Lets try to set up a scenario where the parallels are so closely related, that we as Colts fans can relate with the fans of Cleveland. This might be tough to do because Manning is not a diva, Manning is not going to leave Indianapolis, and Manning is not going to team up with Wes Welker, or Antonio Gates, or Adrian Peterson. But just turn on your imagination to do this.
Last season in the playoff loss to the Jets, with the last 10 minutes of the game, Manning doesn't try very hard. He even sends out Curtis Painter with 7 minutes remaining in the fourth because he smashed his finger on Bart Scott's helmet. So our prize possession, favorite player, "gave up." Maybe he was legitimately hurt, or maybe he folded because the pressure was too much. Either way, as a result the Colts are eliminated from the playoffs.
Then immediately following the season, because Peyton gave up, the Colts fire Jim Caldwell, because clearly the player giving up is the coach's fault. Then we hire in a washed up former coach, so in comes Brian Billick, as if that is supposed to keep Peyton around. An innocent coach loses his job to try to attract the best player in the game back to the team that made him the best player in the game.
I guess he wanted to play with Ryan Matthews, Antonio Gates, and share time with Rivers. Maybe he misses Bob Sanders? Or Sanders convinced him to come cross country?
San Diego rejoices! Indianapolis mourns. San Diego sports ratings take an immediate jump in popularity. Indianapolis sports takes an immediate hit. San Diego's championship aspirations are as high as ever. Indianapolis has no aspirations.
The Pacers, an 8th seed have a little bit of hope, no baseball team to get behind, I guess we can hope that Purdue or IU have a good year. The Colts a perennial power, now must field whatever is left. Maybe they can get a free agent like Matt Hasselbeck, or go with Curtis Painter, he does know the offense... I guess.
The Pacers, an 8th seed have a little bit of hope, no baseball team to get behind, I guess we can hope that Purdue or IU have a good year. The Colts a perennial power, now must field whatever is left. Maybe they can get a free agent like Matt Hasselbeck, or go with Curtis Painter, he does know the offense... I guess.
Indianapolis is devasted, fans burn the jerseys. The rest of America dislikes Manning immensely after this decision, but as time goes on the feelings fade, at least in America. The city of Indianapolis hates him, and hates hearing about him. They want America to hate him like they do, but they don't. He kind of becomes a hero or an icon. Skip Bayless won't shut up about him on First and 10. For some reason, we can't stand him, yet we can't look away!
The Chargers go thru waves of success and failure, but eventually get to the Super Bowl, and #18 trots out onto the Lucas Oil Field in Super Bowl XLVI. The Colts finished last in the AFC South. Boos are heard around the city.
Everyone in Indianapolis supports the Eagles in this matchup. Andy Ried and the Eagles show up in the playoffs every year, they even got a shot at a title once, but T.O.'s ankle wasn't working that game. The city of Indianapolis Bleeds Eagles green and a myriad of 7 jerseys are worn to show support for Vick.
Everyone in Indianapolis supports the Eagles in this matchup. Andy Ried and the Eagles show up in the playoffs every year, they even got a shot at a title once, but T.O.'s ankle wasn't working that game. The city of Indianapolis Bleeds Eagles green and a myriad of 7 jerseys are worn to show support for Vick.
Vick and the Eagles, though it looked bleak early on, come back to win in a dominating way, and Manning becomes the center of ridicule on SportsCenter, and everywhere else. I guess it makes sense, the media will never support Manning.
Colts fans feel a sense of redemption. So we have the top pick in the draft, maybe Andrew Luck? Maybe another quarterback? Who can replace Manning? Though the upside is promising, it will never compare to the glory days and the memories that Manning provided the city that drafted him 13 years ago.
Colts fans feel a sense of redemption. So we have the top pick in the draft, maybe Andrew Luck? Maybe another quarterback? Who can replace Manning? Though the upside is promising, it will never compare to the glory days and the memories that Manning provided the city that drafted him 13 years ago.
Ok Colts fans back to reality. If that doesn't anger you, and make you mad, I'm not exactly sure what else will! Fortunately for us, that is not Manning's way, he will never do that. At the end of the day, Peyton will go into the hall of fame wearing 18 in blue and white.
I do sympathize with Cleveland. I would absolutely hate Peyton, and I would have the hardest time ever supporting him in anyway, much like Clevelanders can't stand LeBron. Everyone in Cleveland adopted Dallas as the team, and I'm sure some redemption was found when LeBron lost, again. With Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson the Cavs have a glimmer of hope moving forward. They will however, never forget what LeBron did to them, and will never support the Miami Heat as long as they live.
