January 22nd, 2007
Colts to the Super Bowl
Manning finally wins big one, leads Colts to Super Bowl
Hmm, I am surprised. They beat the Ravens and Patriots. Granted, the Ravens played unispired football, and the Patriots were tired, hurting and ill, but they were the two best defenses in the NFL and the Colts beat them. Played just enough defense to win against three physical offenses, and scored enough on offense aganst good to great defenses to win.
The pivitol point (to me)? The 2-point conversion the Colts went for an made to make it 21-21. If they take one, then the Colts are likely down 4 with 2:28 to go. Even if they get the touchdown, the Patriots only need to get a field goal to tie. If the miss the 2-pt, then New England only needs a field goal to win it. And I think they would have.
Note Bene: Peyton Manning most did not choke in the Big Game. However, neither did Tom Brady. The Colts were simply the better team on Sunday. Which is something everyone needs to remember: Manning and Brady are only 2 of 108 players on the two teams. Even though their performances may disproportionately affect the outcome, the other 106 matter a great deal. And early this decade, the other 53 for the Patriots were just better than the 53 for the Colts. (Okay, so the roster rules change a lot, so it probably wasn’t 54 with active/inactive lists, and I may be wrong about the 54 part, but you get the point).
And clearly, Tony Dungy was not out coached in this game.
Nice job. Indy. And good luck.