Spirit is a fickle thing. Today, we saw Peyton Manning and the Colts lose to New Orleans. Most people talk about what it takes to make a great football team. They practice hard to prepare for the season and they tell themselves that they are mentally prepared. Each game moves them closer to the trophy. But, what does it take to win?
The New Orleans Saints were pre-destined to win. I call it the “right stuff” that resides in the heart and soul of an athlete. The spirit that says against all odds, I can win, we can win. It's a contagious thing that vibrates in the air. New Orleans had that spirit. They were humble and they plugged away knowing that they had the right stuff to win.
The Colts showed up to play the game. The defense started out fine all right, but then they lay back on their laurels believing that their great quarter back is going to score tit for tat. The momentum was fleeting to say the least.
The Colts were not aware that the spirit of the game was not with their team. There was no sense of urgency to get the job done. I sensed it was because they were used to going down the wire. But the true nature of their defeat was never so evident then the last drive down the field. Oh yes they moved the ball, but not in the manner I expected.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this part out. Manning is the best Quarter back in the league and yet what he is famous for wasn't present in this game. No it's not all his fault. But, one has to wonder! What happened to the precision of the two minute drill? Run the ball up the middle? Pass the ball up the middle versus passing down the side line? What was that all about? Time management is his forte after all.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Peyton and I have to say that he just missed the boat on leading his team to victory. I understand his need to stay focused and sit in contemplation over the game. It’s just that this was the game to end the season. At least in the second half, get off the bench and cheer you're team onto victory.
It would have been nice to see the match between Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. Brett Favre was brutalized by the Saints. That was my main concern for Peyton going into this game. Protect your quarter back and you will win, or so they say? Unlike Favre, Manning really had no pressure that was pressing enough to lose the game. They even had a running game to boot! The whole game was la se faire for the Colts in my opinion. You can’t win a football game just by staying close. 10 and 0 was a great start and then they stopped!
Both the offense and defense for the New Orleans Saints had the fortitude to stay in the game. Kudos for the head coach Sean Peyton. Finally, a coach who has faith in his team enough to call a play that goes against the norm. Not to mention his gutsy call to start the second half. Yes, he came to coach his team to victory. He, like his coaching staff and the players came to win. He should get the coach of the year award!
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