So Even Uneven Halves are Still Halves
11/29/09 11:06 PM | Spurts
In 1859 Charles Dickens wrote "A Tale of Two Cities" about pre-revolution France and the plight of the peasantry under boot of the wealthy ruling aristocracy. The starting lines of this book can easily be applied to much of everyday life. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times: it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity;..." One of the most quoted and misquoted introductions in literary history. Here I use it for another type of plight, for another epoch of both belief and of incredulity. 150 years later I bring you a recap. A Tale of Two Cities... A Tale of Two Halves.
I've been a Colts fan for far too long now to start sweating a game in the first half, I've seen all 41, no make that 42 come back 4th quarter wins form Peyton and his receiving and rushing cadre. I've seen ineptitude and greatness in the same game before. I made it to at least one game every year until last year, and have averaged three home games a year over the history of the Colts in Indianapolis. I've refused to leave any game where the Colts were within 10 points in the last 2 or 3 minutes, I've been both rewarded and disappointed for my team loyalty, but mostly rewarded. Sunday's game against The Texans in Houston was a rewarding experience, even if it was from the love-seat across from a HD TV. I didn't get up for anything during that 4th quarter. Another 4th quarter comeback, another record. This time not a two or three point squeeker win on the final drive, but a 21 point Colts 4th quarter; with passing, rushing and defensive scores. The 35-27 score was not as close as the scoreboard would let on, the final drive by Houston was not so hotly contested by the Colts defense because only one team had Peyton Manning on it.
If there was going to be any 1st half cause for alarm it wasn't the Colts being shut out in the first quarter while Matt Schaub's execution was nearly perfect or the Texans passing or rushing touchdowns. The momentary panic trigger for some would have been Peyton's 1st play of the 2nd quarter, continuing a drive from the break, but being picked for the 1st turn over of the game. Houston was able to kick a field goal on the ensuing drive and led 17-0. The next drive got the Colts on the boards with a 9 yard Manning pass to Pierre Garçon, only to be countered by yet another Houston field goal. The Half ended with another Manning interception Houston 20, Indy 7. It was the best of times for The Texans, and a time of incredulity for Colts fans.

page11_blog_entry390_1

The Colts received the ball to start the 2nd half and quickly put the 1st half's age of foolishness behind them with an eleven play drive culminating in a 4 yard Manning to Reggie Wayne touchdown. On Houston's following drive Schaub was intercepted by Antoine Bethea, and the defense came awake and ready to play! The epoch of belief was beginning! The third quarter the Colt's defense pitched Houston a shut-out. Then came the 3 touchdown 4th quarter and a 15 point lead until The Texans mounted their final drive, after their score they attempted an onside kick and the Colts covered. Soon a knee was taken to end Houston's misery. Yes they were dispirited, we truly beat the Dickens out of them! 
Four hours later, with a nod to Fagin (and a little twist for Oliver) Jacksonville took a 14-3 drubbing at the "Stick" in San Francisco. The Colts are once again officially the AFC South Champions for the 6th time in 7 years and owners of the second longest winning streak with 20 straight, looking forward to Tennessee, another Division rival and another possible record at home next Sunday. 


page11_blog_entry390_2
Chuck Pace ©2009  |