Sunday’s Colts game led to an array of emotions for fans in Indy’s 26-24 loss at Philadelphia. It began with the Colts falling behind by 13 early on. Then some positive momentum followed after Jacob Tamme recorded his second career touchdown. However nothing was more powerful all season than what took place in the second quarter.
Wide receiver Austin Collie went down after a vicious hit and had to be carted off in a stretcher. The second-year player from BYU was hit while attempting to catch a pass across the middle. Collie collided with safety Quintin Mikell and then Kurt Coleman.
And what’s up with Eagles fans? Sure they’re passionate, but they’re also over the top rude. If you remember, they are the fans that booed Santa Claus years ago. Philadelphia was penalized 15 years after Mikell was whistled for striking a defenseless receiver. Given, the hit looked legal and Collie was just in an unfortunate position but really Eagle fans?
Collie was down, motionless on the field as doctors rushed to help. As this happened, fans began booing because the penalty was issued. Not only were the fans rude but players were jumping up and down in protest. But at a time like this when a player’s life is on the line, is it too much to overlook the game for the moment and focus on the injured player?
The hit was just nasty. CBS insisted on showing the replay dozens of times. Collie was clearly out cold after the collision and before slamming to the ground. It is below, if you desire to watch it.
After intermission, it was announced that Collie had a concussion, was alert, sitting up and had movement.
Whew! A sigh of relief for not only Colts fans, but NFL fans watching. AC was playing in his first game back after having thumb surgery during the Colts bye week. A tough player, but you can be sure Indianapolis will be careful and ensure he has fully recovered before returning to action.
The league has began to crackdown on illegal hits in the past few weeks. The Eagles’ own DeSean Jackson was struck a couple weeks ago but returned this week and had a big day.
The hit on Collie appeared legal and will be debated all week. The CBS guys talked about the situation at halftime and was in agreement that Mikell’s hit was legal.
As the games go by, Colts players continue to drop, leaving room for young guys to step in. Jacob Tamme’s opportunity opened last week as Dallas Clark was placed on injured reserve. Javarris James rushed for his first two career touchdowns Sunday after Addai and Hart were out. The Colts continue their motto, “no excuses, no explanations.”
Fortunately Collie will be okay—the hit was so bad that I didn’t see him move for a few minutes. When carted off the field, the only movement visible was his eyes blinking.
Despite the mounting injures, the Colts carry on. One-by-one. Next man up.
Disclaimer: below is the video of Collie’s injury. Due to the nature of the hit, it may not be easy to watch.