Posted on 01/17/2007 7:23:51 AM PST by Risha
Colts don’t care how they look as long as they win
By Associated Press
Wednesday, January 17, 2007 - Updated: 05:22 AM EST
INDIANAPOLIS - The Colts remember the good old days fondly, even as they embrace a different formula aimed at overcoming their past playoff history.
Indianapolis was scoring points at a breakneck pace, getting into the end zone regularly and wreaking havoc on defenses around the league. But that script never won a championship.
So the Colts traded image for postseason success.
"I hear a lot of people say we’ll throw all the statistics out the window in the playoffs, but it’s like we’re the exception," two-time MVP Peyton Manning said after advancing to the AFC championship game. "You do whatever you can to make a couple of big third-down conversions, and you take your field goals when you can."
Indianapolis has eight field goals and two touchdowns in its two playoff wins _ a result that defies its high-flying, finesse reputation.
With Manning running the show, two Pro Bowl receivers in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and a 1,000-yard rookie rusher in Joseph Addai, the consensus was the Colts needed to win shootouts to make a deep postseason run.
Instead, the Colts defense has made a remarkable turnaround, and the team has advanced in the postseason by shutting down opponents and being patient on offense.
It likely will take a similar formula to beat New England (14-4) on Sunday.
Since the Colts left the AFC East in 2002, the teams have met six times with the Patriots [team stats] winning the first four and the Colts the last two.
"We know what kind of team we have, and we’ll be ready," Colts rookie safety Antoine Bethea said.
Not always efficient, Indianapolis’ new approach has produced the desired results.
While Manning has thrown five interceptions and one touchdown in the playoffs, he’s also managed to reach the AFC championship game for only the second time in his nine-year career.
Another win Sunday against his old nemesis would give Manning his first Super Bowl appearance ever and the Colts their first shot at a world championship in 36 years.
So they’ll take winning ugly.
"If we didn’t turn the ball over, we knew we were going to put ourselves in a good situation," tight end Dallas Clark said after the Colts beat Baltimore 15-6 in the divisional round. "Even if we had to punt, that’s a slight victory. Somehow we needed to realize that was a victory."
The Colts haven’t always embraced slight victories. Now, though, Manning is showing more patience, a greater willingness to throw underneath or even throw the ball away.
The tactic worked well enough to help the Colts become the first team in league history with 9-0 records in consecutive seasons. Then, after playing sub-.500 football over the final seven games, fans were itching for him to revert to his old form.
Instead, Manning and the Colts learned from past mistakes, allowed patience to prevail and after 23 years in Indianapolis, the Colts are about to host their first AFC title game.
"I said that we could win on the road in a variety of ways," coach Tony Dungy said. "That’s one of the things we’ve learned over the last five years - how to win tight games, how to play defensive games and how to play on the road."
bump
A win is a win.......
Who Dat?!!!
"Hello, Coach Belichick? Yes, this is Peyton Manning's head. We've reserved your regular room for you this Sunday . . ."
Just win baby.........
The Colts style of play mentioned in this article is merely a response to opponent's defensive tactics. Both teams the Colts played (Balt. and KC) used a wide, deep zone defense. This defense is specificly designed to shut down the deep pass. However, this style of D leave the running lanes and short passing lanes open. The Colts are merely taking what the defense gives them. If the Pats try to blitz and leave one of the Colts' receivers in 1 on 1 coverage you will see the Peyton throw the long ball in a heartbeat.
It'll be an interesting Super Bowl if it's Archie's Boy vs. Archie's team.
As a Saints fan, I'm in a wierd place headwise right now...I'm sooo used to not caring about the playoffs.
People are really fired-up about the game here in Indy this weekend. If the Colts lose there will be a lot of cheap real-estate here because about half the populace will commit hiari-kiari.
The team has to stay composed and not get so excited they lock-up on Sunday night. If they don't get over-hyped they should win this game. Peyeton Manning has had two uncharacteristically poor games in a row, he won't have a third.
Colts by 11, 28 to 17.
PF
Money. It was cool watching him say that during the game. Good for Tony, Peyton and the Colts.
Good luck from an Eagles fan.
SZ
"Money." It was cool watching him say that during the game. Good for Tony, Peyton and the Colts.
Good luck from an Eagles fan.
SZ
Damn, the stop button didn't work, sorry for the double post.
SZ
Anyway, you've got to go with experience. Tom Brady is the best since Joe Montana at finding a way to get it done, so it looks like another championship for the Patriots.
Your room is reserved.
Enjoy the game...on Saturday ;)
I make no predictions on this one. Colts/Pats are too close to call. Ought to be a great game. I'll predict overtime...........
The hedges, Bum Phillips, Stabler in Dallas on Sunday night ahead 28-0 in the 4th quarter and losing in overtime, the bag heads, Earl Campbell pulling his hamstring on the way to the end zone, Archie running for his life, the melting offensive lines, "Big Ben" twice in the same year -- with the same score, Bum alternating Stabler and Richard Todd at quarterback, John Mecomb. It's been a long, long 40 years. I think the curse might be broken. Something to do with Katrina. WHO DAT!...:-)
On Sunday..duh!
This is how it should go. Pats and Colt make for the most interesting games.
I'm hoping for a 1985 rematch, Pats vs Bears. This time we'd get the right outcome.
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