The Mike Murphy-led Colts defense impresses... Jim Irsay believes in Peyton Manning... Robert Mathis is proud of his team... and Reggie Wayne got the royal treatment from fans on Thursday night...
FROM THE SADDLE (official team news)
- The Texans were 1-for-10 on third down last night, with the lone conversion coming on a lucky grab which bounced off the back of a Colt defender. I know it was against T.J. Yates, but I think we might have found our man in Mike Murphy.
- "Reg-gie! Reg-gie!" The Colts legend served up a night that we will never forget, which also could be his last in a Colts uniform at the Luke.
GREEN APPLES AND ROAD APPLES (media analysis)
- Jim Irsay made it quite clear on Thursday night: If Peyton Manning is healthy, he will remain an Indianapolis Colt.
- Reggie Wayne delivered some great quotes in his interview with the NFL Network crew, following his huge game. On life without Peyton Manning: "It was pretty rough. On top of that, we had Kerry Collins, who really couldn't get the play out in time." Zing!
- Bob Kravitz doesn't seem to be taking the Colts latest victory too well. Surprised? I didn't think so.
- Colts v. Texans -- A finish to remember, writes Phil Wilson. Indeed, Phil. Indeed.
- "That's as much of a team victory as you're going to get," said Robert Mathis after the Colts' second victory. "Proud of everybody."
- Even before the stunning victory on Thursday night, Don Banks gave the Colts some love in the form of NFL power rankings.
- The Texans remain winless at the Luke, losing in all ten match-ups.
- Mike Freeman believes Tony Dungy is finished coaching. Forever.
APPLE PIE (SB Nation goodies)
- With Matt Barkley announcing that he will stay at USC, what kind of impact will his decision have on the 2012 NFL draft?
Whew... I am just so proud of this team.
I was at the Luke to witness this game (Best Christmas present. Ever.) and I think it's safe to add this game to my collection of most cherished memories as an Indianapolis Colts fanatic. No matter what was thrown in the way of their path, no matter what the odds said, week after week -- it didn't matter to these guys. They further proved tonight that they indeed have the heart of lions and a spirit that will not be broken.
Corny sounding? Sure. But oh-so-true.
Many of us may not like the job Jim Caldwell has done, but it's clear that he maintains an extremely high degree of respect from these players, specifically Peyton Manning, that is not easy to find in the NFL. That should be appreciated. He may not be the greatest coach, and may be lacking some serious judgement at times, but you have to give it to him for being able to weather the storm. These guys not only play hard for themselves, but they play hard for him.
And if anyone still believes this organization is 'tanking' it, or 'sucking for Luck', they're a certified idiot.
Yeah. I said it.
FYI: Peyton Manning looked like a man that was ready to take on the world last night, in my opinion. Here's what Ashley Adamson of WISH-TV had to say via Twitter, regarding Manning's upbeat 'tude:
I have never seen Peyton Manning look happier than he did in Colts locker room tonight. Didn't know God even made smiles that big.
Look out 2012, here come the Colts!