don’t know, when there was a whistle on Braylon Edwards’ fumble, but the ball was there for any DB to pick up. That’s coaching and brains. (Brain is what Taj lacks.)
It was Lacey
Who was terrible all night. It’s unfortunate the Colts were pressed into starting him so much this season.
Writer for Stampede Blue.
by Collin McCollough on Jan 9, 2011 3:40 AM EST up reply actions
I don't have a problem
W polian but I can’t stand caldwell his dumbass timeouts have cost us at least two games this year he had the stupid ass challenge in this game he plays way too conservative we have peyton yoy need to try n score as much as posible
Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala, we used to make fresh coffee, right off the trees I mean. That was good. This is shit but, hey, I'm in a police station.
by TouchdownColts on Jan 9, 2011 3:26 AM EST via mobile reply actions
I can't really blame him for the challenge
I’m not so sure he could see the replay. I know there is a huge screen at The Luke, but somebody was in his ear telling him it was a good idea to challenge that. Even while all of us were at home screaming to not do it. I put that one on the people upstairs.
I get called a bandwagon fan alot because I like the Colts and Yankees. Well, I like the Pacers and the IU Hoosiers Basketball and Football teams too, so I guess it all even out.
by IsThisNameTaken on Jan 9, 2011 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
Ya but did it really matter?
We didn’t need a third challenge caused we never needed a second one, so, who cares?
No, it doesn't matter.
I was just responding to the comment about the challenge being a “stupid ass challenge” by Caldwell. In the end, you are right though. Doesn’t matter.
I get called a bandwagon fan alot because I like the Colts and Yankees. Well, I like the Pacers and the IU Hoosiers Basketball and Football teams too, so I guess it all evens out.
by IsThisNameTaken on Jan 9, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Who was the goat of the Kickoff team-- #92 Jerry Hughes
If you have the game recorded, watch the Cromartie return again. Polian’s 1st round 2010 Draft Choice #92 Jerry Hughes is unblocked but runs right by Cromartie inside the 20 WITHOUT EVEN ATTEMPTING TO TACKLE HIM.
Jerry “Bust” Hughes is the worst Colts draft pick during the Polian era. He is like a timid high school kid out there who doesn’t want to hit anybody. Hughes got a few snaps on defense tonight— watch him out there. He’s afraid to get hit so he just locks up with the guy blocking him & lets the play happen around him.
We could have had OT Rodger Saffold (who will be Sam Bradford’s protector for the next 8-10 years) instead of this bum. Mark my words— JERRY HUGHES WILL BE OUT OF THE LEAGUE BY 2012. He is terrible.
LOL@THIS
Our defense sucks…
Polian is trying to "smokescreen"the situation…
Its not about the fact the d gave up 17 points…
Its about the fact that the jets physically manhandled them..
And that are secondary is wack
But some of you Colts fans are happy with that though..
Stop letting polian feed you this bullshit..
and special teams sucked too
Defense
I was happy with the defense. They did their job with only 17 points. 3 drives of 9 points for the offense is the part I cringe at.
The defense is porous many times,
and great at other times. They’re just so flappin’ inconsistent!!!!! You never know what they’re going to do. Let’s have some consistency.
Disappointed
i live in pats country so my fone hasnt stopped going off since that nick folk kick and it sucks cuz all they talk bout peyton when peyton did everythin he could and gave us the lead wit 55 seconds left in the game was their some head scratching calls on 3rd downs yes ….i understand mookie was hurt so he didnt play but i just dont know when polian will draft or sign a 300 plus dline man to be a run stopper we need a boogerman in the middle again i just dont get it and i will never get it teams have been running on us for years!!!!!!!!!!!…..i understand with all the injuries we have DB’s from the street but lacey is terrible just terrible he got picked on all game n if it wasnt for terrible throws from sanchez he got burnt for atleast 2 td’s….i love pat angerer and know he would be great for us for years but hagler is better than him right now and is better in coverage so idk what coyer and codwell were thinkin for not havin him on the field….the colts knew that revis was gonna be on wayne so why not move reggie around when you play rex ryan you have to do some things different to throw them off why not put reggie in the slot a couple of times to let him get some free releases or do a trips as you can see it worked the one time they was in the formation (garcon TD) idk what clyde was thinking they played tooo conservative and thats not the colts….hopefully the pats dont win the superbowl or its gonna be a long 7 months for me till the 2011 season….
Scream! Scream! You are a Polian hater! The real problem is….you seem to think Polian should care what you think.
1) The defense (particularly the line and linebackers) played pretty well in the 1st half-though the secondary benefitted from several bad passes from Sanchez
2) The defense did not play as well in the 2nd half, when the Jets switched to smashmouth running and short passes.
3) I think Bill Polian isn’t complaining about the defense, because they only gave up 17 points. So it is a general statement. In terms of most games, if the Indianapolis Colts give up 17 points….they win. If he is asked for clarification on his radio show, I bet he says something like that.
4) The Colts special teams were not good throughout the game (i.e. Taj Smith running in the kicker). And on the last kickoff of the game, they were horrendous. If they could have stopped Cromartie at the 30 even, the Jets would have had to work for it much harder than they did.
So…Polians comments make sense to me.
But I know that Bill Polian doesn’t care what I think, and he shouldn’t.
Uh, no it didn't cause the D stopped them in the next series -
Need to be smarter on special teams, but if you watch any other recent Colts’ games, you would have known that Taj Smith is playing hard. Blocked punts, fumbled-snap recoveries, and not a bad receiver when Painter is under Center.
Polian blamed the O-Line last year and....
Just like last year, the dumb ass won’t do anything about it.
Why is the current Colts defensive
standard held in comparison with the best all time. Steel Curtain, Purple People eaters, Bears in 85, Ravens in 2000. Manning era Colts D.
Which player is the team built around? I know everyone misses Marvin, cause we haven’t chalked up points the same since he began to decline, but for a #18 led offense to only put up even less than the PPG average of this season is tough to swallow. Did the Jets D play better than the Colts D?
The D has kept the whole team in the fight for at least the last couple of seasons on many occasion when the offense has struggled. Yea, yea that last drive. Ill give some credit since nobody else did to future HOF L.T. We live and fall as a team, but your not going to stop them all.
YOUR Indianapolis COLTS : XLI, XLIV
by SurfDUI on Jan 9, 2011 2:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Stupid and Incorrect Argument
This is a stupid and incorrect argument to begin with. Don’t blame the defense – they only gave up 14 points in the first 59:57 of the game – and created a turnover – only to hand the ball back to a beat-up, inept offense and conservative coach that did nothing with it.
I don’t care if they gave up 800 rushing yards, if you told me beforehand that the colts would surrender 17 points in the game, I would’ve taken it 8 days a week, and so would’ve you and anyone else here who is smart.
The offense had 27 mins of possession, and this offense needs to put up more than 16 points when they get that. 16 freakin’ first downs from the Colts O at home in the most important game of the year??
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