This game reminded me of the time the Colts went to Tampa to play the Super Bowl Champion Bucs on Monday Night Football. This was a huge game for the Houston Texans. In fact the Houston media was terming it “the biggest game in franchise history!” And it would have been, had the Texans won.
I think our Indianapolis Colts are in the right state of mind when it comes to defending their title. In fact I don’t see much difference between this year and years past. The Pittsburg Steelers really fell flat last year in attempt to make it back to the promise land but these Colts are different. It seems as if the Colts have had a target on their backs for many years, and they have to continue to “bring their A game” every week.
Houston is a much improved team from the past years. Matt Schaub was obviously worth whatever Houston gave up obtaining him. He is obviously a step above David Carr (I still don’t blame Carr for his record in Houston , that many sacks can not be blamed on the Quarterback). What impressed me the most about the Texans was how the back ups came ready to play when all their guys were going out of the game. It seems the culture in Houston is really changing, but its going to take a while to bring the winning tradition to that franchise.
Looking back on the Colts history in Indianapolis the major turning point year for them was 1995. That was the year we finally realized that we could have some success in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh was exactly what that team needed in that time. He gutted out wins and gave us our first hope at being a successful NFL franchise. 11 years later we became champions and I really hope that this love affair with this team continues for generations.
Back to the game, the Colts Defense really came to play today. What a difference Bob Sanders really makes. I know a lot of people have been saying that, but I believe it’s more mental than anything. The linebackers can play with a different attitude. If they miss a tackle they know Bob Sanders will not. On the defensive side of the ball I think Dwight Freeney is really struggling to get to the Quarterback. He has not registered a sack in a while, and has not changed the face of a game in who knows how long.
As for the offense it was business as usual. I thought Anthony Gonzalez played a solid game except for a dropped pass on 3rd down. Peyton was Peyton and he was due for a big game. Addai has officially replaced the Edge. In fact I think Addai is playing as well as Edge ever did. He is picking up the blitz well and doesn’t seem to make many mistakes which is exactly what the Colts need out of a half back.
The biggest concern I have so far is Marvin Harrison. Does anyone else feel he is not the big play threat that he used to be? He is one of my all time favorite players, but I am very scared that time is catching up to him. He seems to play when he wants to play. It started at the end of last year. Although I feel as if that was more due to the back that he had a broken wrist thanks to Rodney Harrison’s cheap shot. I think the double teams are really taking their toll on The Great One. His spectacular performances might be fewer and farther between.
And now we can all talk bad about the special teams. The opening kick off was a killer. The Colts have to start covering kicks better. We have solid talent that always develops into pro bowl caliber players but they need to start making some tackles on kick offs. Hunter Smith could possibly be the best kicker in the game, but he keeps out kicking his coverage. That scares me. He is also the most underrated athlete in the NFL. The dude can fly, and he hurt the Texans kick returner.
Pats watch week 3
The New England Patriots keep running over teams on their way to what seems like a for sure Super Bowl Championship. But we must remind everyone that the Indy 500 is not won on lap 1. Presidental Elections are not won in January and the Kentucky Derby is not won in the first turn. In fact one of the coolest stats ever is that the leader of the Indianapolis 500 on lap 190 is rarely the person who wins the race. Just ask last years Chargers or the ’05 Colts.
New England is good, there is no doubt about it. It almost seems as if we have traded them places. It used to be the Colts blowing people out, and New England barely winning games. Now its Brady and the Pats blowing people out and the Colts barely winning games. And the Colts still seem to be under the radar which I like.
Tom Brady is on pace to pass Peyton Manning’s 49 touchdown pass record. This scares me a little. I feel as if Peyton could have had 55 TD passes that season had he played in any of the 4th quarters, or that final game against the Broncos. That was the insane thing about that record was that he sat out a lot of time that season.
Week 3 Wrap Up
The Colts are doing a steller job defending their title. They might not look the best right now but it is still early. They are setting themselves up for a great season. If we go into the bye week with one loss I think we can consider it a good beginning to the season at 4-1. It should be a fun one next week vs. the Denver Broncos. I am not sold on them as a team yet. Jay Cutler is the real deal, and Mike Shanahan is a great coach. But I don’t think they are there yet. On the other hand the Colts will have to put together a solid game to beat them. And I feel as if Peyton and Marvin are due for a huge game in the next two weeks. It would make me feel a whole lot better to see Marvin catching passes that are not quick routes.
Outside of the New England Patriots the other team that is scaring me is the Pittsburg Steelers. Mike Tomlin was an excellent choice as coach and he seems to have put together a solid squad with championship experience. They seem to be winning games hands down with little to no resistance. Again, it is a long season and they do not play the schedule the Colts do, but still they are team on the rise/ a team to watch out for.
On the final note I think all 4 teams in the AFC South have a legitimate playoff shot. I still think Tennessee will get that 5th or 6th seed, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Houston in the mix late in the year and Jacksonville is always tough. They need a Quarterback and that is hurting their ground game, but don’t be surprised to see them make a run for it late in the season
No comments:
Post a Comment