A know-it-all sports writer for The New York Times lectures Colts fans "furious that their beloved organization had given up on a chance at a perfect season" and tells us to "get over it," by which he means we should quit our "sanctimonious tirades about the loss of integrity," which makes the decision trump Bill Belichick's decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 as the most hotly debated coaching strategy of the 21st century:
Belichick's decision might have cost New England a game, but Caldwell's decision cost the Colts nothing, except for a possible run at perfection.
"Nothing"? That's what perfection means these days? And, by the way, your pathetic 9-7 Jets wouldn't even be in the playoffs if the Colts hadn't rolled over and gone to sleep on them. And we won a Supr Bowl three years ago but haven't had a perfect season yet, so what's this "nothing" crap? When's the last time the Jets won a Super Bowl, huh? 1969, wasn't it?
He thinks it's "humorous" that fans have "lost perspective?" We are just ingrates who don't appreciate the fact that 26 years ago, we didn't even have a team! But we happily "received stolen goods" in March 1984, when "owner Robert Irsay sneaked the Colts out Baltimore in the middle of the night."
In the intervening seasons, the team and the city have become like family. The undefeated controversy is a family squabble that should end when the playoffs begin.
Well, maybe so, if the Colts actually win their first playoff game, which was supposedly the reason for sneering at perfection. In the meantime, if the wise writer from New York doesn't mind, I will stamp my little feet and hold my breath until Mommy and Daddy say they are sorry. I'd run away from home, but I'm still not allowed to cross the street by myself.
Comments
I have mixed feelings about this whole issue.
We lost the battle- but I hope we win the war!
Me, too, but I think the momentum issue brought up by some commentators is valid. The Colts go into the playoffs on a two-game losing streak with many of their starters potentially rusty. I think if they win that first game, they have a decent chance. But that first game could be a killer.
I agree.
I think that the Colts office also sent mixed signals- if you are NOT worried about streaks, but only the playoffs, then why did Manning start yesterday?
At the very least, they should have tried to win the Jets game- that would have continued the HOME WIN streak.
Oh well, I am still hoping it all works out!
This is a double edged sword for sure. I completely understand the need to protect Peyton & Co. from possible injuries, but it really does take the wind out of my sails on the pride side to not seize the opportunity to clinch a perfect season!
Like Kevin says, I hope we win the war!
Any way one tries to spin it, benching the starters was a big 'screw you' to football fans everywhere, not to mention the players. I just don't believe you should give up on the shot at a perfect season - if you lose, then at least you go down trying.
I agree w/ Lewis...and ESPECIALLY if the season is down the wire and your lead isn't all THAT great in that last game.
Anyone remember the "Heidi Bowl" - Jets vs Raiders - talk about a 2 minute drill that turned THAT game completely around...but that was when football was a much better sport with a lot more fine players and coaches.
I think the "war" can (and should) be won...someone has to pay for that nice, new stadium, right?
Bob G. - Just who were you refering to with "someone has to pay"? It sure isn't the Colt's owners! It's the very people who expect to see a competitive professional team play every game in which they make money! The entire area around that nice new stadium IS PAYING !!
That's no less of a screwing than Fort Wayne is getting from Hard Ball Capital & Barry Real Estate, is it?
John:
Easy there...what you stated was EXACTLY what I was eluding to...everyone ELSE pays...for every new stadium...and keeps paying.
I'm trying to decide if that's like the "gift that keeps on giving"...or the relative that doesn't know WHEN to leave...LOL
Take yer pick.