Call it what you will.
In Tony Dungy style the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Jim Caldwell played the part of nanny and snatched away a victory from Colts’ fans, while handing an undeserved shot at the playoffs to the Jets. Dungy sat starters every time we saw the light at the end of the tunnel, but only made it into the Super Bowl once.
You can be a namby-pamby and tell me it’s all about preserving the team for the playoffs, but we all know that’s a load of crap. This isn’t little league. You play to win.
Manning was unapologetic after the game. Of course he was, he’s the de facto leader of the team. That didn’t matter yesterday. His comments also didn’t erase the expression we all saw on his face and the other starters as they watched Painter and the bench warmers hand a victory to the Jets.
Colts’ fans are feeling remorse, betrayal, anger and sorrow. Can you imagine being a rabid fan and plunking down $200-$500 or more per seat for the game yesterday? Greatness is defined by effort. The 2007 Patriots and the 2009 Saints had leaders that weren’t all about the endgame. They went for it. They wanted Don Shula’s and the Dolphins place in history.
We lost tossed the game. We’ll lose next week against Buffalo. Whoever we face in the playoffs will be pumped at the prospect of taking on a team that lost the last two games and are bringing out rusty starters.
Many are blaming Caldwell, but the blame really needs to be placed with Colts president Bill Polian. Polian acts like a nervous cow with a bucktooth calf every time we’ve cinch a playoff slot.
We had a shot at the most elusive mark in pro football history. Polian handed us a skidmark.
Tags: Bill Polian, Jim Caldwell, Peyton Manning Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy
After 56 years, Bob Chase, sports director of WOWO radio announced he’s retiring. His last broadcast will be a week from today. Bob and his wife plan on traveling the country in their RV. He plans to continue to be the voice of the Fort Wayne Komets.
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