So many times this season, the Colts’ surprising defense has bailed out the offense. This night, it was like the bad old days, when the defense couldn’t get off the field, allowing Jacksonville to control the clock with third-down conversions. Like one year ago, when Manning established his MVP candidacy here in Jacksonville, the quarterback once again took a giant step forward in his bid to win a fourth MVP.
The record says they are perfect, and, as NFL legend Bill Parcells once said, you are who your record says you are. But this team is far from perfect, and still feels like it needs more time to reach its optimal level of play. The defense played its worst game of the year Thursday night against a Jacksonville team that managed just 10 first downs one week earlier against Miami. And except for Chad Simpson’s kickoff return for a touchdown — mind you, that’s a big except — the Colts’ special teams had a rough night, giving up big kick returns and committing penalties.
There is no turning back now.
I think the Colts are playing great. Did the D struggle last night? Sure, without Freeney and Mathis full time and on very short rest after a bruising game against the Broncos, they struggled. Let’s not oversell the case, Bob. This team is ready to go. Priority one is staying healthy. Two is staying hot. Three is winning the last two games. Let’s not flip those.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
