There’s a reason we failed to preview this year’s Indianapolis-New England tilt. If last year’s clash of undefeated titans was a pinnacle in the rivalry, then this season’s battle between the Brady-less Patsies and the sputtering Colts was the nadir.
Nonetheless, each team played not to lose, pawns on a chessboard – two old foes so steeped in respect each practically knew the other was missing something from years past — and squaring off fairly, efficiently, and vanilla. Like Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader, in some respects. Not the dramatic respect, but you get the idea.
For the Patriots, though they lost to the Colts (and somewhat dubiously, they keep running screens and quick-outs, perhaps the only plays that play into the Colts’ D’s hands), they’ve battled through the adversity of losing a quarterback, their defense is solid, and with two games upcoming against woeful rivals Buffalo and New York, they stare at another division crown, ripe for the taking. Somewhat unbelievably, they convinced Randy Moss simply to serve as a decoy tonight – his only role to occupy the shifting Bob Sanders, back from injury.
For the Colts, they dialed back the offensive throttle with Joseph Addai back in the fold. Peyton expertly selected the outs and patterns the Patriots gave him – and the offense looked somewhat improved; or at least evinced a similar mindset to the 2006 and 2007 efficiency machine. The defense, however, leaves much to be desired. No corners is one problem, and it’s the least. The defensive line continually fails to penetrate (kind of like me in high school. CYMBAL CLASH!) Corey Simon, Booger MacFarland, and Ed Johnson were never all-Pros with the Colts, but they at least occupied the trenches. Again, Matt Cassel (like Orton and Collins) had eternities to throw. It’s a credit to Indy’s quick linebackers and secondary that the defense is still bend-but-don’t break.
At any rate, the Colts needed a win, and they got it. And for once in this rivalry, it wasn’t blood spilled, spewn, or cut. It was admiration, respect, and almost a shared desire to keep pushing toward perfection, no matter how far — or how long ago — it may seem. Another interesting chapter.
Stay tuned.
By the way, I know it’s been somewhat sparse around here lately, and we even scrawl good ideas for posts throughout the day. I’m working through some issues at work and in the Midwest; please be patient with me. No, I don’t hate you. Well, not all of you.
