It’s that time of year again, and no, I’m not referring to Christmas, but rather whether or not your Indianapolis Colts truly have what it takes to get in the NFL postseason and make some legitimate noise.
While many of you out there are still enjoying the adrenaline that injected itself into your system when the Colts hung on to beat New England, you have to be asking yourself: Is all this real, and are they going to be legit as they close out the regular season with one tough game against Arizona and two lightweights in the form of Las Vegas and Jacksonville?
After all, this is the same group that has broken your heart on numerous occasions and embarrassed themselves in the process, so what is so automatic about them flexing their collective muscles and winning out to finish 11-6?
Could they still win their division? Mathematically, yes, but more than likely they won’t, so the prize they’re actually eyeing is a Wild Card ticket to the playoff party, and while that isn’t quite like sitting in first class, considering their up-and-down (kind words for it) season, those of you who fork out big bucks for season ducats and overpriced draft beer at Lucas Oil Stadium would probably be pretty darn happy with that outcome.
Then again, these Colts are still quite capable of allowing the bottom to fall out, thereby shattering your dreams as they again fail to maximize their potential and maintain the level of intensity that the NFL regular season requires from playoff teams.
Will they make your holidays joyous when they travel to Phoenix to face the Arizona Cardinals in a nationally televised Christmas Day contest, or will they lay a stupendous egg as you devour your holiday feast? I say they will prevail in desert country, but then again, I’m the guy who said before the season began that they wouldn’t even make the postseason, so why would anyone even listen to me?
This highly inconsistent bunch has stolen your heart despite what your common sense tells you, and let’s face it, the playoffs are better than watching all those annoying holiday specials on network television, so you’re hoping they come down the stretch strong, beginning with a victory against the favored Cardinals.
In reality, that’s not too much to ask for, because at times the Colts have played well and fully demonstrated the type of effort it will take to finish strong and make the playoffs.
Then, there’s the side of the coin in which they’ve looked woeful, and that’s the team that could also show up.
The next three weeks will no doubt be interesting, but just don’t get too high on them. That’s not because I told you not to, but rather the distinct possibility they can implode at any juncture, as we’ve already witnessed this season.
You’re a championship fan base that wants a world beater in the playoffs, and that’s unlikely to happen, but enjoy the ride wherever it make take you, as they’re your Colts. Regardless of the outcome, you’re willing to live and die with them, which is commendable, but with this team, not exactly realistic.
Danny Bridges, who wishes all Colts fans a merry Christmas and the good luck you’re going to need in the playoffs, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
