by Jonathan Storti
The Indianapolis Colts just keep finding ways to win. Their 17-15 victory over the Baltimore Ravens pushed the Colts record to a perfect 10-0, yet how they have achieved this record is far from perfect. Only a couple of Indy’s games were blow outs, the majority have been grind it out football games, with the winner being determined late in the 4th quarter. Their first victory of the season was a nail biting win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while their latest triumph was only assured after a Baltimore fumble in the closing seconds. A win may be a win, but the Colts appear to be quite susceptible. It was only last week that the Colts perfect season looked to be up in smoke; but a courageous comeback and a questionable call (cough Belichick cough) saved Indy. Some speculate that it is better for a team to lose one game because of the pressure that comes with a perfect record. Others believe one loss can set the motion for decline or create a blueprint for defeat. The fact that the Colts remain undefeated is quite a surprise, not due to a lack of talent, but an abundance of change.
This is the first season for Jim Caldwell, the new coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He took the reins from a Super Bowl winning coach, Tony Dungy, and has done an exemplary job. Not only did the Colts lose their coach last season, but also Peyton Manning’s primary receiver for the last decade, Marvin Harrison. Harrison had been a vital cog in the Colt’s offensive juggernaut, but seems to have been adequately replaced. Unheralded wideouts Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie have put up solid numbers this season. The young receivers are learning from All-Pro wideout Reggie Wayne and the impact has been immediate. The one constant from last year to this is the brilliant play of Peyton Manning; he is the leading MVP candidate so far this year. His guidance with younger players and on field leadership has the Colts prepared to battle in the upcoming playoffs. While continuity is an integral part of a football team, it can create stagnancy. The Colts have somehow fused past and present; they are going in a different direction with the same success. The AFC playoffs will almost certainly go through Indy, the likely #1 seed, and the Colts must do something they haven’t accomplished in previous seasons. Capitalize on their home field.
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