Indianapolis Colts

This week we start with the AFC South, a division dominated by the Indianapolis Colts. Will their run continue this year or will someone else take the division title? We'll go in order from worst to first from last year's season standings. Let's get it on!

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: AFC South"

If you're reading this, it means you're not among the thralls of New Orleans Saints fans in Louisiana or with the team in Miami that are just beginning what is sure to be a month-long party because their team just won their first ever Super Bowl. On a night thought by many to be Peyton Manning's coronation, Drew Brees ended up at the post-game podium as the MVP of the night after a 31-17 victory. Sunday's championship contest didn't get off to the most exciting of starts, but it sure finished with one.

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After prepping you for the game yesterday with separate previews of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, it's time to bring the two together for my Super Bowl predictions. 

As you're enjoying commercials and stuffing your face with every snack food known to man, it's hard to remember there's a game to be watched. If you miss it, you could miss one of the most explosive Super Bowl match-ups in history. Behind Drew Brees and Peyton Manning, these offenses are always threats to hit the big play. That gives defensive coordinators headaches. Each defense will look to pressure the opposing QB early and often. Whoever best achieves that goal has the best chance to take home the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

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As we grow closer to the Super Bowl, all eyes are on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts as they chase down a legacy. After starting the season 14-0, the organization turned off the gas for the final two games as they rested their starters for the post-season. After shutting down the Ravens and putting a 30-spot on the Jets, we will finally see if shunning history will pay off for Indianapolis.

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Don't mess with Peyton Manning. That's what the number one ranked Jets defense learned Sunday afternoon, as they saw their 11-point second quarter lead evaporate under the intense heat of the Colt offense on the way to a 30-17 loss.

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ake it to the Super Bowl in Miami? Read on in this edition of the Opening Drive!

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts
2:00PM ET CBS

If the New York Jets weren't crazy enough already, just wait if they somehow manage to defeat Peyton Manning and the

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I guess the Ravens used up all their karma. After everything went Baltimore's way last week against New England, they fell completely flat in Indianapolis Saturday night, missing every opportunity imaginable. Against a lesser foe, they could have mounted a comeback. Against Peyton Manning and the Colts, they had no chance.

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It'll be a close shoot-out.

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts
8:15PM ET CBS 

Ray Lewis and the Ravens made the most of their playoff berth by completely dominating the New England Patriots last weekend. Now they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy to meet Peyton Manning. QB Joe Flacco's hip injury was overblown, so he'll be ready to sling it downfield if he has to. However, I won't be surprised if the Ravens come out with the same gameplan as last weekend, running the ball 52 times and only attempting ten passes. Lewis and safety Ed Reed keep their emotional defense in check and disciplined against Manning or it could be a long day.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Divisional Saturday"

Though it means nothing, I am required by football law to point out I was 7-0 in my Opening Drive predictions for week 17. Woot. Multiple teams lost because they did not keep their starters in while one NFC East leader got railed on. Now, onto the last week of the regular season with this edition of the Final Drive! 

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With the win, John Fox saved his job for one more year.

(8-7) New York Jets 29
(14-1) Indianapolis Colts 15

I've never seen anyone toss away perfection as nonchalantly as Jim Caldwell did on Sunday. The Colts head coached pulled Peyton Manning and other starters out of the game in the third quarter of a game they were winning, giving up on a 19-0 season. It was clear on the sidelines that Manning had no love for the decision as he watched Curtis Painter come in and turn the ball over twice, giving the Jets easy scores and the easy win. Shame on you Jim Caldwell. You owed it to Manning and those players to at least try for perfection. If you lost or were getting blown out, then rest your players. I can't possibly believe this strategy will pay off for the Colts because it hasn't worked for them before. Caldwell should know that.

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mance they put on against Washington, I think the Giants get the W.

(7-7) New York Jets at (14-0) Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis signed a quarterback off their practice squad this week, a possible sign of Jim Caldwell's intentions to sit Peyton Manning at some point. The question is: when will he do it? When the Colts are up 30 in the third or at halftime no matter what? Meanwhile, the Jets sure hope he wears a baseball cap for most of the afternoon as their playoff lives are on the line. Keep an eye on the Darelle Revis / Reggie Wayne match-up on the outside. Don't you mess this up Caldwell... I want perfection. I think they keep it going. Colts in a close one.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 16"

s to impress and Ricky Williams continues to shoulder the load without Ronnie Brown. 

(13-0) Indianapolis Colts 28
(8-5) Denver Broncos 16

Even when he throws three interceptions, Peyton Manning finds a way to crush your dreams. Josh McDaniels' defense looked lost at times and could never get anything substantial going on offense. I could care less about Brandon Marshall's NFL record 21 receptions. It happened in a loss where the Broncos were forced to pass all the time. Color me not impressed.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 14"

I don’t expect it will be close for long.

Indianapolis Colts (10-0) at Houston Texans (5-5)

It may not important for the Colts, but this game is paramount for any chance of a Texans appearance in the postseason. With Jacksonville climbing past them last weekend, Gary Kubiak’s squad is losing pace in the AFC wild card race. Standing in their way is Peyton Manning: Crusher of Dreams, Destroyer of Worlds.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: week 12"

Whoever loses will almost certainly miss the postseason.

(9-0) Indianapolis Colts at (5-4) Baltimore Ravens

After what we saw last Sunday night, do you think the Ravens offense could match output with Peyton Manning and a team of high-schoolers? Manning was shut down for three quarters before exploding in the fourth frame. The Ravens can't afford to forget about Ray Rice and the running game, or they'll simply have no chance. Keeping Manning on the sideline is the only way to win.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 11"

Sit him down. 

(9-0) Indianapolis Colts 35
(6-3) New England Patriots 34 

So much to say about this wondrous, wondrous game. When the Colts were down 31-14 in the second half, I’ll admit I thought the game might be too far out of reach, even for Peyton Manning. But Bill Belichick’s idiotic call to go for it on fourth and 2 from his own 29 was too much of a gift for Manning to send away! That just says “My defense won’t stop them from 70 yards out so I might as well only give him 30 yards. Maybe I’ll get the ball back quicker.”  

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et downfield the Chargers offense will grind to a halt. 

(6-2) New England Patriots at (8-0) Indianapolis Colts 

For teams that aren’t in the same division, these two sure play a lot! I love this rivalry, and it gets the national spotlight tonight on Sunday Night Football. Manning’s Colts have been undermanned for what seems like all season and there will be no difference tonight. Their secondary is banged up and missing key performers Bob Sanders and Marlin Jackson, so covering Wes Welker and Randy Moss downfield will be a daunting task. Still, they’ve got Peyton Manning and they’re at home. So they have a chance. A lot of folks are picking the Patriots to walk away with a victory, but I’m still not convinced their defense will hold up against Manning’s onslaught.  

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 10"

(5-3) Houston Texans at (7-0) Indianapolis Colts

This is without question the best Texans squad in the franchise’s short history. With a solid pass rush and effective ground attack, the Texans are designed to beat the Colts. Still, I’ll believe they can beat them in Indy when I see it, not before. Peyton Manning is at the top of the NFL quarterback heap yet again, but he’ll need his defense to hold up down the stretch to make it to another Super Bowl. Now that former defensive player of the year and safety Bob Sanders is out for the season with a torn biceps, that D won’t have any room for mistakes.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 9"

Still, they look in full control of the AFC West.

 

(7-0) Indianapolis Colts 18
(3-4) San Francisco 49ers 14

Peyton Manning: crusher of dreams, destroyer of worlds, spokesman of many. The Colts continued their undefeated ways against the Niners thanks to Manning’s 347 yards passing. Alex Smith performed well, but 14 points will never be enough to stop Manning’s men. Running back Joseph Addai’s 22-yard TD pass to Reggie Wayne was glorious. What isn’t pretty is San Fran’s play of late, having lost three of their last four. Mike might need to drop his pants again if his club is to take the division.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 8"

I feel sick.

 
Stop wearing the damn hoodie! 

(5-0) Indianapolis Colts 31
(0-5) Tennessee Titans 9 

Oh Peyton Manning, you’ll never fail me. As I said, this one was over by halftime thanks to a 93-yard, 47 second touchdown drive to end the second quarter. Even with early Colt turnovers, the win never felt in question. Tennessee brought Vince Young into the game in the fourth quarter, and I think they should start him against the Patriots in week six. You have to see what Young can do in a big game against a good team.

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This is without question the game of the weekend.

 
Happy times in Denver. 

Indianapolis Colts (4-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-4) 

Two teams at opposite ends of the AFC South will face off on Sunday night. Peyton Manning is MVP of the first four weeks, (alongside Drew Brees I say) leading his Colts to a 4-0 start yet again with his aerial assault. Tennessee is a disaster, with a porous secondary and middling pass rush. That spells death from above for the Titans on NBC. This one could be over by halftime.

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malu and can’t simply rely on Ben Roethlisberger to drop back all day. 

 

(3-0) Indianapolis Colts 31
(1-2) Arizona Cardinals 10 

What primetime hangover? Peyton Manning, destroyer of worlds and crusher of dreams, left another team in his wake as he tore apart the Cardinals secondary for 379 yards and four touchdowns. Kurt Warner was harassed all night looked older than he really is.   

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

for downfield throws than he was last week, because they’ll need every score they can get.

Indianapolis Colts (2-0) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

Can you say “shoot-out?” Peyton Manning versus Kurt Warner, suspect defense against suspect defense. Sunday night should be plenty exciting. Of course, now that I’ve said that, it’ll be a defensive struggle. Indy looks prime to stay unbeaten.

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

He’s shaping up to be an elite QB.

(2-0) Indianapolis Colts   27
(0-2) Miami Dolphins      23

Another game where a team rushes all over their opponent and still manages to lose. The wildcat didn't net the Dolphins a victory. The Colts defense just couldn’t get off the field on third down, but they still had Peyton Manning. With few opportunities, Manning made the most of his time and put up 27 points with under 15 minutes in time of possession. Still, he scores too fast.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

It's that time of year again folks. Time to start predicting the unpredictable. Will any of the Denver Broncos running backs get enough carries to warrant a spot on your roster? Can Michael Turner replicate last season's performance and warrant the second overall pick in your draft? What will Terrell Owens's numbers look like now that he is in Buffalo? And how does that impact Trent Edwards value as the Bills' QB? Who am I taking if I get the first pick? What if I get stuck at the end of the first round? Do I snatch up two running backs? Or should I go one running back and also nab a top tier receiver?

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d propelling them into a match-up with the Carolina Panthers next weekend.

San Diego Chargers 23, Indianapolis Colts 17

Well, I did say Darren Sproles would be the difference-maker for San Diego. I hate being right. Sproles totaled 105 yards on 22 carries with two touchdowns as he filled in for the ailing LaDainian Tomlinson, who sat out for most of the game after trying to gut it out early. San Diego’s defense was the surprise, holding the potent Colts offense to only 17 points through four quarters and overtime (where Peyton Manning never saw the ball). Despite two turnovers, the Chargers rallied with 31 seconds left to hit an over-time forcing field goal, careful not to leave too much time for Manning to return the favor. After winning the coin toss, Philip Rivers led his team on an eleven play, 75 yard drive that soaked up over six minutes of clock and ended on a 22-yard Sproles romp to the end zone. Conversely, Manning had to shoulder the entire load, as the Colt backfield only managed 64 yards on the ground. It was too much to ask even of Manning, who in a solid effort could not overcome the lack of balance on offense. The field position battle also played an integral role in Indy’s demise, as Charger punter Matt Scifres booted all six of his punts inside the twenty yard line, putting even more pressure on Manning before he even stepped back on the field. The loss provides a somber ending to a character building season for Tony Dungy’s team while also offering more evidence to the possible moniker of “underachievers.” Norv Turner’s Chargers are playing their best football at the right time, but will have a heck of a challenge going into Heinz Field against the Steelers on Sunday.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Wild Card Weekend"

nd keep Warner on the sideline Atlanta will extend their already fantastically successful season.

Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (8-8)

I never thought I’d say it, but the San Diego Chargers have made it into the 2008 NFL playoffs. By winning their last four contests, including their season-ending win over the Denver Broncos, the Chargers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Unfortunately, they may be facing a team hotter than they are in the

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Jake Delhomme is now unquestionably the worst quarterback in the division.

Indianapolis Colts 23, San Diego Chargers 20

Including the Chargers, the Colts don’t face a team with a winn

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progress and get some help from tailback Michael Turner if they have a hope to beat the Panthers.

Indianapolis Colts (6-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-6)

On a three-game winning streak, Peyton Manning and the Colts may finally have righted the ship. Luckily, the rest of the AFC is sagging, so every non-division leader looking for a wild-card berth is also 6-4. The Colts are getting healthy at the right time, and after the Chargers they face Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit, a stretch of teams that have only have 5 wins combined. Things are looking up for Tony Dungy and his crew.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Twelve Preview"

leveland, Kansas City, and San Francisco next on their schedule, they may be able to hang around.

Indianapolis Colts 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 20

After notable back-to-back wins over quality AFC opponents, the

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 10"

That’s plenty of time for an implosion. 

Indianapolis Colts (4-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

It doesn’t get any easier for the Colts this week, as another must-win comes against a division leader. Peyton Manning showed signs of his former self last week in a key victory over the Patriots, but he is obviously still not in sync with his receivers. The returning Bob Sanders made his presence felt on defense, netting eight tackles and an interception. Sanders is the difference-maker for Indy, so if they are going to make it into the post-season, he needs to stay healthy.

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, will it be too early to crown them as repeat NFC Champions? 

New England Patriots (5-2) at Indianapolis Colts (3-4)

These two teams are perfect examples of what injuries can do to an offense. Without Tom Brady, the New England Patriots have struggled to put up points, but still have a share of the AFC East. Their running game has been exposed as a drastic weakness this season, which is due partly to a shoddy offensive line that barely protects Matt Cassel. Still, even with all their problems, the Patriots have put themselves in the best position imaginable after a devastating loss. Bill Belichick is hopeful his offense continues to improve so his aging defense won’t be exploited as they tire late in the season.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week 9 Preview"

am will be hurt substantially by a loss, but the win would sure make things easier down the road.

Indianapolis Colts (3-3) at Tennessee Titans (6-0)

So when are the Colts going to right the ship and win the AFC South for the sixth consecutive year? The answer has to be Monday, October 27th versus the Tennessee Titans, or it won happen, period. They’ll be short-handed in their effort, as safety Bob Sanders has been ruled out and running back Joseph Addai is questionable, but more likely doubtful if he really tore a hamstring. Indianapolis hasn’t played a solid four quarters for the entire season and is coming off a depressing loss at the hands of the Packers. Peyton Manning obviously hasn’t fully recovered from a surgery-filled offseason and it’s showing in his play on the field. He’ll need to use some of the ole’ “Manning magic” if his Colts are to beat the best in the NFL. Speaking of…

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playoffs, but it’s a solid base for the rest of Cable’s tenure.

Green Bay Packers 34, Indianapolis Colts 14

I certainly didn’t see this coming. After the trouncing they laid on the Ravens last week, I was convinced the Colts were back and ready to make a run. That’s why the NFL is so great. Indianapolis ran into the buzz saw that was the Packer defense, who forced Peyton Manning into completing only fifty percent of his passes and two interceptions. Indy also uncharacteristically racked up 12 penalties for 110 yards. For a Tony Dungy coached squad, that’s a surprising lack of discipline. Joseph Addai’s absence also was apparent, as back-up Dominic Rhodes only gained 73 yards on the ground, the entirety of Indy’s rushing attack. Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison only had four catches between them, which will almost always end in a Colts loss. At 3-3, the stumbling Colts have Tennessee next week, and their AFC South crown will be on the line.

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efense will need turnovers to give the offense enough possessions to match the Saints for points.

Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-3)

These are the Indianapolis Colts we all know and love to watch. Peyton Manning and his receivers synced up in a beat-down of Baltimore in week six. Marvin Harrison re-discovered his youth, going deep twice for touchdowns while the defense picked off Joe Flacco three times. It might be even scarier this week, as Green Bay’s secondary is questionable with corner Al Harris still out, corner Charles Woodson playing on a bad toe, and safety Atari Bigby doubtful. Manning won’t have much choice either, as running back Joseph Addai isn’t likely to play with a sore hamstring that may or may not be torn. Dominic Rhodes will take the bulk of the carries against the Pack. Don’t blink in this one, or you might miss a Colts touchdown.

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our team can get more turnovers than they giveaway, your chance of winning goes up exponentially.

Indianapolis Colts 31, Baltimore Ravens 3

Well, I did say Peyton Manning would not be held under twenty points. Thanks to Mr. Manning for backing me up. The Colts lit up one of the best defenses in the league last Sunday as Manning got on track, finding Marvin Harrison twice and Reggie Wayne once for touchdowns. The Colts defense was the beneficiary of three Joe Flacco interceptions that led to scores each time. This was a huge game for Colts, but it was an equally embarrassing game for the Ravens. Their defense was exploited by the deep ball on multiple occasions, showing the age of corners Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. Harrison abused McAlister on a routine basis. Flacco had a rough game, and as a rookie there will be more to come. The Ravens can only hope to hover around .500. In a competitive AFC North, that might be enough to sneak into the playoffs, given Pittsburgh’s difficult schedule.

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ontenders or pretenders? Week six in the NFL hopes to have the answers.

Baltimore Ravens (2-2) at Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

Plainly put, both teams are lucky to be where they are. Baltimore has surprised everyone thanks to their top-tier defense and Joe Flacco’s decision making. Flacco, recently named starter for the rest of the season, has been steady for this Baltimore offense, if nothing else. He’ll need his defense to step it up this week, as the Colts may have found their stride after their ridiculous come-from-behind win at Houston. If Peyton Manning has shaken off the rust, he won’t be held under twenty points. Unfortunately, that’s about the mark that the Ravens need to keep him at in order for Flacco and a struggling running game to match. Indy must start piling up the wins if they want to lock in a playoff spot, much less catch the Tennessee Titans at 5-0. Joseph Addai hasn’t been producing out of the backfield which takes away Indianapolis’ play-action threat. The Colts need to get back to being a three-dimensional offense to give their defense a much-needed break without Bob Sanders.

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He has some rough spots to work through still, but their defense will keep them in most games.

Indianapolis Colts 31, Houston Texans 27

Houston simply coughed up this surefire win. Peyton Manning and the Colts came back to score 21 points in the final five minutes to come out on top. Texans QB Sage Rosenfels manned up after the game, taking all of the blame for his team’s collapse. I respect that immensely, but it is also completely true. His two lost fumbles while running for first downs on two consecutive drives allowed the Colts to save their season. He even had a shot to lead his team down and take back the lead with under two minutes left, but he threw a horrible pass for an interception, ending any hope of saving face. Texan fans are rightfully distraught about their team’s home opener, as it retracts any thoughts of challenging for a playoff spot. Indy, on the other hand, breaks even at 2-2, when it could very easily be 0-4. Peyton Manning gets better each week, so all the Indy defense needs to do is hold the fort until Bob Sanders returns to the line-up.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

the box to shut down the run until either quarterback makes the defense pay for it.  

Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Houston Texans (0-3) 

 Peyton Manning and the Colts used their early bye week to de-rust their offense after three shaky outings. It should have also allowed their injured players more time to adequately heal. A healthier Dallas Clark is always welcome, though Pro Bowl safety Bob Sanders probably won’t return to the line-up this week. Houston will attempt to take advantage of his absence by putting an emphasis on their running attack with rookie Steve Slaton and a returning Ahman Green. In this AFC South meeting, the Texans need to make a stand, or their season will be over after only weeks. For the Colts, it’s their chance to return to .500 and to start catching up to the division-leading Titans.  

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nd Jeremy Shockey to factor largely into the Saints passing attack.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

Jacksonville is a team many football “experts” picked to dethrone the Colts as AFC South champions. If that is still going to happen after a disappointing start, this is the game to do it. Losing to Indy puts Jacksonville at 0-3, essentially three games behind Manning’s crew counting the head-to-head loss. David Garrard has thrown three interceptions in two games this season, which is as many as he threw in twelve games in ’07. He needs to return to form if the Jags have any AFC South title aspirations.  The Colts have had trouble establishing their ground game, as Joseph Addai only has 64 yards in two games. Look for them to stretch the field early to set up their ground game late.

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I hope you read anyway.

Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

It’s hard to believe that with the off-season hype surrounding these two teams, one of them will start the season at 0-2. Minnesota should be able to use the same strategy the Bears employed to win, only with greater success. The Williams boys on the defensive line for Minnesota should cause even more problems for Manning, while Adrian Peterson will gash the Colts soft run defense.  For the Colts to avoid a loss, Peyton must exploit a Vikings secondary that couldn’t hold down Aaron Rodgers.

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ich upsets are common place, there was always the chance that the Chicago Bears would beat the Indianapolis Colts in their brand new stadium.

Honestly though, who actually gave them that chance?

Continue reading "Bears dominate in regular season opener"

Besides being an exceptional athlete, Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning is totally in on the fact that he can play a very believable dork. He may come across as a simple, laid-back country boy - but this guy is as smart as they come when it means marketing himself. Did you see him host Saturday Night Live? His United Way spoof was absolutely hysterical! Again, I am not an

Continue reading "The 5 Best Peyton Manning Commercials"

ad their number earlier in the year and they did it again today! The San Diego Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts in a 28-24 victory that came down to the wire at the RCA Dome. Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie were key in the defense against Peyton Manning, both making big plays when it really counted. I was truly worried when LaDainian Tomlinson went out of the game and even more pessimistic when Philip Rivers had to be sidelined – but the rest of the team made me a believer! I take back every less than flattering statement I have ever uttered about Norv Turner!  He really is an NFL coach that deserves respect.  

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The San Francisco 49ers stink and the New England Patriots are a dynasty, oh and wait – the Indianapolis Colts are the reigning Super Bowl Champs. Go figure!

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