I felt worse last year because it was in the divisional round and there was lots of rebuilding to do. We weren't a very complete team in the playoffs last year.
This year we were in the final four and led until the final minute of the AFCCG, and deserved to be there. Superb play by the Colts players and Coaches; they took advantage of our weaknesses. But those depth weaknesses were the result of so many people on IR, but nothing that a return to health and a draft won't cure.
Imagine that, all the way ot the AFCCG, and a minute a way from the SB in a rebuilding year! Rebuilding the O-line, STs, and WR corps is about done, and all in a single year. Phenomenal!
As for the Colts this is likely their last Hurrah. Now or Never, as their great Offense is fading. Manning is a young 32, and Tarik Glenn in 33, and Harrison is 35, and Edge Jame is already gone. Stokley may never come back; the injury was severe. Diem is younger but he hasn't had a good year. The scoring output was way down from previous years.
Even their newcomers are having problems. Sanders is a midget for the position he plays and his body is already breaking down. The draft is producing very little for them. Gilbert is another disapointment there. Sweet pea isn't sweet. Cato is a safety trying to play weakside LB. But they have no one else and have no choice.
Freeney 's magic is gone, Mathis never had any, and Booger is in his mid thirties too. Run blitzing as an defensive style won't work against very many teams or stand up to OC scrutiny for long.
There simply aren't very many defensive players that would play for any other team. Outside of the aging stars, their aren't many on the Offense either.
So congratulation to the Colts. At least we'll be back. Can't say as I'm sure for them.
