Colts falter in BIG game, 31-17

This one hurts…hurts more than you can believe. This was the team that should have won the Superbowl. This was the team that should have went 19-0, undefeated. But a few plays made the whole difference for the Saints Sunday night as New Orleans beat the Colts 31-17.

Tonight is tough to take in. This team, led by possibly the best quarterback of all time in Peyton Manning, took off to a dominate 10-0 start. But with only 6 snaps (about 2 minutes) in the 2nd quarter, New Orleans got back in the game.

Coach Sean Payton had a surprise to start the 2nd half. The first ever onside kick that was not in the 4th quarter. The ball hit off of Hank Baskett giving the Saints the possession. 6 plays, 58 yards later, New Orleans had their first lead 13-10.

In the end, I think it came down to these 4 plays.
1) WR Pierre Garcon’s dropped pass in the 2nd quarter (only true possession in the quarter)
2) The handling of the 1st half. The Colts played way to conservative and chose to run the ball to home to get to halftime with no loss. But they were forced to punt and the Saints capitalized with another 40+ yard FG.
3) The onside kick to begin the 2nd half. Bill Polian said, “It was the difference in the game. It was a 10 point swing in their favor and certainly changed the momentum.” A complete game-changer it was. Peyton needed more opportunities and that’s just what LB Gary Brackett said, “I think it was huge, as far as taking a possession away from our offense and them scoring a touchdown.”
4) The two-point conversation challenge over-ruled. I thought there was indisputable evidence but head referee Scott Green changed the call, giving the Saints the advantage by 7, 24-17. The Colts still had 4:57 to rebuttal but now they were forced to score a TD just to tie rather than secure a win.

Remember however, the last time the Colts and fans were ultimately distraught, the Colts rebounded and won the Superbowl the next year.

Lack of tackling- yes, lack of execution-yes. The defense struggled for most of the contest. The one bright note was before the end of the 2nd quarter, the Colts forced the Saints to turn it over on downs with a goal-line stand. The tackling was awful in this game. No question they struggled tonight. In the end, the Colts defense did not get the job done and couldn’t get off the field. Drew Brees was able to complete an outstanding 32 of 39 passes. Saints receivers were left open and had plenty of yards after the catch.

Moreover, I question Coach Jim Caldwell’s decision to have the oldest player in Superbowl history, Matt Stover (43) to attempt a 51 yard field goal. Instead, you have to punt and pin the Saints offense back near the goal line. The Colts average start position was at their own 15. The Saints began at their own 30.

Everyone continues to reference Hurricane Katrina but this football, you can’t worry about that. I’m so over it, and tired of the media and fans referencing something that happened over 4 years ago.

On paper, the Colts were the home team. Wearing the home blue, using the Dolphins locker-room, and practicing at the Dolphins facility. (Interesting note: the Colts are 0-3, in Miami, when wearing the home blue jerseys.) However in reality, Saints fans outnumbered Colts fans in the stands and you could really hear it over the broadcast.

Finally, I will give kudos to Indiana University graduates Courtney Roby (North Central HS) and Tracy Porter would took advantage of the opportunity. Roby returned kicks with great efficiency, and also made a couple special teams tackles. CB Tracy Porter intercepted Manning and returned it 74 yards to seal the deal. I’m happy for the Indiana grads but I hate to see the Colts waste an opportunity.

Most wins in a decade, most consecutive regular season wins, AFC Champions…while the Colts were not able to finish out an exceptional season, it was a great season. Enjoy it.