Colts’ Decision Frustrates Fans, Fantasy Players
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009The 1972 Miami Dolphins can celebrate once again. There will be no undefeated team in the NFL this year. The final nail in the coffin was delivered in week 16 of the NFL season when the New York Jets upended the 14-0 Indianapolis Colts, 29-15. But did they beat the “real” Colts?
By many accounts, no. Certainly not according to the fans of the homestanding Colts, who booed as first year head coach Jim Caldwell replaced Peyton Manning and other key players in the third quarter shortly after Indianapolis had retaken the lead at 18-15.
Disastrous results followed as Manning’s backup, the untested Curtis Painter, wilted under the NFL spotlight with a fumble that was returned for a TD that put the Jets on top for good. The Colts’ quest for perfection as well as the team’s record-setting 23 game winning streak were no more.
The win also was huge for the Jets as it put them in control of their own destiny heading into the final week of the season. A win in that final game means they are in the playoffs – no ifs, ands, or buts.
Undoubtedly there are a few teams not so pleased by that, but that’s life in the NFL. Even a shot at perfection won’t stop teams that have clinched from resting stars for the playoffs.
As Dan Patrick lamented in the Sunday night pre-game show, that’s what opponents to the 18-game schedule use as an argument for their case. I’d bet there are a few fantasy owners out there in total agreement. More meaningless games during the playoffs for fantasy leagues? No thanks!
Setting his career records for passing, Elway was also the recipient of All-American honors. Drafted #1 overall in 1983 by the Baltimore Colts, Elway was traded to the Broncos. A star athlete, by his second season he set records for passing attempts, completions and yards. It was 1987 when Elway led the Broncos on a 98 yard drive (game tying) in the AFC Championships with the Browns. This moment of the game became NFL history and is referred to as The Drive.
