It's been a while since we did a Luke Links. Then again, our Colts haven't played a "meaningful" game in almost a month. But, like many of you, I am very happy that we finally have something to cheer for this Saturday. Also like many of you, I'm on pins and needles. This is a very big game, and there is a lot of pressure on the franchise to win it. With these links, we delve into the inner workings of this playoff contest that features two teams, and two cities, with a great deal of NFL history between them:
- Bill Polian had his radio show this past Monday, sans fan insults. According to Bill, the team is as healthy as it has been all season. This is very good news.
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18to88 has written several very solid articles on how the 2009 Baltimore Ravens seem very similar to the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Pat McAfee might just be the Colts' own personal Rookie of the Year.
- In the victory over the Patriots last weekend in the Wildcard Round, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco set an NFL record for futility by passing for a net 34 yards. One of the reasons why Flacco has played so poorly of late is he is hurt.
- The Seahawks clearly violated the spirit of the Rooney Rule in hiring the moron that is Pete Carroll. They've tried to make up for it by asking if former-Colts coach Tony Dungy would accept a role as "President" of the Seahawks. Dungy declined.
- Matt Stover had mixed feelings this past weekend when the Ravens won over the Patriots. On one hand, his buddies in Baltimore won the day. On the other, he knows he has to beat them this weekend.
- More Stover, LovinBlue links to Stover's reaction to the Ravens win last weekend.
- Paul Kuharsky hearts Colts guard Kyle DeVan.
- John Oehser continues his yeoman's work in transcribing Monday's Bill Polian Show, telling us that Chad Simpson will retain his kick returning duties for the playoffs. Once again, LovinBlue gives us the link.
- And finally, the Colts are adding an extra level of intensity to their practices leading up to this Saturday's playoff game. Hopefully, it pays off.