The Best Team in the NFL Lies in Wait
When I click on Bleacher Report's NFL link, I am greeted with tons of articles about teams that have not won anything in recent history or have no chance of winning anything.
Articles about the Raiders, Vikings, Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Packers, and a few other have-nots flood this site daily.
I, of course, attempt to read objectively, post my comments or suggestions and move on.
What disappoints me is the lack of articles on the one team that is still—in mine and many other's opinion—the best team in the NFL.
- B/R Ticket Guide
The Indianapolis Colts.
I know what you're thinking. Why would anyone waste their time writing about a team that's won 12 or more games in each of the past fives seasons?
Why would anyone want to write about Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Bob Sanders, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, or Joseph Addai?
Beats me.
I will tell you this.
The Colts will win 12 or more games again in 2008. This time, they may have Harrison and Freeney in the playoffs, and this time, they just might get back to the Super Bowl, and this time, they just might win it.
So keep those articles coming about those underachieving teams of yours.
Just don't forget who the best team still is.
And for you Patriot fans, you have no recourse here.
You were beaten by the Giants. A team that may not even get back to the playoffs this year...a healthy Colts team awaits you, too.
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5 months ago
The Patriots went 18-1, you can't take that away from them, and I despise them. Right now, they have to be the favorite going into everything, though I still like the article. It bugs me a bit because I wanted to write about the Colts being so far under the radar, but you beat me to it.
from 5 months ago
Yes I can..18-1 with the 1 being the last one is the issue.
They could not close the season out. What affect will it have on them?
from 5 months ago
And the Colts didn't even make it to the Super Bowl. How can they "still" be the best team in the NFL if they aren't even the best team in the NFL?
from 5 months ago
As I said...if they were healthy, they would have knocked SD out and played NE for the AFC title.
The Pats were losing steam at that time..they were vulnerable and the Colts could have beaten them, just like the Giants ended up doing
from 5 months ago
"As I said...if they were healthy, they would have knocked SD out and played NE for the AFC title."
Ummm... John? Hi, I'm Charles. I just wanted to remind you that we beat you with half our Junior Varsity squad on the field in January. I realize that the Colts weren't at full strength, but neither were we, and I think you'd be hard pressed to dig up evidence to prove that you "would have" knocked us out of anything. I respect the Colts and would never make the mistake of underestimating their shot at another Super Bowl victory. They're a great team, and constant threat, but let's not get carried away here.
5 months ago
The Colts are right where they want to be, completely and totally off the charts and somewhat left out of the conversation.
I'm a total Colts homer, but I still have to give the Pats the edge right now--although they're actually beginning to look like some of our teams from a few years back, with that highly explosive offense and increasingly suspect 'D.'
from 5 months ago
We shall see. I think the Pats are getting distracted with all this off-season BS.
They also will win 12 or more games, but I like a healthy Colts team ovetr them
from 5 months ago
I think the key is "healthy"--which the Colts weren't for a better part of the season.
But if Harrison's knee is an issue, if Freeney isn't 100 percent, if Sanders takes too long to heal...
That was part of the problem last year.
5 months ago
Despite having a killer schedule in 2008, the Colts will go 13-3 or 12-4.
ColtsFanSince1958
from 5 months ago
agree
5 months ago
So you are predicting a Colts-Vikings Superbowl? with Indianapolis winning?
from 5 months ago
Maybe...I'll let you know come Sept 1
5 months ago
I have respect for the Colts but the reason no one is talking about them is because they've been upset at home in the playoffs 2 of the past 3 years and easily could've been in all three if not for NE's 2nd half meltdown/Indy's brilliant comeback in 2006. Clearly it's a pattern that they are consistently shaky in the playoffs.
Say what you will about 18-1 but when was the last time the Pats lost a home playoff game? The 90s.
And how likely is it that Marvin Harrison is going to bounce back and be his old self? You don't miss nearly an entire season with a knee injury and then just bounce back when you're north of 35.
They definitely have the defensive line to get pressure on Brady but do they still have an A+ lethal offense? That remains to be seen. As does the question of whether or not they can beat Chargers and hold off the Jags.
from 5 months ago
good points, Mike, but I think this team is going to make some noise in January
do you think Peyton actually LIKED watching Eli beat the Pats?
Sure, he rooted for little brother, but he had to be wishing it was him
I think he'll be back, the Colts will be back and determined to return to the SB
from 5 months ago
I would never count them out. The Indy-NE game is always the higlight of the regular season for me and I fully expect them to be ready to go next year. How the Pats played in the AFC Championship game vs. the Chargers would not have cut it against the Colts. As always can't wait to see the rivalry renewed in 2008. Here's to hoping both teams are fully healthy....
from 3 months ago
When was the last time the Pats lost a Superbowl...hmmmmm. To a 10-6 team no less. Yeah, the Pats are the Gods of the Football world. GAAAAGGGGGG!!!
The Colts are always under rated. Always. 18-1 doesn't mean alot to me when you have arguably the easiest schedule in the NFL...let's not forget that little fact.
from 3 months ago
I know, the Colts losing at home to an 11-5 team with their backup QB at the helm is soooo much more respectable than losing the Super Bowl to a 10-6 team. Whatever, I hope you enjoyed 2006 because that was the peak. Peyton and Harrison are breaking down, Dungy is leaving, the Colts run will soon be over... if you could even call one Super Bowl and a collection of embarrassing playoff upset losses a "run".
And I'm not sure what you're talking about with the easy schedule thing. The Pats have an easy schedule in 2008, yes. But last year that certainly wasn't the case, considering they beat Dallas, Philly, NYG, Pittsburgh, San Diego (2x), Jacksonville, and oh yes, the Colts.
5 months ago
First of all don't let a few good years go to your head. The Colts have been the bottom barrel fungus of the NFL for the most part of there existence. Don't come out here trying to take cheap shots at the Raiders who, right now, have more HOFers, championships and real fans than the colts ever will. Oh and then try to say in recent memory, oh yeah the Raiders were just in a SB in 2003, and fell on a bad run of 4 years.
No one has written the colts off. The Pats just went 18-1 and barely lost the one game. It seems the Chargers have the Colts number, so those teams I have to put above the colts right now.
They are still a top 3 team, and you guys will have 5 - 7 more good years until Peyton retires and you guys won't be sh&t ever again!
from 5 months ago
The Raiders have been through periods of time where the only thing that kept them in the news were Al Davis' lawsuits. The Colts have also been a playoff or better team for over 10 years, from 1995-present, minus 1997, 1998 and 2001.
I'll give you the Pats being the AFC team to beat and the Chargers having our number.
I also know that we will probably fare about the same as the Dolphins and Broncos after Marino and Elway retired, and I'm trying to enjoy this as much as I can, because We won't have another run like this for awhile post-Peyton.
from 5 months ago
A few GOOD years? No team has had five years like that in the history of this league.
The Raiders are a dead franchise. I've stated this a thousand times. Lots of external support, but not too much going on internally....
5 months ago
the colts are a really classy organization and I respect them for that. but the colts are not the best team the new York giants are as they are the super bowl champs. I could also name you teams that are better then the colts like the cowboys, jacksonville, , Cleveland, and more. I believe that the jacksonsville Jaguars will win the AFC south in the upcoming season not the Colts.
from 5 months ago
Ok...as a Giant fan, I like the way you think
but
don't sell this team short..and please don't put Dallas in the same sentence with Indy and NE
Jerry Jones is ging to drive that team into the ground again
5 months ago
As a Colts homer, I am constantly pessimistic about the upcoming season. The Jags are a better team, though I'm still not sure about their WRs, and we have to play a fairly competitive AFC North. Most of the tough games are on the road.
As long as we avoid SD in the playoffs, I think we'll be okay, but the core of the team is getting older, and more prone to injury.
from 5 months ago
The Jags are a better team than the Colts? I would have to disagree with you about that. And I'm also sure you could take care of SD in the playoffs.
from 5 months ago
The Jags are a better team than they were last year, and they beat the Steelers in the playoffs. They added potential playmakers at WR and DE, and they are due for a big win against Indy after being swept last year.
Colts-Jags in Jacksonville on I believe December 5, it's a Thursday night game. That game could decide the division.
As for SD, we should have beaten them twice, but managed to choke it away twice. We let Bily Volek and Darren Sproles beat us in the playoffs for goodness sake!
from 5 months ago
I think the Jaguars have peaked
5 months ago
John you just hate teams with strong owners. The Raiders are a dead franchise? They were just in the SB in 2003. They definitley are an up and comming team, even the hardest Raider hater out there would have to admit that under oath.
The Cowboys will always have a chance as long as Jerry is the owner, cause he will do what ever it takes to win.
I still say the Colts are a solid #3 team, I like Peyton and Dungy, but I do tend to route for the other team against them I don't know why I just do.
Oh yeah and the Giants got lucky and got hot. There coach is not that good, and you all won't even make the playoffs this year... and that's the truth
Oh yeah the Jags are a solid team and have been for a while.
from 5 months ago
GIANTS will not go to the playoffs because a RAIDER fan says so!!!!!
5 months ago
Personally if I had to pick a sleeper. It would be without a doubt (after Oaktown) the Carolina Panthers. That was a huge pick up by drafting Stewart, that guy was an absolute beast at Oregon. They will have one of the best running games in teh league!
from 5 months ago
CAROLINA will be the sleeper says a RAIDERS fan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 months ago
All playoff teams "may not even get back to the playoffs," the Colts included. Especially if they were in the NFC East.
from 5 months ago
Whoops, my mistake. My NFC myopia made me temporarily forget how tough the AFC South was last year, also like the NFC East with three playoff teams and the last place team at 8-8. But the other thing I said is still true.
Carry on...
5 months ago
I like how you said the GIANTS probably won't even get into the playoffs this year, because we're such a scrubby team. "BLING-BLING"
5 months ago
I like how you said the GIANTS probably won't even get into the playoffs this year, because we're such a scrubby team. "BLING-BLING"
from 5 months ago
Hector
don't be offended...I say that every year...I keep my expectations low
5 months ago
for people that says the raiders are a dead franchise they haven' t seen what the raiders have done in the offseason. they have got weapons for Jamarcus Russel like Darren Mcfadden and Javon Walker. on defense they got players like Deangelo hall and Gibril Wilson. the Oakland Raiders will compete next season and i believe they will make the playoffs.
5 months ago
Good comeback Hector... "CAROLINA will be the sleeper says a RAIDERS fan". At least state some facts why they won't like I did for them being a sleeper. Boy you sound like a bandwagon Giants fan if i ever heard one.
Hey did you even know the Giants had a team before they won the superbowl??
Don't look back now haters. The Raiders on on comming hard, and you know it!
from 5 months ago
RAIDERS are coming back because a RAIDERS fan says so!!!!
5 months ago
People look out the colts had the third best defense in the league last year without Freeney for most of the year, Mathis was out a couple games too. Teams didnt score on them, they had the best scoring defense in the league. With noone leaving in the offseason this unit can only get better adding another pass rusher in Howard, and adding depth to the linebacking core with Wheeler. The offense was not the best because of Harrison's injury and Addai being banged up all year, but i think this offense has the potential to be as good as the 04 Colts with or without Marvin being fully healthy. Gonzalez now knows the offense better. I also think that you might here Roy Halls name alot, another guy that cane make an imediate impact is the rookie Pierre Garcon. He will play speacial teams and will shine when Peyton calls his number. Addai is now teamed with Rhodes again, and we all know what happened the last time they shared the ball. Add Hart, Michigans all time leading rusher, and all of a sudde we have a crouded backfield. The O line was still one of the best in the league, despite having a rookie guarding Peytons blind side. Howard Mudd is a genius, he will plug Pollak in at guard and the line wont miss a beat, infact it will likely be better. Peyton Manning, need I say more, 4500+ yds, 50+ TDs, league MVP. Thats my opinion anyways.
from 5 months ago
Go get em Perry
5 months ago
The Colts are great no doubt, but they have a killer schedule, an aging Marvin Harrisson, and health questions surrounding Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney, the two most important players on their defense.
If their Healthy, they, along with New England, will win 12+ games and have a bye in the playoffs but the crucial modifier there is "healthy" I'm just not sure that they will be. Jacksonville in my reckoning is quite an overrated team who overpayed severely for Derrick Harvey, who may take soem time to acclimate to the NFL, with a Jared Allen esque package of picks.
So Indy will likely hold on to the AFC South for now, but they have too many injuries right now to be called the best team in the NFL. I'd say top 3 along with New England and San Diego (the Giants deserve a mention because after all they won the big one but they got hot at the right time and that took 'em through the playoffs, don't get me wrong, they're young and may win 11-12 games next year but Eli has to do it for a whole season before I start drinking the Manning Kool-Aid.)
Very good article and nice debate after the fact.
Peace,
Max
from 5 months ago
You are very wise for one who is so young
5 months ago
In my opinion, the Colts are clearly the best team in the NFL over the last 7 or 8 seasons. They are unbelievably consistent and always a threat. Last year, they were banged up plenty, and still only lost by a few points in the games they lost. Imagine if they're healthy, it wouldn't even be close. Next year will be interesting!
5 months ago
I highly doubt that INDY team stays good without Peyton. How bout saying, Peyton has been the man for the last 7 or 8 yrs? I don't think Jim Sorgi would fit the bill if Peyton goes down!
from 5 months ago
I beleive they will find a better replacement than Jim Sorgi
Peyton just turned 32, I think he;s got 4-5 more years in him, which also means he'll probably break some of Favre's records
5 months ago
i would have to put the Colts above the Pats now. for one Pats have lost some good players, and the the post SB loser usually has a funk, and Colts wouldve beaten Pats last year if they had 2 key players that were out with injuries. and now Colts are returning everyone, but Pats lost some people, like Asante and couple others, plus people know them better this year.
But Raiders are under the radar making a comeback, sshhh dont tell anyone that JR has the work ethic that Peyton did coming out and was someone he looked up to.
I could still see colts as the best but things can change in a heartbeat in NFL
from 5 months ago
The Raiders are anything but under the radar...especially on this site. JR -as you call him - has a long way to go. Look at the class of 2004. Big Ben and Eli both won SBs and Rivers got to the AFC Championship. But can anyone truly say that they have been consistent along with that success? Even in winning championships these guys have frustrated their fans...
I don't know enough about this kid to make a determination whether he can make it or not. No one does. He's got a lot going against him, too. The Raiders have a lack of modern day leadership in their organization - from the top down. They do not have a strong head coach. Kiffin may even be fired. Young players need that continuity in order to flourish. It's not there in Oakland.....
from 5 months ago
well we will see. right now the Raiders have continuity. once they start winning things will be ok. this is my last stint with Al. if Kiffin and the coaching staff stays and doesnt have to worry about their jobs we will be great. if Al goes senile on the need for stability im going to be even more unhappy than when he let Gruden go. if were successful under Kiffin, which i think well be, and he drives him out or lets him go, i will not be supporting them the way i have.
from 5 months ago
the only reason im defending the Raiders like i am is cuz what we have and the possibilities, if Al blows this, then their on their own.
5 months ago
Good job John. With Al there, that team probably won't be ready for a while.
5 months ago
You r a real fan steve... Just do the nation a favor and find another team.
Al Davis has a winning record versus 26 franshises... Yeah he is horrible! 3 AFC west titls this decade and a SB appearance... If you hate the man then hate him. Just don't try and say he has lost it. This return to the upper echelon will be especially sweet. I can't wait to hear what will be said about Al after this season.
Prolly something like Kiffin did it all despite Al. Even though Al was the ONLY owner to put Kiffin on.
John, I got nothing against you, I actually find your articles quite interesting. It's just apperant that you WANT Al to be horrible, and to run the Raiders into the ground for ever. He is well respected around the league and has been as influentual as anybody in the success of the NFL. He is in the HOF to back up the respect factor.
Direct from http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.jsp?player_id=51
In 1963, at the age of 33, he became the head coach and general manager of the Raiders, a team that had a miserable 9-33-0 record in its first three years. Davis led the 1963 Raiders to a 10-4 record and won unanimous AFL Coach of the Year acclaim.
After three years in which he compiled a 23-16-3 coaching record, he was named the AFL Commissioner in April 1966. Within eight weeks, the AFL and NFL announced a merger ending the costly inter-league war. Davis then returned to Oakland as managing general partner.
Tru Raider fan for life!
from 5 months ago
Kev
not doubting the man's past performance..he strives for excellence and I respect that
the problem is, the bar for excellence has been moved and either he doesn't know it or refuses to accept it
from 5 months ago
Kevin, yes i am a fan of the Raiders, but im not fanatical that i dont use my mind about what they do. but tell me if Kiffin has good success and Al gets impatient and cans him, and then next year we dont do as well would you still be saying rah rah for Al. cmon man, right now im all for what their doing, but if you just blow it up senselessly, then yes Al has lost it. Gruden got to big for Al and he couldnt handle that thats why he drove Gruden away. a great owner puts a good staff together then lets them play, right now things are ok. but you need to build chemistry, and changing coaches doesnt bode well especially if you have an up and coming good coach. then you need to leave it alone. so for right now im down with everything, but if he messes this up and we go back to the funk im not going to be blind about it.
5 months ago
Yo, you had better agree with this article or else Marvin Harrison will shoot you!!
4 months ago
yes, a speaker of truth and reason. good man.
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