The Mother, after reading my post-game analysis, wondered if everything was OK (apparently the tone of the Jets game analysis was a little stern). The answer to her question was “No, everything is not OK. The Colts just honked yet another playoff game!”
So, here it is early January and football is over for me. The only thing left to do now is root against the Patriots. If Tom Brady makes it to another Super Bowl or, even worse, wins another one, I think that will pretty much seal the debate about who is the best quarterback. Peyton can have all the gaudy statistics and revolutionize how the game is played, but when it comes down to it, Brady having a fistful of rings is a pretty strong argument in his favor.
Prior to the game, Paddy offered up a detailed and humorous look back over the year and season. Here I will attempt the same thing but with a lot less humor and details.
Blue Collar Award of the Season
While there are some deserving folks here like Collie trying to come back from The Big Hit or Moala for actually coming on strong in his second year, I’d like to award to Bethea. Seemingly the only healthy person in the secondary, he played well while others around him fell. He also did it quietly and without any glaring errors.
White Collar Award of the Season
Again, a few noteworthy contenders here like AV for this season’s kicking clinic (heck, just the Jets game alone was worthy of mention), but I think the award goes to Manning. Not just for the usual cerebral play at QB, but more importantly for falling on his sword and taking responsibility for the mid-season interception fest. It is rare for people in an organization to take responsibility because you can usually duck out and blame some other guy. Manning always stepped up and said the right thing.
Best Post Title
Paddy’s post Colts Uninstall McAfee wins the day hands down.
Best New Vocabulary Word
Compactify
Most Posts by Someone Who Doesn’t Post
The Father.
Best Record by a Gift Shirt
#70 shirt from The Father went 2-1 while Paddy’s Red Shirt was benched for a losing record.
Most Baffling Post
Best New Football Foods
Artisan Salami, Mango Ginger Cheese, and Extra Foreign
Best Use of Technology
Paddy for dialing in the game on his phone at a funeral home.
Now as we head into the offseason, we need to start thinking about the future. Below I consider the Colts’ future on a position by position basis.
QB
No need for a change here. Painter is a suitable backup for Manning.
RB
If everyone is healthy, this position is OK, especially if they bring Rhodes back. One Yard Brown is still an unknown quantity and next season will be his make it or break it year. Baby James and Mike Hart are good.
WR
Again, if everyone comes back healthy, we look pretty good. Worried about Collie’s long term prospects. Garcon needs to become a little dependable. Blair White will really benefit from having played so much this year.
TE
Clark should be back. Tamme revealed himself to be more than a capable backup. Eldridge is good too.
O-Line
Several problems here. Need a left tackle and need to fix the right side of the line. We are probably looking at Saturday’s last year. Look for us to upgrade in the draft here.
D-Line
Looking good, especially if Jerry Hughes spends the offseason studying and working out and trying to work his way into the lineup. I think Muir, Foster, Moala hold their own and we don’t have to say much about Freeney and Mathis.
Linebackers
Very interesting. Angerer and Conner will be even better next year. I think Wheeler is gone.
Secondary
If everyone is healed, this position is good. I think we bring Sanders back after re-negotiating a contract. Bullitt is great, Bethea and Powers are good. Lacey will continue to improve. With all the guys we brought in over the season, there will be some depth here.
Special Teams
Egad. Nothing to do here since the Colts don’t emphasize the special teams. I think that is a position they need to reconsider. We need kick and punt returners who are threats, not caretakers.
Well, that will give you something to think about as we slow down and come to a close here at weareindy.com. We have valued all of our followers, including the three people that are not relatives. We wish you a prosperous 2011 and maybe we’ll see you at Training Camp.
