with depth, confidence as tough stretch approaches
By BARATO BRITT
Five games into the season and hands down, the Indianapolis Colts are the best team in NFL.
Such a statement is easy to proclaim here in the Colts backyard; where the hatred for the New England Patriots rivals the love for the defending champions.
On the national level however, the debate is a bit more diluted.
The New England Patriots have dominated the discussion for annihilating teams on the field and reviewing teams’ signals off.
In the NFC, the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as a favorite to represent the conference in the Super Bowl.
In the meantime, the Colts have methodically gone about their business and, for the third consecutive year, find themselves 5-0.
After overpowering the NFC South leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers in convincing fashion last week, the Colts are reminding all that the King of the Hill remains on top until knocked off.
Still, if the Colts can avoid the undefeated discussion and headlines a bit longer, one gets the feeling that sits quite well with them.
“There are some good stories,” said head coach Tony Dungy. “(New England) is playing good football, Dallas is playing good football. We’ve been through it before so I guess it’s good that it’s on someone else right now.”
Entering their bye week, the Colts look better than expected, especially given this year’s injuries and turnover from a season ago.
The fact they remain undefeated is no surprise, but what has caught the national eye is the fact these Colts might be the deepest since Dungy took the helm.
The team’s combination of youth and experience has gelled early under the leadership of Dungy and the team’s seasoned veterans.
“It’s a testament to our coaching staff and our front office bringing in the right people,” said rookie wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who led the Colts in receptions during their week five victory. “One of the things I’m starting to realize is that there’s not a lot of depth. There are only 53 guys on the roster. So those 53 better be ready to play.”
As evidenced last week, the Colts reserves are also exceeding expectations while gaining valuable regular season playing time and the confidence that comes with it.
“It doesn’t matter if we have three guys hurt, five guys hurt, eight guys hurt, whoever is replacing those guys has to step up and make plays. And that’s what we’re doing,” said defensive end Dwight Freeney.
So good have the Colts looked that they may gain even more respect during this week off. The team will relax while the Patriots and Cowboys stories come together in a critical week six contest.
The Colts return from much deserved time off to enter a defining stretch of their schedule. With Jacksonville, New England and San Diego on the immediate horizon, the Colts may not be able to avoid the attention much longer
“All in all, it’s been a good five weeks,” Dungy said.
