NFL True Life: I'm a Colts Fan Watching the Demise of My Team

There is no doubt that if you ask any avid football fan to name three of the best and most consistent teams over the past five years, the Indianapolis Colts would be on the list. The fast, but undersized defense, the reliable receiving core, and that other guy, Peyton Manning have all been essential to the Colts’ constant success.

However, in light of recent events concerning the Colts, one may begin to ask whether the Colts are beginning to fall from greatness, or is it just a bump in the long road of achieving the goal of becoming a dynasty.

I have a feeling that this decline in the Colts has been occurring ever since they won Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season. This decline, however, did not become apparent to those surrounding the game, until this past season. After losing four of their first seven games to start the 2008 season, they eventually came into their groove during the last couple of months in the season. They won nine straight to finish off the season, but did not manage to earn a division title because of Tennessee’s stellar record. In years past, the Colts were just expected to easily win the AFC South.

The Colts rough start was mainly influenced by those who watched the Colts poor start, from the sideline that is. The injury plagued season had a huge overall affect on the team’s performance. Joseph Addai started in twelve games, while on the defensive side, Bob Sanders only started in six.

Peyton Manning had surgery to remove a bursa sac in his knee this past summer which forced him to miss most of training camp and to sit out in all of the pre-season games. Manning, who is probably the most well-prepared guy in all of football, seemed so ill-prepared throughout the first half-dozen games of 2008.

In the off-season, the quiet, go-about-your-business Colts wideout, Marvin Harrison was involved in a shooting outside of his sports bar in Philadelphia. While Harrison has not been charged, the authorities are still investigating. This was a huge shock to both myself and a lot of the football world, as one of the best and most respected players in the league was now involved in controversy.

This off-season dilemma didn’t help him on the field either. Harrison ended up with a very pedestrian 60 grabs for less than 700 yards. Top that off with only five touchdowns and you get a less than stellar season. Now at age thirty-six, many are questioning if he is slowing down, unfortunately I am beginning to agree.

Although the Colts had an overall strong season, even with the collapse in San Diego in January, next year will bring many new changes. The 2009 regular season MVP, Peyton Manning will be the constant; the variables around him are what I am concerned with. Hopefully the somewhat revamped coaching staff will bring some new life into the Colts.

Next season’s success depends a lot upon the full recovery of the many starters who were injured this season.  I hope that the Colts will be able to snap out of the funk they are in. Otherwise it could mean the end of an era. The retiring of Tony Dungy is obviously a significant loss, however, if first year head coach Jim Caldwell can help return the team to glory, there may be a bright future for the Colts.