by Jonathan Storti
The Colts lost their perfect season Sunday and probably more than that. Indianapolis was defeated 29-15 by the New York Jets ending their chance to do what only the 1972 Dolphins have accomplished, perfection. The intriguing detail to this development is that the Colts decided to lose. They gave it to the Jets, cut and dry. Having secured a 15-10 lead in the 3rd quarter Colts head coach, Jim Caldwell, proceeded to send out the incomparable Curtis Painter. Yes Curtis Painter, instead of the most prolific passer of the decade, Peyton Manning. This move immediately angered the football gods as Painter fumbled on the ensuing drive. The fumble was recovered in the end zone for a Jets touchdown, giving them a lead they would not surrender. Painter continued to be ineffective for the remainder of the game. The timing of Manning’s substitution is beyond questionable. If you were going to pull Manning in a close game why leave him in as long as the 3rd quarter? Why play him the whole game last week against Jacksonville, another meaningless game? The Colts had a chance to do something no team has ever done before, go 19-0. Now the Colts must hope this hangover does not continue in the postseason.
The Colts championship mojo is gone. If they had won their last two games the Colts would have entered the postseason as prohibitive favorites. In my opinion this disaster against the Jets has greatly reduced their chances. Now they are just like any other team in the playoffs; had they been undefeated their confidence would be overflowing. Some analysts believe it is better to rest your starters, but so many times a rested team gets out of sync. The Colts will regret resting their starters, and also for destroying hundreds of fantasy football teams. Cosmic momentum may in actuality be a crock, but if you were the Colts wouldn’t you air on the side of caution? The Colts are not only questioning their decision making, but their talent. Confidence is extremely important in sports and to take that away weakens a team. You want your players impervious to doubts; they have to think they’re the best. The Colts are a great team and this loss doesn’t negate what they have done, but the style in which it was handled angered many people. The chorus of boos flooded upon the Colts by their own fans at Lucas Oil Stadium echoed the feelings of this disgruntled viewer.
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