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It wasn't the ending that any one wanted, or even envisioned, but the Colt's attempt at defending their World Championship officially came to an end on Sunday, in the last NFL game to ever be played in the RCA DOME. The great debate will once again begin as to what benefit earning a first round BYE really gives at team, but it will remain a question that there will never be a an absolute answer to. Circumstances will always differ from one team to another, making the answer one that is always dependent on the result, and not the prediction - win, and it is great, loose and it was a big mistake.
This game was decided on the execution of one team (the Chargers) and the lack thereof from the other (our beloved Colts)! The Chargers are to be commended for the performance they were able to put together on the road, in an extremely difficult place to play. They would begin the game with their #1 receiver playing with a dislocated toe and he would never be a factor. They would loose the leading rusher in the NFL before halftime, only to turn around and loose their starting quarterback a quarter later. Yet they still managed to make enough plays to secure the victory, and put an end to our magical season. It was the type of performance we have seen time and time again this season, by OUR Colts!
The building was electric, and the Colts came onto the field looking to be very energized and ready to go. The offense moved the ball at will against the Charger defense, but kept shooting themselves in the foot once they got inside the Red Zone - three turnovers while in scoring position. The hit on Marvin was pretty solid resulting in his fumble, but the other two were unforced errors with balls going through the hands of receivers - you will not win many games, let alone playoff games, with that kind of execution.
I felt though, that the difference in the game came on the defensive side of the ball. It was complete role reversal from a year ago, where the defense was very suspect all year long, only to turn it up a notch in the Playoffs, proving to be the catalyst in the run to the Super Bowl. This year, the defense was miraculous all year long, but looked like a different unit on Sunday, against a Chargers offense without it's three primary weapons for large parts of the game. There were too many big plays given up to the Chargers and the Colts committed 10 penalties for 79 yards - a very un-Colt like performance in a BIG game!
It was an extremely difficult loss for all involved, but as is usually the case, was handled with the utmost class by all. I was extremely pleased with the lack of negative comments by Colt fans as they exited the stadium - the emotion was obvious, and the mood was very subdued, but I was proud walking out and not hearing the kinds of things I have heard when I went on the road to other stadiums and watched the Colts win. I heard MANY well wishes to the Charger fans who were in attendance, and offers of support as they go to that East coast city next week!
So it will be a very long offseason, with much uncertainty about certain aspects with the team. Will Tony return next year? How many assistant coaches will get job offers from other teams? Will Polian and Irsay be able to work out a contract extension for Dallas, or will he get the franchise tag? What other players will test the free agent market? Regardless, The future this franchise is extremely bright. The number one defense in the league will get Freeney, McFarland and Morris all back. The many rookies who played so well this year will get a second training camp, along with all the experience they gained this year. Peyton shows me no signs of letting up, and the offense should just continue improving!
I know it hurts right now, but nothing can be done to change what happened today. We will all have to find our own way to deal with what we are feeling, but just try to think of all the wonderful things we have witnessed this year, and don't hesitate to draw support from the many wonderful people on this network, if needed.
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my thoughts with all of you this year. Thanks so much for all the words of encouragement throughout the year, and I look forward to continuing what we have started! I am not going away, and will continue to add things to my content.
Stay True to the Blue, and God Bless you all!
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