With the 22nd Pick In The NFL Draft The Indianapolis Colts Select....

DP's Pick:
Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

I'm not going to sit here and act like I thought of this pick. Todd McShay has this pick and it makes the most sense. If the Colts want to keep succeeding you want to protect the person that gives them the best chance... Peyton Manning. He's 6-8, 319 and with the Colts O-Line getting a little older it never hurts to get younger on the blind side.

BMack's Pick:
Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Smith should never have fallen this far, but if he does what a steal for the Colts. He is a guy who can step up immediatley, and the Colts really need to revamp their offensive line. DP is 100% right, if the Colts are going to do anything for years to come they need to keep the pressure off Manning. Smith is a little raw, but has the highest ceiling of maybe any offensive lineman in the draft.

Time to Pey up

The Indianapolis Colts are actively trying to resign franchise quarterback, Peyton Manning. Manning just finished the last year of his 7-year $98 million dollar deal he signed in 2004. If a deal cannot be reached within the next two weeks, the Colts are prepared to use their franchise tag on the 4-time MVP. Applying the franchise tag would guarantee Manning roughly $23 million for the upcoming season.

Allegedly the Colts have met with Manning and promised to bring in better players to surround him with, seeing as he will be 35 in March and the time to win championships is dwindling. Since Manning signed his last deal in 2004, the Colts have only signed 4 free agents. Therefore, the Colts are willing pay Manning exorbitant amounts of money to remain in Indianapolis, but they are also looking to defer some of that money in order to bring in a better supporting cast.

The Colts should ink this guy for five years and try to squeeze out everything they can from him. He's going to have chances at another ring, seeing as the Colts win the AFC south annually, and thus guaranteeing Manning at least one home playoff game. The Colts were eliminated by the Jets on wild card weekend.

31 Patriots, 28 Colts

"It was just a poor throw and its really sickening" said Peyton Manning of the final play. "No excuses. If you have the opportunity to do it and you don't, then it's disappointing and I take the responsibility."

That pretty much sums up the game.

Not to take anything away from the Patriots who have been nothing short of brilliant this season, but Patriot fans had to have had a collective sigh of relief when James Sanders (reigning player of the week) picked off Manning with the Colts marching.

The Patriots picked Peyton Manning off 3 times which is a season high. And even though Manning torched them for 396 yards and a season-high four touchdowns, and nearly erasing a 31-14 deficit in the final 15 minutes of the game. The Pats still came out victorious.

Tom Brady once again was great, he had only six incompletions in 25 passes and threw for two TDs as the Patriots built a 17-point lead and held on. He only had 186 yards but he didn't need to throw much more considering how efficient the Patriot offense was. He hit 6 different receivers and made the smart passes as usual. It also didn't hurt that Benjarvis Green-Ellis and the New England runners combined for 168 yards as well.

The defense has to be concerning to New England fans who were voted as statistically the worst Patriots defense of all time. However, they have been dealing with it for 10 weeks and they are 8-2. So I guess they will take it.

Now they have to get prepared for Detroit (who even though they have a bad record play well at home) on a short week for Thanksgiving.

Dallas Clark Out For Season

Looks like Dallas Clark's wrist injury is worse then first thought, as it is being reported now that he will miss the rest of the season. The Colts are in a lot of trouble. Their offense line has not been as good as in years past, they just lost starting RB Addai for a couple weeks, their version of Welker is hurt (Collie), Bob Sanders is once again gone, they lost the league top pass catching TE for the season, and on top of all of that their schedule gets really tough coming up.

Maybe this will be the first season in a long time the Colts don't get to 12 wins.

Why Do Colts Kickers Drink So Much?

"Indianapolis police have arrested Colts punter Pat McAfee and charged him with public intoxication after he was found wet and shirtless near a downtown canal. Indianapolis-area media reported that shortly before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, a 911 caller told police that a shirtless, wet man had tried to get into her car at a traffic light in the city's Broad Ripple district.

When police arrived on the scene they found a shirtless and soaking wet McAfee, who said he was not sure if he had been in a nearby canal and said it had been raining. According to media reports, there was no rain in Indianapolis at the time (ESPN)."

Wow, this story is amazing. I would love to know how he got there, why he was in the canal, and why he thought it was raining. All amazing things.

Still, there are certain things we have learned about the NFL.

1. If you play for the Bengals, you'll probably get arrested.
2. If you play for the Broncos you might die.
3. And if you're a Colts kicker you'll probably have a drinking problem (Remember their "drunk, idiot kicker" Mike Vanderjagt???)

I am guessing he is going to get suspended for this.

2010 NFL Preview: AFC South

Another division is done, here is how we see it playing out...

1.Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2.Houston Texans: 9-7
3. Tennessee Titans: 9-7
4. Jacksonville Jaguars:5-11

2010 NFL Preview: Indianapolis Colts

2009 Record 14-2

KEY ADDITIONS:
Andy Alleman, G, Kansas City
Tom Brandstater, QB, Denver
Adam Terry, OT, Baltimore

KEY LOSSES:
Raheem Brock, DE, Free agent
Aaron Francisco, S, Carolina
Tyjuan Hagler, LB, Free agent
Marlin Jackson, FS, Philadelphia
Tim Jennings, CB, Chicago
Freddy Keiaho, LB, Jacksonville
Ryan Lilja, G, Kansas City
Jim Sorgi, QB, N.Y. Giants
Matt Stover, K, Free agent

Offense:
The Colts have the best QB in the league, and that will put them in the playoffs every year until Manning retires. Wayne is his go to receiver, and it just doesn't seem to matter who else it out there. Youngsters Pierre Garçon and Austin Collie had breakout years last season, and they are only going to get better. Add those two guys with Pro Bowle tight end Dallas Clark, and Manning has plenty of weapons. Their running game isn't great (31st in the NFL last year), but Joseph Addai (when healthy) does his job, and is a decent receiver out of the back field.

Defense:
The Colts defense is very good at getting to the QB. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are both Pro Bowlers. The only problem is they are a little undersized and will have a hard time stopping the run. Gary Brackett is good, and Clint Session is decent, but the Colts have a big question mark with the other LB position. Philip Wheeler sucks, and that puts the Colts in a hole. Their best hope is if rookie Pat Angerer can move from ILB to OLB. The Colts have good CBs, and they are a tough team to throw on with their great defensive line, and CBs. If Bob Sanders can stay healthy this defense could be very underrated, but the problem is Bob Sanders is never healthy.

Overall:
The Colts have won at least 12 games every year since 2003, and although their division is getting tougher I don't see them winning any less then that as long as Manning is their QB.

2010 Record: 12-4

Yesterday's Reaction

Yesterday, I never got a chance to boast about the Saints because I was too busy being a bodyguard for a giant shipment of urinal cakes. So here I go:

First of all I want to just say whoever is rooting for teams should jump on my bandwagon. Whether it be the Steelers, Saints, Alabama, Celtics, or Sox I have had a team win a major sporting event the past 4 years.

But on to the Saints, I'm so happy for the City, the people I know who live there, all the Saints fans out there, and most importantly Devery Henderson. That game was awesome, and like I said from the beginning the Saints have a better team up and down the board all the Colts had was the Peyton Manning factor and that the Saints shouldn't rely on it but they tend to get turnovers in crucial times ala Sharper, Vilma or Tracy Porter. I'm not going to be humble when I say that I hit those statements out of the park. (I also predicted preseason the Saints were going to the Superbowl)

But enough about how great I am. Peyton Manning is still "The Greatest QB to ever live" or going to be regardless of the outcome of that game. His stats, awards, ring and superbowl appearances are enough. I mean if it was any other qb and I told you the stats were 31-45 for 333 yards and 1 TD and 1 Pick, you would say that would be a pretty good game. I don't care about the pick either, sure it may have been Peyton's fault, but Tracy Porter said that in film they like to run that play so he jumped the route and scampered in for a 74 yard return. The Saints outmatched the Colts and won the game. Peyton Manning can't win it by himself in the biggest team sport out of the 4 major sports. (sorry captain and scan, I know you'll argue for Hockey, but you're wrong) It was funny though see a couple of my friends who are pink hat Patriot fans get caught up in the moment and overreact when Peyton threw that pick though.

But Congrats New Orleans. Who DAT?!?!?!?!

Saints 31, Colts 17

What a game, much closer and more exciting than the final score suggests. In fact, the last three Super Bowls have all been instant classics.

Coming into the game, the primary storyline and general consensus was that this would be Peyton Manning's coronation as King of QBs. And while the Saints had a more compelling backstory, their mere presence in the Big Game was victory enough for the City of New Orleans. The Saints were definitely David against Goliath.

During the postgame malarkey, the media kept talking about the Saints' "comeback." But they only fell behind 10-0. Their offense struggled to get going, but give credit to their defense for keeping it a 10-0 deficit.

The Saints adjusted their passing routes, and took advantage of the ample time Drew Brees had in the pocket. Apart from Freeney's one-handed sack, Brees was hardly ever rushed, always had a clear line of sight, and had excellent passing lanes. A Saints field goal, combined with the Colts going 3 and out, was the turning point of the game. And it came 7 minutes into the 2nd quarter.



The Saints were a 4th & goal at the 1, off tackle rushing play away from tying the game as early as the 2nd quarter. But even after that failed, the Saints' defense stopped Manning in the 2 minute drill, giving Garrett Hartley another chance at a long field goal.

Garrett Hartley is a bit of an unsung hero in this game. Not only was he a clutch in the NFC Championship, but he all three of his field goals, all over 44 yards. Kickers have really struggled this postseason, but Hartley was 5/5, with all of his kicks 40+ yarders.

The Saints were super aggressive to start the 2nd half. They were also extremely confident in their defense, which had adapted to Manning and the Colts.

Going for it on 4th and Goal, trying a random onside kick, I was reminded of Bill Belichick. In 2005, the Patriots tried an onside kick in the 3rd quarter of an eventual loss to the Colts. And we all remember 4th & 2. It's amazing how much execution can make a coach look good.

The onside kick set up a Saints touchdown, which was good because the Colts' offense woke up on the next drive with a touchdown of their own.



The Saints answered with a field goal to retake the lead at 17-16. It was starting to look like this would be an offensive slugfest, with the last team with the ball winning. But it wasn't. The Colts were shutout in the 4th quarter.

The New Orleans defense, unsung heroes for the 2 weeks leading up to the Super Bowl (for the whole season really), and still unsung heroes, stopped the Colts, and forced a long field goal attempt, that was short and to the left. The game was over, even though nobody yet knew it.

Brees engineered a 58 yard touchdown drive that consisted of 2 runs and 7 short passing plays. Only one play of the drive was longer than 10 yards, and that was a Reggie Bush run. The Saints' offensive adjustments were complete, they took advantage of the time Brees had in the pocket to send their big receivers on complicated and involved patterns. This left players open underneath or on comeback routes, and with room to advance once they caught the ball.

But the outcome was still in doubt, down by 7 with 5:42 left is supposedly when Peyton "Best QB Ever" Manning shines. And he did advance the ball into Saints territory. But as I've mentioned, the Saints had adjusted. Tracy Porter smelled the ball, and picked off Manning. It was vintage Ty Law.



To put an exclamation point on the 31-17 win, the Saints defense came up with a goal-line stand as the clock ticked away.

The Saints deserved this win, as a team, not just because of Katrina or anything. They played well, and actually wanted to go undefeated, unlike the Colts.

Brees was the MVP of the game, but the Saints won as a team. From Hartley to Bush, to Colston, Henderson, Shockey, and the entire defense. And Sean Payton, too, who wasn't afraid of being second guessed. He knew that winners are aggressive, losers are passive. He went for the win and his players executed.



Fuck Tony Dungee

-The Commodore

Super Bowl

Seems like we have been waiting for this game forever, but the day is finally here. Anyways, drink up the game is finally here. Here is our predictions...

DP's Prediction: Saints 42-35

BMack's Prediction: Saints 31-28

WHO DAT!!!!!

The Latest On Dwight Freeney

There has been a lot of back and forth on whether or not Dwight Freeney will be able to play against the Saints in the Super Bowl this weekend. The Colts coach did sound optimistic that he will be able to play, saying he is heading in the right direction. Even if he does play I don't think it will matter much. His speed is going to be affected by that torn ligament in his right ankle. Freeney is one of those guys who uses mostly his speed to get to the QB, but with him being hurt even if he does play I don't see him being much of a factor.

This is huge for the Saints, since the Colts defense is based off of getting pressure on the QB. So, unless Freeney pulls some kind of Curt Schilling magic it is going to be a long day for that Colts defense.

Tony Dungy: Colts Are Going To Smoke The Saints

Obviously not surprised that Dungy picked the Colts, but what is surprising is how many people feel the same way. Here is what Dungy said...

"I think they're going to be so far ahead that people are going to say, 'Oh, ho-hum, he played a good game, they won by two scores, the Colts won their second championship,' " Dungy said of Manning on Thursday. "He's going to have those rings Sunday night. I don't think it's going to be close."

I get the Colts have Manning, who may very well be the greatest QB to ever play, but how can people just right off the Saints? They have a better defense, and running game. Yet, most of the "experts" don't seem to care. Don't get me wrong I think the Colts have a good chance at winning, but I really think this is going to be a very close game. Maybe I am wrong, maybe I am buying into "Who Dat" too much, but they seem like the team of destiny, and to just write them off is a terrible mistake.

Oh and fuck Tony Dungy, I am so sick of hearing him and seeing his stupid fucking face.

Colts Might Have To Play Without Freeney

Dwight Freeney has a tear in one of his ligaments in his right ankle. The President of the Colts says he thinks he will play, but even if he does there are serious questions about how affective he can really be. Freeney is a speed rusher, and one would think with a torn ligament that your speed would be one of the things affected.

Either way, I think this is a huge blow to the Colts. Their only chance to slow down the Saints offense was to get a lot of pressure on Brees. Without Freeney playing (or playing injured) their ability to get pressure on the QB is clearly going to be affected. I have been going back and forth about who I thought would win this game. If I was to pick the Colts it was going to be because of the "Manning factor" and the Colts being able to make Brees' life hard. Now that the Colts will be playing without (or at least not at full speed) best pass rusher, I think this is the Saints game to lose.

I will save my exact prediction until this weekend, but I will say I'm picking the Saints.

Colts/Saints... I Can Live With That

I never hesitated to pick a team to root for in the NFC title game. And that contest ended perfectly. An absolutely moronic INT by Brett Favre across his body, instead of running 7 yards to the sideline and securing a 49 yard field goal attempt to win the game. Vintage Favre.

But the Jets/Colts game was a tough one. I found myself rooting for turnovers by both teams. Turnovers, sacks, negative plays in general. I took a nap through most of the 4th quarter. Hatred makes me sleepy.

But I'm happy with the Colts winning. Happy might not be the right word. Relatively content?

Because at least I'm accustomed to Peyton and the Colts being praised. And at least they are a genuinely good team. It would've been entertaining to see them reap what they sewed by being eliminated by the team they let sneak into the playoffs.

But that enjoyment would be shortlived. It would soon be replace by my new least favorite word: "Refreshing."

Rex Ryan is refreshing. "He's the Anti-Belichick." Rec Ryan is a fat, lucky loudmouth that's pregnant with twins.

And now, my TV stand can relax, and no longer fear struggling to support Rex Ryan's obesity.



And now, GEAUX SAINTS! WHO DAT?

-The Commodore

30 Colts, 17 Jets

I think it's time we all start thinking of Peyton Manning as the best QB that has ever lived. The man is a machine, he can read defenses and and rip apart defenses like nobody else.

The Jets put a valiant effort by being up at halftime and running out to a score 14-6. Mark Sanchez (17-30 257 2 TDs and 1 Int) threw one touchdown to Braylon Edwards for an 80 yard bomb and hitting Dustin Keller for a nine yard score. But once halftime passed and the Jets missed a field goal it was Peyton Manning time. Peyton threw for 26 for 39 for 377 yards and 3 TDs. Because of "Revis Island", he made Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon look like Hall of Famers as both combined for nearly 300 yards total and 2 TDs.

Like I said earlier the Jets put their best effort forward, but what killed them was Shonne Greene. Shonne had 10 rushed for 40 yards but more importantly he was injured in the 2nd and didn't return. He was a important part of this teams offense especially in the playoffs and him missing the second half really killed their rushing game.

Either way, it's good to see the Jets out of the playoffs

Playoff Game Previews

Saints vs Vikings
Much like last weeks game this game will be about who makes the mistakes and who doesn't. To be perfectly honest, I have no worry about the Vikings defensive line. Even though they may have the best defensive line of all time, the Saints offense is built to counter a heavy pass rush. A lot of their passing plays are quick release type of plays so even if the pressure is heavy Drewbreesiana has a knack of finding is WR. Last time the Saints played the Vikings they had the genious idea of taking a tight end out and using a backup offensive lineman as the tight end. Since the Saints have a billion offensive threats they can get away with this strategy.

On the Vikings side it all depends on Brett Favre. With Adrian Peterson not playing like he should and a banged up Percy Harvin, Brett is going to have to make a lot of plays on his own. That could be huge for the Saints. Even though Brett might have had one of his best years statistically, the guy who throws reckless picks is still in there somewhere. With that and a turnover happy Saints defense I think that will ultimately be the difference.

Saints: 45-28

Colts vs Jets
I don't know what to think of this game. Part of me just wants to say that the Colts are just going to kick the shit out of the Jets and another part wants me to root for the Jets because I can't believe what they have accomplished. The Colts will win this game because Peyton Manning is the best qb that has ever lived. (yes I changed my mind about him) Carson Palmer and Phillip Rivers can't handle the heavy blitz attack of the Jets, Manning can and will. This game will not be pretty.

Colts: 35-10

Breakdowns Of Today's Games

Saints vs Arizona
Everyone is talking offense on this one. The Saint and Cardinals both have extremely potent offenses, but have weird defenses. The Saints defense has been good verse the pass, but awful against the run. Luckily for them, Arizona is a pass happy team. New Orleans has lost their last three games (basically resting their players) and everyone is up in arms about their lack of a meaningful game in the past month. However, I don't think it will matter at all. All year, their secondary has been banged up including Tracy Porter, Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper. With time to rest, it will help the Saints out more than hurting them. What will hurt them is loss of Charles Grant their great defensive end, with their rush defense being terrible already this loss could mean a lot.

As for Arizona, they have a potent pass offense, but their rushing tandem of Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells is pathetic. Sure they have "potential" but that only takes you so far. So the game will be on the shoulders of everyones new "golden boy" Kurt Warner. I hate to admit it, but he is good, and should probably be in the Hall of Fame. But with Anquan Bolden being out that leaves Steve Breaston as the counterpart to Larry Fitzgerald. We all know he is a good replacement, but with the speed in the Saints secondary, the Bolden loss could be fatal. Their defense also seems to pep up around playoff time as well. Last week, the flood gates opened and they were passed all over, I see the same thing happening again.

The Saints and Drew Brees is too good to be shut down, and with the lack of pressure Arizona gets this could be a long game for the Cardinals. The Saints defense is what it is, but it comes up real big when needed. They have had several big plays on defense especially from Darren Sharper and Jonathan Vilma. That will be the game right their in my eyes, and I see the Saints making a big plat on defense and the Cardinals not.

Saints 42-28

Ravens vs Indy

Like New Orleans, the Colts stopped caring during the season once they clinched a bye and home field throughout. This won't hurt them either, but will hurt them is the Ravens rushing offense. The Ravens blueprint is easy to figure out (running the ball, controlling the clock, playing stout defense), but stopping them is another thing. ray rice has been playing out of his mind, and Willis mcgahee has spurts of greatness. However, i see this game as a shootout and that doesn't bode well for the Ravens. Flacco isn't ready to win a game in a crucial situation and when Baltimore is down 14 points, they will struggle.

Indy 35- 21

I'm O.K. With Jim Caldwell's Decision

I don't get the reason why everyone is so up in arms about Jim Caldwell sitting his starters in the second half and giving up on a perfect season. People are already saying that this is a huge blow to the Colts mental thinking, and that they are disgruntle, but who cares. We already have fans going out of the way to bash Caldwell, and compare him to Belichick, like our very own Captain whose facebook status is; To paraphrase Kindergarten Cop: Bill Belichick has a penis, Jim Caldwell has a vagina. Although the phrase is funny and I respect anything dealing with Kindergarden Cop, it doesn't make any sense. Does Bill Belichick's penis make the Patriots undefeated regular season any more relevant than it is? Because the last time I checked the Giants still won the Superbowl and the humble pie was left untouched in the fridge.

Last year, I saw Ben Roethlisburger getting carried off the field in a stretcher after getting hurt in a meaningless game against the Browns in the third quarter when they already clinched the playoffs. That was stupid to me by Mike Tomlin. Jim Caldwell did the right thing by me, because in football all it takes is one bad fall to end someone's season and the Colts can't afford to lose Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai or Reggie Wayne. So when all these people are talking about the regular season and being undefeated the Colts will be focusing on the more important second season; the playoffs.

Colts def Jags 35-31. Move to 14-0

"JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Peyton Manning completed every pass early and one big one late, exactly what the Indianapolis Colts needed to stay unbeaten.

Manning threw for 308 yards and four touchdowns, including a 65-yarder to Reggie Wayne to go ahead for good, and the Colts beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-31 Thursday night to improve to 14-0 for the first time in franchise history."

-CBS Sports

The Colts continue to roll. Everyone should really be paying attention to this team because it is remarkable what they have been accomplishing. I've lost count, but their regular season winning streak blows that Patriots season out of the water in my opinion. Sure you Pats fan are going to be bitter about me saying that but I do believe that 07 Patriots team was still the best team ever. DP ask me the other night, "Scott would you say that if the Colts or the Saints go undefeated through the Super Bowl that that team would be the best in history?" and I stick by my answer "no" (note: I'm a Giants fan). However, do I think that Tom Brady is a better Quarterback than Peyton Manning? Again, my answer is "no". Nothing against Brady at all, but I think the Peyton Manning, regardless of having only one ring, could be the greatest QB to ever play the game.