They came into Sunday's game with one victory over a team with a winning record. Then they pummeled the 4-2 Chargers and left no doubt: This team is a true-blue contender.
I'm definitely right there with you about being DEAD wrong about this team. You've also said this before, this city is a LOT of fun when the Colts are competitive
It seems like I was on the optimistic end of the spectrum going into the season. However that meant I thought the colts would be in the mix for a playoff spot at best. Such a pleasant surprise. Today felt like they could have put up and extra 21 points if they really needed to. It never felt like the chargers had a chance of stopping them. I’m not ready to say this team is as good or better than the 2005 colts offense but it has a similar feel for sure.
The defense could definitely use another pass rusher and a corner or two. But they stop the run pretty well which often is balance against super pass rush (e.g. Freeney and Mathis era could get sacks in bunches but they rarely stood up well to the run).
What are they willing to give up to get those pieces? Hard to give up picks these days though I’d be willing to make that trade. This peaks don’t come along very often. I hope Ballard will go all in. But it would be out of character for him.
This offense is unstoppable. They score whatever and whenever they want. It may be the best that I’ve ever seen, even better than the Peyton Manning lead 2005 Colts.
While I'd love to get a Hendrickson added, whom are you willing to give up to get him? I saw something that said the Bengals were asking for Grover and a high pick. While the Parsons trade would seem like a good comp, I still recall what this defense looked like without Grover, so that doesn't seem like an awesome exchange.
While I appreciate the efforts of Blackmon, Edwards, Lammons, and Mitchell, what they need is a healthy combo of Moore (grateful he was back), Ward, and Jones. If it's at all possible that those 3 could return to play, the D-line probably produces a bit more, assuming it gets healthy after yesterday's losses and the linebackers don't get totally exposed.
Glad to see Cross continue to grow and produce. If he isn't already, he should be the model that they keep visible for AD Mitchell to see as proof of learning and earning the way to playing time.
Pittman, Pierce, and Warren are pure football players. They simply compete on every play and make plays when called upon. I challenge someone to identify a better blocking trio from those positions than them.
Funny, Bob, not long ago I was telling you to stop asking for more playing time for AR because he will NEVER be a QB. You now can see what a QB looks like.
Bob - you should dedicate an article to Grover Stewart. He’s been a consistent, solid player who doesn’t get injured and seems like a great teammate. No drama, just an overachiever. Helluva pass deflection and interception yesterday.
Came out to LA to watch the team - they are beautiful to watch on offense. Agree pm pass rusher.
Between the Colts and IU, I think I'm living in a parallel universe!
I was just about to say that! Has there EVER been a season where the colts and Hoosiers were on top at the same time this late in the season???
I'm definitely right there with you about being DEAD wrong about this team. You've also said this before, this city is a LOT of fun when the Colts are competitive
It seems like I was on the optimistic end of the spectrum going into the season. However that meant I thought the colts would be in the mix for a playoff spot at best. Such a pleasant surprise. Today felt like they could have put up and extra 21 points if they really needed to. It never felt like the chargers had a chance of stopping them. I’m not ready to say this team is as good or better than the 2005 colts offense but it has a similar feel for sure.
The defense could definitely use another pass rusher and a corner or two. But they stop the run pretty well which often is balance against super pass rush (e.g. Freeney and Mathis era could get sacks in bunches but they rarely stood up well to the run).
What are they willing to give up to get those pieces? Hard to give up picks these days though I’d be willing to make that trade. This peaks don’t come along very often. I hope Ballard will go all in. But it would be out of character for him.
This offense is unstoppable. They score whatever and whenever they want. It may be the best that I’ve ever seen, even better than the Peyton Manning lead 2005 Colts.
While I'd love to get a Hendrickson added, whom are you willing to give up to get him? I saw something that said the Bengals were asking for Grover and a high pick. While the Parsons trade would seem like a good comp, I still recall what this defense looked like without Grover, so that doesn't seem like an awesome exchange.
While I appreciate the efforts of Blackmon, Edwards, Lammons, and Mitchell, what they need is a healthy combo of Moore (grateful he was back), Ward, and Jones. If it's at all possible that those 3 could return to play, the D-line probably produces a bit more, assuming it gets healthy after yesterday's losses and the linebackers don't get totally exposed.
Glad to see Cross continue to grow and produce. If he isn't already, he should be the model that they keep visible for AD Mitchell to see as proof of learning and earning the way to playing time.
Pittman, Pierce, and Warren are pure football players. They simply compete on every play and make plays when called upon. I challenge someone to identify a better blocking trio from those positions than them.
Funny, Bob, not long ago I was telling you to stop asking for more playing time for AR because he will NEVER be a QB. You now can see what a QB looks like.
Great column,as always, Bob, and: Colts, Hoosiers, Pacers, Fever, Notre Dame - Holy Cow!! What a year!
I'd love to see the Colts acquire Hendrickson or Crosby but where's the cap space going to come from?
Bob - you should dedicate an article to Grover Stewart. He’s been a consistent, solid player who doesn’t get injured and seems like a great teammate. No drama, just an overachiever. Helluva pass deflection and interception yesterday.
Trey Hendrickson would be nice, but I don't see Ballard or Cincinnati pulling the trigger. Bengals are still trying to win
They will gladly sell him in a couple of weeks when they lose to the Jets and Bears.