Quick Holiday Hits

The Colts' Lost Undefeated Season:  More than anyone, Peyton Manning can appreciate what was lost when the Indianapolis coaching staff waved the white-flag on Sunday against the New York Jets.  Manning is a student of NFL history and the Colts were playing for the first-ever unbeaten season since the Miami Dolphins did it in 1972. The Patriots came close two years ago, but lost in the Super Bowl.  I understand why coaches bench players late in the season. The risk of injury is always high. If a team has clinched a playoff spot, or the outcome of the current game is obvious-- I have no problem with plunking my best players on the bench to protect them. But Sunday was different. The Colts were chasing a special place in NFL history. In the end, it might not have happened-- but the decision to bench players during a winnable game erased any chance, and quite frankly was a slap in the face to Colts' fans who paid good money to watch their team win a game-- the decision was a joke and GM Bill Polian should apologize for what took happened. And for those who say, if the Colts win the Super Bowl, the decision was a good one-- I disagree. If the Colts win the Super Bowl, it will only magnify what "could have been."  The Colts weren't concerned about making history-- but in a way they already have-- because this decision won't fade away if Indianapolis eventually wins the Super Bowl.

Urban Meyer's Decision:  Like many sports fans Meyer's decision to step down for health reasons hit me hard.  Like many sports fans who've are near the end of middle age, it hit me even harder. Meyer is actually younger than me. Yes, the next day flip-flop-- from resigning to "taking a leave of absence" was a bit bizarre. Especially since Florida basketball coach Billy Donovan did the same thing a few years ago-- for different reasons (Billy couldn't make-up his mind if he really wanted to coach in the NBA). I suspect Meyer is finished with coaching and the latest decision is a way to soften the blow during what will be a tough transition for the Gators (remember what happened after Steve Spurrier?). There's no way to get a coach of Meyer's quality at this point in the post-season. And as for any Fulmer to Florida speculation out there-- it won't happen. Never. 

Blind Sided:  I finally saw the movie The Blind Side. I was suspicious of all the early rave reviews, but they are all on the mark. The movie was well written (although not exactly true to the book, I am told), and well acted. Phillip Fulmer came away looking like a good guy and a feared recruiter (which he is). The movie will interest SEC football fans-- who can appreciate the intensity around high school recruiting. For the record, my wife gave it two huge thumbs-up for content-- suitable for the whole family, and very inspiring. A good value for your entertainment dollar. 

Unlike a Colts' game.