FanPost

I'm tired of hearing about the Colts record.


There has been a lot of talk about the Colts approach to building a team.  Every time someone criticizes, I hear someone mention how much success we have had.  The streak of 12 win seasons, of 10 win seasons, of playoff appearances.  We hear about Peyton Mannings records, ones broke and within reach.  We are a model of consistency with arguably the best QB of all time.

Here is the reality.  Despite Manning and all the regular season records, we are a 9-10 playoff team under Manning.  Seven times we have been knocked out int he first game.  We do have two superbowl appearances.  The first we won against a team that could hardly be considered great.  We did win that game and deserve credit for it.  But is was not against an elite team.  The second superbowl was given away with timid coaching and compliancy.  Despite our success, Peyton Manning is one of the biggest problems with this team because he covers up so many weaknesses and holes.  While it helps us win on the field, it hinders us in building a team. 

The problem with the Colts is they are satisfied with what they have achieved.  The look at the way they have done things and think all of the regular season stuff justifies their method.  The will continue doing things the same way because they have brainwashed themselves into believing the future will be just as successful as the past.  We try to find the same pieces to get the same results.  Nothing illustrates this better than hiring Jim Caldwell because he appeared to be as similar to Tony Dungy as we could get. 

Great teams and coaches do not look at what they have done and smile and say job well done.  They look at what they could have done better.  Why did I pick that player....what did I see rightly and wrongly.  Why did I make that call.  Why did I build the roster that way.  They continually self critique and look to improve.  In players, coaching, personell and management.  The Colts meanwhile criticize anyone who disagrees.  Mr Arrogant himself, Bill Polian is the prime example of this.  They don't think  there is a better way.  They look at the playoff losses and blame it on everything but themsleves.  If only Freeney wasn't hurt.  If only we didn't have so many injuries.  The ref's weren't on our side.  It's just bad luck.  If only, if only, if only.

Now imagine this.  Imagine how much better Bill Polian would be if he tried to improve.  Imagine Jim Caldwell actually learning clock management.  Having a run defense.    A running game.  A backup quarterback who could make another team.  A special teams unit that can cover kicks and give us decent field position.  I'm not saying to throw the book out, but even the classics get revised once in awhile.  I never expected an Eagles spending spree or a Nhamdi Asumguah signing.  I do expect the Colts to look at a problem area and try to solve it.  Don't blame the SB loss on the line and ignore it.  Don't watch teams continually gouge us in the run game and insist our DL is fine.  Don't watch a coach continually dissapoint and say things are fine. 

Do you realize how many players and cities would love to have the talent and opportunity we have.  We have a chance to be great, but we consistently settle for being good.  I bet you a player like Brett Farve would trade every record he has for one more SB.  This team has been handcuffed by the philosophy of not screwing up, not losing.  We need to adopt the philosophy of winning.  We need to go out and take what we want.  We need a little attitude and a lot of desire.  Not in a handful of players, or the team, but in the whole organization.  There is no need to throw the book out.  We just need to revise it once in awhile.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Stampede Blue's writers or editors.