Listen, I'm not going to make this some long, drawn out sob-fest. I'm just going to cut to the chase and be done with this argument once and for all.
My feelings about Addai's production the past couple years has been well documented and I'm not about to try and hide from my comments or play coy about what I've said. I stand by my comments and forever will because that's what I believed and how I felt at the time.
Personally, I think that takes some balls. To stick by what you say, man up to it, and deal with the criticism/shitstorm that will inevitably follow, especially on a topic such as this. So I think I deserve a little credit for that don't you think?
The cause for my change of heart and sudden realization was this past Sunday's game against the Houston Chok--er Texans.
The numbers were anything but spectacular -- 15 rush for 69 yards, 3 catches for 13 yards -- but the numbers don't even begin to tell the story that is Joseph Addai's 2009 season.
Something was different about him and for the past few weeks I just couldn't put my finger on it. It wasn't a physical change, like he bulked up during the offseason, or that he suddenly turned into a burner and was scorching the field with his juking abilities, although it awesome to see Addai juke Ray Lewis out of his jock. It was something else.
It was attitude.
For whatever reason, he's been playing balls out, no holds barred, physical football this season. And my god is that an ever refreshing, relieving feeling. You can see it when he starts hitting holes (and/or his own lineman) that he's running with a sense of urgency and purpose. That was not the case throughout the 2008 season when he was very hesitant and skittish when it came to taking on a contact and that ultimately reflected in his stat line and the Colts balance on offense.
As I've said many times before, I never wanted to see Addai fail because his production, or lack there of, had a direct affect on the team's success. All I ever wanted was for Addai to produce like we know he can, like he did in his rookie season. In my eyes he's playing at the level once again. The numbers don't necessarily reflect that, but who cares? What matters is doing your job to the best of your ability and laying it all out on the line to win football games and Addai has clearly shown that this season.
And if Addai's resurgence doesn't get you pumped, just think about the guy who is currently backing him up and the things he can do when given a chance to play. Now that's what I'm talking about!
With that said, let the thrashing begin! Be kind, please bring lube.
Go Colts!