That argument may work with WRs and TEs, but RBs have to work for their yards when they're catching the ball near the LOS.
I think everyone has to work for their yardage. The dump off passes usually came because everyone was covered downfield, which they couldn't do if they stacked the line. They had to respect Peyton and Harrison and Wayne, so there was rarely that many guys in the box clogging up the short zone.
Can I say again that I can't stand Peyton Manning? During the first quarter, he goes to the sideline and begins yelling at his OC because he didn't like the playcalls. He is put in the best situation in the NFL's salary cap era, and he'll sell out anyone else on the team at the drop of a hat. And he gets a complete pass on it. Seeing him with the Lombardi Trophy turns my stomach.
The NFL didn't change any rules... they just started enforcing the rules that were already in place that they didn't really enforce before (kinda like the NBA now calling ticky-tack fouls on all contact on the perimeter). And, it wasn't just the Colts who were victimized... the Rams were absolutely stunned in 2001 at the contact that was allowed (even though they found a way to adjust, and eventually tie the game). It took both the Rams game, and the Colts games, to realize that the Patriots were taking advantage of the non-calls in a huge way. Also, the NFL will always do anything possible to protect the things that sell its tickets... its QB's, WR's, and RB's. Nobody goes to the game to see a CB or Safety... even though those positions are absolutely vital for the overall success of a team.
You can get mad at him for calling out teammates in the media (which may actually serve a purpose)... but I have zero problem with the guy getting in people's faces on the sidelines, and wanting people to play harder, or call smarter plays. And, he's gotten results after his tirades... meaning it isn't just simple "whining"... he's actually getting a point across, and his team responds to it. This isn't David Carr yelling at Gary Walker or some crap like that... I't take Manning as a leader in a heartbeat.
I thought Lovie got outcoached. The Colts run defense is questionable at best, and outside of the early part of the first quarter, the Bears stopped running the ball? Why? It was a rainy day.....slog it out.....where was the running game? The Colts are notorious for having a poor run defense.....the Bears screwed any chance they had of winning by putting the ball in Rex's hands...they should have put it in Thomas Jones hands...again and again and again. Run the ball, dump off passes, screens, draws.....it should have been the Thomas Jones show ! DD
I'm surprised that Jones only had like 9 rushes by the end of the 3rd quarter. You'd think they woulda run the ball up the gut like crazy, but I saw them going outside a few times against the Colts defense. BTW, are you in agreement that the Grossman INT for a TD was probably the worst throw you've ever seen anyone make in Superbowl history?
Your last word is why he didn't get the MVP. Nobody coming from Sharpstown can win MVP. I am still shocked that he showed up for the game and played well. It is against nature for Sharpstown to do well on a national stage. Anyway, he and Rhodes cancelled each other out so they just gave it to Manning because they are not at all creative.
Despite the yardage, they caused enough turnovers to win the game. If the Bears offense could control the ball just a little, those yardage numbers wouldn't look nearly as bad. The success of the Bears defense is causing turnovers, and they did just that this game. When the defense is on the field for so long, they would no doubt tire out and give up a lot of running yards.
This isn't the same run defense the Texans faced. Outside of the 53 yard run, the Colts defense stuffed the Bear's running game. Major props have to go to their run defense in the playoff.
Have you checked the Colts D against the run in the playoffs? You might want to dust off your glass and check the stats again.
That's what I was thinking. The Colts run defense is the REASON they advanced in the playoffs, frankly. Having said that...it did SEEM to me that they went away from the run pretty quickly.
Jones had 112 Yards rushing on 15 carries, granted probably half of those came on that 50 yarder. But he still averaged about 4.5 YPC without it. Too bad.
You don't get many running opportunities if all the offense can produce is 3 and outs. I thought the Bears tried pretty hard to establish the run, but they just couldn't make it happen.
