December 1st, 2010 Wednesday
HOW I SEE IT
Something is Amiss in Indy
When was the last time we saw the colts lose two straight? I’m sure it has happened on several occasions, but usually the culprit time and time again has been the team’s questionable defense.
While the Indy defense of 2010 is nothing to fear, this current slide can not be faulted to them. Sue the opposing offenses have managed to carve the defense up as has been the case for the most part in the past, but over the last two weeks something’s been amiss in Indy; the play of quarterback Peyton Manning.
In his last two starts Manning has committed seven turnovers, which surprisingly is not a career high for the most turnovers in any two game stretches. Back in 2007 Manning had eight, but that was only because he threw six picks in one game.
Everyone makes mistakes and quarterbacks throw picks, but with Manning in particular over the past two weeks his errors have been monumental. In week 11 a late 4th quarter interception killed a possible game winning/tying drive with just 31 seconds left in the game. Last week against the Chargers Manning threw two picks that were returned for touchdowns.
One would have to ask, is Peyton sick? What’s the problem?
While it is Manning making these mistakes, all may not be his fault alone. Coincidently, in the team’s last two games, the Colts are averaging just 16 run plays and just 48 yards on the ground. The non-existent run game (heavily due to injury; Joseph Addai-neck, Mike Hart-ankle) has placed a lot of weight on the shoulders of “the Sheriff” (Manning).
Along with the lack of production in the run game, Manning’s O-line has been letting him down as well. Last Sunday against the Chargers the Colts signal caller was faced with a lot of pressure from the opposing defense. Manning was hurried and hit repeatedly, though he was sacked only once.
For the Colts, there should be no worries about Manning getting himself corrected, but if the team is going to get back on track a healthy backfield and better play up front will be needed. There’s no doubt that because of his passing instincts and ability to get rid of the ball quickly has Manning saved the offense on occasion by avoiding too many sacks.
Then again a sack does less damage than a turnover; something that Peyton should consider while he and his team work those needed pieces back into place (which you know they will).
So much for a vote of confidence coming from team owner Pat Bowlen, when asked about the security of head coach Josh McDaniels job. Following the team’s debacle and eighth loss of the season on Sunday, in a interview by AOL Fanhouse Bowlen stated that McDaniels would return in 2011, saying “I’m not interested in making a coaching change.”
As early as Monday, all of that has changed with Bowlen leaving a caveat that he will continue to monitor the team’s progress and do what is in its’ best interest. For McDaniel’s and his tenure as the man in charge on the sideline, it appears the bloom has fallen off his rose.
After his thunderous 6-0 start last season everything has simply gone downhill in the wrong direction and appears to be picking up speed. After such an impressive start McDaniels and his new look Bronco’s have lost 16 of their last 21 games. The Bronco’s have also surrendered a total of 124 points in its’ last three home games. They are 2-4 at home this season and back in week seven the team suffered one of the worst losses at home in franchise history.
There comes a time when you have to cut your losses and for Bowlen, McDaniels, and the fans of Denver, that time may have come and past. When you are building a winner you need to have the right pieces and the best pieces in place to win. You need a big armed franchise quarterback, a physical beast of a receiver, and a tough nosed versatile ball-carrier; oops, they had all of this and the kid from Boston chased them away. The damage was not just losing that talent, but having to back into the draft to replace those players rather than rebuilding a defense filled with great veteran leadership.
Drafting talent on offense like Knowshon Moreno, Tim Tebow, and Demaryius Thomas only became necessary when McDaniels traded Jay Cutler (although that deal seems to be working out), Brandon Marshall, and Peyton Hillis away. These were valuable picks that could have been spent on a mountain of a D-lineman, a pass rush specialist, and a playmaking linebacker.
Nonetheless, the decisions were made and since his (McDaniels’) arrival to Denver there’s been no question as to who has been in charge of the Bronco’s camp. This has been McDaniel’s ship to steer and with five games left in a season that is in all likelihood over, he needs to make great strides and a huge positive impression to convince the locals and the team owner he’s the right man for the job.
Finishing 8-8 is not much of an accomplishment for a team that has been here the last two seasons, but to finish THIS season with five straight wins would sure make the right impression for those Denver diehards wishing to see this mess-of-a 3-8 team get cleaned up.
In a game that is highly visible and greatly viewed, impressions mean everything because they give perception; and perception sells. You can’t look good and lose in the NFL, you only look good winning; if you win, you look good period.
Just my take.
By David Ortega
No comments:
Post a Comment