Receiving kicks is definitely a skill. Problem is most of these guys were starters their whole career and have never done it or played special teams sparingly. Then they get to the pros and its the first time doing it. Hart missed too much practice time IMO.

IMHO '05 was definitely the best Colts team but also the most disappointing. Everyone remembers the Nick Harper play, but the Colts really didn't deserve to win that game. They came out flat and were very much outplayed in all facets by a team they had dominated just over a month prior to that :mad:

I'm with you, but I think we'll find out how good this team is in the first month of the season. I know we shouldn't put too much stock in week 1, but I think it will be pretty telling. Give LAC a good game and there's reason for optimism. Get curbed stomped and probably not.

That team was absolutely gassed and running on fumes in December. I still think it put them in a better position to win the title, which they would’ve done without Freeney’s injury or Hank Baskett’s/Pierre Garcon’s slippery fingers.

That’s the one

That was the best team I’ve ever seen.

I think it took the wind out of their sails. We will never know because his way didn’t work either.

Completely disagree, as evidenced by the games against the Ravens and Jets. They were reenergized and a lot healthier.

I think not being able to make the right defensive adjustment hurt a lot. Once Freeney couldn't bring it because of that injury Brees had too much time. The first half Freeney harrassed him a lot.

They really should have won that game. I blame more on bad coaching decisions. Which many of our Colts teams overcame because we had so many talented players. But when coaches decide to left off the gas and kick a FG instead of the TD or putting in players like Basket during crucial moments it can decide the game.

I feel like if that Colts team would have played the Saints a best out of 10 the Colts win it at least 7 times. The better team lost that day.

Agreed, but my point was about setting the team up as best they could for the Super Bow that year. In particular, Mathis and Freeney were absolutely gassed by Week 15 and needed the time to recover. The team was better equipped for Baltimore and NYJ because they were well-rested, and it showed in those two games.