He stands up there and takes the blame (like a champ!) even when it is clearly not his fault.

It's been a while since we Colts fans have tasted the bitterness of playoff defeat. For well over a year, we've been spoiled, and that was a welcome change from the years of disappointment prior. Yesterday, a banged-up, inexperienced Colts team ran into a veteran, hungry Chargers team that just made the plays when they needed them. Like many of you, we thought this Colts team had turned a corner, that let downs like this were a thing of the past.

We were wrong, and both Tony Dungy and Bill Polian have a lot of explaining to do.

Let me first say that Dungy and Polian are the best at what they do. The fact that there is a credible debate between who is better between Dungy and Belichick speaks volumes about both coaches. And Polian is, quite simply, the best GM in football. Scott Pioli does a great job in New England, but he has nor proven himself outside New England. Polian built the Bills and Panthers before creating the champion Colts. That said, both Dungy and Polian did not approach these playoffs in the best way possible, and both share some of the blame for the team's disappointing exit.

Let's not over state things though: The Colts persevered through a season defined by devastating injuries. It's a feat in and of itself that they made the playoffs minus Dwight Freeney, Booger McFarland, Tarik Glenn, Rob Morris, and Dominic Rhodes. All those players were absolutely vital to Indy's run in 2006, and none suited up in these playoffs for various reasons. Adding to that the fact that other key players (Robert Mathis, Raheem Brock, Antoine Bethea, and Marvin Harrison) simply weren't healthy for this game, and it's a miracle the score was even close. Injuries are never an excuse for losing. The Chargers certainly didn't use them as an excuse. But, at some point, your team needs to get healthy and perform.

This year, the Colts never did. Here's the game recap:

• We are now, once again, provided a wonderful litmus test for a person's intelligence: Anyone who blames Peyton Manning for this game is a complete focking idiot, and anything and everything they think or say afterwards is irrelevant. For example: Yahoo.com's editorial staff. Notice the article title ("Colts can't win the big one... again") has nothing to do with Michael Silver's actual article. Here's a quote from Silver abut Manning in the game:
  So there I was in the RCA Dome press box Sunday, watching Peyton Manning complete his first 14 passes in guiding the Colts to a 10-7 halftime lead, and I'm thinking, "Is the NFL the most blessed entity on earth, or what?"
  Yahoo editorial staff = Total morons, and complete Manning-haters. Sure, the Manning-haters will return because that is what their life revolves around: Hating Peyton. They've been in Hell the last year, and now that his team has (shock!) lost a playoff game, they are dancing like pixies. These people were always losers (like Bill Simmons), and dismissing them has always been easy. For people that actually understand football, Peyton's performance was brilliant. He started the game completing 14 straight passes. He threw for over 400 yards, 3 TDs, and was as efficient throwing as we've ever seen him. His two INTs, both deflections off the hands of receivers, were not his fault; especially Kenton Keith's screw-up. Some will say he should have scored with them inside the five yard line at the end, but tipped balls, dropped passes, and bad protection are not the fault of Peyton. He played a tremendous game, and anyone who think s otherwise is simply wrong, and their opinion should be dismissed outright.
• Marvin Harrison had no business playing Sunday, and Bill Polian out-and-out lied to us fans about his health. Marvin should have been IRed a long time ago, and the Colts should have brought in another receiver. Marvin fumble in the first quarter was huge, and really changed the game. He did not play in the fourth quarter, where he was sorely needed. I hope this is not the end of the great Marvin Harrison, but it does not look promising.
• If you want a goat, place the onus solely on the defense. They stunk up the RCA Dome for its final game. No better example is San Diego's final TD drive, with their back-up QB and RB scorching the Colts defense. The total lack of a pass rush was evident. Mathis and Brock were non-factors, and did not have any real feel for the game. On the final drive, Darrell Reid was playing DE. That is always a bad sign.
• The penalties were unforgivable. San Diego had 10 for 79 yards. That's expected from them. They are a poorly coached, undisciplined football team. But the penalties for Indy were atrocious. Marlin Jackson's DUMB personal foul penalty on the final SD touchdown drive was the key play of the game. That was on third down, mind you. SD would have had to punt if not for Marlin's dumb play. Bob Sander's taunting Nick Kaeding was also stupid. These kinds of things are unforgivable for a Colts playoff team.
• Kenton Keith sucks, and I never want him in a Colts uniform again. The dropped pass, which resulted in an INT, should give him his walking papers. The lack of any kind of running game really hurt the offense. Tom Moore got away from the run too quickly, and Manning was asked to literally carry the team.

One of the keys to the game was how well the young guys would respond. The answer is not well. Tony Ugoh whiffed on a key fourth down block, which rushed Peyton's throw into the endzone. Quinn Pitcock failed to get any inside pressure. Anthony Gonzalez was the lone exception. His 56 yard TD reception, tip-toeing along the sideline, was amazing. Gonzo is a keeper.

The biggest disappointment was the lack of sharpness from the team, which stems directly from the injuries. Much will be said of "resting starters" at the end of the regular season, but the fact of the matter is the starters were hurt. Robert Mathis, Raheem Brock, Marvin Harrison, Antoine Bethea, and even Joseph Addai had not played a meaningful game in over a month. These guys weren't "rested." They were hurt, and were given no time to get re-adjusted to playing full speed. When you take into account all the massive injuries this team faced, it is indeed something that they got to the post-season.

Remember, after the Patriots won their first Super Bowl, they stunk it up the next year, missing the post-season entirely. Following the Steelers recent Super Bowl, they too choked the following season and missed the playoffs. These are facts our little friends in Chowda Land and Crapsburgh love to forget.

So, while it is disappointing, the team did accomplish some things this season. This group is a very different group than the won that won it all last year. Tony Ugoh, Gonzo, Pitcock, Devon, Kenton Keith, TJ Rushing, and Tim Jennings did not play (or weren't on the team) last season, and all were vital parts of this year's team. Combine that with losing Freeney, Harrison, and Booger and things fall into place.

For us, the silver-lining is the team is young, talented, and hungry. Losses like this have often propelled the Colts to great things, feeding a need to redeem themselves. In addition, the diaries and comments from many of you contributors on this game have been great, in particular Ron L, bluegirl, and several others. As always, we fans will simply have to accept this loss and move on. The off-season will be filled with idiot rumblings about 2006's "fluke" Super Bowl, Manning is a loser again, and Dungy's status with the team. That's fine. You aren't going to change the mind of stupid people. All we can do is take stock: Our team is moving into a brand new, beautiful stadium. Our team is still very good, and likely most of our injured guys will come back 100%.

It's still a bright future. Never forget that. Go Colts!

Reggie Wayne standing with the immortal Raymond Berry during last night's game. AP Photo/Darron Cummings

2007 comes to a close, giving way to a new year. Hard to believe another year has come and gone, let alone yet another NFL regular season. Seems like yesterday I was launching Stampede Blue, or giving you updates from this year's Training Camp. Like last year, the regular season this season was full of surprises, kookiness, and loads of entertainment. In many ways, the Week Seventeen match-up with Tennessee summed up the Colts in 2007: Lots of back-ups and young players playing their guts out in a hard fought, physical contest. Regardless of what happens this year, I think we Colts fans can all agree that Tony Dungy has done helluva job coaching this club this season. Bellchick, Del Rio, and McCarthy will get a majority of the Coach of the Year award votes, but if one were to really look at the job Tony D has done in 2007, he deserves to get some mention as well.

Consider last night's contest:

• Despite playing 3rd and 4th stringers much of the game against Tennessee's starters, the Colts had a very real chance to win the game. layers like Melvin Bullitt, Clint Session, Keyunta Dawson, and Matt Giordano flew to the ball on defense with such ferocious velocity the hits echoed through the HD screen. Much will get made of Darrell Reid's blasting of Chris Henry, but almost as impressive was Giordano's hit on Bo Scaife, which sent Scaife somewhere into the 2010 calendar year. Or Clint Session's hit that jarred the football lose in the 3rd quarter. The hitting by the Colts on defense and special teams got so intense I started to get concerned for the health of Titans players. And this hitting wasn't just coming from the usual staple of hitmen (Sanders, Keiaho, etc.). The hitting was coming from guys like Bullitt, Giordano, and others; young guys who don't start or play mostly special teams going up against seasoned Tennessee veterans.
• Darrell Reid now has a place in Colts lore. Everyone now will recall "The Hit" DR laid on Chris Henry, a hit announcer John Madden called "one of the biggest hits I've ever seen in my life." As silly and stupid as Madden can often be, he has seen a ton of football in his life. For him to say that about "The Hit" has weight, and places DR's play into a very special place.
• As tremendous as the young defenders played, the offensive back-ups were the complete opposite. Guys like Devon and Crappy gave us some moments, and we all love seeing Luuuuuuuuuuuukw Lawton catch passes, lower his head, and turn wouldbe tacklers into strawberry jelly. However, Jim Sorgi was utterly terrible last night, and I want him gone in 2008. Sorgi seems like a competent guy, but the one attribute we hear he has (accuracy) certainly was not on display. Sorgi overthrew receivers all evening. Throws were high, wide, and erratic. Sorgi has has the pocket presence of Drew Bledsoe on Quaaludes. Seriously, that sack he took in the 4th was something high school QBs are told to avoid. Despite some toughrunning by Clifton Dawson and Luuuuuuuuuke, Sorgi just couldn't get the ball to WIDE OPEN wide outs. That's bad. Really bad.
• The special teams were... well, this is a word I haven't used all year with them: THEY WERE FRIGGIN" GREAT! The tone was set early, and it blossomed into DR's now famous hit. I think, at some point, Tennessee returners started getting tentative with the ball on run backs. They had that look you get when someone points a rubber band to your face. Coverage units were tremendous, and maybe they needed a game like this to get some confidence.

The game also featured some milestones: Reggie Wayne is the receiving yardage leader for the NFL, and caught over 100 balls for the first time in his career. Peyton threw for over 4,000 yards this year, and completed 65% of his passes. By the back-ups holding Tennessee's rather crappy offense to 16 points (not 24-28, as Jimmy predicted), the Colts defense was the #1 scoring defense in the regular season, keeping opponents under 16.4 ppg. Did you ever think you'd see a stat like that during the Manning era? Amazing.

In addition, Bob Sanders continued to solidify his position as Defensive Player of the Year. Bob did his usual beatdown of Vince Young, who still thinks he can actually break a Bob tackle.

Silly Vince; Bob ain't for kids.

Bob recorded a sack and six tackles in two quarters of play. Even Madden said Bob will win the DPOY. If he doesn't, then we can officially call the award worthless. In addition to Bob, guys like Marlin, Kelvin, and Freddie continued to make big tackles in a season where they were the question marks going in. The running game also looked sharp, especially when Addai and K2 were in the game.

In short, despite the lose, the Colts 3rd and 4th stringers gave a better effort than Tennessee's regulars. I posted my thought re: Vince after the game, and per usual the response from the Kool-Aid drinkers was harsh. They can spin and lie to themselves all they want; Vince sucked last night, and his injury was the best thing to happen to Tennessee. Kerry Collins came in and made big throw after big throw. He, and not Vince, was the reason the Titans won the game and are in the playoffs. Guys like Matt, Deshawn Zombie, and I have been saying all season that Vince stinks. Last night, most of America saw what we've seen all season and what Kool-Aid drinkers refuse to acknowledge.

For a Titans fan's take on the contest last night, please head to Jimmy's Music City Miracles and wish the Titans fans a happy new year. And with this, the 2007 regular season (and the 2007 calendar year) comes to a close. Tonight, we party and spend time with friends and family. tonight, we welcome a new year and the possibility of repeating as world champions. Each new year brings new challenges and possibilities. Here's to  a prosperous new year for us Colts fans and our beloved team.

Happy New Year all, and (as always) Go Colts!

There are a few reasons why this win was one of the most satisfying for the 2007 season.

• The Colts had absolutely nothing to play for. Yet, they came out and played great team football, dominating a very talented Texans team. Effort, execution, and great fundamental football define this Colts club.
• The defense dominated despite a patchwork d-line that did not play Josh Thomas (illness), who is playing because Dwight Freeney needs a new foot. So, a back-up of a back-up was playing, and the Colts defense still played well.

Make no mistake, the Houston Texans wanted to win this game badly even though they too had nothing to play for. The RCA Dome is a house of horrors for the Texans. They had never won there. They had never LED in a game there (until Sunday). However, when Sunday ended, the Texans will remain winless in the RCA Dome for all time: 0-6.

Master R Wayne and I attended the game, and after that first Texans' drive, which culminated in a TD pass from Sage Rosenfels, we decided to hit the beer stand early. Beer was the only thing that could get us through this potential disaster. Fortunately, the Colts defense decided to show up after getting whacked on the first drive. By halftime, the score was 24-7 and Peyton Manning and the offense looked like the unit that Texans fans have grown to hate. Manning dissected Houston's defense, and was not flustered or rushed in the pocket. Mario Williams managed a coverage sack, but that aside the Houston defense never sniffed Manning. At the 10:05 mark, the crowd was busting out the wave.

Yes folks: The wave.

At 38-7, after scoring 38 unanswered points and picking off Rosenfels 3 times, the crowd cheered as the immortal Jim Sorgi entered the game. Master R and I stayed until the end, knowing this was likely the last time we would see a game in the RCA Dome. I took a moment to admire the banners in the rafters: The 1995 AFC Playoffs banner, the 1999 AFC East banner, the 2003 AFC South banner, and the 2006 World Championship banner. After the game, we exited the dome and took a gander at Lucas Oil Stadium, which is almost done. The Lube is shaping into a beautiful stadium. Wind and snow pelted us, and we walked with others fans, laughing and singing to our cars.

As always, the great bloggers for Battle Red Blog have an excellent write-up from a Texans fan's POV. I wasn't able to put up a great Q & A Tim and I did prior to the game. My apologies to Tim. The Texans still have a shot at .500 next week, which would be the first non-losing season in Texans history. Again, each year, the Texans get better. Beating them now is not easy, regardless of the final score.

13-2, and a chance to sweep the AFC South: The toughest division in football. Thanks to all who attended the meet-and-greet Thursday. Go Colts!

The silver lining of Marvin Harrison's injury is Anthony Gonzalez has emerged in his absence. Photo: Stephen Dunn, Getty Images

A bunch of kids (3 rookies, and Josh Thomas) started along the d-line today, and yet Oakland still couldn't throw the football. Even though Oakland ran the football very well and played tough defense, it wasn't enough to stop Peyton Manning from leading yet another fourth quarter comeback (he's got, like, a billion of them; but no one seems to care). The Colts defense did a good job in the fourth quarter quarter stopping Oakland's offense on their final drive.

And despite yet another game where special teams kick coverages look like crap, TJ Rushing provides a bright spot, running a punt back 90 yards for a TD. Remember, TJ was cut earlier this year (for the San Diego game) because of all the injuries to the o-line. Damn good thing no one claimed him, because TJ is playing very well both on special teams and on defense.

Anthony Gonzalez also continues to develop. The silver lining of Marvin Harrison's injury is it has forced Gonzo to step up. Manning feels more comfortable throwing the ball to Gonzo, and Gonzo seems more comfortable playing wide than playing in the slot receiver. When Marvin comes back, the Colts should seriously think about starting Reggie Wayne in the slot and have Gonzo out wide.

The Colts win sets an NFL record. They are the first team to win 12 or more wins in 5 straight years. Manning also passed Joe Montana for 8th all-time in pass attempts. The Colts also locked up the #2 seed and won the AFC South, the division they were supposed to lose this year to Jacksonville, or Tennessee, or Houston, or whoever.

I'll admit: I secretly wanted Indy to lose this game, and I REALLY wanted Pittsburgh to beat the Jags. Why? Because the next two games for the Colts mean absolutely NOTHING to them, and they mean everything for their opponents (Texans and Titans, respectively). This means, with the bye, the Colts will not play a meaningful game in almost a month.

Anyone else having flashbacks of 2005?

Bullard47 makes a great point. Yes, winning the division and getting the bye is excellent, but this team has not played well when it has rested for too long. See 1999 and 2005 for examples. So, while I'm happy they've locked these things up, I'm not comfortable.

And neither should they.

For a Raider fan's POV, check out saint's take on the game at Silver and Black Pride. 12-2 and playing good, scrappy football. I hope they can keep it going, even though the next two game mean nothing. This is where we will really see if Dungy can keep them focused and sharp. Go Colts! AFC South Champs!

Peyton Manning continues his late season dominance. AP Photo: Gail Burton

Before I begin my full body slam of the Ravens franchise, I'd like to compliment Rexx over at Baltimore Beatdown for a very spirited, insightful, and fun exchange during the week. Just so you know, Rexx was not the original writer over at BB, but he has taken over the blog and the transition has been seamless. Rexx is also a die hard Baltimore fan, and BB needs a blogger like that. Rexx is good people, and a great addition to SB Nation.

Now, that said, the Baltimore Ravens are a gutless, classless organization; and many of their fans are just pathetic losers who need to get a friggin' life. The most recent Indianapolis Colts beatdown of the Baltimore Ravens featured Peyton Manning carving up their secondary, Kyle Boller running for his life, and Gary Brackett doing a hula dance. When the score was 30-0, I half expected Ravens players to start blaming officials for the extent of the beatdown:

Let's be clear about something, the Indianapolis Colts have always respected the Baltimore Ravens. Peyton Manning always gushes about Ray Lewis, even though Ray Lewis is one of the most over-rated players in the NFL right now (and Peyton owns him). Dungy always compliments Brian Billick, even though Billick is the poster boy for head coaching idiocy.

Yet, the Ravens franchise simply refuses to call the Colts the Indianapolis Colts on the scorebaord at M & T Bank Stadium. When the play clock hit zero, the scoreboard read Indy 44-Ravens 21. It's just the kind of tasteless, classless, silly ass gesture you'd expect from a whiny organization like Baltimore. NBC also likes to harp on the Colts leaving Baltimore in 1984, an event absolutely no one with any real life cares about anymore. It was almost 25 years ago. Robert Irsay is long dead, a result of a debilitating and painful stroke years ago. It's ancient history, long forgotten by most rationally sane people.

Let. It. Go. Baltimore.

Here's the recap:

• With Tony Ugoh back at LT and a healthy Gonzo at WR, Peyton Manning has thrown for 8 TDs and 1 INT in two weeks. Manning looks comfortable, in control, and is actually being afforded time to deliver the friggin' football. The two deep TDs to Gonzo were gems.
• Dwight Freeney goes down, and what happens? The Colts sack numbers go up. Now, I don't think that's a knock on Freeney. I think it's because teams have gotten cocky. Oh, Freeney is out? Let's throw more! Big mistake. The Colts pass rush has really stepped up its game in Freeney's absence, Robert Mathis and Keyunta Dawson in particular. I nearly fainted when Mathis hurt his leg last night. He walked off and played later. Whew!
• Bob Sanders better win DPOY. He was all over the field last night, and his presence all season has elevated this defense to elite level. If Freeney were playing, the Colts would be the best defense in football; no debate, no argument, no question. Without Freeney, they are still one of the best. Baltimore's running game was shut down and Kyle Boller ran for his life. Sanders made big hit after big hit. Some of his hits looked so hard I gritted my teeth.
• One minute, the special teams look great blocking a punt for a safety. The next, they are surrendering their seventh kick return for a TD this season. We all know Russ Purnell is garbage, and I think Dungy is finally starting to see it himself. Expect to see lots of starters playing special teams in the playoffs. And if Russ Purnell is not fired at some point, I really have to question Dungy's mental state. It is literally THAT obvious Purnell sucks.

Another thing this game showed is the Jacksonville game was a fluke for this defense. Last year, Willis McGahee is running up and down the field on this defense (like he did against NE last week). This year, McGahee was stuffed, Boller bashed, and even without Dwight Freeney the Baltimore o-line couldn't stop the Indianapolis Colts pass rush.

11-2, getting healthy, and not yet hitting their stride: This Indianapolis Colts team is beginning to look deadly. Saw an interesting stat last night: In the game the Colts had 4 starting players from last year's defense starting (Sanders, Bethea, Brackett, and Mathis). Amazing. This has been Tony Dungy's best year coaching, and it's a damn shame he will get next to zero consideration for COTY. Last night, Manning set two NFL records, throwing for over 25 TDs for ten straight years and 3,000 yards for the nine straight years. As a franchise, the Colts will set an NFL if they win one more game. If they win more, that's five straight years of 12 wins or more. That's a tribue to the players, Tony Dungy, Bill Polian, and Mr. Jim Irsay (one of the best owners in sports).

Go Indianapolis Colts!

Antoine Bethea celebrates after intercepting David Garrard in the 4th quarter. The INT was Garrard's first this season. Photo: AP Photo/Darron Cummings

The Colts offense had to make up for some shaky defense, pushing the Colts ahead in the AFC South by 2 games (really 3 considering Indy has won the regular season series with the Jags). For much of the game, the usually reliable Colts defense looked very BAD against the run. No, they didn't surrender 300+ yards, but they did allow way to many big runs and quick strikes by the Jags. I lost track of how many times Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor were hit in the backfield only to break free and run for an extra 4, 5, or 10 yards. And though the registered 3 sacks and numerous pressures on QB David Garrard, they just couldn't rattle him. Garrard played brilliant football, especially in the fourth quarter.

With all the accolades I'm throwing at Jacksonville, you'd think they won the game. But, they didn't, and the reason they didn't was Peyton Manning.

• Jags dominated running the ball, but that was negated because the Colts dominated on third down. Twice on third and long plays, Peyton Manning hit his receivers for big TD plays; one to Reggie Wayne (8 catches, 158 yards, 1 TD) and one to Dallas Clark (6 catches, 60 yards, 2 TDs). Manning made one bad throw all game, which resulted in a Reggie Nelson INT. If not for that INT, the Colts might have won by double digits. Just like the game earlier this season in Jacksonville, Manning was surgical, carving up Jacksonville's secondary.
• Two constants with the Jags: Their coach will make a stupid decision in-game, and the Jags will commit a bad penalty that will affect the outcome of the game. I agree with Terry, who stated in the comments that the play of the game was a personal foul penalty on WR Reggie Williams when the Jags were knocking on the door for a potential game tying TD. That penalty, and a 5 yard false start, backed the Jags up 20 yards. Garrard was then sacked on third down. Jags settle for a FG. The other constant was Jags coach Jack Del Rio mishandling his timeouts at the end of the game. Had Del Rio held onto one time out after the two minute warning, the Colts would have had to make three first downs to run out the clock rather than just two.
• The defense was just bad: Sloppy tackling, bad angles, and confusion. Part of it was Jacksonville, a very solid football team. The other part might be re-inserting Tyjuan Hagler as the SAM backer. These kinds of plays were not happening with Rocky Boiman as the SAM. I'm not saying it's Hagler's fault, but if we start to see a trend, Dungy might want to re-consider benching Boiman.

Despite the outcome, I hope Chris from Big Cat Country had a good time rooting for his team in Indy. The Jags, and in particular David Garrard, looked very good. But, the Jags' bread and butter (their defense) was shredded by Manning and the Colts passing attack. Last time around, the Colts defense and running game dominated. This time, it was Manning.

The win secures the 6th straight season of at least 10 wins, all 6 under Tony Dungy. It also, likely, secures the 5th straight AFC South title for Indy. Despite all of Jacksonville's talk about making "a statement," they lose... again. The Colts have dominated the always chirpy Jags in the AFC South. However, it is very possible these two teams will meet in the playoffs. The Jags have a very good team, but per usual the Colts do what is needed to win.

So, 10-2 despite so many injuries it hurts my brain to think about it. Despite the injuries and all the adversity, this team continues to gut it out and win close games. Go Colts!

Take a deep breath and breath a sigh of relief. As you exhale, think on this: The Colts have played 6 games in 32 days. Any normal NFL team would play roughly 4 games in 30 or so days. For some reason, the scheduling gods decided the Colts could do 6 games in 32 days, with one of those games against undefeated New England and another all the way out in San Diego, in the middle of a monsoon. This, along with a body bag's worth of injuries, has made the last 6 games one helluva gauntlet for any team to run through.

Again, 6 games in 32 games. You know what that is?

It's insane I tell you. Insane, like the guy in the orange shirt in this vid.

And yet, despite the injuries, the poor breaks, the missed FGs, and Russ Purnell's continued employment, this team should be 11-0. They are better than any team in football; including New England, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and GB.

I've come to that insanely homerific conclusion after watching this team go 4-2 during a bone grinding stretch, with their latest win over the Falcons on Thanksgiving. Here's the recap:

• I hate penalties... unless they involve Antoine Bethea acting like a badass. Sure, the Joey Harrington horse collar clothesline was a penalty. Likely, Bethea will be fined. Fortunately, Harrington was fine afterwards and not injured.. However, both Bethea's hit on WR Laurent Robinson and his "tackle" of Harrington down field lit a spark on this team. After those plays (the first hit on Robinson resulted in a Kelvin Hayden INT), the Colts scored 24 unanswered points, burying the Atlanta Falcons after they started the game up 10-0 on the Colts. Much to the disappointment of Deadspin, Antoine Bethea and the defense made certain there were no silly upsets on Turkey Day (aside from maybe that upset stomach you got after eating your fourth helping of pumpkin pie).

• The Colts defense continues to carry the club and FEAST on QBs. AP Photo/John Bazemore

• It's amazing what semi-pro blocking and receiving can do for a QB. Peyton Manning had garbage to throw to against SD and KC. The result was 2 TDs and 7 INTs. But, with the return of WR Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark becoming conscious again, Manning dissects Atlanta for 272 yards and 3 TDs. His one INT was a forced throw, something he's done more since the injuries started. Last night, with some of his regular guys back, Peyton trusted his receivers more; something he didn't do the last three games.
• Tony Ugoh must come back for the next game against the Jags. If not, I want him IRed. I'm tired of seeing Charlie Johnson get killed off the edge. If Ugoh can't go, then Michael Toudouze should play LT and Charlie Johnson RT. I'm sick of seeing Jake Scott play a position he doesn't know. Jake Scott is a guard; not a friggin' RT. No offense to Atlanta fans, but their defense is not very good. Yet, Manning was sacked 4 times and pressured on almost every throw. Charlie Johnson must not play LT again. He is going to get Manning killed. I want Ugoh back NOW! If not, I'll take Toudouze. No more Charlie at LT.

Despite the slow start and the long TD given up by rookie CB Dante Hughes, this defense continues to carry this team. When did you ever think you'd hear such a thing in the Manning era? Bob Sanders miked up was hilarious. He and Gary Brackett are the leaders of this defense, and with defensive line guru John Teerlick at the helm, this defense will pressure the QB without Dwight Freeney. Meanwhile, on offense, guys like Dallas Clark continue to get healthy, and rookie WR Anthony Gonzalez returns from a dislocated thumb and has his best game as a pro (6 catches, 105 yards, loads of YAC). Despite the injury, Gonzo is quietly having a very solid season for a rookie WR (21 catches, 312 yards, 14.9 ypc). He hasn't found the endzone, but he will soon.

As always, a win means a loss for a good blog writer (Dave the Falconer) and the fanbase he writes for. Falcons fans at The Falcoholic were very cool posting here, and we always appreciate their time on Stampede Blue.

So again, exhale. 9-2 after a brutal stretch of games. 9-2, and Marvin Harrison is expected back next week. 9-2, and this team is as battle tested as I've ever seen. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Enjoy your leftovers, and Go Colts!  

Robert eat Brody. Photo: AP, Darron Cummings

This is not college football. They do not reward you with "style points." If they did, the Colts would have, like, 8 championships by now. "Style" doesn't win you football games. A tough defense, a solid running game, and a QB that makes plays at the end usually do. Fortunately for the Colts, despite all injuries, they still have those three things.

I'd like to give a particular shout out to the Indy defense, which has played brilliant football all season long despite numerous injuries. If you'd had told me in pre-season that by Week Eleven both Dwight Freeney and Anthony McFarland would be done for the season, I'd have thrown up my hands and given up. It's a good thing I'm a fan and not someone with decision-making power in the Colts front office.

This Colts defense is better than the 1995 defense that got the Colts within one bad Kordell Stewart-called TD from the Super Bowl. That defense in 1995 was spectacular. This one is better. Even with Freeney gone, this defense is better than the '95 one. Ron Meeks and Tony Dungy have done a fabulous job getting these guys ready to play. It doesn't matter if they are established players (Bob Sanders, Gary Brackett, etc.), new players (Simeon Rice), or rookies (Ed Johnson, Keyunta Dawson, Clint Session) Dungy and Meeks get them ready. Here's some recap notes:

• Colts defense held yet another opponent under 100 yards. Yes, I know Larry Johnson was out. Eat me. I don't want to hear about injuries. This defense used to allow the Ron Dayne's of this league to get over 100 yards. Now, they are holding everyone. I'm dancing a jig.
• Chiefs dominated the first half, but only had 3 points to show for it. Colts defense held them to 234 total yards and forced two huge TOs.
• Pass rush was inconsistent. Chiefs QB Brody Croyle was hurried on some plays, and on others he had way too much time. DE Simeon Rice made a nice play on a screen pass, but other than that didn't do much. Robert Mathis is a total stud, and will likely get his first Pro Bowl nod.
• The injuries on offense have really weakened their strike ability. Are injuries an excuse to lose? No. Are they a reason why execution can be off? Yes. Guys who normally don't practice are now playing live games. Manning has no timing with his receivers, and when he does they are dropping balls. He's also getting killed in the pocket. The Colts need Marvin Harrison and Tony Ugoh back ASAP.

It was ugly. It was silly. It was a win. I'll take it. The only sad result of the win is a good bunch of fans, like those at Arrowhead Pride, have to lose. Thanks to Chris for some great cross-blogging, and chin up. Chiefs have a good defense.

Getting healthy and getting ready to play our Atlanta on only 4 days prep is now top priority. Maybe Ugoh and Harrison will return for that game. Despite all these damn injuries, the team is 8-2. I'll take it.

If anyone in the NFL was due for a bad game, it was Adam. Photo: AP Photo/Chris Park

Before we get into the postmortem, here is a quick list of players who either did not play in this game or who left the game at some point and did not return (in alphabetical order):

So, to put some perspective on this, this means that fourth and fifth string WRs were starting, the two starting DTs were rookies either undrafted (Johnson) or drafted in the 7th round (Dawson), the third string LT (signed just this past week) was out there much of the game, and Jake Scott was moved from guard to RT in place of Ryan Diem while Dylan Gandy took his spot. The third string WILL backer was in there. Rocky Boiman, who was benched earlier this year, was in there. With the way things were going, I half expected Justin Snow to actually lineup at TE (something he's never done even though he's listed as a TE) and catch some passes.

And yet, despite all these injuries, the Colts should have won this game. This team should be 9-0. Instead,  they're 7-2 and for some reason people are already dismissing them... just like last year. And while a lot will be made of Peyton's 6 INT game, unlike the people who will criticize them, we watched the game. And we know (or, at least I know) that even with the picks last night's game was one of the guttiest, toughest games Peyton has ever played, and it further added to his legacy rather than detracted from it. And anyone who disagrees is wrong. That simple. Here's the recap:

• Dear Coach Dungy, fire your Special Teams coach Russ Purnell. I know you're loyal, Coach. It's admirable. But this incompetent moron has now cost this team a win. If not for those two returns for TDs early in the first quarter, the Colts cruise through this game easily. If not for those returns, the Colts could have stuck to their game plan and beaten the snot out of this truly pathetic Chargers team. Yes, I know there were injuries. I don't care. The offense and defense had injuries, and they played like gangbusters despite them; especially the defense. The ST units are not coached by Tom Moore or Ron Meeks. They are coached by Russ Purnell, and it is his job to make sure his guys perform. When they don't, it's on him. Year, after year, after year Purnell gets new players (faster, better players) and the results are the same. I want him fired now. If not, I'm calling on fans to boo his name (Fire Russ!) at the Dome whenever the ST screws up.
• If anyone here thinks Adam Vinatieri is not a clutch kicker, there's the door:

  If you really think that based on one bad game, you have now left the world of the rational and sane and entered the Wonka-Zulu Dimension, a place that delusional fans descend to after they take things waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of perspective and make stupid, dumb judgments based off a small, recent sampling of work. There is no one in the history of professional football I'd rather have kicking my team's FGs than Adam Vinatieri. Yes, he had a rotten game. Tell me, of all the people in this league, was Adam not at the top of the list for players due to have a bad game? Adam has a bad game once every lunar eclipse. Every other leap year, Adam has a bad game. Last night, Adam had a bad game. A really bad game. That miss was Vanderjadt bad, but unlike Vandy (who missed EVERY big kick), Adam will bounce back and make the big ones when they matter most. Anyone who thinks otherwise may kindly leave our reality-based dimension and enjoy your stay with the crazies.

• Last night was one of the best games I've ever seen Peyton Manning play. Yeah, yeah, yeah write me off, call me stupid, call me crazy, call me a homer, call by Al. I care. Peyton Manning threw 6 INTs on the road, something he's never done. Some of those TOs were killer, like the one in the endzone in the first quarter. People will point fingers and laugh at Manning because... well, they're silly and pathetic people hoping and longing for the day when others listened to their insane gibberish. I watched that game. So did you. You saw receivers like Aaron Moorehead dog his routes. You saw Reggie let up and not fight for the ball, resulting in yet another Antonio Cromardie pick. You saw Moorehead (again!) run the wrong route and kill another drive. Of the 6 INTs, four were the result of Manning throwing to receivers who didn't know what the fuk they were doing. One was a tipped ball at the line, and the last was a desperate heave with 0 seconds left in the game. Despite all these TOs, Manning led his team down the field on three brilliant drives, one of which was the failed FG attempt by Adam which should have won the game. Manning had a third string LT protecting his blindside. He had Jake Scott as his RT. He had a guy named Craphonso catching his passes. He had a guy named Moorehead drop a gimme TD, the ball slipping right through his hands.

  Despite all the odds (the bad officiating, the injuries, the horrid execution, and playing from behind all game), Manning got his team in position to win, and the team came up short. Even normally brain dead announcers Al Michaels and John Madden stood in awe of Manning's play, despite the picks. It's yet another example of stats not telling the whole truth of a game. Manning was brilliant in this game, and if Adam makes that gimme kick, this would have been a comeback on par with the TB game in 2003.

We had a lot of wonderful participation in the open thread, with people like TSG and JasonB dropping by. It's neat seeing these open threads grow and grow. Some of the comments were downright hilarious.

So, after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, what can we fans take from this game? Well, for starters (because right now all of them are hurt; wakka, wakka, wakka!), we know we have a gutty team that refuses to quit regardless of circumstance. Most other NFL teams would have folded up their tent after halftime. This team didn't. We know the defense is one of the best in football, if not the best. Ed Johnson is a monster, Bob Sanders makes it hurt through the TV, and both Marlin and Kelvin continue to impress. I cannot say enough about guys like Clint Session (2 INTs) and Keyunta Dawson. These are two rookies playing important positions on the defense, and they dominated.

On offense, our QB is pretty decent, our running backs have no fear, and our favorite pre-season player has a good future with this team. Guys like Moorehead should be cut at 4pm today. When the team needed guys like him to step up, he has consistently failed. Meanwhile, rookies and undrafted guys continue to step up and play Colts football.

As always, people will right the team off after a 7-2 start playing a schedule Atlas would find grueling. Despite this gut wrenching loss, I am still proud of the team and like Blueisgood I have not lost any faith. If anything, last night's game, and the NE loss, re-affirmed that faith more so than any of the seven wins. This team, when even reasonably healthy, is the best team in football. Right now, this team is decimated with injuries, and the focus is not homefield or anything stupid like that. The focus is get healthy, win the division, and move forward from there. Lots and lots of football left to be played. When this team gets healthy, it will be scary good.

Go Colts!

Antoine Bethea is a stud, even in defeat. Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

I'm just glad this damn game is done and over and finally friggin' behind us. The only draw back is for the next few weeks or so (until they lose), all we we see in the sports world are reports and specials on how great and wonderful the Patriots are and how they will go undefeated. That said, like so many here have stated: The Patriots earned it today. This was a gutty, hard fought, classic regular season game that went down to the wire.

What we can all agree on is based on this game, the two best teams reside in New England and Indianapolis right now. No other team comes close. Here's the recap:

• I LOVE INDY'S DEFENSE! You will never hear me say anything bad about Gary Brackett again. He could be sleeping with my girlfriend right now and I'd still think he's awesome. That second pick on Brady was one of the greatest defensive plays I've ever seen. All game long, Brackett, Sanders, Marlin, Kelvin, and Antoine were hitting the snot out of Patriots receivers. It wasn't until the mid-fourth, when injuries knocked out Marlin, Bob, and a few others that Brady started making plays. Give New England credit: They made the plays when they needed them. Still, Brady faced constant pressure all game, and it showed. Hats off to Dungy and Meeks for getting this defense playing this well.
• The injuries just took their toll. In the fourth, with only 2 healthy WRs, the offense sputtered. Injuries aren't an excuse, but when you play a team like New England, it helps to have all your horses in line. With Marvin and Gonzo out, the Pats simply blitzed like madmen. Moorehead dropped a sure first down on a drive that could have iced the game, and even Reggie dropped a few long balls he should have reeled in. The past two years, Reggie and the others make those catches. This time, they don't. That's really the difference.
• New England is a fine team. We've all said that. But they escaped with this win. The Colts were simply more physical than the Patriots. Joseph Addai ran right down their throats. Indy's front four lived in New England's backfield, and Brady faced constant pressure all game. On offense, despite back-up LT Charlie Johnson getting killed play after play, Manning played very well. As stated before, his receivers dropped some well thrown balls, and his protection simply broke down in the fourth. Credit NE for taking advantage of the Colts' injuries.

Obviously, it's tough to take a loss. This game was so weird, so surreal it had a playoff feel to it: Vinatieri missed his first career FG in the RCA Dome, the Pats committed a sinful of dumb penalties, the Colts blew a fourth quarter lead for the first time in eons, and the Pats trailed in the fourth for the first time this year. It was an odd, wonka-rrific game, and as JasonB from BGN said: I agree. What was interesting about this game is I think we saw a blueprint to beat NE. They have a finesse offense that relies heavily on the big play. Take that away, and they struggle. It'll be interesting to see if others copy it. Still, today they were better and the final score proved it.

Fan participation on the blog today was excellent. Thanks to all Pats fans for commenting with us. We appreciate your comments and your respect. Please understand, we think your team is dirty, whiny, cheap, and loaded with punks. However, that doesn't mean we don't respect it, because we sure as hell do. This is the best rivalry in football, and I'm glad to see it continue.

For the Colts, it's just odd to see them lose. It hasn't happened in a long time; almost 11 months. It's yet another reason to enjoy this team, even after a loss like this. They'll regroup. They'll re-evaluate. They'll recover. And later on, they will face New England again.

And then, when the stakes are high, Indy will beat them. Go Colts.