That's What I Like to See

In the National Football League, the Indy Colts are the much maligned "softest" team of all however many teams (32 I think). And they are so maligned for so many good reasons. Throughout the past 4 to 5 seasons, their number one rated offense, headed by arguably the most efficient and, damn't, the prettiest damn passer there ever was, has always fallen short of parading through the playoffs because their defense is so soft. To enumerate how soft is soft, let's examine the average yards per game given up by the Colts defense this year: 145. That's a lot.

But to be fair, the soft nature of the Colts isn't all on the shoulder of the defense. (Though it should be so as the Colts' head coach was the mastermind behind the defensive behemoth that drove the Tampa Bay Bucs towards an NFL Championship.) Their offense deserves just as much blame. I can't begin to recount the number of times I've seen the Colts line up with 4 downs to get to the goal (score a touchdown) and fail to break through with one of the most productive and stalwart running backs in the league. Not the mention how often I've seen a well put together defense confuse the most impressive defensive deconstructionist behind center (Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning, pictured).

However, all that said, the Colts stepped up on Saturday. They played the Baltimore Ravens in a second round playoff match in Baltimore. Given the history of the Colts, there was no reason for them to survive this matchup. You see, the Ravens defense is legendary. It won them the 2000 NFL Championship. And it is finally back to form - a thing to be well, well feared. But the Colts held on.

The Colts did even more than that. They won the defensive battle. Their defense stepped up and outplayed the Ravens defense. The Colts won in the most improbable of ways. Peyton Manning didn't throw a touchdown, never handed off for a touchdown run. There wasn't even a touchdown scored in the entire game. But there were 8 scores. 8 field goals - which is amazing. Not amazing that such a game happens. However, amazing for one simple fact - the Colts won this game. And won on the foot of Adam Vinetieri (to the right).

I realise this may not be monumental. Especially considering the Colts may face, next Sunday, another huge obstacle in the San Diego Chargers.

But hell, this is time for celebration! Let's go Colts!