Posts tagged Tim Jennings
A Fan Salute to the 2010 Indianapolis Colts
Jan 5th
A true Colts fan salute. (Andy Lyons | Getty Images)
With a win against the Titans, the Colts managed to overcome unprecedented team injuries and their worst five game series since 2002 for a NFL record (tie) ninth consecutive playoff berth, and their seventh AFC South Championship in the last eight years. Peyton Manning was able to get through his toughest stretch of games since his rookie year and somehow Indy has managed to enter January with the three seed in the AFC.
It is extremely important for Colts fans to step back and think about the gravity of this accomplishment. Frankly, this team had no business overcoming all of the adversity it has faced in a sixteen game season. More >
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Why the Colts Future is not in Doubt
Dec 2nd
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Peyton Manning speaking gealic to his offense in Super Bowl XLI. (Jed Jacobsohn | Getty Images)
With Indianapolis struggling recently, a lot of fans are questioning the team’s future. Many complain about recent drafts and believe the young talent will be incapable of replacing the perennial Pro Bowl and future Hall of Fame talent that is starting to age.
This negative perspective is premature. As long as Peyton Manning is healthy and playing at a very high level in the NFL, the Colts future is safe. With that in mind, it makes sense to focus on the players who represent the team’s future, consider their talent level, and where that talent can take the Colts moving forward. More >
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Succeeding in Face of Injuries is Par for Colts Course
Oct 26th
(Brent Smith | Reuters)
Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. It is often said that “NFL” stands for “Not For Long,” and this idea flies in the face of teams who have had sustained success, particularly in the salary cap era. Somehow, someway, the Indianapolis Colts are a team that have found a way to be nearly immune to the forces at play in professional football that exist to make it next to impossible for teams to dominate.
If the Colts are going to continue their success in 2010, it has become clear that they will have to overcome a rash of injuries to key players. In some ways, the task seems insurmountable. The likelihood that the Colts can maintain their record of consecutive 12-win seasons shrinks by the week and by the day. How or why should fans expect the streak to continue, foresee a playoff berth, or have even a shroud of hope that the Colts could actually compete for another chance to play for a world championship?
The reason is pretty easy to locate. Over the last five years the Colts have had to overcome adversity, perform in the face of obvious team weaknesses, and have regularly been considered one of the best teams in the league — and one of the top contenders to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. In all but one of those years they have dealt with the loss of key players for dozens of games. Take a look. More >
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2009 Game Recap – Week 17: Colts at Bills
Sep 6th
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To help pass time this off-season, I have reviewed the Colts regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occurred to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I will be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colts fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we relive the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 17: Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills
Setting the Stage
- The Colts enter the final game of the regular season with a league-leading record of 14-1. Quarterback Peyton Manning is second in the league with 4,405 passing yards, and wide receiver Reggie Wayne is tied for third in the league with 1,243 yards receiving. Pierre Garçon is nursing a sore shoulder and does not play. Defensive end Dwight Freeney, kicker Adam Vinatieri, linebacker Clint Session, defensive end Robert Mathis, defensive back Jerraud Powers, and running back Chad Simpson are out with various injuries. Defensive end Ervin Baldwin, defensive tackle Eric Foster, corner back Tim Jennings, safety Aaron Francisco, and defensive end Raheem Brock get the start. Sam Giguère makes his first appearance for the Colts returning kickoffs. Several of the Colts were selected for the Pro Bowl prior to this game; among them are Reggie to his fourth, Peyton to his tenth (ties Colts great Johnny Unitas), and tight end Dallas Clark to his first. Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick leads the 5-10 Bills, who boast a defense with 26 interceptions on the year (tied for second).
- The Field: Frozen solid on a near-whiteout, wintry New York day at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. Temperature is 14 degrees with northwest winds gusting to 40 mph. That is a wind chill temperature of minus one, folks. I swear I just saw a polar bear wearing a parka in the stands.
- The Crowd: Sparse and subdued. The stands are half-empty. Or is that half-full? Either way, they are wrapped head-to-toe in cold weather gear and act like they are still recovering from the holidays.
CBS Sports
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2009 Game Recap – Week 14: Broncos at Colts
Aug 20th
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To help pass time this off-season, I’ve reviewed the Colts’ regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occured to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I’ll be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colt fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we re-live the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 14: Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
Setting The Stage
- Indianapolis is undefeated, and Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL in completion percentage (70%) and total yards (3685). Donald Brown, Anthony Gonzalez, Bob Sanders, Tyjuan Hagler, and Adam Vinatieri are out. Denver boasts one of the best defenses in the league. They are tied for second in points allowed per game, and their talented secondary makes them especially good against the pass. Also, and their Pro Bowl defensive end, Elvis Dumervil, leads the NFL in sacks with 15. Denver is fighting for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
- The Field: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The roof is closed on a cloudy, late fall day.
- The Crowd: Loud, early on. They disappear entirely during a mid-game drought, but find their voice at the end.
CBS Sports
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2009 Game Recap – Week 13: Titans at Colts
Aug 12th
2 comments
To help pass time this off-season, I’ve reviewed the Colts’ regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occured to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I’ll be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colt fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we re-live the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 13: Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
Setting The Stage
- Indianapolis comes into Week 13 at 11-0, boasting the number one passing offense in the league. Quarterback Peyton Manning is having an MVP year throwing for a career high 70.4% completion rate. Vince Young and Chris Johnson lead the Titans who started the season 0-6 but have won their last five games. Tennessee was the last team to beat the Colts, back in October of 2008. Injuries for the Colts include Donald Brown – chest, Keyunta Dawson – knee, Charlie Johnson – foot, Adam Vinatieri – knee, and Anthony Gonzalez – knee. Tony Ugoh gets the start at left tackle, Mike Hart is brought up from the practice squad to replace Brown, and Kelvin Hayden returns after missing two games.
- The Field: Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The roof is closed.
- The Crowd: Relatively quiet, to be honest. Several Titan fans must have made the trip because there’s more cheering for the visiting team than during most Colts games. I suppose their volume kinda mirrors my emotions during the game; the Colts are playing so well, and I’m so confident they’ll win, that there’s really no reason to get excited. It’s interesting; I remember when the Titans were a hated rival. Now? Not so much.
CBS Sports
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2009 Game Recap – Week 12: Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Aug 8th
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To help pass time this off-season, I’ve reviewed the Colts’ regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occured to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I’ll be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colt fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we re-live the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 12 – Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans
Setting The Stage
- It’s Thanksgiving weekend, and the Colts come into the game 10-0 on the season and 14-1 all-time against the Texans. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has 34 career touchdowns vs Houston, the most of any team. The Texans, at 5-5 and led by quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson, sport the 30th ranked rushing offense, and are desperate for a shot at a wildcard berth. Dwight Freeney has an abdomen injury and didn’t make the trip, so Raheem Brock starts and Josh Thomas gets quite a bit of playing time. Manning has a sore glute, Kelvin Hayden is out again, and Charlie Johnson is playing with a bad foot.
- The Field: Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX. The roof is open on an overcast, 75 degree day.
- The Crowd: 70,990 in attendance. The crowd is pretty savvy; they know when to be loud and when to be quiet. One thing is obvious; they don’t like the Colts. Haha… sure, lady; your team is Number One.
CBS Sports
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2009 Game Recap – Week 11: Indianapolis Pro Football Team at Baltimore Ravens
Aug 7th
4 comments
To help pass time this off-season, I’ve reviewed the Colts’ regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occured to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I’ll be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colts fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we re-live the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 11 – Indianapolis Pro Football Team at Baltimore Ravens
Setting The Stage
- The Colts come into the game undefeated at 9-0 and coming off a huge comeback win at home against the New England Patriots. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning leads the NFL with 20 passing touchdowns. Quarterback Joe Flacco and safety Ray Lewis lead the Ravens who hold a five and four record; having lost the last six meetings between the clubs. This is Colts kicker Matt Stover’s first visit to Baltimore since being released by the Ravens at the end of last year. Kelvin Hayden returns to the Colts lineup while Bob Sanders and Tyjuan Hagler are still inactive. Dwight Freeney, with a bad hip, sees limited playing time, and Pierre Garçon is hobbled with a bad ankle. With the win over NE, Colts coach Jim Caldwell became the first rookie coach in NFL history to win his first nine games.
- The Field: A sunny, 56 degree fall day at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
- The Crowd: Very loud, rude, and rowdy. Boos when Haloti Ngata is called for an obvious unnecessary roughness penalty after launching himself into the back of a prone Pierre Garçon. At every opportunity, they boo former Ravens’ kicker Matt Stover.
- Dear Baltimore, Indy versus Ravens? Really? You know, at some point you have to just take a deep breath and let it go. Sincerely, teej
CBS Sports
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2009 Game Recap – Week 8: San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
Jul 31st
No comments
To help pass time this off-season, I’ve reviewed the Colts’ regular season games from 2009. With this second look at how the team played, a few thoughts have occured to me which were not obvious during the initial viewing, and I thought it a good opportunity to rethink some of my previously held opinions of the team I love. So, with your kind indulgence, as I view a game at a time I’ll be sharing my impressions.
Personal Note: This is not, and was never intended to be, an objective, unbiased review of an NFL contest. It is instead a glimpse into the emotional ride experienced by the average Colt fan at game time. My Homerism switch is engaged and turned up to eleven. With that in mind, I invite you to join me as we re-live the highs and lows of the 2009 Indianapolis Colts season.
Today’s Game: Week 8 – San Francisco 49ers at Indianapolis Colts
Setting The Stage
- The Colts return to Indianapolis with a record of 6-0 and the top ranked passing attack in the NFL. Alex Smith, the number one overall pick in 2005, and Frank Gore lead the San Francisco 49ers who, at 3-3, field a very good defense; one which is ranked #6 against the run. Donald Brown and T.J. Rushing are out with injuries. Reggie Wayne starts after missing practices all week, and once again, Mike Pollak and Kyle DeVan alternate series at right guard.
- The Field: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis IN. Roof is open on a blinding sunny day. Early in the game, for example, on a critical third-and-three at the San Francisco 15, Peyton throws toward Clark in the right corner of the end zone, but Clark never sees the ball due to the sun.
- The Crowd: Like the Colts’ offense in the first half, the crowd seems unfocused and subdued. But near the end, when the Colts are controlling the ball to secure the win, they stand and make some noise. After a quick snap gives the Colts an easy first-down, a 49ers lineman goes down with cramps. The crowd thinks he’s faking and boos loudly when he walks off under his own power.
Fox Sports
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The Real Reason to Fear an 18-Game Season
Jul 27th
8 comments
The off-season has been filled with discussions about upcoming changes to the NFL. Not only is the collective bargaining agreement in doubt for the 2011 season, there are some changes the League wants to make that will affect the future of NFL football.
One of the most debated discussions concerns an extension of the regular season from 16 to 18 games. There are numerous reasons to fear the extended season, as well as a handful of reasons to welcome the change. Although many fans think preseason games are “meaningless,” I argue that losing that time to develop young players will hurt the NFL most.
Phil Coale | AP Photo
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