Are the Colts still significant?

[allbosfan]

With all their issues and recent poor play, does anyone still think that the Colts are the biggest obstacle in the way of the Patriots on their quest for a fourth Super Bowl ring? I am more worried about Dallas and maybe GreenBay.

 

[hambone1818]

Abso-friggin-lutely. They have the second best QB in the league (who many still believe to be the best), two All Pro receivers (even Harrison--if he does come back--at less than 100% is a great receiver), and the only defense that gave the Patriots problems.

To me, there are three teams that could give the Patriots problems come playoff time: the Cowboys, the Packers, and the Colts. Only one of them resides in the AFC, so yes, the Colts are still significant in my eyes.

 

[NYPatsFan]

Assumung that Harrison and some others get back soon, I still think the Colts (minus Freeney) are better than any NFC team. The biggest thing going for them, aside from talent, is their big game experience. Neither Dallas or Green Bay has that experience.

Now, do I think the Colts are going to come into Foxboro and down the Pats? No. Then again, I don't think Dallas or Green Bay will either.

 

[Ishdul]

Yes, they are.

 

[MrTibbs]

Normally I'd say this is a dumb thread but if anyone has paid attention to Mannings play the last couple of seasons this question is actually valid.

If Manning gets his starters back on offense then I'd say yes they are a threat. Harrison on the field makes teams have to defend them a certain way and there are 4 guys that can hurt you. I shouldn't have to name names but they can ring up some points in a hurry and win a game with offense alone.

 

[Stratos]

With all their issues and recent poor play, does anyone still think that the Colts are the biggest obstacle in the way of the Patriots on their quest for a fourth Super Bowl ring? I am more worried about Dallas and maybe GreenBay.

They may be the biggest obstacle. But it should not even be a game. Unless the Patriots suffer a major injury to Brady, or have a complete meltdown, it shouldn't be close. I still think the Colts will get to he AFCCG, but it will be a speed bump, as is the rest of the league. Everyone is playing for second this year.

(This is coming from a Colts fan, and Patriots hater)

 

[FreakGoDeep]

as thing stand right now I'm not worried about the colts.

I'm more corcerned about he steelers offense than the colts.
Colts look very confused on offense.

 

[groundgame]

Absolutely! The grinding 2007 Colts remind me of the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers, they look vulnerable, but are very difficult to put away. Both teams feature the threat of the quality passing game, but turn to the running game for their bread and butter.

 

[allbosfan]

Colts were a lot tougher then Dallas. Did you watch the games?

I think the Colts game was closer than it needed to be. Belichick slowed the game down in the first half and that did not appear to work.

The Colts have struggled all year. We know about the loss to SD. They also had trouble with the Titans, Houston and KC. I can't see how they could possibly be a challenge in Foxboro.

 

[Wildo7]

I know that the phrase "the only people that can beat the Patriots are themselves" has been overused by the fickle media, but I honestly agree. The storyline of our record has been a series of blowouts disrupted by a game the refs clearly wanted the Colts to win. I still stand by my outrage over that game. If it's called fairly, in January, at Gillette? The Colts might as well be the Giants IMHO.

 

[Ishdul]

Because they're still an incredibly talented team that could beat anyone on any given day.

 

[allbosfan]

I know that the phrase "the only people that can beat the Patriots are themselves" has been overused by the fickle media, but I honestly agree. The storyline of our record has been a series of blowouts disrupted by a game the refs clearly wanted the Colts to win. I still stand by my outrage over that game. If it's called fairly, in January, at Gillette? The Colts might as well be the Giants IMHO.

Everyone thinks a Colts rematch is inevitable. I am not to sure. I can see them getting knocked out in the first round.

 

[Dr Pain]

With all their issues and recent poor play, does anyone still think that the Colts are the biggest obstacle in the way of the Patriots on their quest for a fourth Super Bowl ring? I am more worried about Dallas and maybe GreenBay.

They are on a downward spiral and have lost their confidence. No way they come here in January and win and they know it. Injuries are our biggest threat.

Dallas and GB are greater trhreats as they can score points. Still they are not a big threat IMHO.

 

[Wildo7]

Browns
Cowboys
Steelers

All better offenses than the Colts

Jags
Cowboys
Steelers
Redskins

All better defenses than the Colts

In all seriousness, on a level playing field the Colts don't scare me at all. In fact, I don't see them getting out of the first round of the playoffs with the team they have on the field right now.

 

[BradyManny]

With all their issues and recent poor play, does anyone still think that the Colts are the biggest obstacle in the way of the Patriots on their quest for a fourth Super Bowl ring? I am more worried about Dallas and maybe GreenBay.

If the Colts get fully healthy (guess they can't b/c of Freeney, but still) they are 1B to our 1A. I don't understand how folks are writing the Colts off. We've destroyed every team except them, coincidence? Doubtful.

Until we beat them in the playoffs and or win the championship, they are as much the team to beat as we are, no matter whether we are more talented on paper or not.

 

[allbosfan]

Browns
Cowboys
Steelers

All better offenses than the Colts

Jags
Cowboys
Steelers
Redskins

All better defenses than the Colts

In all seriousness, on a level playing field the Colts don't scare me at all. In fact, I don't see them getting out of the first round of the playoffs with the team they have on the field right now.

I agree. If they don't improve, we may be playing Pit or Jax in the AFCCG.

 

[Wildo7]

Everyone thinks a Colts rematch is inevitable. I am not to sure. I can see them getting knocked out in the first round.

Agree 100% People point to the Colts injuries as an excuse for why they might not compete. The Pats have built an organization around versatiliy, team, and depth. The Colts have built a team that performs well under pristine conditions and cannot function under adversity. We had more injuries last year than they have this year by far and yet we almost went to the SB and they'll be truly lucky to win a playoff game.

 

[allbosfan]

Agree 100% People point to the Colts injuries as an excuse for why they might not compete. The Pats have built an organization around versatiliy, team, and depth. The Colts have built a team that performs well under pristine conditions and cannot function under adversity. We had more injuries last year than they have this year by far and yet we almost went to the SB and they'll be truly lucky to win a playoff game.

I was amazed how well the Pats have played despite the injury issues in the past. The Colts are using it as a crutch.

 

[Wildo7]

If the Colts get fully healthy (guess they can't b/c of Freeney, but still) they are 1B to our 1A. I don't understand how folks are writing the Colts off. We've destroyed every team except them, coincidence? Doubtful.

Until we beat them in the playoffs and or win the championship, they are as much the team to beat as we are, no matter whether we are more talented on paper or not.

I try very hard not to be a homer, but 146 penalty yards cannot be underestimeted. Take that away and the game should have been a blowout. Plus the Harrison factor is no longer an excuse as he's not just an injured superstar anymore, he's an aging WR that the team has failed to successfully replace or phase out. You can't blame injuries when you build an offense around a 35 year-old WR and a select few playmakers.

 

[Disco Volante]

The Colts are only as good as Marvin Harrison's health.

Also with Dwight gone, they're in trouble.