That’s a win I didn’t expect, and like yesterday, that’s what makes football so great.
The Colts marched into hostile Heinz Field to face Pittsburgh, who I am convinced may yet be the best team in the AFC. (Stop it with the Tennessee talk. Yeah, they’re well and good, but in the AFC title game, in Nashville, hosting the Steelers, who do you take? Thought so.)
Indianapolis has had its issues with Pitt over the years, but they gutted out a win, bending but not breaking against the Steelers, and scoring when they needed to. They kept pace in the Wild Card standings, but more importantly, look as though they survive and advance, anticipating a return to form at some point. As the weeks go by, the Colts fight through bad luck and get better and better.
Of course, I’m not sure who to congratulate – I saw nary a second of the contest. Here in Kansas, we were unfortunate enough not only that the Chiefs made their first visit to the left coast, but they played competently against the Chargers, so I saw none of CBS’ featured game. (Let the record also reflect it was absolutely the right call by Herm Edwards to go for two and win against S.D. They lost, but too often in the NFL coaches are complete and total pussies. With nothing to lose, a 1-7 team, it’s important to continue to teach your team how to win. Herm ain’t exactly a brain surgeon, but his team keeps improving, by leaps and bounds, each week.)
ANYWAY, Peyton Manning threw three touchdowns, Reggie Wayne caught one off a weird bounce (Karma owed us this, right Lance Briggs and Green Bay?), Antoine Bethea was a beast, our stand-in corners each had a pick, and Dwight Freeney had two sacks. The Colts held Pitt to 20 points – and only three in the second half. That’s a monster win for our embattled boys in blue.
We’ll savor this tonight. Perhaps I can say, again, the best is yet to come.
(And if the Cubs land Jake Peavy tonight, I’ll buy a freaking lottery ticket tomorrow.)
