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"We were just out of whack:" Colts are still Denver's Achilles heel

November 9, 2015

What is it about the Indianapolis Colts?

When you take Peyton Manning from the organization, one would think that was enough to lift the dark cloud of stank that hangs over the Denver Broncos every single time these two teams play.

Change the venue in Indianapolis? Nope. Cloud is still there.

Play in Denver? Stank is as strong as ever.

One has to wonder if there’s some kind of curse hanging over the Broncos and John Elway for his decision to never play for the Colts. It’s starting to get ridiculous what we see from the Broncos.

Whatever the explanation, the cloud of stank still hangs over Denver when it plays the Colts, this time in a 27-24 loss in Indianapolis.

It just doesn’t matter where the game is played, who plays for Indianapolis (or Denver) and their records – the Broncos just cannot clear the hurdle that is the Colts. No matter what.

It’s to the point now it’s almost comical. Whoever answers the question “what is it about the Colts?” there’s some good money to be had.

“We were just out of whack … Wasn’t the scheme that got us,” Broncos safety T.J. Ward said. “It was assignment errors and penalties.”

To Denver’s credit, it did attempt to go out kicking and screaming after a horrid first half that somehow turned into a spark when Omar Bolden returned a punt for a touchdown. The Broncos finally had life and an eye to win, only to poke it.

One would think getting embarrassed in the playoffs by the Colts would be enough to give them life from the start. Or humbled the last time these teams played in Indy. Or changing the culture. Nope. Same result. That cloud still hangs over Denver.

Regardless of “how” and “why” the Broncos lost, it was one game. And it shows why the old cliche about the NFL is so true: It’s a week-to-week league.

Indianapolis is a desperate team that has a lot to fight and play for – namely its coach and season. This is a team that most predicted would go to the Super Bowl. The Colts weren’t just going to roll over and die. Don’t let the talking heads or the “experts” tell you otherwise. It was one game.

Even though most don’t think it possible, teams have bad days. Specific units have poor games. They have awful games. They may even get embarrassed. Fans take it personal and start playing the blame game. After all, teams are supposed to play perfect football; especially the Broncos. If they lose, the season’s over. They have no shot any more.

For a little historical perspective: Both the 1985 Chicago Bears and 2000 Baltimore Ravens had games like the Denver defense. It happens. The key is to make sure it doesn’t become a trend and get back on track.

A loss like this can do two things for a team: set it reeling or force it to refocus. With the coaches Elway has in place, it’s not about wins or loses in November. It’s about constantly finding ways to improve as a team to give it the best shot to win when it matters most – in the playoffs. For the first time this season, the Broncos have to do that after a loss.

Denver is still 7-1. No one thought this team would have the record it does right now. Despite the loss to Indy, the Broncos are still in a great spot with eight games to go and two key games at home. But that doesn’t matter to Denver. What does is Kansas City and getting back on track … as a team. Not one unit. Not one player. Not one coach. The team. And that starts next week at home against the Chiefs.

Hey, at least it’s not the Colts and with them that cloud of stank.

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