Indianapolis has been spoiled for a few years now.
For the third consecutive year and fourth time in the last five seasons, the Indianapolis Colts have entered the fall months with an unblemished regular season record.
In fact, under head coach Tony Dungy, the Colts record in September is an impressive 17-2.
As is usual these early months, the team is also in prime position to gain their fifth consecutive AFC South title, having dispatched two division foes on the road in consecutive weeks.
Their methodical approach to the regular season may seem routine, but the 3-0 Colts are not yet satisfied as their season’s first quarter winds down. While the team has been successful in holding off tough foes in close calls of late, there are several facets upon which the Colts will work on over the course of the season.
But according to Bob Sanders, who is rounding back into pro bowl form with each snap, overcoming the recent close contests will pay dividends throughout the grueling regular season and beyond.
“Every game is tough,” Sanders said. “If you can win these games, when the end of the season starts rolling and you get these types of games, you’ll know how to react, take it easy, settle down and execute. I think we’ve learned how to do that, and that’s how we’ll continue to win.”
Although the talk of their inability to win critical games has gone the way of 8-tracks, All Pro quarterback Peyton Manning and company are hardly resting on their laurels. The captain said following last week’s 30-24 victory over the Texans that this team continues to succeed because they are constantly looking for ways to improve.
“We are very critical of ourselves and very analytical,” Manning said “You never take winning for granted. At the same time we’re always looking to work harder and trying to get better. But we certainly feel good about what we have accomplished.”
The Colts follow up back-to-back successful road trips this weekend with home match ups that each offers a hint of intrigue. The 2-1 Denver Broncos invade the Dome this Sunday, followed by coach Dungy’s former team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Like the Colts, the Broncos have made a habit of winning close games this season. Both of Denver’s victories have come on late field goals, though they were overwhelmed by a tough Jacksonville Jaguars team at home in week 3.
The last time the Colts and Buccaneers met, Dungy’s first against his former team, the Colts outlasted Tampa Bay in a Monday night overtime thriller.
But the luster that was a Colts/Buccaneers contest four years ago has lost a little something, now that coach Dungy has the ring many believe coach Jon Gruden gained in Super Bowl XXXVII. Still with a Tampa Bay team threatening to contend for the NFC South title, the Colts should have their hands full for the home crowd.
