Update 1...
I'm not sure why the Colts are even making the trip to Dallas. They are
doomed according to this worthless stat that I read this morning. This Sunday's
game is the 700th game in the Cowboy's history, and they are 4-2 when playing
in their hundredth game. I read that and immediately thought someone had
entirely too much time on their hands, didn't have much of anything of real
substance to report, and --most importantly -- I wasted about 5 seconds of my
life that I wouldn't get back. Oops, now you have too. Sorry about that, but I
had to vent a bit.
Okay, so here is some info that is worth sharing. The Colts better find a way
to keep Dallas out of the redzone this weekend, because they are the second-most
effective club in the NFL in that area. Out of 36 trips inside their opponents'
20-yard line so far this season, they've scored 21 touchdowns and 9 field goals.
That means they're putting points on the board 83 percent of the time they cross
that mark.
How's this for a kick in the you-know-what? The Steelers haven't won a road
game yet this season. Not one. Heck, they even lost to the Raiders on the
road. Sure would have been nice if they would have started that streak one just one game earlier -- in the post-season in Indy last year. Ah well, barring some sort of
miraculous recovery, they'll be relegated to a spoiler role within a few weeks.
Not that I'm still bitter towards them or anything. Nope...not me. Noooooooooo....
We have the greatest fans in the world at ColtPower, so I'm going to start
including some of their most insightful comments into my blog to recognize them
for their insight, or add another perspective to their comment, or just because
their comment was so darn funny. For those fans who have been with us for a
number of years, we used to refer to these as "Powerful Posts" and I'm
glad to have a column like this where we can resurrect that concept.
djgreyhound: "Personally, I will be throwing up if
Vandershank nails a game-winning FG.
Couldn't agree with you more, dj. I hope it doesn't even come down to that.
But if Vandy does get to try a game-winner in this one against Indy, how poetic
would it be if it sailed....wide right....by a mile. Not that I'm still bitter
or anything. Nope...not me. Noooooooo....
EnglishColt: "The Cowboys have played two legitimate
offences the Eagles and Giants and they put up 38 and 36 points on them, one on
the road and one away....and ohh lost them both. *shrugs* Anyone not think we
have a better offense than both of those teams? It's going to be a tough game
..most are in the NFL. But the Cowboys are a slightly above average NFC team, if
we play how we can we will win. The Colts are 5-0 against quality teams. The
Cowboys? 1-3 with losses to the Eagles, Giants and Jags.
Overall, I agree with your assessment, EnglishColt. I would give the Cowboys
some credit for the whomping they put on the now 5-4 Panthers though. You're
right, it should be tough game, but if the Colts get back to playing the way
they have in 3 of their 4 games since the bye (prior to the Bills game), they should be fine. Dallas'
loss to the Redskins was bizarre, and then they didn't look dominant against a
pretty sad Arizona team. But I guess they could say the same about the Colts
performance last week against the Bills. Romo is being hailed as the next Roger
Staubach or Troy Aikman, but he didn't lead them to a victory over Washington, a
team that the Colts slapped around like a cat with a ball of yarn. I think
they're going to miss Greg Ellis in this one. And I won't be surprised if Romo
becomes too hyped up in front of his home fans against an undefeated team and
makes some mistakes that could create a gap. We're going to learn quite a bit
about him this weekend as that kind of pressure will help separate the man from
the myth if such a gap exists.
jhegley: "...The consistency of the Colts over these past
years really separates them from the rest of the league and that is what I so
enjoy. They haven't won a Super Bowl but they have been one of, and often the
best team and for that I am most thankful. I have certainly enjoyed these past
football seasons in spite of not even getting to the big game and I am enjoying
this season too, whether or not the Colts finally make it to the top!"
I know that many fans only think the Super Bowl trophy is all that's
important when a season is done. But I have to agree with jhegley on this one. I
have so many great memories watching this team over the years dating well back
into the Baltimore era even though they've only claimed the trophy once during
all those years. It's about the overall experience from year to year, not a ring
or a trophy -- at least that's the way it is for me. Don't get me wrong. I can't
even imagine what my reaction will be when this team does hoist a Lombardi
Trophy again, but whatever it is, it will be in part because of the long
journey, not just that single moment. A Super Bowl victory is an incredible
moment. I know it from Super Bowl V. But it's fleeting as well. Ask the Steelers
fans who are currently wondering if they really want to wear their
Roethlisberger jerseys out in public and how high their first pick in next
year's draft will be. The greatest joy in pro football is the week to week
experience that is increasingly becoming a year-round experience for die-hard
fans who refuse to allow it to be shortened to September through January.
Check back later for more updates. Talk about this update in our fan forum!
