
I think my favorite drive on the offensive side of the ball wasn’t one that led to a touchdown. Instead it was the drive that more or less sealed the game. With eight and change left on the clock the Colts drove 54 yards on 13 plays before kicking a field goal to put them up 24-13. On that drive they ran the ball time and time again with Boom Herron and Zurlon Tipton chewing up large amounts of yardage with each carry. For a brief moment it looked as if this team had a running game, which we all saw snuffed out yesterday. However, this drive effectively ended the game even though I remained cautiously optimistic because four minutes is a lot of time to give Peyton Manning especially only up 11. Once again though, the defense clamped down and the Broncos dreams were dashed in the cold, Denver drizzle.
After the game had ended I was conflicted. On one side I was ecstatic that I had gotten to watch my team (in person) win a really big game and get within one game of the Super Bowl. On the other side I didn’t want to celebrate too much and be an obnoxious fan in front of some very dejected Broncos fans. I also knew that with the win, and a very big win, the Colts had an even bigger test ahead of them against Pretty Boy Brady and Bellicheat in Foxboro, a horror story we’ve suffered through time and time again. I also felt bad for the Broncos fans, because I knew how they felt. Time and time again we watched our Colts flounder in the playoffs despite a stellar season. I also felt bad for Manning because I really want him to get another ring or two, especially if that means shutting up the Brady fans. All in all, I really enjoyed getting to be there for a big win, especially the “screw Tom Brady” chant that Broncos and Colts fan stated simultaneously on the way out of the stadium (screw being a euphemism)
Unfortunately, I wasn’t celebrating yesterday. I don’t think I need to say this but yesterday’s game was downright awful to watch as a Colts fan. I didn’t really watch any of the fourth quarter. It was the same old story for the Colts in Foxboro in January, crappy weather, crappy play, a few questionable calls, and always…a loss. A day later, I’m disappointed in how we played. We were just not good…understatement of the year. The Colts looked like a team that had played two big games and just ran out gas for the third one. Cheap shot Blount (reference to his days at Oregon) once again ran all over us and we just…we just couldn’t…I don’t know, we just collapsed. As is tradition, there were some questionable calls, like the roughing the passer call on Jerrell Freeman which was no worse a hit than what Luck endured but Cry Baby Brady gets his way if he sells it enough (which he did). No surprise here. I honestly didn’t expect anything different. I would like to get all of your opinions on the call because I clearly disagree with the CBS rules analyst. You can see the video by clicking the link (his name).

Alright, that’s about it for me. I want to congratulate all the teams who made the playoffs this year on successful seasons. I would also like to thank the Broncos fans for being gracious hosts even in defeat. One of the gate attendants even shook my hand on the way out and wished us luck. Let me know what you think about the Freeman hit, I’m very curious about what everyone thinks. Stay tuned for my thoughts on the Colts needs leading up to the draft. Have a great week everyone!
--The Briefing